Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
Times and dates in your local timezone.
Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.
2012/04/25 07:34:58
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
I finished "The Emperor's Gift" last night, forthcoming GK book by Mr. Dembski-Bowden.
.. Superb, best work he's done yet IMO.
Spoiler:
The bit where they teleport down to fight Angron and his horde on Armegeddon
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2012/04/25 08:33:49
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Kanluwen, shall we take bets now on whether it ends with a GK carving his name onto Angron's heart?
Alpharius wrote:I can't take credit for creating that phrase - I think I first read it on Abnett's blog?
It is a shorthand way of describing the many problems inherent in writing from a CSM point of view.
Though A D-B does a hell of a job with it!
I agree, ADB has written by far the best CSM I can remember.
I think the problem is it is very easy to fall into the trap of 'evil for evil's sake', as Gav Thorpe most famously put it "let no good deed go unpunished" (where is the vomit emoticon when you need one?! )
The problem is such a concept is inherently contradictory, and so any characters written within this mindset are impossible to relate to - a connection to character being one of the most important components of any good novel. I think that is where ADB succeeds - you find yourself actually liking some of the characters in the Night Lord books, or at the very least sympathising with their situation. On a few occasions in the story when one of them dies I found myself saddened by it - contrast this with the 'Sons of Dorn' book by Chris Roberson where I believe I continued to chomp away happily through a packet of crisps while reading about the demise of character x (can't remember the name), or the Word Bearers in the Anthony Reynolds books who I believe quite literally did staple babies to their foreheads! Through the final sequences of Soul Hunter my coffee grew cold on the table, ADB is that good a writer.
It is in hardback, hence the higher price. Slightly different format to the previous hardbacks as the cover is printed on the book rather than being a slip cover ( is that the term ?).
THE STORY
From the battlefields of Phall and Isstvan, to the haunted shadows of Terra itself – the greatest war in the history of mankind rages on. While the traitor Legions continue their campaign of terror across the galaxy, preparations are made for the defence of the Imperial Palace and the final, inevitable reckoning that must yet come between Horus and the Emperor...
ABOUT THE BOOK
This anthology spans the entire Horus Heresy, with short stories from Dan Abnett, Graham McNeill and Gav Thorpe, as well as two brand new novella-length tales. Learn the fate of Rogal Dorn’s fleet originally sent to Isstvan III in ‘The Crimson Fist’ by John French, and descend deeper into the darkness of the Night Lords Legion in ‘Prince of Crows’ by Aaron Dembski-Bowden.
THE STORY
Since the earliest days of the Great Crusade, Sanguinius – angelic primarch of the IXth Legion – was ever among the closest and most loyal of Horus’s brothers. But the Blood Angels have long kept their true nature hidden from the rest of the Imperium, and when the Warmaster hints that the key to their salvation may lie in the ruins of a conquered world, the sons of Sanguinius race to claim it. Now, as the revelation of their betrayal dawns and the traitors’ hand is revealed, the Blood Angels must face all the warp-spawned armies of Chaos, as well their own personal daemons, upon the blasted plains of Signus Prime...
September 2012 • ISBN 9781849701952
James Swallow
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2012/04/25 11:45:21
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Either way, thems 2's HH novels sound pretty damn good. Sounds like they're re-working the Blood Angels background somewhat; with a/their flaw being present before Sanguinius' death, or Signus Prime. Could be very cool. Not usually a fan of 'Swallows work however.
Do look forward to The Crimson Fist short story.
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of." - Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now." - Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
2012/04/25 11:52:31
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
I'm gonna skip The Primarchs. It will be the first in the series. I got burnt out through one too many dire Black Library books, and I'm now sticking to a strict blacklist of authors I'm not touching anymore.
On a more positive note, I've had a great run of books lately:
Void Stalker - Perfectly walks the line between sympathy and disgust. The ending was not quite as satisfying as I'd hoped, but ADBs work is always a joy to read. My favourite moment:
Spoiler:
When Variel gives Talos a brotherly slap in sickbay and everyone there, half dead patients included points a gun at him.
8/10
Dead Winter I wasn't sure what to expect, in fact I had assumed it was a standalone book and not the first in a trilogy, but I flew through it and enjoyed every page. The Empire intrigue plot was stronger than the parallel goings on at Skavenblight, but I didn't want it to end and I eagerly await the sequel. 9/10
Blood of Aenarion I'm about 90% through so I could still be let down by the ending, but this has been my favourite of the three so far. I particularly enjoyed the prologue to the book. I'm a big fan of Morathi but often dislike the way she is written (shall we say with faint tones of babies stapled to foreheads), but the subtlety with which she was written here and her relationship with Aenarion were spot on. Tyrion and especially Teclis have tons of character and Ulthuan is made interesting instead of one dimensional. If I had to give a failing I'd say N'kari is a bit too human for my liking. 10/10
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/04/25 12:19:50
2012/04/25 12:21:26
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Just Dave wrote:Dust Jacket's often the term I think.
