caladancid Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 Another aspect that was interesting to see from a different perspective was just how well the Great Crusade worked at pacifying the galaxy. 2k years later and it is so quiet the need for SMs is being debated? Never thought I would read that. edit-- One confusing thing to me is that Rogal Dorn is dead, presumably on a Chaos battleship during a Black Crusade, and this has already happened bc two of the Imperial Fists refer to the mourning when he died. If that has happened already, why would there be any thought about not needing SMs? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4238465 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamsterExAstris Posted November 29, 2015 Share Posted November 29, 2015 It's harder to judge when you're actually reading it. Sure you can open it up in a different program and spend five minutes messing around with it, but you don't get the same immediate feedback you get from a physical book. Well, when you put it that way I can't disagree. Judging print length isn't easy, given the tricks they can do with line spacing, paper thickness, and font size - but it is often easier than an ebook on your reader. (No, before anybody else jumps in, Kindle locations aren't useful. They're based on the size including markup, so in theory you could create a book where one character takes up as many locations as an entire chapter, if you were so inclined.) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4238518 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apothecary Vaddon Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 hold up it really has 1/2 the word count as KNF? What the hell? And to think for a second I was relieved that something other than half length novels were coming out of BL...welp. A return to :cuss business practices. Not like they ever deviated from them...so I guess it's more of retaining status quo. GG no re GW wins again. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4238922 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karthak Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 On a related note, this ties into the Lucifer myth, and Abaddon's own anger. Lucifer saw God granting souls and special gifts to a bunch of monkeys, and couldn't believe God would ignore his first, more perfect creations, the angels, in such a way. Abaddon sees an Imperium of undeniably strong but soul-crippled Marines in the wake of the Emperor casting his first creations aside. The Legions were made to build the Imperium, and when they did... look what happened. The Emperor abandoned them, half of the primarchs went mad one way or another, and now the Space Marine Ideal - the conquerors of the galaxy - have been reduced (in his eyes) to cripples and stunted slaves. And, like everyone in 40K, he's right and wrong at the same time. If I could ask ol' Ezekyle just one thing (without getting my face peeled off by the Talon, mind you), it would be: "Tell me, in what universe does taking a break from the Great Crusade in order to construct a new and revolutionary form of spacetravel for humanity, while appointing the leader of his greatest Legion his proxy, constitute Casting His First Creations Aside?!" Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239089 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Rohr Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Abaddon wasn't privy to that knowledge and followed Horus accordingly. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239250 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kodanshi Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Yeah. I thought it was clear that the Emperor's webway project was utter secret, to the point that not even Malcador knew at first. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239425 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karthak Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Abaddon wasn't privy to that knowledge and followed Horus accordingly. Yes, but shouldn't he be aware of it by the 41st millenium? From ADBs comment I got the impression that Ezekyle still holds onto the "the Emperor abandoned us" rigmarole in the present day. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239433 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conn Eremon Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 No, he would still be unaware of it. Nobody is aware of it except us. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239474 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 On a related note, this ties into the Lucifer myth, and Abaddon's own anger. Lucifer saw God granting souls and special gifts to a bunch of monkeys, and couldn't believe God would ignore his first, more perfect creations, the angels, in such a way. Abaddon sees an Imperium of undeniably strong but soul-crippled Marines in the wake of the Emperor casting his first creations aside. The Legions were made to build the Imperium, and when they did... look what happened. The Emperor abandoned them, half of the primarchs went mad one way or another, and now the Space Marine Ideal - the conquerors of the galaxy - have been reduced (in his eyes) to cripples and stunted slaves. And, like everyone in 40K, he's right and wrong at the same time. If I could ask ol' Ezekyle just one thing (without getting my face peeled off by the Talon, mind you), it would be:"Tell me, in what universe does taking a break from the Great Crusade in order to construct a new and revolutionary form of spacetravel for humanity, while appointing the leader of his greatest Legion his proxy, constitute Casting His First Creations Aside?!" The part where the Ruling Council and various other Imperial bureaucracies immediately began to wrap collars and leashes around the neck of the Emperor's "proxy", his brothers, and their sons. The Emperor intended for his realm to be ruled by and for humans, not the transhumans of the Legiones Astartes, and to someone like Abaddon or Horus the very idea is unforgivable. