40k Stories: The Flagships of the Primarchs

The Primarchs of the Legiones Astartes all had a personal flagship, a mighty vessel in the void capable of winning wars almost alone. Today we catalogue what we know of these ships, as well as exploring the fleets of the Space Marines more generally.
More 40k Stories: • 40k Stories
The Legions mini-series: • 40k Stories - Legions
All art belongs to its respective owner(s) and all stories belong to Games Workshop/Black Library/Forge World. Check out some of the artists;
Battle in atmosphere: lorddoomhammer.deviantart.com...
Ultramarines Strike Cruiser: digital-fluids.deviantart.com...
Space Wolf Battle Barge: stugmeister.deviantart.com/ar...
Thunderhawk and Battle Barge: taumich.deviantart.com/art/Wa...
The Vengeful Spirit (post-Heresy): mitai.deviantart.com/art/Sons...
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[@sonofjack6286]

Gloriana Battleships that were used by the Primarchs Invincible Reason: Dark Angels Pride of the Emperor: Emperor's Children Iron Blood: Iron Warriors Swordstorm: White Scars Hrafnkel: Space Wolves Eternal Crusader: Imperial Fists, though Dorn preferred the Phalanx Nightfall: Night Lords Red Tear: Blood Angels Fist of Iron: Iron Hands Conquerer: World Eaters Macragge's Honour: Ultramarines Endurance: Death Guard Photep: Thousand Sons Vengeful Spirit: Luna Wolves Magna Tyrannis: Luna Wolves Fidelitas Lex: Word Bearers Chronicle of Ashes: Word Bearers Flamewrought: Salamanders Shadow of the Emperor: Raven Guard Alpha: Alpha Legion Beta: Alpha Legion

[@94EyeEagle]

Rogal Dorn: PHAAAALAAANXXXX

[@OmegaIdiot]

Well poor forgoten Sanguinus

[@sonofjack6286]

@@OmegaIdiot Darn it, I can't believe I forgot Sanguinius, again!

[@solarshdow8657]

The dark angels also had at least 2-3 more

[@Damienx247]

Now we need a 40Ktheories video about which flagship had the most comfortable command chair.

[@ryzahellblazer8101]

Damienx247 YES!

[@roterlingne7233]

Probably Fulgrims

[@Gigasius]

Absolutely Fulgrim's! Also, I bet Perturabo's chair is purposely as uncomfortable as possible.

[@Damienx247]

Nah JBGigas, I'd figure either Dorn, Angron, Lion'el Johnson had the most uncomfortable chair.

[@MrKago1]

definitely Dorn. its a Pain Chair. designed to give you piles and aggravate them.

[@Sigismund697]

Ironically we know more about the Chalice of Fire than Vulkan's flagship Being 3 artifacts and all

[@TherealSBlair]

Perhaps a video on the favored bars and clubs of the Primarchs?

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

I know what happened to the missing primarch flagships. Bloody Magpies stole 'em.

[@johnlavery3433]

Que to the Blood Raven’s flagship. Underneath the red paint the words “Cock of the Emperor - XI legion- Pretty marines”

[@CHRF-55457]

lol. And Traynz stole the surviving primarchs

[@Self-replicating_whatnot]

@@CHRF-55457 And now they are eyeing each other for an opportunity to complete the set so to say.

[@CHRF-55457]

@@Self-replicating_whatnot While they keep the Angry Marines at bay...

[@jasonwendroth2950]

"I'm not an expert." - Expert.

[@johnnyscifi]

One Primarch' battle barge is another Primarch's (Fulgrim's) Party Bus!!!

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

I liked this focus, the naval perspective is novel. I thought that the Avenger was Corax's lead ship. The Invincible Reason was both large and massively manned with Dark Angels. The Lion dropped to Macragge with 2000 and an additional 4000 executed a drop pod assault to join their brothers. This meant that the Invincible Reason carried no less than 6000 Dark Angels. The Unremembered Empire also indicates that the Lion could deploy 20,000 from the Invincibe Reason, and add to that the 10,000 from the remainder of his task force at Perditus (more than 30,000 total). I don't know how that compares size wise, but the astartes contingent is massive, far too large to be filled by any number of modern chapters combined. The Dark Angels were the largest Legion until sometime AFTER the Rangdan Xenocide, where the 1st Legion lost some 50,000 legionaries. They would later be overtaken in numbers by the 13th. It is possible that the ship was fashioned for the deployment of such numbers uniquely from the other capital ships Maybe this is one of the reasons that modern chapters do not use these giants, they would be largely empty.

