The Butcher's Nails thoughts..

[Leper Messiah]

I have managed to get myself a copy of Butcher's Nails by Mr. Dembski-bowden, and i'm currently listening to it. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of audio dramas, but I have to say, this is absolutely amazing. Maybe its because I'm such a fan of all his work, but this audio drama is by far the best ive listened to from the black library. The wonderful descriptive way that he writes, and the way it is played out, really paints a beautiful picture and really takes you to the place of the story, in the presence of Kharn and Angron. We really havent gotten a real glimpse inside of the inner workings of the world eaters and this is a wonderful insight. Has anyone else had the opportunity to listen to this yet? Any opinions on it?

[Nazguire]

I have managed to get myself a copy of Butcher's Nails by Mr. Dembski-bowden, and i'm currently listening to it. I'll be the first to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of audio dramas, but I have to say, this is absolutely amazing. Maybe its because I'm such a fan of all his work, but this audio drama is by far the best ive listened to from the black library. The wonderful descriptive way that he writes, and the way it is played out, really paints a beautiful picture and really takes you to the place of the story, in the presence of Kharn and Angron. We really havent gotten a real glimpse inside of the inner workings of the world eaters and this is a wonderful insight. Has anyone else had the opportunity to listen to this yet? Any opinions on it?

You know what to do.

Spoiler the heck out of this. Get your spoiler gloves on and paint town red (read: spoiler)

Much Love,

Nazguire



PS: Please?

[shadowhawk2008]

Listened to an extract of this at Black Library Live. Extremely atmospheric stuff and Angron is a total nutcase when his rage is up. :P

[ChrisMurray]

Wow, thats very early, I must get myself to some of these GW events. I agree with Nazguire, if you wouldn't mind please give us details (in spoiler tags of course).

[shadowhawk2008]

Its a 3-month even pre-release. Fairly standard for BL :-)

[Krupp]

Spoilers pls! whats goin on with the world eaters, are the word bearers in the AD aswell?

[shadowhawk2008]

IIRC, the World Eaters and Word Bearers have been dispatched on a mission by Horus but Angron has complicated things by stopping at every planet on the way and being all about KILL!MAIM!BURN!BLOOD. Lorgar isn't too happy either. The extract I listened to was Angron himself against a bunch of Eldar. The xenos weren't winning, no where close.

[Leper Messiah]

IIRC, the World Eaters and Word Bearers have been dispatched on a mission by Horus but Angron has complicated things by stopping at every planet on the way and being all about KILL!MAIM!BURN!BLOOD. Lorgar isn't too happy either. The extract I listened to was Angron himself against a bunch of Eldar. The xenos weren't winning, no where close.

This is the basic outline of the story. Once i get through my second listening I will update this post with more in depth synopsis and spoilers =)

[Leper Messiah]

Ok, So ive listened through the AD a few times now and I catch a little more each time. The general Synopsis of it is that Horus has sent Angron and Lorgar on a mission of destruction through Ultima Segmentum. The force includes 40,000 Word Bearers and 70,000 World Eaters. Quite a significant amount of killers! This story fits in well with the timeline as this takes place just prior to the word bearer invasion of calth and actually ends right at the beginning of the invasion. It is quite interesting to see the inner workings of the world eaters legion as this story is set from Angron's perspective. Its also quite interesting to see just how twisted Angron's perception and view of the world is. Id really like to go into more details of the story, but i'm still new to the boards and i'm not sure how to make the spoiler tags. Would someone mind filling me in so I can give you all more detials without ruining the story for those that dont want to know? It would be greatly appreciated. I'll be checking back this evening so if someone will fill me in i'll be more thatn happy to give you more detials on Kharn, Angron and the Butchers Nails and how they affect Angron as well as how he views them.

Edit- Ive figured the tags out. So let the spoilers begin...

Regarding Kharn....

Kharn is portrayed as a quite sane, level headed person that actually seems to have a sense of humor. Its nice to see what he was like prior to totally succumbing to chaos. He has a quite demeanor that is quite suprising considering the legion that he comes from.

Angron...

Angron is just as insane as always, but his thought process, or lack there of, is made more clear from his perspective. Being in constant pain his memory is not the best and this also leads him to be so volatile. Its also pointed out that Angron does not sleep, whatsoever. This is one of the big reasons that Angron is not rational and so uncontrollable. His pain feeds his base emotions, which in turn leads to his blood rages.

Butchers Nails....

The mechanism behind Angron's insanity, the butchers nails are what keep Angron in constant pain and also prevent him from any form of recuperative sleep. They are what cause his twitching as well as bleeding from his nose,eyes and ears. Its clearly pointed out by Lorgar on more than one occasion that they are utterly killing him and its pretty clear to the listener as well. In Angron's eyes they are the only boon that he has, the only escape he has from the pain and the headaches and the twitching. When they are truely activated while he is in combat he manages to achieve a level of serenity that is not possible at any other time. He views them as the way he dreams, for when he is in combat, he can clearly recal memories far past that would otherwise be unnatainable. He is truely addicted to them as he sees them as his only respite from the constant pain.

