Explore the Emperor’s Children army lore in Warhammer 40k with this playstyle guide to learn key Slaanesh strategies, Noise Marines, Fulgrim, and tactics for the Flawless Host!
Updated January 2nd, 2025, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
The Emperor’s Children are here to crank the volume up to 11 and leave their mark—both on the battlefield and your Warhammer 40k obsession. Known as the Flawless Host, these chaos-infused showstoppers worship Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess, and they fight with a mix of elegance and brutality that’s impossible to ignore.
In this guide, we’re turning the spotlight on everything that makes the Emperor’s Children unique. From their pre-heresy perfectionism to their current reign as sonic weapon specialists, this article dives into their backstory, tactical strategies, and why they’re an absolute blast (pun intended) in your games of Warhammer 40k.
If you’ve ever been curious about this faction—or just want to stay ahead of the meta—this is the perfect time to get to know the galaxy’s loudest, most flamboyant heretics. Ready to crank the chaos up a notch? Let’s break it down!
The Emperor’s Children: A Symphony of War and Chaos in 40K
When it comes to Chaos Space Marines, few factions command attention, like the Emperor’s Children (and hopefully, we see that represented in the Cavill x Amazon new series). These devotees of Slaanesh blend martial prowess with an almost artistic obsession with perfection, turning battlefields into symphonies of destruction. Their lore, gameplay mechanics, and unique strategies make them one of the most fascinating forces in the Warhammer 40K universe.
The Emperor’s Children in Gameplay
In the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, the Emperor’s Children bring an audacious style to the tabletop. Their allegiance to the Chaos God Slaanesh is evident in every aspect of their play. With sonic weaponry and units like Noise Marines, they specialize in overwhelming their enemies with brutal efficiency and panache.
At the heart of this army lies their focus on speed and precision. Units often strike faster than their counterparts, thanks to rules that reflect their obsession with mastery. Whether you’re fielding Fulgrim himself or a cadre of heretic Astartes, the Emperor’s Children deliver chaos with elegance.
Current Rules and Strategies
In the current Warhammer 40K meta, the Emperor’s Children shine through their adaptability and high-octane combat potential. Their rules amplify their penchant for striking first and striking hard. Abilities that allow units to ignore modifiers to hit rolls make them ideal for neutralizing heavily fortified foes. Meanwhile, their penchant for close-quarters combat is bolstered by stratagems that ensure they hit where it hurts most.
Building your strategy around Noise Marines is a must. These units combine ranged devastation with melee resilience, making them versatile enough to adapt to various battlefield scenarios. Pair them with Slaanesh Daemons for added synergy, exploiting their shared allegiance to create chaos both on and off the tabletop.
The army also offers fantastic utility in the form of characters like Chaos Lords and Sorcerers, who can buff surrounding units or unleash psychic powers in service of their dark god. The sheer variety of playstyles means you can tailor your force to match your preferred level of carnage, from ranged dominance to melee mayhem.
Popular Army Builds and Playstyles
Successful Emperor’s Children players often lean into the faction’s signature strengths: speed, sonic weaponry, and psychological warfare. Noise Marine spam, backed by a mix of heavy-hitting vehicles and monstrous daemonic allies, is a popular approach. Units like the Contemptor Dreadnought, painted in their resplendent violet and gold, can anchor your force while your faster elements wreak havoc.
The Primarch Fulgrim, a legend among traitor legions, remains a fan favorite for thematic army builds. While he’s yet to make his tabletop return in the latest editions, his shadow looms large in the imagination of players and the lore. Pairing Fulgrim-inspired forces with Slaanesh-aligned units allows players to channel the full might of their decadent patron.
For those interested in more niche builds, integrating loyalist Emperor’s Children models offers a unique aesthetic and tactical challenge. Though rare, these forces can provide a creative twist that pays homage to the faction’s pre-heresy origins while maintaining a firm foothold in their chaotic present.
