Difference between revisions of "Chaos"
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| − | '''Chaos''' is the psychic energy that composes [[Warp]] space. More generally, "Chaos" refers to anything related to Chaos, including its influence, the [[Gods of Chaos]], their followers, and the Warp. Chaos is almost synonymous with the Warp - the two concepts are inseparable: Chaos is the limitless ocean of spiritual and emotional energy that defines the Warp. It is a great and raw force of change and power, and is both physically and spiritually corrupting. The most gifted mortals, [[psyker]]s, can utilise this energy, thus making them capable of abilities which transcend the laws of the material universe. However, the malevolent power of Chaos can gradually corrupt a psyker, tainting | + | '''Chaos''' is a part of the psychic energy that composes [[Warp]] space. More generally, "Chaos" refers to anything related to Chaos, including its influence, the [[Gods of Chaos]], their followers, and the Warp. Chaos is almost synonymous with the Warp - the two concepts are inseparable: Chaos is the limitless ocean of spiritual and emotional energy that defines the Warp. It is a great and raw force of change and power, and is both physically and spiritually corrupting. The most gifted mortals, [[psyker]]s, can utilise this energy, thus making them capable of abilities which transcend the laws of the material universe. However, the malevolent power of Chaos can gradually corrupt a psyker, tainting their mind and body. |
The iconic symbol of Chaos is the eight-pointed star, representing the infinite possibilities of Chaos. | The iconic symbol of Chaos is the eight-pointed star, representing the infinite possibilities of Chaos. | ||
| − | Chaos itself | + | Chaos itself has many names. The Eldar, for example, call it the '''Primordial Annihilator'''.{{Fn|8}} |
[[Image:ChaosStar.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The eight-pointed star of Chaos]] | [[Image:ChaosStar.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The eight-pointed star of Chaos]] | ||
| Line 11: | Line 11: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
===The Realm of Chaos=== | ===The Realm of Chaos=== | ||
| − | The Realm of Chaos was formed as the emotions of mortals (be they anguish, desire, hatred, or pride) pooled together in the [[psyker|psychic]] mirror-reality of the [[Materium|material universe]] known as [[The Warp]]. Such was the power of these emotions that they eventually formed creatures which over time gained sentience, resulting in the [[Gods of Chaos]]. As the races of the material universe grew, so too did their hopes, dreams, rage, wars, loves, and hatreds. All of these raw emotions served to fuel the growth and power of the Chaos Gods. Eventually the gods reached back, into the dreams of mortals, and since that time they have been working to influence the physical realm and its myriad races.{{Fn|7}} | + | The Realm of Chaos was formed as the emotions of mortals (be they anguish, desire, hatred, or pride) pooled together in the [[psyker|psychic]] mirror-reality of the [[Materium|material universe]] known as [[The Warp]]. Such was the power of these emotions that they eventually formed creatures which, over time, gained sentience, resulting in the birth and rise of the [[Gods of Chaos]]. As the races of the material universe grew, so too did their hopes, dreams, rage, wars, loves, and hatreds. All of these raw emotions served to fuel the growth and power of the Chaos Gods. Eventually, the gods reached back, into the dreams and desires of mortals, and since that time they have been working to influence the physical realm and its myriad races.{{Fn|7}} |
| − | Chaos and its realm exists far outside imagination; an impossible abstraction made real only by metaphor and the | + | Chaos and its realm exists far outside of imagination; an impossible abstraction made real only by metaphor and the roiling emotions of the minds of mortals. It is constantly reborn, eternally shifting. Within this realm titanic hosts made purely of energy and emotion clash as the Gods of Chaos wage their endless [[Great Game]]. The Chaos Gods and their dominions are one, for both are formed of the same Warp Energy. As the Gods gain power, their realms expand. However the Gods are not alone, for they have countless servants made of their own essence known as [[Chaos Daemon|Daemon]]s. The beings of the Warp have no true physical forms and even Daemons are simply taking a skin or bubble of appearance that is a projection of their God. The Realm of Chaos is a fantastical landscape devoid of consistency and unbound by the laws of time and space, a random, unstructured panorama of pure energy and unfocused consciousness. It is from this nature that it is dubbed Chaos, for it is Chaotic in the truest sense.{{Fn|7}} |
