The Death Guard are the XIV Space Marine Legion, Mortarion’s sons, who turned to Chaos during the Horus Heresy and became Nurgle’s chosen plague warriors. They’re one of the nine Traitor Legions, and their story is all about resilience twisted into decay.
Origins and the fall to Nurgle
They started as the Dusk Raiders, a Legion that specialized in attrition and hazard warfare. When Mortarion was reunited with his sons, he renamed them the Death Guard and moved their base to Barbarus, his toxic homeworld. Life there was brutal, and the Legion took pride in enduring poisons and disease that would kill anyone else.
That pride became their downfall. During the Horus Heresy, Mortarion sided with Horus, and the Legion followed. Stranded in the Warp, they were afflicted by Nurgle’s plagues. Rather than die, they embraced the suffering and swore themselves to the Chaos God of decay. Nurgle rewarded them by fusing pestilence into their armour and elevating Mortarion to daemonhood.
What makes them fight
The Death Guard don’t rely on speed or finesse. They grind enemies down with heavy infantry assaults, chemical and biological weapons, and relentless bombardment. Their bodies are walking plagues, and their touch withers flesh, metal, and faith alike.
After Barbarus was destroyed in the Heresy, they settled on Munificence in the Eye of Terror. From there, warbands spread across the galaxy, each a vector of Nurgle’s gifts. They have no battle cry, which fits their silent, inevitable approach.
Organisation and warbands
The Death Guard fractured into countless warbands after the Heresy, but they still call themselves the Unbroken. Some of the most well-known include the Lords of Silence, the Apostles of Contagion, and the Glooming Lords. Their colours shifted from pre-Heresy grey and dark red to the putrid green and rusty iron they’re known for now.
- Legion number: XIV
- Primarch: Mortarion
- Homeworld: Barbarus (destroyed), now Munificence in the Eye of Terror
- Chaos affiliation: Nurgle
- Specialties: chemical and biological warfare, bombardment, heavy assault, attrition
How they connect to wider 40k lore
The Death Guard are one of the nine Traitor Legions, so they’re central to any story about the Horus Heresy and its aftermath. Their fall mirrors that of the Thousand Sons and World Eaters, but with a focus on pestilence and endurance.
In the 41st millennium, they’re a major Chaos threat, often working alongside Nurgle daemons and spreading plagues that can consume entire worlds. If you’re reading about Nurgle, Mortarion, or the Plague Marines, you’re reading about the Death Guard.
Key facts
- The Death Guard are the XIV Legion, originally known as the Dusk Raiders.
- Their Primarch is Mortarion, who led them into the Horus Heresy.
- They worship Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay, and are his chosen plague warriors.
- Their homeworld Barbarus was destroyed, and they now base themselves in the Eye of Terror.
- They specialize in chemical and biological warfare, bombardment, and attrition.
- They call themselves the Unbroken and have splintered into many warbands.
FAQ
Who is the primarch of the Death Guard?
Mortarion, who was found on Barbarus and later became a Daemon Prince of Nurgle.
What is the Death Guard’s specialty?
They excel at chemical and biological warfare, heavy assault, and attrition, using plagues and toxins to wear down enemies.
When did the Death Guard turn to Chaos?
During the Horus Heresy, when Mortarion and his Legion sided with Horus and were later corrupted by Nurgle in the Warp.