Ok, theres a few things to keep you all busy for a bit. I'll add some more a little bit later this evening when I have more time regarding the story line a bit more and Lorgar as well. In the meantime, any curiousities people want to ask, ask away, and i'll answer them the best I can!

[Nazguire]

Ok, So ive listened through the AD a few times now and I catch a little more each time. The general Synopsis of it is that Horus has sent Angron and Lorgar on a mission of destruction through Ultima Segmentum. The force includes 40,000 Word Bearers and 70,000 World Eaters. Quite a significant amount of killers! This story fits in well with the timeline as this takes place just prior to the word bearer invasion of calth and actually ends right at the beginning of the invasion. It is quite interesting to see the inner workings of the world eaters legion as this story is set from Angron's perspective. Its also quite interesting to see just how twisted Angron's perception and view of the world is. Id really like to go into more details of the story, but i'm still new to the boards and i'm not sure how to make the spoiler tags. Would someone mind filling me in so I can give you all more detials without ruining the story for those that dont want to know? It would be greatly appreciated. I'll be checking back this evening so if someone will fill me in i'll be more thatn happy to give you more detials on Kharn, Angron and the Butchers Nails and how they affect Angron as well as how he views them.

Edit- Ive figured the tags out. So let the spoilers begin...

Regarding Kharn....

Kharn is portrayed as a quite sane, level headed person that actually seems to have a sense of humor. Its nice to see what he was like prior to totally succumbing to chaos. He has a quite demeanor that is quite suprising considering the legion that he comes from.

Angron...

Angron is just as insane as always, but his thought process, or lack there of, is made more clear from his perspective. Being in constant pain his memory is not the best and this also leads him to be so volatile. Its also pointed out that Angron does not sleep, whatsoever. This is one of the big reasons that Angron is not rational and so uncontrollable. His pain feeds his base emotions, which in turn leads to his blood rages.

Butchers Nails....

The mechanism behind Angron's insanity, the butchers nails are what keep Angron in constant pain and also prevent him from any form of recuperative sleep. They are what cause his twitching as well as bleeding from his nose,eyes and ears. Its clearly pointed out by Lorgar on more than one occasion that they are utterly killing him and its pretty clear to the listener as well. In Angron's eyes they are the only boon that he has, the only escape he has from the pain and the headaches and the twitching. When they are truely activated while he is in combat he manages to achieve a level of serenity that is not possible at any other time. He views them as the way he dreams, for when he is in combat, he can clearly recal memories far past that would otherwise be unnatainable. He is truely addicted to them as he sees them as his only respite from the constant pain.

Ok, theres a few things to keep you all busy for a bit. I'll add some more a little bit later this evening when I have more time regarding the story line a bit more and Lorgar as well. In the meantime, any curiousities people want to ask, ask away, and i'll answer them the best I can!

Moar spoilers for the Spoiler God.

That's a good way of dissecting Angron' inner turmoil and 'damaged goods'. Kudos to ADB!

[Scribe of Khorne]

moar spoilers for the spoiler god.

That's a good way of dissecting angron' inner turmoil and 'damaged goods'. Kudos to adb!

WTF iS Up wITh THis EARLY RELEASE CraP!! I need this now!

CAPS to signify heightened state of emotional response!

EDIT x 2: Thanks for the spoilers. I can only see this going in good places so far. :]

[Leper Messiah]

Shall we continue??

The story line...

As I have stated before, the story takes place just prior to the events on calth and comes to a close just as the assault on calth begins. Lorgar and Angron have been sent into the Ultima Segmentum to wreak havent and do what they're good at, kill. Little do they know that they have been shadowed by an Eldar corsair fleet. When animosity between lorgar and angron reaches a boiling point angron decides to attack the word bearers. His ship, the conqueror, charges out in front to attack the word bearer fleet. While somewhat alone the eldar corsairs attack and its clear that their purpose is to kill angron. The world eaters manage to come to grips with some of them but the vast majority escape. Angron, furious that they attacked and ran, goes after them with just the conqueror. Lorgar has joined his brother for the battle. Long story short they track down the eldar and attack the capitol ship. Lorgar and Angron corner the commander of the Eldar fleet. Before Angron kills the commander, the question was asked as to why they were after angron. The answer is simple, the Eldar want to kill angron before he can go down the bloody path to the skull throne and become the son of the blood god. In this moment lorgar realizes angrons potential keeps the secret as to who the blood god is. Angron of course, thinks its foolish discourse. Its clear Lorgar understands what it means and supports Angron going down this path. Lorgar stops telling Angron that the nails are killing him and that in time, He will share with Angron some of his secrets, specifically what the words of the Eldar captain actually meant, but not until the right time. The story ends shortly after with Kharn and Argel Tal duelling in one of the world eaters gladitorial pits.

Lorgar...

