As Lucius Aurelius kneels at the ornate altar of the Imperial cathedral, his heart heavy with devotion and his faith unwavering, he begins his daily prayers. The dimly lit chamber is filled with the soft, flickering glow of candles, casting eerie shadows on the walls adorned with the symbols of the Imperium. The scent of burning incense lingers in the air, enveloping him in a sense of solemnity.
But as he closes his eyes and begins to recite the litany of praise, a subtle unease begins to gnaw at the edges of his consciousness. It’s as if a cold breeze has swept over him, causing him to shiver despite the warmth of his vestments. His fingers grip the edges of the prayer book tightly, knuckles turning white as he attempts to maintain his composure.
Then, like a sudden storm in his mind, the visions descend upon him. At first, they are nothing more than fleeting images, fragments of a greater whole. He sees flashes of war-torn battlefields, the desperate cries of soldiers, and the unforgiving flames of conflict. Lucius clenches his teeth, unable to make sense of the chaotic scenes that flicker before his closed eyelids.
The visions become more vivid and contradictory with each passing moment. He sees a figure, the Emperor, cloaked in shadow, whispering words of guidance into the ear of a young boy.
Lucius’s heart races, and his palms grow clammy. Doubt begins to creep into the sacred sanctuary of his faith. He can no longer distinguish between the visions and reality, as if the fabric of his beliefs is unraveling before him. The cathedral’s hallowed silence is shattered by the discordant symphony of his racing thoughts.
As the visions continue to embrace his mind, Lucius Aurelius feels a profound sense of helplessness and confusion. His faith, once an unwavering pillar of his existence, trembles like a fragile tower in a storm. The certainty that had once defined his purpose is now fractured and elusive.
Tears well in his closed eyes, and he prays fervently for guidance, for clarity, for the strength to overcome this onslaught of doubt. The visions persist, dancing on the fringes of his consciousness, challenging him with their enigmatic messages.
First premonition
As Lucius Aurelius starts to experience the premonitions, the first vision manifests itself with startling clarity. Before him, the grand tapestry of the Imperium unravels like a nightmare. He witnesses the galaxy in a state of relentless turmoil, a downward spiral towards inevitable collapse. The forces of chaos and xenos adversaries encroach upon the Imperium from all sides, like vultures descending upon a wounded prey.
Lucius’s heart sinks as he watches this grim vision unfold. It is a world plagued by darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The taint of heresy and corruption seeps into every corner, sowing discord and doubt among the faithful.
But amid the chaos and despair, there is a glimmer of hope. The Emperor, the eternal figurehead of the Imperium, shall rise in the hour of greatest need. He will lead his chosen champions to victory and purity, wielding his divine sword to banish the forces of darkness and restore order to the Imperium.
Lucius’s emotions are a turbulent sea as he witnesses this vision. Fear grips him as he sees the impending doom, the relentless advance of chaos and xenos foes. Yet, a spark of hope ignites within him as he believes in the Emperor’s divine intervention.
In this moment of revelation, Lucius clings to the unwavering faith that has been the cornerstone of his existence. He understands that the path ahead is fraught with peril, but he also knows that the Emperor’s guiding hand will ultimately lead the Imperium to victory and purity.
With renewed determination, Lucius Aurelius continues his prayers, seeking guidance and strength to face the trials that lie ahead. The first premonition has left an indelible mark on his soul, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of the Emperor’s divine grace shall shine through, guiding his chosen people to salvation.
Second Premonition
In the midst of his prayer, Lucius Aurelius is confronted with a second premonition, one that strikes at the very heart of his faith and the structure of the Imperium. In this vision, he witnesses the inner workings of the Ecclesiarchy, the religious institution that has guided the Imperium for centuries.
The vision reveals a disturbing truth: corruption has taken root within the Ecclesiarchy. The once-holy priests and ministers of the faith are tainted by hypocrisy, their devotion marred by self-serving agendas and greed. They wear their sacred vestments as a facade, while their hearts are consumed by ambition and avarice. The nobility, too, have fallen prey to their own desires, using their influence to manipulate the faithful for personal gain.
Lucius is overcome with a sense of betrayal and disillusionment. The very pillars of his faith, the institutions that he had held in the highest regard, have become shackles that bind him and the faithful to a collapsing tower. Teetering on the brink of moral and spiritual decay, its foundations weakened by the weight of corruption and hypocrisy.
In this dire vision, Lucius understands that the faithful must make a painful choice. They must separate themselves from the impure elements that have infiltrated the Ecclesiarchy and the nobility. They must cast off the chains of corruption and stand firm in their unwavering devotion to the true teachings of the Imperial Creed.