To start playing them, you will need a Codex book or access to a reference site like Wahapedia, or the official Warhammer 40k army builder app (subscription required for most up-to-date rules.)
Slaanesh’s Flawless Champions: A Guide to the Emperor’s Children
The Emperor’s Children are not just a faction in Warhammer 40K—they’re an experience. With their allegiance to the Chaos God Slaanesh, they’ve perfected the art of turning the battlefield into a grotesque stage show. From their storied history to their signature sonic weaponry, these Chaos Space Marines are equal parts terrifying and captivating. Let’s dive headfirst into the audacious world of the Flawless Host.
Overview of the Emperor’s Children
In their earliest days, the Emperor’s Children were the golden boys of the Space Marine Legions. They were elegance and loyalty incarnate, warriors who believed in achieving nothing short of perfection. Their armor gleamed with a purpose, their movements were poetry in motion, and their devotion to the Emperor was absolute. They didn’t just fight battles; they performed them.
Unfortunately, their obsession with perfection proved to be a double-edged sword. Their drive to achieve the unattainable left them vulnerable to Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess. What was once a noble pursuit turned into a descent into madness, and their martial grace became a twisted parody of itself. Now, as worshippers of Slaanesh, they bring chaos not just with violence, but with style.
Pre-Heresy Origins: A Legacy of Perfection
Before they were Chaos Space Marines, the Emperor’s Children were a shining beacon of what the Emperor envisioned for his Legions. Their Primarch, Fulgrim, was the embodiment of this ideal. Fulgrim wasn’t just a warrior—he was an artist, an orator, and a perfectionist to the core. Under his leadership, the Emperor’s Children became a Legion of artisans and warriors who pursued excellence in every endeavor, from sculpting masterpieces to crafting battlefield victories.
But perfection is a dangerous thing. For Fulgrim, it became an obsession that overshadowed even his loyalty to the Emperor. When whispers of Chaos reached him, they promised the perfection he craved. It didn’t take long for Fulgrim—and his Legion—to spiral into darkness. By the time the Horus Heresy erupted, the Emperor’s Children were already falling under Slaanesh’s seductive sway.
The Horus Heresy: From Glory to Damnation
The Horus Heresy was the defining moment for the Emperor’s Children. Fulgrim’s encounter with a Chaos-tainted sword marked the beginning of their corruption. This wasn’t your average cursed blade, though; this was a weapon that literally consumed its wielder’s soul. Fulgrim didn’t just wield it—he succumbed to it.
Under Fulgrim’s leadership, the Emperor’s Children became Slaanesh’s most fervent devotees. Their pursuit of perfection was twisted into a hunger for excess, leading to horrifying experiments, grotesque rituals, and a brand-new sound system in the form of sonic weaponry. Noise Marines, wielding instruments of destruction that doubled as weapons, became the poster boys of their new identity.
Post-Heresy Transformation: The Symphony of Chaos
After the Horus Heresy, the Emperor’s Children fled to the Eye of Terror, where they fully embraced their new chaotic lifestyle. As one of the traitor legions, they became Slaanesh’s most flamboyant champions, wielding speed, precision, and sensory overload as their weapons of choice.
Their signature Noise Marines are more than just warriors; they’re rock stars of the battlefield. Armed with sonic blasters and doom sirens, they don’t just kill—they annihilate with style. Their weapons create waves of sound so intense they can liquefy organs and shatter bones. But don’t let the flair fool you—these units are as efficient as they are theatrical.
Fulgrim, now a serpentine daemon prince, serves as the twisted figurehead of the Emperor’s Children. His transformation into a daemon has made him even more dangerous—and even more fabulous. His lore looms large over the faction, serving as a reminder of their fall and their commitment to excess.
The Symphony of Excess
The Emperor’s Children are more than just a Warhammer faction—they’re a celebration of chaos, excess, and the pursuit of perfection at all costs. From their golden days as loyalists to their current reign as Slaanesh’s most theatrical devotees, their story is one of tragedy, transformation, and a lot of very loud noise.
