Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. I am here today to introduce you all to the grim, dark, and dangerous world of Warhammer 40,000.
Now, imagine a universe where the entire milky way galaxy is nearly fully explored. Where constant war and the eradication of entire planets is the norm. Where the purpose for numerous solar systems is merely for the mass production of weapons and battleships, as well as the conscription of BILLIONS of men and women for the armies of mankind. This and even more dark possibilities is the reality of Warhammer 40,000.
Warhammer 40,000 (also known as Warhammer 40K or simply 40K) began as a tabletop war-game created by Rick Priestly in 1987 (yes it is that old). The game was a strategy board game where players commanded 28 Millimeter (approximately one inch) miniature figures that represented futuristic soldiers, creatures, and vehicles of war. The miniatures had to be assembled piece by piece and painted. Unlike many other board games it featured a book which gave you insight into the lore and overall feeling of this huge universe it is set in. Let me teach you a bare-bones basics:
Warhammer 40,000 is set in the 41st millennium where mankind is at the brink of destruction at the hands of their mortal enemies The Forces of Chaos who worship the four chaos gods or the numerous alien, or xeno races. Mankind's greatest weapon for fighting these threats is genetically enhanced super-soldiers known as Space Marines that are immune to almost anything, including aging and most diseases. These Space Marines and the other forces of the Imperium of Man serve as the "good guys" or Warhammer 40K.
To finish I will take a moment to acknowledge Warhammer 40K's presence in pop-culture. The 40K universe now has over two dozen books published in it's name. Over a dozen successful video games such as the real-time strategy game Dawn of War, which has received numerous awards and praise, and a third-person shooter entitled "Space Marine". As well as a movie named "Ultramarines". Warhammer 40,000 has inspired many video games; most notably the legendary real-time strategy game "Starcraft" (which was at first meant to be a sequel to Dawn of War), and as well as the award winning third person shooter trilogy "Gears of War". Warhammer has some much rich history and lore that you could literally fit about five bibles worth. At that note, I must say I have hogged this spotlight for far to long. So ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages. It has been a pleasure announcing just how much of lifeless nerd I am for this franchise.
- Gilbert Greene
