The Death Guard Legion: From Origins on Barbarus to Becoming Servants of Nurgle

The history of the Death Guard Legion is a tale of tragedy, corruption, and transformation. Originating from the world of Barbarus, a planet shrouded in toxic mists and ruled by sadistic warlords, the Death Guard would eventually succumb to the influence of Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay and pestilence.

The Primarch of the Death Guard, Mortarion, was born into the dark and oppressive world of Barbarus. The planet’s atmosphere was toxic, and its surface was filled with dangerous creatures and venomous plants. Mortarion, along with his adoptive father, raised him in the harsh environment, teaching him resilience and endurance. Mortarion eventually led a rebellion against the tyrannical warlords, and with his adoptive father’s guidance, he managed to unite the planet under his rule.

When the Emperor of Mankind discovered Mortarion and brought him into the fold of the nascent Imperium, the Primarch was skeptical of the Emperor’s grand vision. Nevertheless, Mortarion pledged his loyalty and was granted command of the XIV Legion, which would come to be known as the Death Guard. Under Mortarion’s leadership, the Death Guard Legion became known for their grim determination, unwavering discipline, and relentless pursuit of victory.

During the Great Crusade, the Death Guard participated in numerous campaigns, bringing worlds into compliance and expanding the reach of the Imperium. However, their defining moment came during the infamous Battle of Paramar V. The planet was infected by a deadly biological weapon, and despite Mortarion’s caution, the Death Guard were ordered to press forward and secure victory. The toxic spores ravaged their bodies, leading to the death of thousands of Astartes. Mortarion and his Legion were forced to make a pact with Nurgle to survive.

In their darkest hour, the Death Guard found themselves transformed. Their once-proud Legion became infected with Nurgle’s foul blessings, becoming bloated and diseased. Their resilience turned into relentless endurance, their discipline twisted into unwavering determination to spread Nurgle’s gifts across the galaxy. The Death Guard’s armor became decayed and rotten, reflecting the corruption within.

With their newfound allegiance to Nurgle, the Death Guard Legion became an unstoppable force of plague and despair. They embarked on a crusade of death and decay, spreading the blessings of their new patron throughout the Imperium. The Death Guard’s grand vision of unity had been perverted into an endless cycle of decay, and their once-noble purpose was now a grotesque mockery of their original ideals.

Under the leadership of Mortarion, now a Daemon Primarch, the Death Guard Legion unleashed horrific plagues and diseases upon the Imperium. They became infamous for their relentless assaults, spreading despair and decay wherever they went. Mortarion himself became a figure of terror, leading his twisted Legion with an iron will.