Pages from the Black Books – The Night Lords - Warhammer Community
Before the modern relaunch of Warhammer: The Horus Heresy with the Age of Darkness box and a new rules edition, the game’s narrative and army rules were anchored by the legendary Black Books. These campaign tomes, alongside the Black Library novels, mapped the major factions and conflicts and became the bedrock of Horus Heresy lore.
Warhammer Community is revisiting that foundation with weekly, downloadable excerpts for fans to read at their leisure. First in the series: the Night Lords, a Legion infamous for terror tactics, lightning-bolt heraldry, and ruthless psychological warfare.
While many Traitor Legions fought out of duty, devotion to the Warmaster, or revenge, countless Night Lords embraced rebellion to unleash their darkest impulses—blood-soaked slaughter and calculated torment. Yet there’s more to them than raw cruelty. This primer digs into the forces, motives, and methods that shaped their reign of terror.
Drawn from 2013’s Book Two - Massacre, the excerpt offers a concise introduction to the Night Lords: who they are, why they fight, and what makes them such unforgettable antagonists in the Heresy. It’s an ideal starting point if your knowledge stops at cackling devilry and crackling lightning bolts.
This is just the first drop in a weekly series. Next up: the notorious Thramas Crusade—the Night Lords’ three-year campaign of terror against the Emperor’s worlds. Check back each Thursday for more slices of classic Black Books lore to explore and download.
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