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Warhammer 40K: Laying Down The Lore

Laying Down The Lorelayingdownthelore.com
Join Dhar, Cral & Ben in this informative, irreverent, and largely irrelevant Warhammer 40,000 lore podcast.
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Episodes

42: Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 4: The Primarch Project | Warhammer 40K Lore

CLICK HERE TO VOTE ON THE CHAPTER LIVERY!⁠ We start with the creation of the Primarchs, the reasons that led the Emperor to command their creation and the mysterious Erda who aided him. We look at how the Emperor's own genome was used and altered and the other “biological material” mixed in… gross. After they mysteriously disappeared their genomes were then used to create the first round of Space Marines even as the Thunder Warriors were conquering Terra For the Emperor. Unleashed upon the world...

Jul 02, 20251 hr 16 minSeason 1Ep. 42

41: Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 3: Thunder Warriors | Warhammer 40K Lore

CLICK HERE TO VIEW CHAPTER HERALDRY & DOWNLOAD COLOUR SCHEME SCHEMATIC! We launch this episode with a look at the context for the Emperor's Unification of Terra and the needs and forces that required the Thunder Warriors. We have a gander at the organisation of their 20 legions, foreshadowing, and the abilities and flaws of their powerful and muscular frames. We then face their end by delving into the battle of Mount Ararat at the supposed close of the Unification. Exposed for the lie it is,...

Jun 18, 20251 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 41

40: Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 2: Terra Pre-Unification | Warhammer 40K Lore

⁠CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAV CHAPTER ICON! In this episode we go BACK … to the future! We open our discussion on the state of Terra during the Age of Strife together with its prime rival, the Technocracy of Mars. We explore the cultural impacts of this dark age and how it informed the base culture of the Imperium of Man. We detail the rise of the Emperor with the help of his BFF Macador the Sigillite and his hidden fortress in the Hymalayzian mountains. We touch on a few of the more notable ...

Jun 04, 20251 hr 9 minSeason 1Ep. 40

39: Adeptus Astartes Origins Part 1: Early Dev & Lore | Warhammer 40K Lore

We start our dive into the Adeptus Astartes with a brief summary of Episode 13 and 14 defining what a chapter, company and squad look like together with the most common arms and armour they field. We then take a real world turn and look at the early publication of the Space Marines and the setting of the Imperium of Man. This covers the original designers notes from White Dwarf 93 through the order of battle for the Dark Angels Raven Wing in WD 96 to the first full article on the Ultramarines in...

May 21, 20251 hr 14 minSeason 1Ep. 39

38: The Badab War Part 6 | Warhammer 40K Lore

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAV CHAPTER NAME! In this, our final episode on the Badab War, we start with the trials of the secessionist chapters, in a special consistorial court, and look at those who vouch for and against the Lamenters, Executioners, and Mantis Warriors. The Astral Claws receive the harshest sentence when their many crimes against the Imperium and the Codex Astartes are laid bare. We discuss how the various loyalist chapters are rewarded for their efforts with both the Star Pha...

May 07, 202557 minSeason 1Ep. 38

37: The Badab War Part 5 | Warhammer 40K Lore

We launch our penultimate episode on the Badab war with a look at the transformation of the Astral Claws from a group of frustrated warriors to heretics. We follow the loyalist forces, beginning their final assault on the Badab sector at Piraeus, fighting a costly battle against a secessionist counter attack. The ring of steel is taken down in typical Fire Hawks style, opening up the path to Badab Primaris, the homeworld of the Astral Claws. We detail the final planetary assault and fall of Huro...