Either way, thems 2's HH novels sound pretty damn good. Sounds like they're re-working the Blood Angels background somewhat; with a/their flaw being present before Sanguinius' death, or Signus Prime.
I think this is HORRIBLE idea.
Making the Blood Angel's flaw be something that happened BEFORE Sanguinius' death is just goofy.
It might actually be worse than the Council of Nikaea screw up and the Golden Throne as Cork on the Imperial Webway retcons.
2012/04/25 12:27:22
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
I'm on a little shaky ground here, but IIRC the "flaw" breaks down into two parts, the red thirst and the black rage, the black rage is when the marine is plagued by visions of Sanguinius' death before battle.
The thirst though, could have been present before his death, and IIRC has been hinted at before, so could fit in without retconning everything to gak.
We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark
The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.
The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox
Just Dave wrote:Dust Jacket's often the term I think.
Either way, thems 2's HH novels sound pretty damn good. Sounds like they're re-working the Blood Angels background somewhat; with a/their flaw being present before Sanguinius' death, or Signus Prime.
I think this is HORRIBLE idea.
Making the Blood Angel's flaw be something that happened BEFORE Sanguinius' death is just goofy.
It might actually be worse than the Council of Nikaea screw up and the Golden Throne as Cork on the Imperial Webway retcons.
Depends on how they do it IMHO.
I like the Golden Throne shizzle (didn't realise it was a 'retcon' though), not a fan on the Nikaea change though. As I said though, depends how it's done.
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of." - Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now." - Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
2012/04/25 12:43:40
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Has it got something to do with Sanguinius getting his legs broken by the Khorne Greater Daemon Ka'Bandha?
I actually thought it was much worse than just his legs, I was thinking back for some reason. If the greater Daemon broke his wings I could see that being something that would cause the chapter anguish. Sanguinius being left to fall from the air, wings tattered and broken. Better dramatic image than him in leg braces imho.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/04/25 12:44:25
Medium of Death wrote:Has it got something to do with Sanguinius getting his legs broken by the Khorne Greater Daemon Ka'Bandha?
I actually thought it was much worse than just his legs, I was thinking back for some reason. If the greater Daemon broke his wings I could see that being something that would cause the chapter anguish. Sanguinius being left to fall from the air, wings tattered and broken. Better dramatic image than him in leg braces imho.
That (or the ol' death-thing) may have been the original cause of the Black Rage/Red Thirst, yeah, but the above blurb seems to suggest the Blood Angels had a pre-existing flaw; which is new background AFAIK.
On the note of Sanguinius getting beaten up by a Bloodthirster and then barely defeating a Bloodthirster, as much as I hate to bring 'him' into the thread, that is a serious flaw with Draigo's fluff; him defeating a high-level Bloodthirster.
"It is the great irony of the Legiones Astartes: engineered to kill to achieve a victory of peace that they can then be no part of." - Roboute Guilliman
"As I recall, your face was tortured. Imagine that - the Master of the Wolves, his ferocity twisted into grief. And yet you still carried out your duty. You always did what was asked of you. So loyal. So tenacious. Truly you were the attack dog of the Emperor. You took no pleasure in what you did. I knew that then, and I know it now. But all things change, my brother. I'm not the same as I was, and you're... well, let us not mention where you are now." - Magnus the Red, to a statue of Leman Russ
2012/04/25 13:05:57
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
As Sanguinius and his forces neared the palace of Kyriss the Perverse, a massive daemon the colour of dried blood rose to meet him. Its name was Ka'Bandha, Greater Daemon of Khorne. Ka'Bandha attemped to coerce Sanguinius to the cause of Khorne, but the Lord of the Blood Angels could not be swayed, and attacked the Bloodthirster. He dealt the daemon a vicious wound, but was in turn cast to the ground, his legs crushed by the coils of the beast's whip. As he watched, helpless, Ka'Bandha slaughtered his way through the Blood Angels, killing over 500 of them. The massive psychic trauma knocked Sanguinius into unconsciousness, and unlocked something dark within the members of his Legion
With the fall of their Lord and the butchering of their brethren, the Blood Angels were consumed by a dark rage that drove them into the daemonic horde with a berserker's fury. Signus Prime was utterly purged, with even the mighty Kyriss being banished back to the Immaterium. It was only after every daemon and cultist had been slain that the Blood Angels regained their senses. Their immutable wrath had left a shadow across the minds of the survivors, and Signus Prime became forever a place of darkness in their memories.
