Khorne

Mark of Khorne

Khorne is the Chaos god of hate, bloodshed, war, and violent death, as well as honour, bravery and martial skill.  The World Eaters Chaos Space Marines are dedicated to him and his cause: The shedding of blood and the defeating of all enemies. Every act of killing gives Khorne power; the more senseless and destructive, the better. Khorne's daemons are Bloodthirsters, Flesh Hounds, and Bloodletters. His opposite is Slaanesh, due to Khorne's dislike of the other god's effeminate hedonism; in addition, Khorne's value of "death to all" is at odds with Slaanesh's "enjoy life as much as possible through sensual extremes". Khorne's rivalry with Slaanesh is also fueled by the Eldar god of war, Khaela Mensha Khaine, being first defeated, dominated, then fragmented by Slaanesh. Khorne is viewed as the mightiest of the four great Chaos powers.

Khornates take no artful approach to killing, seeking only to slay rather than to inflict pain, because while the blood of their victims strengthens Khorne, their suffering empowers his nemesis.

Khorne himself is seen as a mighty being, clad in brass armor, sitting atop a mighty throne of skulls standing in a sea of blood - the throne is made up of every skull his followers take (as well as the skulls of his fallen champions) and every droplet of blood they spill.

The battle-cry of the followers of Khorne reflects his desire for wanton violence: "Blood for the Blood God! Skulls for the Throne of Khorne!" Alternatively, they may cry, "Skulls for the Skull Throne!" In the throes of violence, Khorne's followers are also known to bellow, "KILL! MAIM! BURN!" repeatedly while hacking apart their enemies. Also, in the Dawn of War game, Khorne's Chosen berserkers often shout "Break their backs!" while in the thick of the brutal, bloody battle they so passionately seek out. Followers of Slaanesh, who Khornates see as degenerate scum who kill only for pleasure rather than simple slaughter, are favored foes to go up against in battle.

The Greater Daemons of Khorne are called Bloodthirsters (other names given to them in background are Blooded Ones, Lords of Skulls, High-handed Slayers and War Given Form). Of all the Daemons, they bear the greatest resemblance to the arch-typical demons (Baphomet), having a human body, cloven hooves instead of feet, leathery bat-like wings and horned dogs-heads. An earlier model of the Bloodthirster replaced the dog-head with an ugly human face, but recently the model has gone back to its canine-featured roots. They wield a fiery whip and a massive two-headed battle-axe (possessed by another Bloodthirster in earlier editions) simultaneously in battle. They are the most combative of all Daemons.

The Daemons of Khorne are called Bloodletters, ugly, horned humanoids with cloven hooves who tote blood-drinking battle-axes or swords.

The Daemon Beasts of Khorne are Flesh Hounds, monstrous and ferocious, pseudo-canine creatures notorious for their ability to track down their chosen prey.

Champions of Khorne, whilst being bloodthirsty combat specialists, are often seen riding Juggernauts of Khorne into battle. These mounts are part daemon, and part hell-forged brass machines. They are capable of charging through their prey without pause, causing mass carnage equal to that of the champions on top, who are probably taking skulls by the second with their chain-axes.

Khorne's sacred number is eight and, where possible, his warriors will form up into squads of this number. Khorne's colors are blood red, black and brass.