Apr 16, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 1Ep. 37

36: The Badab War Part 4 | Warhammer 40K Lore

The imperium brings its full weight to bear on the Badab conflict. We look at the initial deployment of four further loyalist space marine chapters to the war under the leadership of the Red Scorpions. The initial probing attacks result in an offer of parlay at the cheerfully named ‘Grief’ system but somewhat predictably it was a trap, though set by whom? We discuss further battle fronts and campaigns opened up by the arrival of a further four loyalist chapters before the sudden combo of Ork WAA...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 36

35: The Badab War Part 3 | Warhammer 40K Lore

The imperium brings its full weight to bear on the Badab conflict. We look at the initial deployment of four further loyalist space marine chapters to the war under the leadership of the Red Scorpions. The initial probing attacks result in an offer of parlay at the cheerfully named ‘Grief’ system but somewhat predictably it was a trap, though set by whom? We discuss further battle fronts and campaigns opened up by the arrival of a further four loyalist chapters before the sudden combo of Ork WAA...

Mar 19, 20251 hr 37 minSeason 1Ep. 35

34: The Badab War Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

We launch into the opening salvos of the Badab War proper. We examine the tactics and temprement of the Fire Hawks and their penchant for genocide, and the expanding ambitions of the Karthan lords. The Marines Errant join the fray for the loyalists and the Executioners reluctantly join for the secessionists. We look at the hit and run tactics of the Mantis Warriors and the ultimately ill-fated battle on and above Bellerophon's Fall. With the space marine chapters engaging each other, the Karthan...

Mar 05, 20251 hr 34 minSeason 1Ep. 34

33: The Badab War Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

We whip the plaster off the general 40K lore journey with a look at the first hot marine-on-marine campaign published a mere 6 months after 40K Rogue trader was published. We start with a generalised look at the Maelstrom zone and the establishment of the Maelstrom Wardens. We look at the many crusades, invasions and Xenos purges in the centuries before the rise of Lufgt Huron and the supremacy of the Astral Claws. We dive into the trade wars with the Karthan lords and the programme of fortifica...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 54 minSeason 1Ep. 33

32: Leagues of Votann Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

Perhaps the most convoluted faction, at least in their publication history, we dive into the saga of the Squats. We look at their initial formation taken from a direct port of fantasy dwarfs into the Rogue Trader era 40K, touching on their origins as generational colonists sent to the galactic core. We touch on their social structures and methods of warfare. We take a sharp turn as their society is defined again via the Epic gaming system, before their ultimate demise at the claws and teeth of t...

Feb 05, 20251 hr 52 minSeason 1Ep. 32

31: Tau Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we continue our dive into the Tau. We start with an exploration of all 6 spheres of Expansion together with some of the hijinks that ensued and the impact of the Tau Goddess on a certain Death Guard army, the fate of the 4th expansions fleet and the liberation of the Startide Nexus. We take a brief look at the Supreme Ethereal Aun’Va and its manipulative and deceitful ways before moving onto the mysteriously long lived rebel of the Tau empire; Commander Farsight. We look at the e...

Jan 01, 20251 hr 39 minSeason 1Ep. 31

30: Tau Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

Finally, a light in the grim darkness! We dive into all things Tau, Cral’s newest favourite faction, starting with their introduction into the games and their social structure A.K.A. the Tau Caste System and how that affects their position and skills within the overall Tau Empire. We explore the role and purpose of Tau Ethereals together with their mysterious origins and the concept of “The Greater Good”, and what that means for tau and non-tau alike. We close out the episode with a discussion o...

Dec 04, 20241 hr 38 minSeason 1Ep. 30

29: Necrons Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode, we take a further look at the Necrons of the 40K universe (as opposed to the Necrons of other universes...). We start with a discussion on what happened during the 60 million year Great Sleep and the origins of some of the more aggressive necron troops. We then run through the most recent events from the return of The Silent King to the uncharacteristic Blood Angel Brofest. We close out the episode with a brief look at the most notable dynasties and the troops a Necron Overlord ...