The Realm of Chaos and the Material Universe can overlap, often with devastating consequences for mortals. [[Warp Storm]]s and [[Warp Rift]]s are such examples of a breach between these two realities. | The Realm of Chaos and the Material Universe can overlap, often with devastating consequences for mortals. [[Warp Storm]]s and [[Warp Rift]]s are such examples of a breach between these two realities. | ||
===Ancient History=== | ===Ancient History=== | ||
| − | At the dawn of time, the [[Old Ones]] took some of the primitive races, guiding their development to suit a specific purpose. The Warp at this time was not the hostile place it was in later ages. | + | At the dawn of time, the [[Old Ones]] took some of the primitive races, guiding their development to suit a specific purpose. The Warp at this time was not the hostile place it was in later ages. During their war against the [[Necron]]s, the Old Ones created races to battle the threat they posed, creating races with stronger ties to the Warp, giving them psychic power to turn the tide against the Necrons. One of these races was the [[Eldar]].{{Cite this}} |
| − | Just before the birth of the [[Emperor of Mankind]], three of | + | Just before the birth of the [[Emperor of Mankind]], the three Gods of Chaos; Khorne, Tzeentch, and Nurgle had already begun to take form in the Warp, although it would take until the end of Terra's Middle Ages for them to fully awaken. Slaanesh had not awoken until around [[M29]], marking the end of the Eldar Empire and the end of the [[Age of Strife]], as well as the beginning of the Great Crusade and the rise of the Imperium.{{Cite this}} |
The rise of Chaos and the first three Chaos Gods, as described, seems to correspond to the development to [[human]]ity, implying that Mankind, of all the sentient species, were primarily responsible for the disharmonising of the Warp and the birth of the first three Chaos Gods. Although, without question, all sentient species played a role in the birth of the Chaos Gods, it seems that mankind has an especially close relationship with Chaos, or that mankind's nature is particularly aggressive and unstable.{{Fn|1}} | The rise of Chaos and the first three Chaos Gods, as described, seems to correspond to the development to [[human]]ity, implying that Mankind, of all the sentient species, were primarily responsible for the disharmonising of the Warp and the birth of the first three Chaos Gods. Although, without question, all sentient species played a role in the birth of the Chaos Gods, it seems that mankind has an especially close relationship with Chaos, or that mankind's nature is particularly aggressive and unstable.{{Fn|1}} | ||
| Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
===Daemons=== | ===Daemons=== | ||
{{main|Daemon}} | {{main|Daemon}} | ||
| − | '''Daemons''' are entities of the Warp, horrific creatures brought to the battlefield by the | + | '''Daemons''' are entities of the Warp, horrific creatures brought to the battlefield by the guile of sorcerers. They are often armed simply with claws that rip and tear the enemy to shreds; some use psychic-based powers. The lesser daemons tend to be very poorly armoured and fall in great numbers to rapid-fire weaponry. |
===The Lost and the Damned=== | ===The Lost and the Damned=== | ||
| Line 37: | Line 37: | ||
===Chaos Space Marines=== | ===Chaos Space Marines=== | ||
{{main|Chaos Space Marine}} | {{main|Chaos Space Marine}} | ||
| − | The '''Chaos Space Marines''' are | + | The '''Chaos Space Marines''' are formed of the [[Adeptus Astartes]] who fell under the sway of [[Warmaster]] [[Horus]] and rebelled against the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]] in an attempt to bring the material [[galaxy]] under the control of Chaos. A full nine [[Space Marine Legion|legions]] left the side of the Emperor and joined Chaos, some choosing specific deities to worship while others went to [[Chaos Undivided]]. In the millennia since, other formations of Adeptus Astartes have also fallen to Chaos, from single squads to entire chapters. |
===Traitor Titan Legions=== | ===Traitor Titan Legions=== | ||
