In the vast and chaotic universe of Warhammer 40,000, the Emperor’s Children stand out as some of the most peculiar Space Marines you’ll come across. Given the myriad strange and dangerous Space Marine factions on both sides of the ongoing civil war between loyalists and traitors, this is no small feat. Despite their regal name, the Emperor’s Children have cast their lot with the traitors, enthralled by the Chaos God of Excess, Slaanesh. Games Workshop is breathing new life into this faction with refreshed models and lore, offering a fresh, Mad Max: Fury Road-inspired twist to the infamous Noise Marines.
The buzz began last December when Games Workshop teased fans with the return of Fulgrim, the sixth Primarch to reappear in the 41st millennium. Transformed into an imposing snake-man adorned with four arms, wings, horns, and an array of weapons, Fulgrim’s presence naturally draws his Space Marines into the spotlight. Longtime followers have eagerly anticipated this Emperor’s Children update, knowing the new model range will soon be available. This army set promises to include crucial elements like the faction’s codex and data cards, as well as models for Noise Marines, Infractors, Tormentors, and a Lord Exultant.
A dive into their history reveals why the Emperor’s Children are intriguing. They started out with great promise despite being nearly wiped out by a gene-seed affliction that left only a few hundred survivors. Fulgrim’s leadership earned them the Emperor of Mankind’s respect, leading to the honor of bearing his emblem—the two-headed eagle, or aquila.
However, the narrative takes a dark turn as Fulgrim’s insecurities about the gene-seed defect, the meddling of Chief Apothecary Fabius Bile, and the tempting lure of a mysterious, alluring sword from a xenos temple all conspired to seal their fate. The Emperor’s Children succumbed to Slaanesh’s excesses, with Master Duelist Lucius exemplifying this descent. Under Slaanesh’s influence, Lucius carries a twisted blessing and curse: if defeated in battle, his victorious opponent’s pride triggers Lucius’s rebirth, overtaking their body and forever imprinting their face on his own—a permanent reminder of defeat.
Amid the crucial Siege of Terra, the Emperor’s Children were more interested in concocting super drugs from human captives than in crafting sound battle strategies. This focus on hedonism and perfection, hallmarks of Slaanesh worship, often hinders their battlefield effectiveness.
The Noise Marines, however, offer a lighter, yet equally intense side of this faction. Synonymous with chaos, these iconic figures play the notorious Song of Slaanesh, or Kakophoni, which, true to its name, delivers a cacophonous assault that is as deadly as it is unique. Their extraordinary aesthetic makes them a favorite for cosplay and fan art, injecting some levity into the often somber Chaos Space Marine roster. While we await further updates from Games Workshop on the release timeline for these revamped Emperor’s Children, it’s clear they’re gearing up to make a striking comeback.