Whether you’re drawn to their sonic weaponry, their flamboyant style, or their rich lore, the Emperor’s Children are a force to be reckoned with—on and off the tabletop. If chaos is a symphony, then the Emperor’s Children are its loudest, boldest, and most audacious performers
The Characters and Units of the Emperor’s Children
The Emperor’s Children are a fanfare of chaos and carnage, marching to the beat of their own warped drum. As loyal followers of Slaanesh, they bring a symphony of destruction to the Warhammer 40K universe, with their legendary characters and iconic units leading the charge. Here’s a closer look at the figures and forces that define this flamboyant yet fearsome faction.
Fulgrim: The Flawless Primarch
If you’re talking about the Emperor’s Children, you can’t ignore their illustrious leader, Fulgrim. Once the epitome of grace and loyalty, Fulgrim now serves as a daemon prince of Slaanesh, embodying the twisted ideals of his patron. His pursuit of perfection turned dark when he fell under the corrupting influence of Chaos, leading him to betray the Emperor during the Horus Heresy.
Fulgrim is more than just a tragic figure; he’s the driving force behind the Emperor’s Children’s transformation into one of the most feared traitor legions. Whether orchestrating galactic atrocities or wielding his deadly blade, he’s a character who radiates charisma, power, and excess. His serpentine form as a daemon prince has become an enduring symbol of the Emperor’s Children’s decadence.
Notable Chaos Space Marines: The Flawless Host
Among the heretic Astartes, the Emperor’s Children stand out for their unique blend of martial prowess and artistic flair. Some of their Chaos Space Marines have carved out legendary reputations, becoming icons within both the faction and the wider Warhammer lore.
Lucius the Eternal is perhaps the most infamous of them all. This champion of Slaanesh is cursed—or blessed, depending on your perspective—with immortality. Every time he’s slain, his killer transforms into a new vessel for his essence. This horrifying gift ensures Lucius continues to embody the excess and cruelty that define the Emperor’s Children. His mastery of close combat and his grotesque personality make him a key figure on the battlefield.
Noise Marines: The Sonic Superstars
If there’s one unit that screams “Emperor’s Children,” it’s the Noise Marines. These warriors crank their devotion to Slaanesh up to ear-splitting levels, wielding sonic weaponry that’s as devastating as it is theatrical. Their arsenal includes weapons like the sonic blaster and doom siren, which weaponize sound to lethal effect.
Noise Marines don’t just bring destruction; they bring chaos with a flair for the dramatic. Their attacks can shred infantry, overwhelm vehicles, and sow panic among enemy ranks. It’s not just about winning—it’s about putting on a show while doing it. And let’s be honest, when your gun doubles as a musical instrument of death, you’re making a statement.
Their ability to both devastate at range and hold their own in close combat makes them a versatile unit in any Emperor’s Children army. Pair them with Slaanesh daemons or Chaos vehicles, and you have a force that’s both efficient and extravagantly chaotic.
The Emperor’s Children: Slaanesh’s Chosen Champions
In Warhammer 40K, chaos isn’t just a theme—it’s a lifestyle. Few factions embody this better than the Emperor’s Children, whose allegiance to Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess, has transformed them into a twisted reflection of their former selves. Here’s a closer look at how Slaanesh shapes this infamous traitor legion and why they’re so uniquely chaotic.
Slaanesh’s Influence on the Emperor’s Children
Slaanesh isn’t just a patron deity for the Emperor’s Children; it’s their raison d’être. Once obsessed with achieving perfection, the legion’s fall to Chaos magnified that desire into an insatiable craving for sensory overload. Where they once sought perfection in art, battle, and duty, they now seek it in excess, indulgence, and devastation.