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239476 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loesh Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Ironically, considering how good at running worlds the Ultramarines are and how intellectual/cultured the Blood Angels, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, and Emperors Children are, Abaddon/Horus have a point. A universe run by Astartes wouldn't be a terrible place to live. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239706 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Ironically, considering how good at running worlds the Ultramarines are and how intellectual/cultured the Blood Angels, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, and Emperors Children are, Abaddon/Horus have a point. A universe run by Astartes wouldn't be a terrible place to live. Given that the Blood Angels homeworld is still a horrible radioactive hell hole of warring tribes, monsters, and flesh eating mutants ten thousand years after Sanguinus taking over, I'm not entirely sure they deserve a spot on that list over, say, the Raven Guard. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239721 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kodanshi Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Ironically, considering how good at running worlds the Ultramarines are and how intellectual/cultured the Blood Angels, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, and Emperors Children are, Abaddon/Horus have a point. A universe run by Astartes wouldn't be a terrible place to live. It's a point that Robot Girlyman makes several times in Know No Fear, and I agree whole-heartedly. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239722 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loesh Posted November 30, 2015 Share Posted November 30, 2015 Ironically, considering how good at running worlds the Ultramarines are and how intellectual/cultured the Blood Angels, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, and Emperors Children are, Abaddon/Horus have a point. A universe run by Astartes wouldn't be a terrible place to live. Given that the Blood Angels homeworld is still a horrible radioactive hell hole of warring tribes, monsters, and flesh eating mutants ten thousand years after Sanguinus taking over, I'm not entirely sure they deserve a spot on that list over, say, the Raven Guard. ...Oh yeah. Scratch the Blood Angels. Edit: Also it's important to note that the Satan and Abaddon comparison do diverge: You can apply to be an angel. It's hard, of course it is, you might die doing it too...but it's not some spiritual upper class that is completely divorced from humanity. Quite the opposite: Humans can choose to become Astartes, they can ascend and they can rule that way. What Abaddon would give the universe is a meritocracy of the strictest kind, is being a slave with a glimmer of hope ruling a powerful human empire not better then being a slave in an incompetent and failing one ruled by weak men elevated by social structures? Even living under Chaos would not be so bad, because everyone no matter how big or small could shape themselves into what they want to be. Chaos is all about the individual, and you will only die a slave if you do not have the power to break your shackles. In the Imperium you are born a slave, and you die a slave. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239763 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wade Garrett Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 You have a chance to be an Astartes...if you're born in the right place at the right time to be recruited, your body is compatible with the gene enhancements, and you can pass a selection process that is pretty much INSANE. Not to mention the question of whether or not Astartes are innately suited to rule over and command mortals is very much up for debate. After all, pre-fall Eidolon is an Astartes, Ibrahim Gaunt is mortal. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239894 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loesh Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 You have a chance to be an Astartes...if you're born in the right place at the right time to be recruited, your body is compatible with the gene enhancements, and you can pass a selection process that is pretty much INSANE. Not to mention the question of whether or not Astartes are innately suited to rule over and command mortals is very much up for debate. After all, pre-fall Eidolon is an Astartes, Ibrahim Gaunt is mortal. Well yes Eidolen did get some people killed, but I don't know if his arrogance makes him a poor leader overall as he's still rather accomplished and aside from said arrogance he doesn't seem to be an unsound tactiction, don't know much about Ibrahim Gaunt to comment either way. But a chance is still a chance, and it's better then none at all. If you let a little thing like being born on the wrong planet stop you from ascending the ranks of Chaos, well you're clearly not trying hard enough. That said, you do have a point. It might be my bias showing through but I wouldn't of picked Eidolen(Acknowledging his arrogance did kill some people.) but the Iron Warriors, it's a bad sign when your legion gets nicknamed 'Corpsegrinders.' Edit: Was tired when writing this, touched it up a bit to be more relevant to your post. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239972 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b1soul Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Does the Beast era feel like a unique setting? Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239991 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loesh Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Does the Beast era feel like a unique setting? It's a chance for Orks to be shown as a super serious threat, that alone gets it my blessing. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4239995 Share on other sites More sharing options...