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===Other Species=== | ===Other Species=== | ||
| − | Other races and civilizations have also fallen to Chaos. These include the [[Scaephylyds]], [[Laer]], [[Yu'vath]]{{Fn|4}}, [[Saruthi]]{{Fn|5}}, [[Lok'kroll]], and [[Xenarch]]{{Fn|6}} | + | Other races and civilizations have also fallen to Chaos. These include the [[Scaephylyds]], [[Laer]], [[Yu'vath]]{{Fn|4}}, [[Saruthi]]{{Fn|5}}, [[Lok'kroll]], and [[Xenarch]]{{Fn|6}} and many others. |
==The Gods of Chaos== | ==The Gods of Chaos== | ||
{{main|Gods of Chaos}} | {{main|Gods of Chaos}} | ||
| − | There are four great Powers of Chaos. Each | + | There are four great Powers of Chaos. Each one is given form and fed by the emotions manifested by sentient beings in the material universe. |
The Chaos Powers and the emotions that gave rise to them: | The Chaos Powers and the emotions that gave rise to them: | ||
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There is also a "fifth" God of Chaos | There is also a "fifth" God of Chaos | ||
| − | *[[Malice]] is born of anarchy and hatred | + | *[[Malice]] is born of anarchy and hatred, and directly opposes the other four powers. |
==Chaos Forces in the Galaxy== | ==Chaos Forces in the Galaxy== | ||
| Line 63: | Line 63: | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| − | *[[Quotes Chaos|Chaos-related Quotes]] - Quotes by followers of Chaos, and quotes otherwise regarding Chaos. | + | *[[Quotes Chaos|Chaos-related Quotes]] - Quotes by followers of Chaos, and quotes otherwise regarding Chaos.{{Cite this}} |
*[[Chaos Armoury]] | *[[Chaos Armoury]] | ||
*[[Chaos Artefact]]s | *[[Chaos Artefact]]s | ||
Revision as of 20:23, 20 May 2019
Chaos is a part of the psychic energy that composes Warp space. More generally, "Chaos" refers to anything related to Chaos, including its influence, the Gods of Chaos, their followers, and the Warp. Chaos is almost synonymous with the Warp - the two concepts are inseparable: Chaos is the limitless ocean of spiritual and emotional energy that defines the Warp. It is a great and raw force of change and power, and is both physically and spiritually corrupting. The most gifted mortals, psykers, can utilise this energy, thus making them capable of abilities which transcend the laws of the material universe. However, the malevolent power of Chaos can gradually corrupt a psyker, tainting their mind and body.
The iconic symbol of Chaos is the eight-pointed star, representing the infinite possibilities of Chaos.
Chaos itself has many names. The Eldar, for example, call it the Primordial Annihilator.[8]
Contents
Overview
The Realm of Chaos
The Realm of Chaos was formed as the emotions of mortals (be they anguish, desire, hatred, or pride) pooled together in the psychic mirror-reality of the material universe known as The Warp. Such was the power of these emotions that they eventually formed creatures which, over time, gained sentience, resulting in the birth and rise of the Gods of Chaos. As the races of the material universe grew, so too did their hopes, dreams, rage, wars, loves, and hatreds. All of these raw emotions served to fuel the growth and power of the Chaos Gods. Eventually, the gods reached back, into the dreams and desires of mortals, and since that time they have been working to influence the physical realm and its myriad races.[7]
Chaos and its realm exists far outside of imagination; an impossible abstraction made real only by metaphor and the roiling emotions of the minds of mortals. It is constantly reborn, eternally shifting. Within this realm titanic hosts made purely of energy and emotion clash as the Gods of Chaos wage their endless Great Game. The Chaos Gods and their dominions are one, for both are formed of the same Warp Energy. As the Gods gain power, their realms expand. However the Gods are not alone, for they have countless servants made of their own essence known as Daemons. The beings of the Warp have no true physical forms and even Daemons are simply taking a skin or bubble of appearance that is a projection of their God. The Realm of Chaos is a fantastical landscape devoid of consistency and unbound by the laws of time and space, a random, unstructured panorama of pure energy and unfocused consciousness. It is from this nature that it is dubbed Chaos, for it is Chaotic in the truest sense.[7]
The Realm of Chaos and the Material Universe can overlap, often with devastating consequences for mortals. Warp Storms and Warp Rifts are such examples of a breach between these two realities.