This influence manifests in their combat style, which prioritizes speed, precision, and flair. Their warriors revel in the spectacle of war, transforming battlefields into grotesque stages for their performances. Every attack is designed not just to destroy, but to overwhelm the senses—both their enemies’ and their own.
Slaanesh’s teachings have also turned their obsession with sound into a weapon. Sonic weaponry, wielded most famously by Noise Marines, is a perfect reflection of this relationship. It’s not just about efficiency; it’s about making a statement.
How Slaanesh Shapes the Legion
The transformation from loyal Space Marines to Slaanesh’s most ardent followers didn’t happen overnight. The Emperor’s Children’s fall began with their Primarch, Fulgrim, who succumbed to the seductive whispers of Chaos. His desire for flawless mastery became a gateway for Slaanesh’s influence, which soon spread to his entire legion.
Now, every aspect of their existence is shaped by their devotion to Slaanesh. Their armor, once pristine and symbolic of their loyalty, now gleams with a sickly allure, adorned with grotesque art that pays homage to their patron. Their tactics on the battlefield reflect their desire to outdo themselves in every engagement, often leading to spectacular displays of excess and destruction.
But it’s not just their style that’s been shaped by Slaanesh. The Chaos God also influences their biology, twisting their forms to better serve its desires. Enhanced reflexes, heightened senses, and an unnatural resilience are just some of the gifts—or curses—bestowed upon them.
Slaanesh Daemons in the Emperor’s Children’s Ranks
No discussion of the Emperor’s Children would be complete without mentioning their partnership with Slaanesh daemons. These creatures bring a new dimension of horror to the battlefield, acting as both allies and extensions of the legion’s will. Daemonettes, Seekers, and Keepers of Secrets often fight alongside the Emperor’s Children, blending their supernatural abilities with the legion’s martial skill.
The integration of these daemons isn’t just practical—it’s also thematic. They amplify the sensory overload that defines the Emperor’s Children, turning battles into chaotic spectacles where mortal and immortal forces combine in twisted harmony. This synergy makes them a force to be reckoned with, capable of overwhelming even the most disciplined armies.
Whether it’s the seductive lure of Slaanesh’s daemons or the raw power they bring to the tabletop, their presence solidifies the Emperor’s Children as one of Warhammer 40K’s most unique and fearsome factions.
The Emperor’s Children: Art and Models that Scream Perfection
The Emperor’s Children aren’t just a Warhammer 40k faction—they’re an aesthetic. These Chaos Space Marines aligned with Slaanesh blend martial precision with an extravagant obsession for style, and this unique identity shines through in their art and models. Whether you’re painting your army or just marveling at the spectacle, there’s a lot to love about this faction’s visual and creative legacy.
Iconic Emperor’s Children Art
The Emperor’s Children have always been a visual standout in Warhammer lore. From the early days of Rogue Trader to the striking illustrations in modern codices, their art tells the story of a faction that thrives on excess and perfection. Their pre-Heresy imagery often depicted them as paragons of loyalty and beauty, with shining armor and noble poses. But post-Heresy, the vibe takes a darker turn—graceful, yes, but twisted by their allegiance to Slaanesh.
Some of the most iconic depictions of the Emperor’s Children showcase their flamboyant armor, marked by intricate details and vivid colors. The blend of vibrant pinks, purples, and golds contrasts sharply with the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, making them a visual anomaly. It’s not just armor; their sonic weaponry is often depicted in wild, baroque designs that perfectly capture their chaotic flair.
Modern artwork focuses heavily on their Chaos-infused identity, with visuals of Noise Marines shredding reality with their sonic weaponry or Fulgrim in his serpentine daemon prince form. It’s loud, it’s bold, and it’s unapologetically Emperor’s Children.
Recent Model Releases and Updates
When it comes to models, the Emperor’s Children continue to turn heads. Over the years, their miniatures have evolved from simple reskins of standard Space Marines to some of the most detailed kits in the Warhammer 40K range.
