Emperor's Children (Warhammer 40,000)

The Emperor's Children are a Chaos Space Marine Traitor Legion devoted to Slaanesh, the Chaos god of excess and sensation. In Warhammer 40,000 they are a showy, glamorous army of duellists, sonic weapons and mutated horrors, and they suit collectors who want a striking, characterful force with a strong visual identity. The easiest way in is the Combat Patrol: Emperor's Children box, paired with the Codex: Emperor's Children.

What are the Emperor's Children in Warhammer 40,000?

The Emperor's Children were once one of the original Space Marine Legions, fighting under the Primarch Fulgrim. They fell to Chaos during the Horus Heresy and now serve Slaanesh. Their defining trait is a ruinous pursuit of perfection and sensation, which shows in everything from their ornate armour to the way they fight.

If you are new to the wider game, our Warhammer 40,000 guide explains how armies, factions and starter boxes fit together. For the bigger picture across every Games Workshop system, see the complete Warhammer buying guide.

How does an Emperor's Children army play?

The army leans into speed, melee skill and sonic firepower, backed by monstrous allies. It rewards a player who likes to be aggressive and to pick the right moment to commit. It is not a patient, defensive force.

• Fast, close-combat focus: many units want to get stuck in and win fights with finesse rather than brute weight.
• Sonic weapons: Noise Marines and their characters turn sound into a weapon, which gives the army an unusual identity among Chaos Space Marines.
• Characters matter: heroes and champions are a big part of the army's personality and of how you build around them.
• Daemonic and mutated support: war machines, spawn and Daemon allies fill out the roster with big, dramatic models.

Always check your current codex for how these ideas translate into the rules, as the details change between editions and updates.

Where should I start collecting Emperor's Children?

Begin with the Combat Patrol: Emperor's Children. A Combat Patrol is designed as a ready-to-play core force, so it gives you a small army, a feel for the faction and a base to build on in a single purchase.

Next, add the English Codex: Emperor's Children so you have the faction rules, lore and army-building guidance in one place. After that, grow the army in the direction that appeals to you most, whether that is more troops, a stronger character or a big centrepiece.

Which Emperor's Children kits are worth buying?

Core infantry

• Noise Marines are the most recognisable infantry for the faction, built around sonic weaponry and musical flourishes. They are an obvious first expansion.
• Flawless Blades are the duelling-minded elite of the army and a good pick if you like blade-focused, characterful models.
• Emperor's Children Tormentors add another distinctive infantry option with the faction's decadent styling.

Characters

• Lucius the Eternal is the legion's famously vain swordsman, a fixture of Emperor's Children lore and a fun model to paint.
• Lord Exultant gives you a leader to anchor a force and show off the army's flamboyant look.
• Lord Kakophonist is the natural companion for a Noise Marine-heavy list, leaning into the sonic theme.

Monsters, war machines and centrepieces

• Chaos Space Marines Defiler is a large, daemon-possessed war engine that gives your army a heavy, imposing centrepiece.
• Chaos Spawn are mutated, unpredictable creatures that add a grotesque contrast to the army's polished aesthetic.
• Fulgrim, Daemon Primarch of Slaanesh is the legion's fallen Primarch and the ultimate showpiece. Treat him as a later purchase, once you know the army suits you.

How should I paint Emperor's Children?

The faction is strongly associated with rich purples, pinks and bright accents, often with gold or metallic trim. It is a good army for practising smooth blends and clean highlights, although a simpler tabletop standard still looks striking. You can paint the models in the official scheme or invent your own sub-legion colours.

If you have never painted before, read how to start painting Warhammer miniatures first. When you are ready to buy paints, the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide explains the ranges and how they fit together.

1. Prime the models and build them in manageable sub-assemblies.
2. Paint your main armour colour first, then add trim and metallics.
3. Finish with details such as gems, lenses, weapons and bases so the army looks consistent.

Which book do I need to play Emperor's Children?

You need the Codex: Emperor's Children. It collects the faction's rules, army-building options and background, and it is the book to check when planning purchases. Some of the rules are updated over time, so check for current errata and updates as well.

Emperor's Children FAQ

Are the Emperor's Children good for beginners?

Yes, particularly if you start with the Combat Patrol. It gives you a playable force without a large commitment. The army rewards an aggressive style, which some newcomers find easier to learn than a defensive one.

What is the best first purchase?

The Combat Patrol: Emperor's Children is the best first purchase for most people. Add the codex shortly afterwards, then choose expansions that fit how you want to play.

Do I need Fulgrim to play the army?

No. Fulgrim is a centrepiece, not a requirement. Many collectors build a solid force from infantry and characters first and add him later.

How do the Emperor's Children differ from other Chaos Space Marines?

They share the same broad Chaos Space Marine background as Traitor Legions, but their focus on Slaanesh, sonic weapons and refined cruelty gives them a distinct identity. Compare them with the plague-ridden Death Guard if you are weighing up two Chaos options.

Can I mix in Loyalist Space Marine kits?

Some collectors convert models for variety, and loyalist armies such as the Dark Angels or Iron Hands offer very different looks. For tournament or organised play, check which models are allowed before converting.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
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• Imperial Agents (Warhammer 40,000)
• Iron Hands (Warhammer 40,000)
• Death Guard (Warhammer 40,000)
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• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures