Alright, fellow Horus Heresy fans, buckle up because we’ve got some juicy details on the upcoming Eidolon: The Auric Hammer novel! You know Eidolon, right? Lord Commander Primus of the Emperor’s Children? If you’ve followed the III Legion, you’ve probably heard of Lucius and Saul Tarvitz, but Eidolon? Well, he’s not exactly a fan favorite… at least not at first. But hold up, this guy’s character arc is something else.
Marc Collins, the author, spills the beans on why Eidolon stands out from his Emperor’s Children buddies. In a nutshell, Eidolon is arrogant, and not the charming, roguish kind either – he’s the “ugh, I hate this guy” kind of arrogant. Early on, he screws up a rescue mission on the planet Murder and even gets humiliated by Torgaddon. He doesn’t have Lucius’ flashy, murderous presence on the tabletop, and he’s definitely not the relatable, human figure Tarvitz is in the narrative.
But here’s the kicker – Eidolon gets more interesting as he falls deeper into Chaos. His death (at Fulgrim’s hands, no less!) and rebirth turn him into something more menacing. He starts as a broken, shambling horror and comes back stronger, a true commander, terrorizing the White Scars, aiding Mortarion, and leading a chunk of the Emperor’s Children.
What makes him compelling? Unbridled arrogance and hubris. The guy is a textbook villain, but as the story unfolds, especially by The Path of Heaven, you start to like him in a twisted way. He’s not just evil for evil’s sake – he’s got layers, vulnerabilities, and motivations that make him a fascinating character to write, and honestly, to read about too. Collins talks about how Eidolon’s many titles – Exemplar, the Soul-Severed, and Master of the Eternal Song – really reflect the complex warrior he is, torn between pride and his chaotic transformation.
Eidolon’s relationship with the Warp? It’s deep, but complicated. He’s not your typical pawn of Chaos. Sure, he’s embraced the powers and perks (and who wouldn’t when you’re in his shoes?), but he’s got his eyes set on a bigger game. Eidolon’s ambition is to lead, not be led. He wants to serve Fulgrim, not be a mindless servant to the Chaos Gods. That ambition drives him all the way to Terra and the Imperial Palace itself. He craves power but on his terms – daemonhood doesn’t fit into his grand plan.
What drew Collins to write about the Emperor’s Children? Oh, it’s simple – they’re a mess, and that makes them fun. The Emperor’s Children were one of the first Legions to really spiral into excess and ruin, thanks to Slaanesh. Writing about them gives room for all sorts of wild character dynamics – some are desperately clinging to their old selves, while others fully embrace the monstrous path they’re on. For Eidolon, this is perfect because his journey is all about control – controlling himself, controlling others, and navigating the chaos around him.
And let’s be honest, the Emperor’s Children? They’re the masters of excess, vanity, and corruption. They embody the downfall of nobility, and Eidolon? He’s right at the center of it, loving the control and indulgence that comes with it.
Finally, without spoiling too much, Marc Collins hints at some epic moments in the book, particularly Tatricala, a key battleground for Eidolon’s ego and ambition. It’s here that his pride and desire for exaltation by Fulgrim come to a head, creating some intense introspective scenes amidst the chaos. Collins also teases some classic characters returning (Von Kalda, anyone?), alongside some new faces to flesh out the Emperor’s Children’s messed-up ranks. Expect some gnarly moments as these terrible people do, well, terrible things.
Long story short – Eidolon: The Auric Hammer is shaping up to be a must-read if you’re into deep dives into characters who start out as total jerks and evolve into complex, multi-dimensional anti-heroes (or villains, depending on how you see them). It’s all about power, corruption, and the price you pay for both. Get ready, this book’s coming in hardback, audio, and ebook soon!
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