Nov 06, 20241 hr 35 minSeason 1Ep. 29

28: Necrons Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we have a brief look at the entire history of the 40K universe. We start with the C’tan and the Old Ones before diving into the Necrontyr, a down on their luck race from the radioactive Halo Stars. We look at their galactic expansion, their encounters with the Old Ones and their numerous succession wars. The War in Heaven is started and nearly lost by the Necrontyr before aid comes from the “Star Vampires” and their entire race becomes Bender Bending Rodriguez. We then follow the...

Oct 02, 20241 hr 45 minSeason 1Ep. 28

27: Orks Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

We start the episode with a brief recap of the 6 clans and a bit of an analysis on some of the more unique troop types. We then have a look at some of the larger, and older, campaigns that have included Orks from Ullanor and the Great Beast to the 2nd and 3rd, or 1st and 2nd, battles for Armageddon. We touch on the rise of Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka and the hysterical Waaagh! Snagrod vs the incompetent defensives of the Crimson Fists. We close out the Ork intro with a brief rundown of their capa...

Sep 04, 20241 hr 33 minSeason 1Ep. 27

26: Orks Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

WAAAGH! Yes, it’s the turn of the orks. We dive into a brief history of their origins before painting ourselves red and battering through their Kulcha. We look at their society, the foundations of their armies and their most esoteric members. We then run through the 6 “clans” that define not only their way of life but also their way of War. throughout we have a bit of bants on the form and nature of “Freebooterz”. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quartermaster ⁠...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 37 minSeason 1Ep. 26

25: Tyranids Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

Picking up from last episode we look at the most common forms of tyranids lifeforms and their roles within an invasion force. From Ripper swarms to the Carnifex we discuss some of the more esoteric forms that have evolved from their “humble” beginnings in 2nd/3rd edition. We then explore the four great tyrannic wars that have so devastated the Imperium and the role the machiavellian Inquisitor Kryptman plays in fighting this existential terror. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quarte...

Jul 03, 20241 hr 17 minSeason 1Ep. 25

24: Tyranids Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

CIARO! Welcome to the first of our two part summary of the Tyranids. The not at all Xenomorph inspired faction from Starcraft Warhammer 40K. We examine who the tyranids are, where they are from, their forms and weapon symbiotes. We close out the episode with a look at how they process a world from an arboreal sphere of goodness to barren rock of badness. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quartermaster ⁠...

Jun 05, 20241 hr 30 minSeason 1Ep. 24

23: Genestealer Cults Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

Following on from last episode we delve deeper into the Genestealer Cults and look at how they expand beyond their borders and corrupt the various institutions on a given planet. We look at how they take over a Planetary Defence Force and prepare the planet for the return of the Star Children. We then catalogue the many and varied troop types and heroes such cults have at their disposal. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quartermaster ⁠...

May 01, 20241 hr 19 minSeason 1Ep. 23

22: Genestealer Cults Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we dive into all things Genestealery. From their hallowed origins in the pages of Rogue Trader to their first appearance in plastic as the enemy within Space Hulks. He look at the early army lists and methods of deploying their associated cults, including chaos cults. We then explore how communities become infected with the Genestealer Cults and they types of worlds such cults can thrive upon. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quartermaster ⁠...

Apr 03, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 22

21: Harlequins Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we sashay into the topic of Harlequin Troupes, masters of the webway, balletic violence and protectors of the Black Library. We explore their evolution, tactics and purpose. We look at the Death Jesters, Shadow Seers and Solitaires and their abilities. We close out the episode with a fun-time chat about the role they will play in the end of all things. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quartermaster ⁠...

Mar 06, 20241 hr 15 minSeason 1Ep. 21

20: Drukhari Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we veeeeeery carefully look at the webway city of Commorragh and its inhabitants, the Drukhari. We explore their origins and the formation and expansion of their dreaded city. We look at the 3 main power groups; Drukhari Kabals, Wych Cults, and Haemonculus Covens, and the ruler of the city, Asdrubael Vect. ⁠⁠Show notes⁠ ⁠ ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Merchandise⁠⁠ ⁠Quartermaster ⁠...