HamsterExAstris Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Does the Beast era feel like a unique setting? Hmm. I don't know if I'd say unique setting. Definitely a unique approach to storytelling from the rest of 40K, though. (Or at least the rest of 40K that I've read.) It feels distinct to me because it keeps that "big picture" view the Heresy has. We're seeing Big Important Things happen, involving Big Important People like the High Lords of Terra. 40K doesn't do that, in my experience; it's very much about the individuals being run through the meat grinder. That's not what we see in I Am Slaughter, though. Basically, it feels to me like a natural continuation/sequel to the Horus Heresy books. It uses their storytelling style, but set in a more 40K-ish Imperium. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240017 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b1soul Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I guess what I'm saying is... I view the Horus Heresy and current 40K as separate settings. I'm wondering whether Beast era feels like a third Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240073 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshal Rohr Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 The Beast is definitely a third setting. In the same vein as knowing Abaddon wins the 13th BC, and Horus dies, we know how the story goes, but because almost every single character is unique (with the exception of the Beast and Vangorich) there is a GRRM-esque gut feeling that the protags wont make it. What was is Slaughter says at the end as the über-Orks stack up on the doorway like a navy seal team, Ive got plenty for all of you? That's the unofficial tag line for the series. The Eldar are described as being the deadliest of threats with rotten teeth because of their low numbers, but we know they actually attack Terra in a later book. Even chaos has problems with the Orks. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240082 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix Antipodes Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 While I'm not sure if Beast is meant to be a 3rd setting I certainly got the feeling that it could (and should) be. I saw it as the possibly being the start of the slippery slope that leads to the 40K setting. Yes, there are a few more big events after this that further contribute to the Imperium's slide, but this seems IMHO to be a prime suspect. I also like the writing style, with its 30K meets 40K feel. If the editorial desk can maintain it over the 12 books I will be well pleased. To follow up on a previous comment: Just finished a second read and think I may have jumped the gun on the fate of the IF. I'm now guessing they will get a full rebuild (possibly from Templars?) before this is finished. We will see... Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240096 Share on other sites More sharing options...
veterannoob Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 Ironically, considering how good at running worlds the Ultramarines are and how intellectual/cultured the Blood Angels, Thousand Sons, Word Bearers, and Emperors Children are, Abaddon/Horus have a point. A universe run by Astartes wouldn't be a terrible place to live. It's a point that Robot Girlyman makes several times in Know No Fear, and I agree whole-heartedly. Not sure if that is a humorous autocorrect or just a successful stab at Guilliman but it amused us anyway:) Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240108 Share on other sites More sharing options...
veterannoob Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 The writing style employed by Abnett always captivates me but the smaller chapters in an overall smaller novel worked well to keep action going and build up suspense without boring the reader, especially coming through on the audio. I think that faster pace will work well for this series and look forward to the next book:) I suppose the shorter chapters and clipped dialogue draws the younger teens iN as well. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240109 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandlemad Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I agree this as possibly a third setting. There are a few books set in the same broad milieu of post-heresy, post-scouring, young imperium. The 'age of rebirth' and the 'forging' using the rulebook timeline. M31 and M32, the Beast Arises series taking place around the middle of M32. On the imperial side, Battle of the Fang is set in the same time in M32 and Flesh of Cretacia earlier in M31, closer to the Scouring. On the chaos side, Khârn: Eater of Worlds looks to be earlier, sometime in M31, at the start of the Legion Wars in the Eye of Terror. Talon of Horus is set a bit after but still before the first Black Crusade in 781.M31. Ahriman: Unchanged appears to take place in this broad period of M31/M32 but the caveat of 'warp-time shenanigans' applies here more than most. Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240153 Share on other sites More sharing options...
b1soul Posted December 1, 2015 Share Posted December 1, 2015 I think the IoM doesn't end up truly sliding until after Nova Terra and Apostasy Link to comment https://bolterandchainsword.com/topic/314634-the-beast-arises/page/4/#findComment-4240156 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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