And, of course, Sanguinius get's his revenge later too.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2012/04/25 13:11:00
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
The breaking of Sanguinius was the first step down the path of the Black Rage then. I approve of this.
Why would a Bloodthirster be defending a Keeper of Secret's palace though? Edit: Unless he was only their to try and turn the Blood Angels... dun dun duuuuuun.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/04/25 13:36:07
Just Dave wrote:Dust Jacket's often the term I think.
Either way, thems 2's HH novels sound pretty damn good. Sounds like they're re-working the Blood Angels background somewhat; with a/their flaw being present before Sanguinius' death, or Signus Prime.
I think this is HORRIBLE idea.
Making the Blood Angel's flaw be something that happened BEFORE Sanguinius' death is just goofy.
It might actually be worse than the Council of Nikaea screw up and the Golden Throne as Cork on the Imperial Webway retcons.
I agree.. I don't think it fits well, almost like they are trying to shoe-horn it in, although perhaps that will always be the problem of any 'new' background material.
I like the Golden Throne shizzle (didn't realise it was a 'retcon' though), not a fan on the Nikaea change though. As I said though, depends how it's done.
I'm not sure if that was actually a retcon? I think it was more the case of us not really knowing anything about what the Emp's 'secret project' was before the HH: CCG books.
As long as there are no more howlers such as the one in The Outcast Dead (although I admit that would be a difficult one to beat).
Kanluwen wrote:I doubt such a thing would happen in ADB's books
I really hope so, but my hat remains on the plate in front of me, ready to be eaten
I can see there being some sort of 'blood ritual' being present in the blood angels pre-HH. Maybe not a full-on blood thirst, but some sort of ritual at least. Maybe that is why they were send to face a Khorne demon. They always had that potential urge to shed blood. Was Horus really trying to wipe out the Blood Angels, or was this also a last ditch effort to turn the Primarch and his Legion?
Whatever happened there could have made the red thirst worse. I have no problem separating the Red Thirst from the Black Rage.
And considering that there are 10,000 years between the HH and the 'current' 40K I don't know if too much retcon is really needed. Current lore could stay the same if we consider that the amount of time between the events could easily change the way these stories are told.
2012/04/26 00:27:48
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
They were given (in 'Legion') a choice between A and B. A being 'Side with the Emperor, see humanity become a plague on the universe" and B "See humanity turn on itself and burn out".
They chose C. They're portrayed as paranoid, untrusting, and sneaky at the best of times, I can't see them accepting an alien cabal's message even with the glowy-psychic-light-show. bit. They care about some goal that is neither of the above, although they're pretending to support B because it allows them to be in position to do what they think is the right thing.
Part of me would like to see them come out as the architects of a potentially better future post-Emperor. Part of me assumes that things aren't going to go well, as no one in the setting is really allowed to be happy, not for long.
Working on someting you'll either love or hate. Hopefully to be revealed by November.
Play the games that make you happy.
2012/04/26 00:30:37
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Balance wrote:For Alpha Legion, my personal theory is that...
Spoiler:
They were given (in 'Legion') a choice between A and B. A being 'Side with the Emperor, see humanity become a plague on the universe" and B "See humanity turn on itself and burn out".
They chose C. They're portrayed as paranoid, untrusting, and sneaky at the best of times, I can't see them accepting an alien cabal's message even with the glowy-psychic-light-show. bit. They care about some goal that is neither of the above, although they're pretending to support B because it allows them to be in position to do what they think is the right thing.
Part of me would like to see them come out as the architects of a potentially better future post-Emperor. Part of me assumes that things aren't going to go well, as no one in the setting is really allowed to be happy, not for long.
We're on the same page, Balance!
I can't see the Legion accepting ANYTHING at face value from a bunch of shifty Xenos Psykers.
We'll see, I suppose...
2012/04/26 01:05:09
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Alpharius wrote:It might actually be worse than the Council of Nikaea screw up and the Golden Throne as Cork on the Imperial Webway retcons.
Pacific wrote:As long as there are no more howlers such as the one in The Outcast Dead (although I admit that would be a difficult one to beat).
Can you explain these for us uninitiated?
I'm not completely up with what happened with the council of Nikaea.