Feb 07, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 1Ep. 20

19: Aeldari Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

In our first Eldar … *cough* pardon me. In our first Aeldari episode we look at the history of this once majestic race. Originally pitched and branded as “Space Elves” we move from their origins as space pirates to the fateful issue of White Dwarf 127 where Craftworlds appeared fully formed. We dive into the quagmire of their fall and perhaps spend a bit too much time focused on the Death Orgy phase. We take a gander at Aspect Warriors, the significance of the Path system and the role Aeldari ps...

Jan 03, 20241 hr 47 minSeason 1Ep. 19

18: Chaos Mortals Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we follow the fate of those legions that fell to Chaos during the Horus Heresy. We briefly describe the events of 10,000 years for all nine before turning our attention to their evolving organisation and their Daemon Primarchs and the Arch-Warlord, Abaddon the Despoiler. We summarise the campaigns of the despoiler, the Black Crusades. We then pivot to explore the fates of a series of once loyal chapters of space marines that fall of Chaos and the reasons they did so, specifically...

Dec 06, 20231 hr 54 minSeason 1Ep. 18

17: Chaos Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we explore the concepts and manifestations of Chaos, the Primordial Truth. In turn we examine the four malevolent warp entities that plague all of the races in the galaxy, the Gods of Chaos; Slaanesh, Nurgle, Khorne, and Tzeentch. We detail their purviews, powers, and pantheons as well as their capacity to influence the galaxy. We look into the Lost and the Damned, the cults and warbands of formerly loyal servants of the emperor and how they were corrupted and fooled into worship...

Nov 01, 20231 hr 47 minSeason 1Ep. 17

16: A Necromundan Day | Warhammer 40K Lore

What is life like on an Imperium World? To answer this question we focus on the storied world of Necromunda. We take a look at the planet as a whole before concentrating on the “capital” of the Palatine Hive. We look at the social hierarchy and the lives of the planet’s rulering power, House Helmwar. We then descend through the hive exploring the lives of the citizens be they from the Great Houses, Clan Houses or the ever-present Mercator guilds. At each level of society we discuss the responsib...

Oct 04, 20232 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 16

15: Custodes & Sisters of Silence Introduction | Warhammer 40K Lore

In this episode we take a look at the history and structure of the Adeptus Custodes, the elite cadre of genetically-engineered transhuman warriors who serve as the bodyguards of the Emperor of Mankind. We look at their use through the time of the Imperium and their new role as part of the Indomitus crusade. Next, we very carefully approach the Sisters of Silence, an all-female force of Pariahs charged with the capture and transport of the that most dangerous of mutants, the Psyker. We move on to...

Sep 27, 20231 hr 57 minSeason 1Ep. 15

14: Space Marine Introduction Part 2 | Warhammer 40K Lore

In our second episode on the Adeptus Astartes we look at the more ‘specialist’ forces of the Adeptus Astartes. We first look at more specific foundings, and their confusing order, and their requirements changed to fit a new darker imperium, such as the Exorcists, and examine the motivations in their creation. We pause briefly to discuss awful sounding words before looking towards the Inquisitors of the Ordo Xenos as they formed and use the Astartes of the Death Watch, a Xenos killing force to wh...

Sep 13, 20231 hr 55 minSeason 1Ep. 14

13: Space Marine Introduction Part 1 | Warhammer 40K Lore

In our first episode on the Adeptus Astartes we start with a look at birth of the modern Space marine chapter; The Codex Astartes and the Second Founding. We dig into what is involved in founding a Space Marine Chapter and what organisational structure each Codex Chapter and its companies. We examine the iconic arms, armour, and vehicles of the Astartes. We then turn from creation to maintenance and look at the recruitment processes of established chapters including the trials, Gene-Seed, and co...

Aug 23, 20231 hr 41 minSeason 1Ep. 13
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