What if Horus Killed the Emperor/Won the Heresy? | Warhammer 40k Lore 

Idk what is worse, a galaxy dominated by Chaos or the fact that big bald dudes would be the supreme leaders... 24 hours left of the Major Mini painting comp! Make sure you get your entries in Get the minis here : www.majorminis.com.au/ or here (20% off) : www.etsy.com/shop/majorminis/?etsrc=sdt

The most grimdark thing about 40k is that the traitors are fighting for a goal that their masters will never allow them to reach. If they win, they lose. In the end, they’re fighting for nothing. That means all the grim darkness in the entire setting, all that war, all that bloodshed, is ultimately caused by the misguided who are all invariably fighting for a lie. It’s all for nothing.

Last time I was this early, the emperor was still walking around.

Tzeentch: “Alright we won… now what?” Khorne: “…” Nurgle: “No… Khorne please… we’ve just won please, my sons need to recover” Khorne: “…” Slaneesh: “Uhhh… is he alright?” Khorne: *inhales* Tzeentch: “That can’t be good…” Khorne: *LEEERRRROOOOYYYY JEEEEENKIINS!!!* _starts chaos civil war_

We all know that Chaos would never truly win because then Horus would reveal himself as Alpharius Omegon and win the day as the Alpha legion, because y'know, he is Alpharius.

"You've done it Horus Heresy, you truly are THE warhammer 40,000"

4:31 Big E: "I OWN YOU! I OWN YOUR PLANET! I OWN THIS PLANET! In fact *...F*CK THIS PLANET!"*

Lorgar looks over the corpse of the Emperor and whispers...."Who's thinking outside the box now....B*tch".

Getting a video about the reactions of the pre heresy primarchs to being in Guillimans situation and having power over the whole imperium would be pretty cool

What about the Ork empire? during the war of the beast they became a suprisingly organised and advanced force. Without the imperium to stop them they would probably dominate.

I kind of like the idea of G man picking up the pieces of humanity and rebuilding another human empire. I feel like based on his personality and skills, he could probably build a much stronger and stable empire (in the long run) that isn't riddled with disgruntled worlds, pissed off about being bullied into joining the imperium, and ready and waiting to turn traitor or turn to chaos.

*"I honestly didn't think we'd get this far...What do we do now?"* - Literally all Four Chaos Gods if The Traitor's won the Heresy.

What if the chaos powers didn't want Horus to win but instead create a stalemate of never-ending warfare to feed them?

Sounds like the defeat of the Heresy was Tzeentch's plan all along. Keep the game going. Also sounds like Khorne's plan. Lots and lots of bloodshed and it keeps going. Also sounds like Nurgle's plan. Have everything slowly decay. Not sure what Slaneesh gets out of it except destruction of the Human web way but then again that is back to Tzeentch's plan of keep the game going.

Would the Tyranids still arrive? They were attracted by the Astronomicon so maybe if it went away the Nids might not make it.

The emperor's death would likely fucck the galaxy remember the cacodominus' psychic death scream resonated through the whole galaxy a psyker like big e would make some noise in his death.

My understanding of the Talisman the Emperor had Vulkan build was that it was a weapon of absolute last resort, like the terminus decree but as a deadman switch rather than a set of instructions. That would mean it was either designed to make the heresy a no win situation-where the emperor dies and stays dead, but does so much damage to chaos that they’ll never be able to challenge the galaxy in force ever again. Or, more likely, it was a reset button. I imagine it’s not just going to destroy terra and the Sol system, I imagine it’s going to create a loyalist eye of terror. Imagine a warp rift and the surrounding warp space that the emperor claims as his territory, creating an inverse to the og eye of terror where the chaos legions chill. This would allow the now spectral god like emperor, now released from the golden throne and whole once again, to have a pocket realm to store the majority of humanity in. Time and space mean fuck all to the warp, so there’s really no limit to how many people the emperor can get in there, especially if he’s able to protect them from the warps passive soul fucky energy, and the advances of chaos. The material galaxy would essentially become a chessboard at that point, with few humans living in it. That’s best case scenario, IMO at least

I find it funny that in two of those outcomes the Tau would play a potentially much bigger role in the galaxy, as the tau have non-warp FTL and advanced technology, so I could see upon their discovery both the traitors and the loyalists wanting to make an alliance with them, or maybe the traitors wanting to destroy them because the traitors already have an advantage at that point of being able to travel through the warp with out the need of the astronomicon.

So according to the prophecy Chaos would have made an enormous _own goal._

If chaos did get to ruling that would probably cause malal to have a cataclysmic awakening because of how much infighting would happen

See the problem with chaos is that it will always defeat itself, even when it's about to win it'll sabotage itself, you need an outside force to push them over to win.

So the imperium secundus will have to commence.

It is likely that from the view of the Chaos Gods, especially Tzeentch, the way the Horus Heresy went down was almost the best way it could have happened. A Galaxy kept in a perpetual state of whide warfare, both humans against themselves and outsiders is how they can thrive continuesly. They may have still been upset about Horus being Ctrl+alt+delete by big E. As he made a very usefull tool for the faction. Though this scenario becomes less firm if taken into context that its "only" one Galaxy they seemingly are interacting with. Obvious solution is that most if not all life outside is now dead or part of the Tyranid swarm. Alternatively, if not consumed, the lifeforms in the other galaxies are less reliant / less interactive with the warp in general.

Consider tho that the destruction of Mars means that Belisarius Cawl is free to develop whatever crazy tech he wants with minimal, if any, interference from the Adeptus Mechanicus

*when the Traitors are about to win* Big E: "RAGE QUIT MODE! SEE YOU ALL INTO SUPER HELL!" Holy Terra: *explodes with everyone in it and nearby*

The Destruction of Terra makes the Fall of Cadia sound like a sideshow, something I didnt know was possible till this scenario.

Turned Horus loyalist in Chat AI today, truly the blessed timeline

I guess the biggest challenges are: 1, Terra became another eye or Terror, and Mars would be lost...both Political and Industrial centers are gone... 2, Navigation and communication center for humanity that survive...

This one was a lot cooler than I thought it was gonna be. The "only bits of humanity left with Guilliman as their head" is a really engaging idea. I reflexively want to argue against the Eldar repeating the aftermath of the War in Heaven. But given the fact that, with Slaanesh gone they could get their Ultratech back, thus possibly *defeat* the Necrons before they fully wake back up, and steamroll most everything else, alongside how long they live... It's not *quite* the same cycle. The only Chaos God that would likely end up *properly* returning is *Slaanesh* .

I’ve always thought that a fall of Terra might actually make a stronger Imperium. Guilliman would return to ultramar and begin securing it as the new heart of the Imperium. With help from the Eldar, the Tau (eventually), and perhaps even the Leagues of Votann Ultramar could become pretty solid. It would then be the combined Xenos and humanity vs Tyranid and Necron… unsure how that’d go… but would be a hella interesting version of 40k

But hey its just a theory... A HERETICAL THEORY

I could actually see G-man making alliances with other Xeno races like the Tau. In a way the imperium would become far more like the Tau in its additive towards Xeno races seeing them as potential allies rather than enemies.

Part two of Erda. I’m never stopping.

5:26 Fulgrim is now Majorkill's favorite punching bag.

Quick note: Vulkan is still somewhere in the Webway after defeating Magnus in Echoes of Eternity, and apparently isn't returning to Terra currently. If the Talisman is simply rigged throughout the Infinite City, which is no longer connected to Terra, is yet to be seen. Vulkan would PROBABLY survive the Talisman going off if he can get out of the Webway, at a safe location in time.

I feel like mars would be really important in this besides Ryza becoming the centre of the mechanicus (if it can recover in time). You gotta remember the void dragon is still on mars and that if you were to destroy a c’tan you’d erase a law of reality. If the void dragon is destroyed by the talisman then there could be unforeseen ramifications.

Another age of strife and emperor reincarnates just to keep the crap out of him

Just saying I'm 16 books deep in the heresy series. And I fucking hate reading. But God Damn the books a good. Thanks for getting me into it.

i think after the imperiums destroyed after the heresy the night lords alpha legion and iron warriors and maybe fabius bile would come together and make humanitys last stand against chaos

I'm eternally grateful for this and every other video you created, but for the love of God Emperor I crave more Gaunts Ghosts content since it includes some of the most hilarious characters in all of 40k with Mad Larkin and Try Again' Bragg. The novels even include the seggs, some Traitor perspectives, are located near the Halo Stars and should even be FREE on Spotify in some countries.

Well than Sly Marbo and Cato Sicarius would have to win the Imperium back singlehandedly, duuh

Okay but some of these minis you've made are actually pretty damn cool. Especially the Ra the Golden son. That mini is just dripping with badass

Not that I am up on 40K lore or anything... BUT Wasn't it stated that Horus winning would have actually lead to the defeat of Chaos eventually? Him loosing actually is what is the cause for the slow decay of the universe?

Got to the video straight away for once love your work you got me into Warhammer keep it up

Solid video and topic. I really enjoy the more obscure lore topics. My only wish is that I had more friends to talk 40k with

I just love these "what if" videos, keep up the good work!

A video about how you would continue and end the rest of the ynnari books would be nice

Ah yes, the famous participants of the showdown on the Vengeful Spirit: Horus, Sanguinius, the Emperor, and a Watamelon.

4:26 A wild Watamelon appears!

In the Gaunt’s Ghosts series Chaos seems far more competent managing resources from multiple worlds through the Archons leadership. Perhaps that scenario would unfold?

Much love from Florida (America's Australia). Every day when I go on my lunch break the first thing I do is turn on the new MajorKill video and give it a good listen. You make every day better man. Cheers

awesome vid majorkill

Chaos will then burn itself out as it slaughters one another. The Imperius Secundus retreats to lick its wounds and rebuilds.

The T'au would probably become another dominat faction. Although they primarily be facing the Alderai and the Orks. Although it is likely that the Aldarai and the T'au form an alliance of sorts. It possible that the T'au will ally with the fractured Imperial home worlds and would likely discover some sort of FTL method outside the Warp in the warhammer 40k universe. Though logically the T'au Empire would still be very small in comparison to the Orks ans Aldeari.

Day forty of asking majorkill to compare Abaddon and Archaeon

Majorkill, don't think I didn't notice that Watamelon snuck in. I see you.

Missed ur videos breh. I joined the army so I just got outta basic training. Nice to see you doing well

While ago, I was wondering, why I started to watch your videos, even tho I know your channel for quite some time. Then I tried some older vid and... yeah... I know now. You grew a lot (and I do not mean only in muscles) good sir. Good job.

I was literally thinking about this what if a few minutes ago, thank you major

I am absolutely dying over here, you didn't once mention the Tau, not even as a passing footnote lmao

You should make a sharrowkyn video, man is an absolute unit

Yeah I get the feeling Tzeentch skewed events so the 40k we know would happen just so he'd get to continue the great game

It would be like End Times Warhammer Fantasy In Space

Subject idea : Comparaison between Abadon and Archaon.

Love your vids

11:20 Who ever painted this, my hat is off for you sir or lady, you got some incredible skills!

He really thought this through. After reading that Vulkan book, I only heard a few people consider the Emperor's deadman switch in their what if stories. MK is the most prominent one to emphasize it's importance.

i absolutley love how in just about every varient future of 40k there is one constant the necrons do not give a single fuck about what everyone else is doing

Question, can you do “What if the Emperor survives the Heresy”? Let’s say the Emperor didn’t hold back and immediately smites Horus. Would he possibly be able to return to the Gold Throne in time to save Malcador or would it be too late regardless? More long term, how would the next 10,000 play out differently? The the Emperor still around the Jaghatai and Russ probably wouldn’t disappear as their father tells them to stay. It is still likely however the Primarchs would slowly be picked off and eventually no more as in the real timeline. There would be no ecchliasarchy as well. Still, I would like to hear your take on the subject.

I got hoodie 283 and it's awesome keep on being a baller m8

Still waiting for majorkills iteration of mechs

This was a good video.

5:18 At this point Guilliman thinks "Just as planned" Time for Empirius Thirdius!!

Mr Majorkill. Maybe you could make a video about the technologies from the Dark Age of Technology that are still used in the Imperium. Something like "This technology used to be standard but today it is seen as a sacred relic of the Mechanicus"

i love this channel

I love how the lasgun in the background is turning progressively limp over time.

Artefacts/treasures of Vulkan update and speculation on what they could be would be pretty cool ngl.

great video ! keen on making a custodies Vs. Grey knights vid ?

To make a long answer short, humanity would fall to ruin and chaos would louse it's primary food source and fall too. Chaos can never let itself truly win nor can it let itself be defeated. Chaos must fly like Icarus in order to survive. My theory is that the chaos gods know of their predicament, and intentionally back ineffective leaders like Abaddon who can't win but will maintain the status quo.

Chaos trying to work out how to use computer sounds hilarious

Tyranids be like: "It`s free real-estate."

Nice video

It's becoming a recurring trend in most of these What Ifs that the Imperium falling leads to a lot of interesting storytelling potential than what we currently have with things being stuck in place.

For another hypothetical could you explore if the Toa allied with humanity?

My favorite 40k guy by far

Majorkill - 1st you're my favourite lore artist...I'm straight, honest.. 2nd...could the imperium mass produce thunder warriors to chuck at chaos whilst the golden bois and astartes grab a breath?

Just did a quick search, have you done an opinion ep on Necron V Tyranids? Who do you think is gonna win?? Do a team up with Leutin and Weshammer for a grand debate on how this may begin to play out

As a chaos enjoyer this is a symphony to my ears however sad that either Horus dies or carves up the galaxy in chaos kingdoms (still based)

I like how the chaos god take up vast regions of a possibly infinite void yet they can’t even take over one galaxy.

Greetings majorkill

3 Chaos Gods: We've DEFEATED THE EMPEROR OF MANKIND!!! Tzeentch: Ahhhhh....mistakes were made

Wonder what the setting would look like if one of the Chaos Gods were to be defined more by their positive aspects than their negatives. What does that do to Warhammer 's past? Or it's present, depending on when the change happens.

Love the lore, never played the game, but considering buying a major-mini anyway

*Horus wins* Vulkan : LOL talisman : LOL imperium secondus : LOL

Dear Majorkunt could you please do a video on the properties and history of the astronomicon?? If you haven't already

Can you do a video on what the 2nd and 11th legion could have done and what they could have looked like

I love the watamelon behind the emperor at 4:20 : )

Did I miss something or did Magnus just get glazed over and not mentioned? You know the 2nd or 3rd most powerful Imperial Pysker? The guy who has a motivation to come back into the Imperial fold. A psyker that could pretty much be used as a wishing well and pull any manner of mcguffin out of his ass to save the day.

I'd like to learn more about vulcans mega nuke.

Can you do a video on how other primarchs would run the Imperium or what if the Kahn and Fulgrim didn’t swap planets