It is a daunting and perilous task, one that fills Lucius with a heavy sense of responsibility. He knows that the final days of the Emperor’s rise are approaching, and the faithful must be prepared. They must be a beacon of purity and unwavering faith in the face of darkness and deceit.
As the vision fades, leaving Lucius with a profound sense of duty and determination, he realizes that the pilgrimage ahead is fraught with challenges and sacrifices. But he also understands that it is a path he must tread if he and the faithful are to play a role in the Emperor’s ultimate plan for salvation and purity. With a heavy heart, he begins to contemplate how he can help guide the faithful towards this daunting but essential task of separation and preparation.
Third Premonition
In the midst of the prayer, a third premonition descends upon Lucius Aurelius like a gentle breath of fresh air after a storm. In this vision, he sees a young boy, a symbol of purity and innocence, unlike any he has ever encountered before. The boy’s countenance radiates an aura of uncorrupted virtue, and his eyes shine with a clarity that is untouched by the darkness that has crept into the Imperium.
The boy is seated at the feet of the Emperor, an image that resonates deeply with the faithful. It is a sign of divine favor and guidance. The Emperor, a towering and majestic figure, looks upon the child with a benevolent gaze, as if bestowing a sacred purpose upon him.
As Lucius watches this vision unfold, he feels a profound sense of awe and reverence. It is clear to him that the boy’s spiritual guidance has been ordained by the Emperor himself. The child is a vessel of untarnished faith, a beacon of hope in a world tainted by corruption and hypocrisy.
Lucius understands that the boy’s presence is not a mere coincidence but a message from the Emperor. This young soul, unburdened by the tainted creed and the sins of the Ecclesiarchy, represents a path forward—a path of purity and unwavering devotion.
In this moment, Lucius realizes that he has been chosen to be a guardian of this young boy’s spiritual journey. It is a solemn duty, a sacred trust bestowed upon him by the Emperor. He must nurture and protect the boy, guiding him along the path of righteousness and unwavering faith.
With a renewed sense of purpose and resolve, Lucius Aurelius embraces this vision as a sign of the Emperor’s guidance. He knows that the boy’s presence is a symbol of hope for the Imperium and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the Emperor’s divine will can shine through the shadows.
As the vision fades, Lucius is filled with a sense of anticipation and determination. He is ready to take on this newfound responsibility, to shepherd the young boy towards a destiny ordained by the Emperor himself, and to play his part in the grand plan for the Imperium’s salvation and purity.
Fourth Premonition
In the continuing sequence of premonitions, Lucius Aurelius is presented with a fourth vision, a second sign from the Emperor. This time, the vision takes him deep into the underhive, the shadowy and neglected depths of an Imperial city. Here, he witnesses an ancient temple, devoid of the pompous ornaments and grandeur typically associated with Ecclesiastical structures.
The temple stands as a symbol of humble devotion, its weathered walls a testament to the enduring faith of its congregation. Inside, Lucius himself stands before a mass of devout followers, leading them in a solemn ceremony. These are not the high-ranking officials or nobility of the Imperium, but rather the downtrodden and overlooked members of society, the forgotten souls who dwell in the darkest corners of the underhive.
Lucius feels a deep sense of purpose as he guides this congregation of the faithful. They come from all walks of life, their faces marked by hardship and suffering, yet their hearts burn with unwavering belief. The atmosphere in the temple is one of sincerity and unity, a stark contrast to the superficiality and corruption he has witnessed in the higher echelons of the Ecclesiarchy.
The congregation of the faithful, inspired by Lucius’s leadership and the purity of their shared devotion, begins to swell in numbers. Word of their humble pilgrimage and their steadfast faith spreads like wildfire throughout the underhive, drawing countless others who are willing to join their cause.
This vision is a clear sign from the Emperor—a reminder that true faith does not reside in opulence and grandiosity but in the hearts of those who are willing to stand together in unwavering belief. It is a call to action, a directive for Lucius to lead this congregation on a sacred pilgrimage that will bring forth a multitude of souls yearning for a deeper connection with the divine.
With a profound sense of purpose and conviction, Lucius Aurelius accepts this second sign from the Emperor. He knows that the pilgrimage and the congregation of the faithful are integral to the Emperor’s divine plan for the Imperium. In the underhive’s darkness, a beacon of unwavering faith will shine brightly, drawing those who seek purity and salvation.
As the vision fades, Lucius is filled with a sense of resolve and determination. He is ready to embark on this sacred journey, to lead the faithful through the underhive, and to bring forth a multitude of souls into the Emperor’s embrace. This vision reaffirms his faith and his commitment to the Emperor’s will, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.
