Little Questions Lore/Fluff/Canon Thread - Warhammer 40K Fan Group

Howdy fellow 40k fans,

we all are here to share our common interest in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe; may it be the miniatures and the tabletop, the art, or novels and any other kind of background information. Yet even the most enthusiastic cannot know every little detail as there is simply too much to be familiar with all of it.

Therefor I created this thread to answer questions that come up about the 40k background every now and then.

Personally I'd say that ppl can ask everything as long as it's about 40K. As I said, no one can know it all. So feel free to ask any question.
Still I think there are some rules necessary; If an answer spoilers events of certain storylines/novels, please use the "spoiler/hide text" feature and try to give a source to your answer.

You may axe a question

Regarding the Imperial Guard, in a fleet sent to quell a large non-chaos rebellion on a resource-rich non-hive world, how many regiments per class (infantry, armored, super-heavy, etc...) would be deployed? What would be the average number of troops and vehicles per class?

Any input from you would be appreciated.

That's not an easy one as - as far as i know - there is no such thing as a "standard-deployment" or "mininum-required-troop-list". I'd say that to a great deal what is deployed depends on the planet itself.
It's inferstructure and geography, the population; in total numbers and population concentration. Number/percentage of insurgants and their motives; religios or either political? What equipment do the insurgents use and how well are they trained? Does majority support the rebellion or did a "non-imperial" party take over control? Could this rebellion spread onto other planets of the system or even the sector?
Also how important is that planet; what's it strategic valvue to a certain system/sector or a military opperation close to it? And who would have an interest in "pacifing" it? Is the planet of any valvue to any to the Imperium's factions, the mechanicum, eclesiarchy, administratum or even astartes?

That and also the size of regiments as well as their equipment and level of training often differs a great deal, meaning that there are big differences in combat effectiveness. Not even to speak of specialized regiments.

Edited by: Mirsh

Brotapfelinhalierer wrote: That and also the size of regiments as well as their equipment and level of training often differs a great deal, meaning that there are big differences in combat effectiveness. Not even to speak of specialized regiments.

Question was moved to PM.

Another interesting question would be exactly how effective is plasma against both vehicles (we'll use the Chimera, Rhino and Leman Russ hulls) and power armor? Would it be a guaranteed penetration on power armor? Not talking about TT values, but from a lore/"realistic" perspective.

I'd say on power armor it's a sure kill if you get a solid hit. Termies may survive, but it's very unlikely. For tanks it depends where you hit them. I'd guess it's never a guaranteed penetration, but if you hit the back you'll have a solid chance on all normal tanks. I'd say for front and side definately a no for the Russ, possible but unlikely for the Chimera and about 50/50 on the Rhino.

But that are just my guesses. Also bear in mind that the lore is of course based on the TT, so it's a good general indicator, however authors may change anything as they see fit (plot armor ftw). If a novel is about Space Marines, they are propably going to be even more OP than they normally are, but if a novel is about Guard at least the important chars are also going to be way more capable than your average Guardsman should be.

Yeah, that's the problem with Black Library, no consistency whatsoever.

It might sound stupid... But, does anybody know if there are fat eldar? I mean... there are fat humans, even fat astartes and orks. So are there any Spaceelves too?

That's... a fully legit question. I have no idea though. It'd make complete sense some really fat eldar to have existed during the time previous to their major "whoops". The one related to slaanesh becoming a thing and (literally) screwing everything over for the eldar.

In short, it'd make sense lore-wise, but I have no idea.

No idea.
But I'd dig a Jabba the Hutt - style fat Dark Eldar lord. Could be aligned with Nurgle as well.

Based on Xenology, I find it highly unlikely that Elfdar can get fat due to their extremely efficient biology and increased metabolic rate which generates little to no waste (fun fact: they excrete crystals) and features no redundant organs. Not to mention that they can alter their own DNA subconsciously, hence the multiple Paths.

HeavyMetalBreadLoaf wrote: ... during the time previous to their major "whoops"...

That's what i thouight too.

Luthorian wrote: Based on Xenology, I find it highly unlikely that Elfdar can get fat due to their extremely efficient biology and increased metabolic rate which generates little to no waste (fun fact: they excrete crystals) and features no redundant organs. Not to mention that they can alter their own DNA subconsciously, hence the multiple Paths.

Thanks, that's what I imagine an A+ answer. I hereby considre YOU being an "examplary answerer"

Got a new question for the group.

As most of us know, if not all, the Chaos gods feed on emotions, both positive and negative. For example, Khorne feeds on violence and war, both for fun and for a just cause and Nurgle feeds on death, decay and even life. My question is what positive emotions would Slaanesh feed on? Love is a likely one.

Pretty much everything that makes you feel good I'd say. Basicly the joy you feel while while doing the things you like, arts, sports, or whatever else you enjoy.
In 40k terms the the orgy discribed in Fulgrim (I guess you read it) would fit. Beside the slaughter that came along with that particular event people enjoyed it the befor... you know everything went perv and excessive.

Was asking about those that didn't involve sex. That first paragraph is a good one.

To be more specific, what positive emotions would a normal human without knowledge of Chaos just living his life normally would Slaanesh prey upon.

Edited by: Luthorian

Enjoyment perhaps? Tasting your first ice-cream, winning your first competition, being praised by the Chapter Master thus feeling proud with satisfaction all that stuff I guess.

As some of you already know that my preferred vanilla Astartes faction is the Raven Guard & the Raptors(the latter don't have much fluff). Since Black Library doesn't seem to have a comprehensive list. What books sdo they appear in besides those listed? Including the Horus Heresy series and 40k.

Edited by: JrComissarValvatorez

The Horus Heresy Raven Guard appearances

Deliverance Lost
The Face of Treachery (Short story inside Age of Darkness)
The Damnation of Pythos
Angel Exterminatus (1 Raven Guard appears but he is a bad-ass)
Kryptos (Short story from BL)
Raven's Flight(available as an Audio book or a short story inside Shadows of Treachery)
Ravenlord (Novella)

40k Raven Guard appearances

Hunt for Voldorius
Dead Sky,Black Sun (1 Raven Guard makes an appearance)
The Chapter's Due ( The same Raven Guard above is also in this novel)
Deathwatch (Read it for the Space Marine inter-chapter drama stay for the Imperial Fist/Raven Guard bromance)
Exhumed (featuring the same Deathwatch Kill-team as above in Victories of the Space Marines)
Headhunted (featuring the same Deathwatch Kill-team as above in Heroes of the Space Marines)
Helion Rain (audio drama)

There may be more but this all I can recall