Grimdark Enlightenment 30:Word War Forty Thousand

We’re back after an interminably long leave of absence with some fresh content (and Kevin’s fresh haircut) to discuss Anakin posting, how right/wrong it is, and compare it to the much better sci-fi universe that’s barely even fiction at this point. Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

In this Vox-cast, Inquisitor Kevin and I discuss “Why the far right is so obsessed with knights”, the Space Marine as a futuristic rendition of the chivalric knight, crusades, and the responsibilities of nobility. Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

Back in the HateShed for a 2+ hour marathon Vox-cast, we examine the Great War and its events, players, and lasting influences. From the decline of empire to the death of heroes and a world that never recovered its lost grandeur, we trace parallels to the events and characters of the Heresy, and the development of the 40k setting as a whole. Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

Back in the HateShed, the Commissariat and the Inquisition* examine the Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer, and how the attempt to satirize the setting always ends up reinforcing the same universal truths.We break down the book and discuss:* Satire that works, and when propaganda is actually good for you* Immersion vs self insertion vs theory of mind* Friend-enemy distinctions and existential stakes* The sanctity of the human form and the benefit of pumping it full of super soldier chemicals* Duels, honor culture, and the desirability of a worthy foe.*Yes, we know Inquisitor DeAnna sounds like he’s speaking from the back of a cave. It’s called ambiance.If you liked this episode and would like to see more, subscribe so you don’t miss a show! Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

The Commissariat and Inquisition join forces again, this time to discuss the Emperor as the eternal father figure, the role of paternal leadership, and whether Big E should’ve been soft-parenting reddit dad to prevent the Heresy.-The role of the father in the growth of sons-The eternal nature-v-nurture debate-Blood, genes, and destiny at the point of conception -The changing form and role of the father for their aging children-responsibility, duty, and answering the call to action Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

Back in the HateShed, we sat down to discuss faith and belief as it applies to the setting of 40k, our world, the strength it gives in both cases, and the inherent need humans have for structures of belief. Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back, now in technicolor and with buttery-smooth audio, to tell you how and why gaming culture fell to the forces of Chaos, and what we can do to reclaim it. Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

Back in the HateShed, Commissar Chud Hammer and Inquisitor Kevin cover the disastrous and disjointed lore and portrayal of the Space Wolves:-SW fans are boob-nervous furries-The disconnect between early lore and later portrayals-Yet more reasons why the Heresy should never have been made explicit -GW’s inability to portray European culture when genuinely attempting to do so vs their accidental reiteration of western canon when trying to avoid itAnd more! Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

The Commissariat an Inquisition are back in the HateShed with another Vox transmission, this time discussing Dan Abnett’s newest book, The Hive. We cover:-The plot, generally-The illuminated life of an Imperial hive citizen, and why it is, in many ways, better than our world today-How dissent, resentment, and ultimately corruption emerge in a society-The role and fate of traitors-Why are foids always Tyranid players, and how their ravenous uncontrolled simulacrums of children (‘nids) pair with their ravenous uncontrolled simulacrums of children (pitbulls)And more! Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back in the vox-office of the HateShed, this time discussing all things inquisition:-the place of the Ordos in Imperial society-Sovereignty, who has it, and what it means-the mantle of nobility being synonymous with the mantle of sacrifice-Eisenhorn posting -How much does the knowledge of corruption sway you? Is it inevitable to become corrupted yourself?And more! Get full access to GrimdarkEnlightenment at grimedark.substack.com/subscribe