The Emperor’s Children are the III Legion of Space Marines, corrupted by Slaanesh during the Horus Heresy. They’re the Chaos god’s most devoted followers, chasing excess and perfection in everything from combat to cruelty.
Who they are
Originally the III Legion, they were known for their purple and gold armour and their drive for perfection. Their primarch, Fulgrim, led them to betray the Emperor in the Horus Heresy.
After the Heresy, they fled into the Eye of Terror and became Chaos Space Marines dedicated to Slaanesh. They’re hedonistic psychopaths who live for extreme experiences.
They’re also called the Lords of Profligacy. Their battle cry is ‘Children of the Emperor! Death to his foes!’ though they’ve long since turned against him.
Origins and the fall
The legion’s first recruits came from Europa during the Unification Wars, often the sons of noble houses given as tribute. Fulgrim was later found on Chemos and took command.
During the Great Crusade, they earned a reputation for complex tactics and combined arms warfare. But Fulgrim’s pursuit of perfection left him vulnerable to Chaos.
The legion turned during the Horus Heresy, embracing Slaanesh. Their fall was cemented when Fulgrim killed Ferrus Manus, his closest brother.
What makes them dangerous
Post-Heresy, the Emperor’s Children specialise in sonic weaponry and demoralisation. Their noise marines use sound as a weapon, literally vibrating enemies apart.
They’re not a unified force. They operate as countless warbands, each led by a champion seeking new sensations. This makes them unpredictable and terrifying.
Their dedication to Slaanesh grants them unnatural speed and resilience and drives them to extremes that often destroy them.
- Sonic weapons: blast apart armour and minds
- Demoralisation: they revel in causing fear
- Warband structure: small groups, each with its own leader
- Excess: they pursue pleasure and pain without limit
Notable figures and warbands
Fulgrim is their daemon primarch, now a creature of Slaanesh. Other infamous members include Lucius the Eternal, a duellist who possesses anyone who kills him, and Fabius Bile, a renegade apothecary who experiments on captives.
There are dozens of warbands, like the Flawless, the Consortium, and the Threnodic Choir. Each has its own twisted interpretation of perfection.
These warbands often clash with each other as much as with the Imperium, since their egos and desires can’t be contained.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Fulgrim | Daemon primarch |
| Lucius the Eternal | Champion duellist |
| Fabius Bile | Renegade apothecary |
| The Flawless | Powerful warband |
How they connect to wider lore
The Emperor’s Children are one of the nine traitor legions, and their fall mirrors that of the others. They’re a cautionary tale about pride and obsession.
They’re tied to Slaanesh, one of the four Chaos Gods, and often work alongside other Slaaneshi forces like daemons and cultists.
In the 41st millennium, they’re a persistent threat, raiding from the Eye of Terror and spreading corruption wherever they go.
Key facts
- The Emperor’s Children are the III Legion of Space Marines.
- Their primarch is Fulgrim, who fell to Chaos.
- They worship Slaanesh and pursue excess and perfection.
- They’re known for sonic weapons and demoralisation tactics.
- They operate as numerous warbands, not a unified army.
- Their colours are pink, black, and gold post-Heresy.
FAQ
Who is the primarch of the Emperor’s Children?
Fulgrim, who was found on the planet Chemos. He led the legion to perfection and later to damnation.
What is the Emperor’s Children’s specialty?
In battle, they’re known for sonic weaponry and demoralisation. They use sound to shatter enemies physically and mentally.
Are the Emperor’s Children loyal to the Emperor?
No, they turned against him during the Horus Heresy and now serve Slaanesh.