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Thunder Warriors, The Forgotten Heroes of the Imperium

By John Von Canon | October 27th, 2023 | Categories: 40k Lore, 40k News & Articles, Warhammer Community

thunder warriors lore warhammer 40kIn Warhammer 40k lore, the legacy of the Thunder Warriors holds a significant place in the history of the Emperor.

Before the emergence of the mighty Space Marines, these warriors were the first attempts by the Emperor of Mankind to create genetically enhanced soldiers. Their history, though often overshadowed by the Space Marines, is a crucial chapter in the lore.

The Thunder Warriors were the initial guardians of the Emperor’s vision for a united human Imperium. Genetically modified to be superhuman, they waged brutal wars to unify Terra during the Unification Wars. Their story is one of sacrifice, obsolete genetics, and eventual obsolescence as they were replaced by the more stable and versatile Space Marines.

The Thunder Warriors Lore: Forgotten Heroes of the Imperium

In the vast annals of the Warhammer 40k universe, there exist forgotten legends, and among them are the Thunder Warriors. These ancient warriors represent the earliest experiment of the Emperor of Mankind in his quest to forge an unstoppable army. Though their legacy is overshadowed by the renowned Space Marines, the Thunder Warriors hold a unique and somber place in the Imperium’s history.

Forged through accelerated genetic modification and warfare, the Thunder Warriors were the shock troops of the Emperor’s grand vision during the Unification Wars on Terra. Their unmatched ferocity and raw power were instrumental in uniting the war-torn planet under the banner of the Imperium. Yet, their creation was flawed, and their lives were short, marked by physical and psychological instability.

As the Great Crusade dawned, the Thunder Warriors were replaced by the more refined Space Marines, but their sacrifices paved the way for the Imperium’s future. Today, their memory lingers in the forgotten corners of history, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the Imperium in its relentless pursuit of domination.

What Distinguishes Thunder Warriors from Space Marines?

thunder warriors stormclad eternal emperor sigmarThunder Warriors were physically and mentally unstable compared to Space Marines. They were created using cruder genetic techniques, resulting in shorter lifespans and greater instability. Space Marines, on the other hand, benefited from improved genetic engineering techniques and superior organization.

Do Thunder Warriors Exist In The Current 40k Timeline?

No, Thunder Warriors are no longer present in the 40k timeline. They were phased out during the Great Crusade in favor of the more advanced Space Marines.

Are There Any Known Surviving Thunder Warriors In The 40k Lore?

thunder warrior

Surviving Thunder Warriors are exceedingly rare in official lore, and most perished long ago due to their genetic instability. Any surviving individuals would likely be isolated and hidden, but their existence is not a prominent feature of the current 40k narrative.

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About the Author: John Von Canon

John Von Canon

headshot john von cannonJob Title: Miniatures & Trading Card Games Writer

Socials: @AtogOrTwo 

About John Von Cannon: Tabletop gaming since 2016; John joined the Spikey Bits team in 2023 and has since been covering new miniature products, trading card games, and RPGs.

He spends his evenings running working at his local game store for the full hobby experience. So if you’re looking for niche and convoluted ways to sneak out a win in your next Commander game or a cool new hobby product for miniatures, he’s your guy.