Origins of the Plague Marines
Plague Marines are Chaos Space Marines who have pledged their allegiance to Nurgle, the Chaos God of decay and pestilence. Their origins trace back to the Death Guard Legion during the Horus Heresy, when they were stranded in the Warp and afflicted by a devastating plague. Desperate to survive, they turned to Nurgle, who “blessed” them with his unholy gifts. This transformation forever changed them, turning once-proud warriors into grotesque, disease-ridden vessels of Nurgle’s will. Now, they embody his teachings, spreading corruption and decay across the galaxy.
The Anatomy of Corruption
The Plague Marines are physically and spiritually altered by Nurgle’s touch, their bloated bodies immune to pain and brimming with decay. Despite their grotesque appearances, their resilience is unparalleled; they can endure wounds that would kill most others. This durability makes them slow but nearly indestructible in combat. Their armor, often rusted and corroded, is fused with their diseased flesh, further binding them to their master. Each Plague Marine carries a host of infections and diseases, turning their very presence into a weapon of fear and death.
Weapons of Disease and Decay
Plague Marines wield a variety of weaponry that reflects their allegiance to Nurgle and their role as harbingers of corruption. Their Plague Knives, coated in deadly toxins, can pierce even the strongest armor, while their Blight Grenades spread contagion among enemy ranks. Some carry specialized weapons like the Plague Spewer or the Blight Launcher, designed to spread toxic filth across the battlefield. Even their bolters are corrupted, firing disease-laden rounds that leave lingering infections. These tools of war make them a nightmare for any opponent, as each attack spreads Nurgle’s influence further.
Harbingers of Nurgle’s Will
On the battlefield, Plague Marines serve as the relentless core of the Death Guard Legion. Their slow, methodical advance is as inevitable as the decay they embody. They thrive in close combat, where their resilience and infectious weaponry can overwhelm even the toughest foes. Beyond their physical prowess, Plague Marines are psychological weapons, spreading fear and despair among their enemies. They are not just warriors but missionaries of Nurgle’s “gifts,” leaving every battlefield they tread upon tainted with disease and corruption. In the service of their god, they become symbols of inevitability—wherever they march, decay follows.