[@TacticaImperialis]

This is a valid point - we see with the Phalanx and the Vengeful Spirit that these things were nightmares to maintain with smaller numbers. I think a Chapter can handle running a Gloriana just about, since the Macragge's Honour is still in service and sounds like its in decent nick, but it is probably a challenge. The Invincible Reason isn't actually stated as being amongst the largest in its class, those were the Hrafnkel, Iron Blood, Conqueror and Vengeful Spirit. But you do make a valid point about the size of the Dark Angels, so maybe the IR had larger troop or deployment bays - hopefully the upcoming Ruinstorm book will help flesh it out.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

Tactica Imperialis, thanks for the response. Finished "Ruin Storm", no data. You seemingly must be right however, though the IR was not listed as the largest, it could be a design uniquity.

[@-VOR]

The drop pod assault was initiated by accident. Conrad Curze initiated it to get into mcragge and make guilliman think the lion was attacking.

[@BeinSt1]

Thx for yet another interesting vid!!! Keep up the good work :)

[@theginger7148]

The Imperator Somnium did at least see service at Garro where it arrived in support of the Luna Wolves fleet, which was almost fully assembled. That one ship served as another fleet which was roughly of the same capability as every ship that Horus could muster, including the Vengeful Spirit. The one picture we have of the Somnium shows its escorts to be battleships and Custodian strike cruisers were most capital ships would be escorted by destroyers and light cruisers

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

I miss my big bird boat :(

[@thegradyfiles3272]

Ye

[@user-yq3fz9ch5q]

Same, never more.....

[@RJS88999]

Michael......I didn’t know I wanted this video until you made it!!! AMAZING MATE!! Thankyou!

[@leopoldjenkins]

Very very interesting. Learned a lot from this. Great choice of topic

[@tnerbtnerb5136]

9:41 What we all actually came for.

[@ster6222]

Thank you. 🤙🏻

[@thewayfarer8849]

The big ships of the Heresy are fascinating as settings and reflections of the Primarch/Legion using them. The Phalanx is typical Fists: "vanilla" marines with incredible depth and defensive focus. Pride of the Emperor represents the artifice, glory and eventually repulsive hypocrisy that represents really both Traitor Legions and the later day Imperium. Vengeful Spirit itself is not only a great setting, but subtle storytelling as Galaxy in Flames shows the purely human corruption of Horus doing away with his humility and making what becomes clear as the stage of his personal glory, the old senatorial stage being replaced by an eerie chamber filled with what Loken doesn't realise are blatant classic Chaos banners. What I wouldn't give to see a situation where the Scars full fleet takes something on. Little mentioned Legion with so much character. If Khan returns, his ships should be a crucial pert of it. The Gloriana class represents a mythical time actually returning.

[@mereanochheart7050]

The Invincible Reason is still around. Part of the Dark Angels Fleet in the current time M42

[@TheRealCartman1]

Does the M42 lore make it seem special/different from a standard battle barge?

[@mereanochheart7050]

@@TheRealCartman1 Yes. It was one of the 20 flagships made specifically for the Primarchs, each unique. Gloriana class. Like the Macragge's Honour

[@markmcgoey9910]

Please can u do a video about space marine legion formation sizes like great companies, batallions, companies etc for each legion? It could be alot of work and some of it would be speculation but I think it could be a nice long video lol. Good work, love the vids keep it going dood.

[@IDICBeer]

Awesome stuff

[@ghosthowl38]

The invincible reason is still used by the dark angels as their flag ship

[@AdrianMartinez-ho6db]

I can only imagine how grand the fleets of the old emperium were wit these ships at their heads

[@xfatoushe-6908]

I’m currently reading Fear to Tread rn and when Sanguinius summoned the entire blood angels legion my god the narrators explanation of the fleet’s size and destruction capabilities gave me a tear of joy :,)

[@Nikolaijuno]

The Avenger was taken as Corax's primary flagship. The Invincible Reason was probably cannibalized to build The Rock.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

Nikolaijuno, I think that you are likely right in both cases.

[@thewoundedwarg3254]

Nikolaijuno The Invincible reason is listed in the dark angels fleet in the 41st millennium, it just doesn't get much attention in the face of The Rock

[@rudolphbeltran6658]

Actually a lie. And i think theyre traitors even i know this lol

[@kgbhobby2551]

I read in one of the Space Wolves novels that one of the older wolf Lord's was giving possession of the vengeful spirit and at that time it wasn't considered a big ship anymore

[@togashigr11]

Boucefalas was not the steed of an ancient "hero". It was the name of Alexander the Great's horse. It is roughly translated to Black Head from ancient greek language

[@squirrel_killer-]

He's talking in character, and well many view Alexander the Great as a heroic figure.

