The Toss of a Coin Apart (Corax and Curze)

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Konrad Curze and Corvus Corax by haimeART

The primarchs are such interesting characters. Scattered across the stars, they are lost then reunited brothers.  Each with their own background that has driven and shaped the 40k universe. One of my favorite parts about Warhammer is how people become the army they play. They find a story that represents who they are, or who they wish they could be, and allow those models to represent them on the table. With eighteen legions, it is easy to find yourself in these characters. Tacticians see themselves as Guilliman. Vikings at heart see Russ. The "Heel" becomes Horus and the "Face" loves Sanguinius. For me, I see myself as Corvus Corax. The do-good ranger, the Raven Lord. Using brains and stealth to overcome his enemies. So, you could imagine how this passage would provoke some deep thoughts on my ride home yesterday.

In that moment, subject to the full brunt of the Night Haunter's scorn, Corax had realized how close he might have been to becoming the creature that was trying to kill him. Their lives were the toss of a coin apart. Corax had been taken in by men learned in politics and the human heart, and they had shown him compassion and support; Curze had received no such upbringing and had become a figure of vengeance and terror. 

- From Deliverance Lost by Gav Thorpe

The noble hero is distraught in his moment of defeat, reflecting on his connection to his enemy. How close had he been to becoming Konrad Curze, primarch of the terrifying Night Lords? How different would their lives have been if Corax had been the one who landed on Nostromo? With his super human strength and ability, how quickly could he have become so evil? For me, this is the stuff that I love about the 40k universe. 

The primarchs touch on some very real aspects of humanity and duality. The ying and the yang. Brother against brother. The Night Haunter and the Raven Lord are eternal enemies, living in a rich and developed universe. I think it is fascinating that we get to play out these scenarios on the table. We get to relive or rewrite the history of the galaxy. Exacting our revenge, or falling prey to our enemies on the battlefield. Sometimes, playing any game can get tedious. Broken lists, bad dice rolls, and frustrating opponents can all take their toll. When it does, remember the story. Remember what drew you to your army. Relive the glories of your favorite character.

One day I'd like to get a game in against the Night Lords and have Corax exact vengeance on Curze. I'm sure the Raven Lord would approve.

Until next time!