Fifth Premonition
In this fifth premonition, Lucius Aurelius is granted a vision that unfolds with both awe and apprehension. He finds himself immersed in a surreal and profound scene, where symbolism and challenge converge.
At the center of this vision stands a colossal juggernaut, a mechanical behemoth adorned with intricate iconography of the Emperor. It represents unwavering faith and divine guidance, forging a path for the faithful to follow. With unrelenting determination, it advances through a tumultuous landscape.
The juggernaut serves a dual purpose. First, it acts as a separator, distinguishing the chosen of the Emperor from those left behind. The chosen, their faith unwavering and their souls pure, follow the juggernaut with cries that echo with both ecstasy and pain. This division serves as a stark reminder of the judgment that awaits those whose faith is found lacking.
However, the vision takes a darker turn as the chosen faithful are confronted by monstrous adversaries. These grotesque creatures, embodiments of the dark forces in the Imperium, rise to challenge the chosen ones. The path they walk becomes a crucible of both physical and spiritual struggle.
As Lucius Aurelius observes this vision, he is filled with a profound mix of emotions. Awe and trepidation wash over him, for he understands that this vision holds a profound message from the Emperor. The juggernaut symbolizes the unwavering faith that guides the chosen, and the battle against the monstrous adversaries is a crucible that will purify their faith.
With a heart heavy with the significance of this vision, Lucius prepares himself and the chosen faithful for the challenging path that lies ahead. They are resolved to face the battles, both external and internal, knowing that their faith in the Emperor will guide them through the darkest of trials.
Sixth Premonition
In this sixth premonition, Lucius Aurelius is granted a vision that signifies the final trial for those among the faithful who have proven themselves worthy. It is a momentous and transformative revelation.
The vision unfolds as the chosen faithful stand before a formidable obstacle—the Rubicon. This crossing symbolizes the last of their trials, a threshold that only the truly worthy can pass. The Rubicon itself is a turbulent and treacherous river, representing the challenges and dangers that await the chosen.
With unwavering faith and resolve, the chosen faithful step forward to cross the Rubicon. Their journey is fraught with uncertainty, and the tumultuous waters threaten to engulf them. But their belief in the Emperor’s guidance propels them forward.
As they emerge on the far shore of the Rubicon, a breathtaking sight awaits them. Here, beyond the river’s shores, they find themselves in a place where the shadows of the hive towers embrace something of profound significance.
The vision signifies a profound change—a metamorphosis of the faithful who have successfully navigated their trials and crossed the Rubicon. They are now bathed in a sense of divine purpose and renewal. The shadows that once obscured their path have given way to something that embraces the essence of the Emperor’s presence.
Lucius Aurelius, witnessing this vision, understands its significance. The Rubicon represents the final trial for the chosen, a test of their unwavering devotion and determination. Those who have successfully crossed it have been transformed into beacons of purity and faith, ready to fulfill their sacred purpose as they move forward into the unknown beyond the Rubicon.
Seventh Premonition
In this seventh and final premonition, Lucius Aurelius witnesses a vision that signifies the culmination of the trials and hardships endured by the chosen faithful.
Those who have successfully passed the trials, including the crossing of the Rubicon, stand at the threshold of a sacred garden. This garden is a place of immense spiritual significance and divine favor, a testament to the chosen faithful’s unwavering dedication and resilience.
As they step into the garden, they are bathed in a radiant light, the very essence of the Emperor’s presence. This light represents the Emperor’s blessing, a reward for their unwavering faith and their resilience in the face of trials and tribulations.
In this garden, the chosen faithful are filled with a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. They understand that the Emperor has laid a path before them, a divine calling that they are now prepared to follow without hesitation.
Lucius Aurelius, witnessing this final premonition, is deeply moved by the profound significance of the moment. The sacred garden is a place where the chosen faithful receive the Emperor’s divine favor and are entrusted with a sacred mission—a path that will lead them to carry the radiant light of the Emperor’s blessing to all who seek salvation and purity.
With hearts filled with gratitude and determination, the chosen faithful embrace the path that the Emperor has laid before them. They are prepared to carry out their sacred mission, to dispel the shadows of doubt and despair, and to guide others towards the path of unwavering faith and salvation.
The seventh premonition signifies the ultimate reward for the chosen faithful—the Emperor’s blessing and a divine purpose to fulfill. As they step onto the path that has been laid before them, they do so with unwavering devotion, knowing that they are the bearers of the Emperor’s radiant light and the guardians of faith in a galaxy filled with darkness.
Ignis Aeternus WH 40K campaign notes 