[@togashigr11]

@@squirrel_killer- I am Greek although I would ADORE to call him a hero I can't exactly call him that. He WAS a TREMENDOUS conqueror, an AMAZING strategist and a RUTHLESS politician I can't exactly call him a "hero". But I agree with you in that his deeds were heroic on the vastness of his empire and how fast he did it given that he died at 33

[@mrbreck1]

I know this video is closing in on a year old but the blood angel flagship red tear has been raised and repaired. It is active in ruinstorm though i may have missed an earlier appearance as i cannot afford all of the heresy books and am just picking and choosing ones to buy at this point.

[@bigchef290]

Dude great vid, but we need more artwork on these ships.

[@IDyce88]

Vulkan's Gloriana flagship, the Flamewrought, was destroyed during the battle over Istvaan V. After this he named the Battle Barge (that was also called Flamewrought) his flagship instead. if there is one thnig we do know it is that the Iron Hands, Raven Guard and Salamanders all lost a LOT...the Raven Guard and Salamanders lost their flagships...and the Iron Hands was crippled...but they lost their primarch so. Typhus was a dick IMO...i love the Raven Guard...and the Shadow of the Emperor was one of the fastest and THE stealthiest Gloriana vessel...and he destroyed it.

[@lordinquisitorsec7532]

First! Ha! Nice ships. The Gloriana class Battleships were always good.

[@IDyce88]

I've been doing research to find the name of all the original legion Gloriana Flagships: Invincible Reason (Dark Angels)/ Pride of the Emperor (Emperor's Children)/ Iron Blood (Iron Warriors)/ Swordstorm (White Scars)/ Hrafnkel (Space Wolves)/ Phalanx (Imperial Fists)/ Nightfall (Night Lords)/ Red Tear (Blood Angels)/ Fist of Iron (Iron Hands)/ The Conqueror (World Eaters)/ Macragge's Honour (Ultramarines)/ Endurance (Death Guard)/ Photep (Thousand Sons)/ Vengeful Spirit (Lunar Wolves/ Sons of Horus)/ Fidelitas Lex or The Law of Faith (Word Bearers)/ Flamewrought (Salamanders)/ Shadow of the Emperor (Raven Guard)/ Alpha (Alpha Legion)

[@fullgreys0n738]

All of them are dwarfed in every sense by the phalanx.

[@IDyce88]

Full Greys0n: that is because the Phalanx isn't a Gloriana Class Battleship...it was made by Rogal Dorn while he was on Inwit...he offered it to the Emperor who was like "no you keep it my son." there only around 22-24 Gloriana ships made...one for each Primarch and two or four others whose fate were a mystery. the ones made for the Lost Primarchs were given to the Imperial Navy I think...but don't quote me on that. the Vengeful Spirit was the largest Gloriana Class ship...this is a fact...it is mentioned on the page about him and his legion. the Phalanx though certainly a mighty vessel was more of a floating space station...and not even designed the same as the rest of Gloriana class. The Red Tear (made mostly of gold) and Pride of the Emperor (full of unnecessary fancy stuff) were the most immaculate (Blood Angels and Emperor's Children) Gloriana vessels...but the Red Tear was turned into a planet side fortress after it crashed...and well the pride of the Emperor still exists...but it is corrupted into some Slaanesh monstrosity now.

[@fullgreys0n738]

The Smurfs had the biggest of all Gloriana Class battleship. (Maccarage Honour) And whats the technical difference between a battleship and Battlestation that is capaable for FTL movement and sub ligth movement? Some would even say that Gloriana Vattleships are like Battlestations. The Biggest and Migthest Battleship of the Imperium in all times are the Phalanx. That is the simple truth.

[@IDyce88]

the technical difference is it isn't the same model of ship...the phalanx looks more like a tower with four arms and acts like an aircraft carrier..it houses enormous numbers of marines, guns and ships. not to mention its overall shape is nothing like the other Gloriana ships who all have a somewhat similar shape...they are actual cruisers. i never said the phalanx wasn't a great ship...but it isn't technically a ship it is a station capable of movement. the phalanx can't move like like some of the Gloriana's could...Corax's had stealth abilities that were unparalleled...and Khan's was the fastest ever (sadly both were lost). i checked the warhammer page...it says the Vengeful Spirit was one of the largest Gloriana vessels (alongside the Hrafnkel, Iron Blood and Conqueror....which were the ships of Russ, Perturabo and Angron)

[@matthuckabey007]

More pictures, I'm looking at the same picture too long. Even when the subject changes.

[@mr.rousseau.4655]

I wish there were more space combat in Warhammer 40K.

