Chaos (Warhammer 40,000)

In the table-top wargame Warhammer 40,000, Chaos refers to a nihilistic force composed of mainly of rebel Space Marines, but also enlisting the aid of Chaos daemons. The daemons and gods of Chaos come from The Warp, but the mainstay of their forces come from cultists in the material universe.

The Chaos army is the only army that is basically the same in both Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000; although the Eldar, Orks and the Imperium definitely correspond to the Elves, Orcs and the Empire in the fantasy game, they do not share the same religion or the same units (as the Chaos forces do with their daemons).

The Horus Heresy

In the fictional history of the science fiction universe that the wargame is set in, the Horus Heresy took place after mankind's reconquest of the Galaxy, following the birth of Slaanesh. The Space Marines, the Imperium's elite and the mainstay of the conquering forces, became divided as some turned to Chaos and, led by the Warmaster Horus, turned on the Emperor's forces. This scenario mirrors the classic interpretation of the biblical tale of Satan's fall, with Horus corresponding to Satan, and the other, lesser, "Primarchs" corresponding to the fallen angels.

The armies of Chaos

The Chaos army is roughly divided into four parts -- one for each Chaos god -- although armies are usually composed of a mixture from each cult, producing a more diverse force, as the followers of each god specialise in certain tactics.

The Gods of Chaos

• The followers and daemons of the Blood God Khorne are vicious hand-to-hand warriors, and gain bonuses in the game reflecting that.
• Nurgle is the Plague God, and his cultists are tough and armed with plague weapons.
• Slaanesh, the "Lord of Pleasure", is a fetishistic deity and his followers' features and bonuses are based very much on the fear of pain.
• Tzeentch is the "Great Sorcerer", and corresponds in many ways to Fate. Tzeentch cultists have advantages in the psychic aspect of the game.