But, in The Outcast Dead.. (not sure if it really needs spoilers but here we go)..
Spoiler:
The start of the book is a bunch of country bumpkins on Earth talking to each other (if you are familiar with Monty Python imagine Terry Jones dressed as an old lady, speaking with a high-pitched voice), "Oi, you 'eard that Horus has turned against the Emperor? Taken a load o' the Legions with 'im he has! Cor blimey that's a right mess!" OK, I embellished it slightly, but the point is that the average citizenry in the Imperium is aware of what Horus has done. Then, after this, Magnus brews his incredibly powerful spell to break the Emperor's psychic shields, and tell him that he has had visions of Horus turning traitor!
It's a shame because it's really a great book, and very good story, but it was a continuity error that would have put Sunset Beach to shame.
Balance wrote:For Alpha Legion, my personal theory is that...
Spoiler:
They were given (in 'Legion') a choice between A and B. A being 'Side with the Emperor, see humanity become a plague on the universe" and B "See humanity turn on itself and burn out".
They chose C. They're portrayed as paranoid, untrusting, and sneaky at the best of times, I can't see them accepting an alien cabal's message even with the glowy-psychic-light-show. bit. They care about some goal that is neither of the above, although they're pretending to support B because it allows them to be in position to do what they think is the right thing.
Part of me would like to see them come out as the architects of a potentially better future post-Emperor. Part of me assumes that things aren't going to go well, as no one in the setting is really allowed to be happy, not for long.
We're on the same page, Balance!
I can't see the Legion accepting ANYTHING at face value from a bunch of shifty Xenos Psykers.
We'll see, I suppose...
If all else fails, can you find some 28mm scale babies to glue to the forheads of your Alpha Legion?
2012/04/26 01:12:11
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
... the entire reason Big E sent the Wolves to rough up the 1KSons is due to something that, according to Outcast Dead, everyone should've known anyway, thereby negating the pressing need for Gingerclops to go all 'magic' with his intergalactic E-mail? That's... not good. How'd they miss that?
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/04/26 01:12:53
If the whole galaxy knew about it... Then Russ would have known that Horus was a traitor and so the dozen or so warnings he had about it in Prospero Burns (which he ignored), would have been unnecessary.
And, that would mean that in False Gods, he believed a guy who the whole galaxy knew was a traitor when Horus skyped him and said 'oh by the way, just kill Magnus, don't bother with the whole capturing thing.'
And the daftest thing about it? Most of these inconsistencies show up in books written by the same author!
2012/04/26 09:00:43
Subject: Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Medium of Death wrote:Has it got something to do with Sanguinius getting his legs broken by the Khorne Greater Daemon Ka'Bandha?
It's not so much his legs, it's when Ka'Bandha kills a bazzillion Blood Angels in one go and I guess, it's some kinda psychic backlash according to Visions. I thought this was the start of the Red Thirst as the Black Rage seems to be Sanguinius and his last battle with Horus.
Medium of Death wrote:
Why would a Bloodthirster be defending a Keeper of Secret's palace though? Edit: Unless he was only their to try and turn the Blood Angels... dun dun duuuuuun.
Pretty much, Signus Prime was ruled by Kyriss and Ka'Bandha showed up when the Angels did.
d-usa wrote:I can see there being some sort of 'blood ritual' being present in the blood angels pre-HH. Maybe not a full-on blood thirst, but some sort of ritual at least. Maybe that is why they were send to face a Khorne demon. They always had that potential urge to shed blood. Was Horus really trying to wipe out the Blood Angels, or was this also a last ditch effort to turn the Primarch and his Legion?
Whatever happened there could have made the red thirst worse. I have no problem separating the Red Thirst from the Black Rage.
Not sure about the ritual part, but the rest I agree with.
H.B.M.C. wrote:That's... not good. How'd they miss that?
Agreed, i'll just add these to emphasis the point
Spoiler:
‘The Warmaster we admire and follow will cease to be,’ said Eada. - Prospero Burns Page 326
Spoiler:
'Magnus claimed that great Horus was about to turn against the Imperium,’ said Russ. ‘From the look on your face, Ahmad Ibn Rustah, I see you recognise how ridiculous that sounds.’ - Prospero Burns Page 334
Spoiler:
"He saw the honeyed words of Horus and the sinister urgings of Constantin Valdor, each spoken with very different purposes, but designed to sway Leman Russ towards a destination of total destruction." - A Thousand Sons, Page 535.
Spoiler:
"But what of Magnus?" asked Maloghurst urgently. "What happens when Leman Russ returns him to Terra?"