The Noise Marines stand as a testament to the faction’s dedication to spectacle. Their revamped models feature dynamic poses, ornate details, and instruments of war that look as dangerous as they are ostentatious. Each Noise Marine is a tiny masterpiece, capturing their chaotic energy and love of sensory overload. It’s not just about the weapons—every detail, from the armor trim to the facial expressions, screams character.
For those who love centerpieces, Fulgrim is the one to watch. While fans eagerly await a full 10th edition update to his model, his current iteration as a serpentine daemon prince is a showstopper. The miniature’s detail—from his flowing hair to his reptilian tail—makes it a dream (or nightmare) for painters. This model is more than just a unit—it’s a visual narrative of Fulgrim’s tragic fall and grotesque rebirth.
Recent updates have also hinted at a full Emperor’s Children refresh. Rumors of new kits and expanded unit options have fans buzzing, particularly with the potential introduction of a redesigned Mk3-style aesthetic for Chaos Marines. Whether or not these rumors pan out, the Emperor’s Children remain one of the most visually distinct armies in Warhammer 40K.
The Emperor’s Children: A Legacy of Chaos and Perfection
The Emperor’s Children, loyalists turned heretics, remain one of the most iconic factions in Warhammer 40k. From their allegiance to the Chaos God Slaanesh to their signature Noise Marines and sonic weaponry, this traitor legion is a unique blend of martial precision and decadent excess. Let’s take a look at what’s next for these flamboyant warriors and answer some of the most burning questions about their place in the grimdark universe.
FAQs About the Emperor’s Children
Are the Emperor’s Children getting new models in 2025?
Fans are buzzing with rumors about a major Emperor’s Children update, possibly coinciding with a new edition or codex release. While Games Workshop hasn’t officially confirmed specifics, the faction’s popularity and potential for fresh units make it a strong contender for future releases.
What makes Noise Marines special?
Noise Marines are a standout unit in the Chaos Space Marines roster. Armed with sonic weaponry, they specialize in dealing devastating damage while delivering a sensory overload. Whether they’re blasting enemies with sonic blasters or shrieking with doom sirens, they combine battlefield efficiency with theatrical flair.
Is Fulgrim coming back to the tabletop?
Fulgrim, the Emperor’s Children primarch, is a fan favorite for a reason. His tragic fall to Chaos and transformation into a daemon prince make him a compelling character. There’s a lot of speculation about his return in a revamped model, which would undoubtedly shake up the 40K scene.
Can Emperor’s Children armies include loyalist elements?
While their lore paints them as full-fledged heretics, some players enjoy crafting pre-Heresy or alternate-universe narratives. Loyalist-inspired color schemes or kitbashes can add depth to your collection, even if they don’t fit the standard codex.
The Future of the Emperor’s Children in Warhammer 40k
The Emperor’s Children are poised to make waves as Warhammer 40k evolves. With rumors of new models, a potential codex update, and the growing focus on Chaos factions, they’re in a prime position to reclaim the spotlight. The faction’s appeal lies in its ability to blend lore-rich storytelling with dynamic gameplay, making them a favorite for newcomers and longtime players alike.
Looking forward, fans can expect a deeper integration of Slaanesh-themed units, possibly including expanded options for daemons or unique vehicles. Their aesthetic—a mix of elegance and grotesque excess—offers endless possibilities for new designs. If the future holds a new Fulgrim model, it could redefine how the Emperor’s Children approach the tabletop.
The faction’s legacy as the Flawless Host ensures they will always be a vital part of Warhammer lore. Whether they’re tearing through enemy ranks with sonic weaponry or dazzling players with stunning new models, the Emperor’s Children continue to captivate the grimdark imagination.
Warhammer 40k Factions Explained: A Complete Guide to Every Army
What do you think about the Emeperor’s Children, Slaanesh, and Chaos Space Marines in Warhammer 40k? Do you like their playstyle and units?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
