From Lexicanum

Age of the Imperium

Age of Rebirth - The Forging - Nova Terra Interregnum - Age of Apostasy - Age of Redemption - The Waning - Time of Ending

The Time of Ending refers to the last centuries of the 41st millennium.^1b It began c.750.M41, following the Imperium's first encounter with the extragalactic Tyranid threat.²

Overview

The term was first coined in 744.M41, by Taggarath, the Seer of Corrinto, who predicted a time of upheaval in which both the Imperium and the Light of the Emperor would be swallowed by an approaching darkness. He was eventually executed for heresy.^1b

The Tyranids, as well as other threats such as the Necrons which rose in the subsequent years, made it apparent that the galaxy was turning into an even more dangerous place, challenging the millennia old belief of the Imperium's perpetuity.²

The Time of Ending is also a time in which young, upstart alien races are able to establish their own fledging realms in the galaxy. The Draxian Hegemony, the Tau Empire, the Worldweave of Noisome Reek, the Ulumèathic League and numerous others prosper, ready to stand their ground against the besieged Imperium of Man.^1a

Notable Events

• 745.M41: The First Tyrannic War
• 998.M41 onwards: The 3rd War for Armageddon
• 999.M41: As the light of the Astronomican grows dimmer, Techpriests discover irreparable failures on the Golden Throne^1b
• 999.M41 onwards: The 13th Black Crusade

Sources

• ¹:Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook
  • ^1a: p.119
  • ^1b: p.123, pp.126-127
• ²:Warhammer 40,000 Design Notes (site accessed 2009.01.05)