Horus smiled. "Calm yourself, Mal. I have already contacted my brother Russ and illuminated him with the full breadth of Magnus' treacherous use of daemonic spells and conjurations. He was... suitably angry, and I believe that I have convinced him that to return Magnus to Terra would be a waste of effort." - False Gods Page 405.
Spoiler:
‘Magnus lives,’ snarled Horus. ‘Then he may yet be a danger.’ ‘No,’ assured Erebus. ‘The spires of Prospero have fallen and the warp echoes with the powerful sorcery Magnus used to save his warriors and escape.’ - Galaxy in Flames Page 135.
Spoiler:
‘I see,’ said Horus, ‘and the Council’s concern is simply with Angron’s bloodlust?’ ‘Not entirely,’ he replied. ‘As I said, the Wolf of Fenris has been despatched to Prospero in order to bring Magnus back to Terra, though for what purpose I do not know.’ - Fulgrim Page 278
Spoiler:
Soon, only the Sons of Horus remained in orbit over Isstvan V. ... ‘What do you bring me, Mal?’ asked Horus. ‘A communication, my lord,’ replied his equerry. ‘From whom?’ Maloghurst smiled. ‘It’s from Magnus the Red.’ - Fulgrim Page 411
No pity, no remorse, no shoes
2012/04/26 09:04:30
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
The Bl authors when asked about this reckon they can account for it....? *shrugs*
I wonder if we've been taking things a bit too literally, and in fact when Horus says he's spoken to Russ and Magnus will be killed/dealt with he in fact refers to the placement of a certain "spy" by chaotic forces which will lead the wolves to suspect the 1k sons and tip their hand into an all out attack ...?
Mentioned a wee while back, seems the cover is now out. Thanks to Mr. Soul Hunter from 'seer.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2012/04/26 09:07:33
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
The Bl authors when asked about this reckon they can account for it....? *shrugs*
I wonder if we've been taking things a bit too literally, and in fact when Horus says he's spoken to Russ and Magnus will be killed/dealt with he in fact refers to the placement of a certain "spy" by chaotic forces which will lead the wolves to suspect the 1k sons and tip their hand into an all out attack ...?
I don't think that's the case, it actually says that Russ has spoken to Horus and it still doesn't change the timeline issue where Istvann happens before the Emperor receives the message from Magnus. Which is what the quotes should be confirming.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2012/04/26 09:10:14
No pity, no remorse, no shoes
2012/04/26 09:14:35
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Not sure if you will/can answer this James [Swallow} but worth a try...
How can you and the other HH authors/editors account for seemingly contradictory chronology of events across the HH novels (in particular the thorny one right now regarding Magnus contacting big E, the Wolves being sent to Prospero and knowledge of Horus and Isstvaan III arriving on Terra - as ignited by Graham McNeil's latest The Outcast Dead).
And his response
Very well, thanks!
Never forget, things are not always what they seem.
The poor man really has a stake in the country. The rich man hasn't; he can go away to New Guinea in a yacht. The poor have sometimes objected to being governed badly; the rich have always objected to being governed at all
We love our superheroes because they refuse to give up on us. We can analyze them out of existence, kill them, ban them, mock them, and still they return, patiently reminding us of who we are and what we wish we could be.
"the play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king,
2012/04/26 09:18:38
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Never forget, things are not always what they seem.
It's going to be 'the warp did it'.
It has been suggested elsewhere that the Emperor already knew about Magnus message before receiving it, that, I guess, would explain why Atharva is imprisoned along with the rest of the Outcast Dead. To me it's all a bit though. If he knew about that why didn't he know about Istvann sooner?
Argh my aching noggin'
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2012/04/26 09:26:31
No pity, no remorse, no shoes
2012/04/26 09:59:00
Subject: Re:Black Library News & Rumours Thread III, that awkward third title.
Never forget, things are not always what they seem.
It's going to be 'the warp did it'.
Yes, I think that has to be the only way it can be handled - like you have pointed out, logically it makes absolutely no sense at all.
I think to be honest there probably won't be any mention of it again. "Things are not always what they seem" is just another way of saying "no comment", and it's amazing how many people didn't even pick up on the howler in the Outcast Dead.
But then again, 'the warp did it' was the premise for Horus turning against the Emperor (and essentially the creation of the entire 40k universe), or in other words "I was stabbed by a magic sword, now I'm all evil, like". So, perhaps it was unreasonable to expect an underlying current with, you know, real characters and events which can be related to.
though. If he knew about that why didn't he know about Istvann sooner?