Lorgar has continued down the path of change. He is no longer cowed and no longer backs down from his brothers bloody threats and insults. Its clear to all, word bearers and world eaters alike, that he has certainly become more a zealot and lost his naivety. He starts down the path of trying to build some sort of relationship with Angron, which doesnt work. My impression is that lorgar is trying to feel out what role Angron will be playing in the large scheme of things. As soon as he discovers it he realizes Angron will turn to the blood god and become a powerful tool of destruction to be unleashed upon terra. He goes from discussing the horrible destruction the butchers nails have on Angron to saying that they are as much of him as anything else and that they should be left alone. In a way, it seems that Lorgar is trying to figure out which brother will play what role and once discovered will help them along the path to said role.

Not the most in depth spoilers, but not bad in my opinion. What else would you guys like to know about?

[Scribe of Khorne]

Man, I would kill for this to be in text and not audio. Much thanks!

[Nazguire]

Shall we continue??

The story line...

As I have stated before, the story takes place just prior to the events on calth and comes to a close just as the assault on calth begins. Lorgar and Angron have been sent into the Ultima Segmentum to wreak havent and do what they're good at, kill. Little do they know that they have been shadowed by an Eldar corsair fleet. When animosity between lorgar and angron reaches a boiling point angron decides to attack the word bearers. His ship, the conqueror, charges out in front to attack the word bearer fleet. While somewhat alone the eldar corsairs attack and its clear that their purpose is to kill angron. The world eaters manage to come to grips with some of them but the vast majority escape. Angron, furious that they attacked and ran, goes after them with just the conqueror. Lorgar has joined his brother for the battle. Long story short they track down the eldar and attack the capitol ship. Lorgar and Angron corner the commander of the Eldar fleet. Before Angron kills the commander, the question was asked as to why they were after angron. The answer is simple, the Eldar want to kill angron before he can go down the bloody path to the skull throne and become the son of the blood god. In this moment lorgar realizes angrons potential keeps the secret as to who the blood god is. Angron of course, thinks its foolish discourse. Its clear Lorgar understands what it means and supports Angron going down this path. Lorgar stops telling Angron that the nails are killing him and that in time, He will share with Angron some of his secrets, specifically what the words of the Eldar captain actually meant, but not until the right time. The story ends shortly after with Kharn and Argel Tal duelling in one of the world eaters gladitorial pits.

Lorgar...

Lorgar has continued down the path of change. He is no longer cowed and no longer backs down from his brothers bloody threats and insults. Its clear to all, word bearers and world eaters alike, that he has certainly become more a zealot and lost his naivety. He starts down the path of trying to build some sort of relationship with Angron, which doesnt work. My impression is that lorgar is trying to feel out what role Angron will be playing in the large scheme of things. As soon as he discovers it he realizes Angron will turn to the blood god and become a powerful tool of destruction to be unleashed upon terra. He goes from discussing the horrible destruction the butchers nails have on Angron to saying that they are as much of him as anything else and that they should be left alone. In a way, it seems that Lorgar is trying to figure out which brother will play what role and once discovered will help them along the path to said role.

Not the most in depth spoilers, but not bad in my opinion. What else would you guys like to know about?

Good to see that Lorgar has become the manipulative, ruthless mo-fo we all thought he would be. And good to see that Angron is predictably easy to manipulate into becoming the ''Blood God's Son''.

Inner workings of the World Eaters plx. Thanks in advance!

More stuff about Kharn too!

[ChrisMurray]

Thank you for the spoilers. Does the story mention whether anyone has or is attempting to be able to remove the butchers nails?

[Leper Messiah]

Quick post, I have a nine hour work day ahead of me tomorrow and need to get to bed, but, dont want to leave you guys hanging for too long! As far as the butcher's nails are concerned, it never says whether or not anyone has tried to remove them, but, it does state on several occasions that trying to remove them would kill Angron. I get the sense that not just the removal would kill him, but the shock to his system. The removal of pain after a lifetime of it coupled with all the new found emotions that arent being channeled into rage would be too much of a system overload. They are basically a wound that has never healed and that has controlled his persona for almost his entire life. After 190 years of that, removing it would be quite a shock I would suppose. Too much of a shock in Angron's already weakened state. I'll post again tomorrow evening with more on Kharn and something else that is totally awesome sauce that hasnt been mentioned before I do believe.... The Ursa's Claws...at least thats how I think you spell it.... Quite possibly the most bad ass heresy era astartes weapon for naval warfare! =) more on that tomorrow! Have a good one guys. In the meantime, more questions are welcome!

[Haeslich]

I wish they would have had a different voice for Angron. Lorgar's voice was....acceptable, but not Angron's. Michael Clark Duncan would have been perfect.

[Lucious]

Oh wow you have the audio book already! You lucky bugger. I would kill all the imperial scum in the name of the Blood God to have it now. Looking foward to more spoilers as Angron and the WE's are easily my fav legion. Ty for all the spoilers you have given us so far.

[GavT]

Man, I would kill for this to be in text and not audio.

When you've listened to Angron going through eldar with Gorechild and Gorefather you'll be glad you've heard the audio.

Cheers,

Gav

[Krupp]

Thanks so much m8, really looking forward to this!