[@jessejamesroy0069]

the fidelitis lex was destroyed over nuceria and he then took the blessed lady as his flagship the lex was gonna be given to argel tal the blessed lady is the biggest flagship ever constructed next to the phalanx as a matter of fact you failed to mention lorgar's Abyss-class Super Battleships Furious Abyss , Trisagion, Blessed Lady

[@MrCrazyLeprechaun]

Don't you mean twenty legions- *Muffled sounds of inquisitorial violence*

[@paulmeredith2037]

Hi thanyou for this one can you do chaos ship

[@ThatDragonGuy]

Vulcans flagship 😍

[@nightlock826]

I belive the Iron Blood was turned into a fortress by Pertruabo, just something I heard from friends though

[@MrKago1]

I thought altering tech with better designs was something Mars refused to do. though I dont see why if you can commune with the machine spirit and take/make suggestions.

[@Shogundoxie1414]

2:32 of course everything changed, that's when the Fire Nation attacked.

[@InquisitorThomas]

We’re going to talk about Remliez’s waifu?

[@lordinquisitorsec7532]

Inquisitor Thomas Well then Inquisitor I believe that is Heresy to suggest that Remlez would mingle with the Tau.

[@InquisitorThomas]

Lord Inquisitor Sec WHAT?! We already know he mingles with Tau! He has a Emperor-Damn podcast with a Tau, and that isn’t even mentioning the Demon!

[@Sigismund697]

Lord Inquisitor Sec Did someone say heresy? Because I had the feeling that someone said heresy

[@InquisitorThomas]

Sigismund, The Emperor's Champion yes Remliez is a heretic who mingles with Tau and Demons, insulted the Emperor to his face, and has a crush on the captain of Angron’s flagship!

[@lordinquisitorsec7532]

Inquisitor Thomas Oh! That Remlez! The one who needs purging.

[@jacobs4545]

Endurance vs Terminus Est? Who would win?

[@H240909]

Ever think about doing ship videos for other races of 40k.

[@jackmyers8687]

Hail the Invincible Reason.

[@714770235]

imperator somnium and horus vengeful spirit were in Ullanor. read The Wolf of Ash and Fire

[@TacticaImperialis]

I knew the VS was, but I didn't know the Somnium was involved in the fighting - did it actually fight, or did it only show up afterwards for the Triumph?

[@714770235]

vs was almost overrun by ork, then imperator somnium appear surprisingly. seems like horus knew emperor would come to save him. the ship only fight for 1 hour, and imperium already win the orbital war. so you can say Imperator somnium did not fight.

[@ryzahellblazer8101]

I see what you're doing there- you're meeting alexis next, aren't you?

[@mikeTmaggot]

Im surprised u did say that the vengeful spirit and the eternal crusader are sister ships

[@davidedens6353]

Space marines are forbidden standard fleet ships by the code astartes including large compliments of capital class vessels.

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

David Edens this is pre-codex.

[@sonofthewolfguardianofthef1214]

Describe the space marines in three words power armored death

[@stig4]

What about the Emperor's flagship?

[@TacticaImperialis]

Both the Bucephalus and the Imperator Somnium were mentioned and discussed as far a possible in the video!

[@user-vi2fn6tm5x]

I thought that the Death Guard flagship was the Terminus Est.

[@hotrodheart26]

It belongs to Typhus.

[@tomashton1562]

so is anything known about the emperors flag ship

[@TacticaImperialis]

Very little, both in the case of the Bucephelus and the Imperator Somnium. I summarised them in brief in the video, but there is a little more you can look up

[@markr9293]

Pronounced: LEGION-NES ASTARTES Not legio-nes astartes

[@Daledout]

Leggy oh astartes??

[@TacticaImperialis]

My preferred pronunciation - not sure if its the true Latin, but I like it.

[@shredhead67]

Fail! F- back to school for you.

[@adamlastnamenotmentioned6821]

Ro-bot row-boat guilliman. Its pronounced ri-boo-tay

[@scottygdaman]

Lego 40k

[@freshfrench9541]

Bye

[@iamalpharius9483]

The ROOT WORD, ...LEGION. DOES IT HAVE A HARD *G* SOUND IN IT? NOOOOOO!!!! STOP USING IT!!! 🤣🤣🤨🤨

[@exgi76gmailcom]

Wow the leggy o Astares killed your video man and it’s ro-boot-ta gilly man not Robert ok 👌

[@TacticaImperialis]

Personal preference of pronunciation, nothing more! I know that others say it differently, but that's how I prefer, doesn't change the content!

[@exgi76gmailcom]

Just trying ta let ya know ....but you are 100%correct it is absolutely your decision to put out information in way that makes ya sound like a pretentious twit ......ok kiddo...

[@LouisKing995]

Brice Mauritz Your comment is ironically pretentious

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

I miss my big bird boat :(

[@ronanchristiana.belleza9270]

I feel you bro.