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Slaanesh

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Symbol Characteristics
Slaanesh mark.png
Name: Slaanesh
Aspect: Pleasure, Torment and Ecstasy
Traits: Pleasure seeker
Dedicated Legion: Emperor's Children
Greater Daemon: Keeper of Secrets
Lesser Daemons: Daemonettes
Daemonic Beasts: Steeds of Slaanesh
Psychic Abilities: Unknown
Enemy Gods: Khorne
Sacred Number: 6

Background and Rivalries

Slaanesh is the Chaos god of lust, excess, pleasure, perfection and hedonism. Slaanesh typically appears in a form which is a woman on the right side and a man on the left with two sets of devilish horns growing from its head. It can however assume any form; male, female, hermaphrodite or asexual, but prefers male bodies. Its sacred number is six. It is known also as the Prince of Chaos, Prince of Excess or Prince of Pleasure.

The name Slaanesh is a corruption of the Chaos term Slaaneth (Slaa meaning "ecstasy" or "pleasure" and Neth meaning "lord" or "prince"; hence, the Prince of Pleasure). It was born during the time the Eldar call The Fall from their own decadence echoed in the Warp. The birthcry of Slaanesh created the Eye of Terror and slew most of the Eldar (and their gods except for Khaine who was dispersed into many pieces and the Laughing God- Cerogach) except those far enough away from the Eldar homeworlds to escape.

The symbol of Slaanesh combines the conventional symbols for male and female, although it is seldom worn openly by his followers. In its place they often wear items of jewellry bearing erotic motifs. Followers dress in robes which are often opened to leave the right side of the chest uncovered, a requirement of many of the rituals involved in his worship. Pastel and electric shades are the chief colours, although white is often used as well. These colours are also sometimes carried over into everyday wear, although they may be modified to fit in with current fashions. Regardless of any considerations, all Slaanesh followers wear garb of sensuously high quality.

Slaanesh has a neutral attitude to many of the gods of Chaos, and is generally too caught up in his own pleasures to be interested in alliances and co-operation. Particular enemies are the followers of Khorne, whose belief in pain and death is completely opposed to Slaanesh's principle of a life of unrestricted pleasure. Followers of Nurgle and Tzeentch are subject to Slaanesh's usual neutral attitude.

Followers of Slaanesh

Slaanesh is served primarily by the Emperor's Children Chaos Space Marines, hedonistic psychopaths who wield unique sonic weaponry in battle. They, like other Chaos Space Marines, fled to the Eye of Terror after the death of Horus at the hands of the Emperor.

Also the renegade chapter Violators have dedicated themselves to the prince of excess.

Daemons of Slaanesh

The Greater Daemon of Slaanesh is the Keeper of Secrets, a huge and indescribable creatures whose very presence is capable of bringing the bravest warrior to his knees in anguish and ecstasy.

The main Daemons of Slaanesh are the Daemonettes, feminine creatures whose seductive bodies are at contrast with their grotesque claws and lightning speed. Daemonettes can also ride steeds, lurid snakelike creatures who lash with their prehensile tongues.

Sources