Ancient History
At the dawn of time, the Old Ones took some of the primitive races, guiding their development to suit a specific purpose. The Warp at this time was not the hostile place it was in later ages. During their war against the Necrons, the Old Ones created races to battle the threat they posed, creating races with stronger ties to the Warp, giving them psychic power to turn the tide against the Necrons. One of these races was the Eldar.[Needs Citation]
Just before the birth of the Emperor of Mankind, the three Gods of Chaos; Khorne, Tzeentch, and Nurgle had already begun to take form in the Warp, although it would take until the end of Terra's Middle Ages for them to fully awaken. Slaanesh had not awoken until around M29, marking the end of the Eldar Empire and the end of the Age of Strife, as well as the beginning of the Great Crusade and the rise of the Imperium.[Needs Citation]
The rise of Chaos and the first three Chaos Gods, as described, seems to correspond to the development to humanity, implying that Mankind, of all the sentient species, were primarily responsible for the disharmonising of the Warp and the birth of the first three Chaos Gods. Although, without question, all sentient species played a role in the birth of the Chaos Gods, it seems that mankind has an especially close relationship with Chaos, or that mankind's nature is particularly aggressive and unstable.[1]
The Forces of Chaos
The forces of Chaos are those who have pledged themselves to the Gods of Chaos. They are most commonly organized into several types:
Daemons
Daemons are entities of the Warp, horrific creatures brought to the battlefield by the guile of sorcerers. They are often armed simply with claws that rip and tear the enemy to shreds; some use psychic-based powers. The lesser daemons tend to be very poorly armoured and fall in great numbers to rapid-fire weaponry.
The Lost and the Damned
The Lost and the Damned are a broad range of renegades and mutants, including degenerate humans, beastmen, cultists, rogue psykers, mutants of the Daemon Worlds, and Traitor Guardsmen. They are also often poorly armoured but come in vast numbers.
Chaos Space Marines
The Chaos Space Marines are formed of the Adeptus Astartes who fell under the sway of Warmaster Horus and rebelled against the Emperor in an attempt to bring the material galaxy under the control of Chaos. A full nine legions left the side of the Emperor and joined Chaos, some choosing specific deities to worship while others went to Chaos Undivided. In the millennia since, other formations of Adeptus Astartes have also fallen to Chaos, from single squads to entire chapters.
Traitor Titan Legions
The Traitor Titan Legions consist of legions of the Collegia Titanica who have fallen to Chaos, many turning their backs on the Imperium during the Horus Heresy. Utilizing Titan war machines corrupted by the powers of Chaos, they are among the most reviled enemies of the Adeptus Mechanicus.[3]
Other Species
Other races and civilizations have also fallen to Chaos. These include the Scaephylyds, Laer, Yu'vath[4], Saruthi[5], Lok'kroll, and Xenarch[6] and many others.
The Gods of Chaos
There are four great Powers of Chaos. Each one is given form and fed by the emotions manifested by sentient beings in the material universe.
The Chaos Powers and the emotions that gave rise to them:
- Khorne is born of hate and rage.
- Nurgle is born of despair and fear of death.[2]
- Slaanesh is born of lust and hedonism.
- Tzeentch is born of ambition, hope, and the desire for change.
There is also a "fifth" God of Chaos
- Malice is born of anarchy and hatred, and directly opposes the other four powers.
Chaos Forces in the Galaxy
See also
- Chaos-related Quotes - Quotes by followers of Chaos, and quotes otherwise regarding Chaos.[Needs Citation]
- Chaos Armoury
- Chaos Artefacts
- Chaos Psychic Powers
- Daemon Weapon
 |
Sources
- 1: Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned (1990), pg. 176
- 2: Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition) (2007), pg. 10
- 3: Titanicus (Novel) by Dan Abnett, pg. 57
- 4: Dark Heresy Timeline
- 5: Xenos (Novel) by Dan Abnett, Chapter 20
- 6: Xenology pg.87
- 7: Codex: Chaos Daemons (6th Edition) pgs.6-7
- 8: The Armour of Fate (Short Story) by Guy Haley
Uncited
|
|
- Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness (1988), pg. 213
- Deathwatch: The Achilus Assault, pgs. 76-77
