Horrible Heretics: KHARN THE BETRAYER | Warhammer 40,000 Lore

[@ToTheNines87368]

When other channels do summaries and bios it’s almost like they are reading from a wiki. Ian just has the perfect narration and personal touch, it’s very authentic. Good job releasing great content even when you aren’t around!

[@runomelkko]

Full agree! I think Ian's greatest asset is that he is willing to discuss the themes and parallels embedded in the lore, giving it much more meaning than any in-universe narrator could. ❤

[@WingZeroCustom001]

When that music plays, it just gives a sense of something scfi and epic is approaching and it never misses

[@Mugdorna]

He has been immersed in the hobby for decades now. Thus has the understanding of the ever changing lore.

[@gptd7178]

The thing I find most fascinating about Khárn and that I never see talked about is how his story ultimately has a happy ending (for him, not for anybody else). His life is defined by torturing himself to please his master, first the Emperor and then Angron, and both of them show him very little regard before they kick him to the next guy... then Khorne comes along, and he absolutely adores Khárn. He keeps a special skull pile of Khárn's kills like a proud dad and he refuses to make Khárn a demon because Khárn is already perfect as-is. All Khárn ever wanted was approval, and Khorne outright loves him.

[@semjazairl]

Thats a cool little tidbit of lore i didnt know. Do you have a source for this?

[@secondarytrollaccount666]

​@@semjazairlread the lore. The emperor is memed on for being a bad dad and angron frequently beat his sons to death almost including kharn. The only thing khorne demands are blood and skulls.

[@TheSniperGTO]

@@secondarytrollaccount666I’m sure he’s “read the lore”. I believe he wanted a source for Khorne adoring Khârn, treasuring his skulls, and refusing to ascend him to demonhood. I’ve played this game since Necromunda and I’ve never heard that before. He wanted a reference like “Read ‘Blood God’ by John Smith. It’s on page 231 where Khorne says to Slasnesh he adores Kharn, he collects his skull kills, and thinks he’s perfect just the way he is.

[@va818]

I love how the first quote we have from Kharn, way back in 2nd ed has just become all the more meaningful and tragic as he's been recast into a fully formed character: "KILL! MAIM! BURN! KILL! MAIM! BURN! KILL! MAIM! BURN! KILL! MAIM! BURN!"

[@ArbitorIan]

Yeah, Betrayer did a LOT to humanise all of the World Eaters

[@MrHoneuma]

6:25 I've got to correct you there, Angron didn't refuse help, because none was offered. Thats one of the reasons he went berserk in the first place when the Emperor teleported him to the ship against his will. It also continued to be a sore spot and reason for hatred of the Emperor. The Emperor even made him watch as they died, and when he demanded an answer, he was ignored and told that he'd hope Angron would one day understand why(he didn't).Had the Emperor actually helped and sent the Custodians in as well, Angron likely would have been the most loyal primarch of all, even with the nails. Heres a quote from Angron speaking to Lorgar about it. " You kept that mule Kor Phaeron. Russ kept his kin-friends. The Lion kept Luther. Humans -- brothers and foster fathers -- saved and raised into Legion ranks. But not me. Not Angron, no. Did the Emperor teleport his gold-wrapped Custodians down to help me and my army? No. Did he free the War Hounds and order them to battle, fight alongside me? No. Did he save my brothers and sisters the way he spared and honoured the Lion's closest kin? The way he honoured Kor Phaeron? No, no and no. No mercy for Angron. Angron the Oathbreaker. Angron the Betrayer."

[@knightsljx]

this. If any Primarch had good reason to turn on the Emperor, it was Angron

[@TheAccursedHunter01]

"The actual story of Karn the Betrayer is something of a tragedy." You could say that about the entire World Eater's legion, whether you include Angron or not.

[@patrickking3124]

You could say that of every person born into the 41st millennium.

[@GreasusGoldtooth]

In a way, everything about all of Warhammer, whether it's 40k, Fantasy, or AoS, is a tragedy.

[@JontysCorner]

Kharn feels like the perfect counter story to Garro. One succeeded in maintaining their duty and honour, the other failed.

[@frazerrhughess]

Interesting point 🤔

[@Hiihtopipa]

Or was did one of them take it a teeny weeny bit too far 😆

[@Hiihtopipa]

Honour is something after all something khorne and his followers take Part in!

[@Mr_Bunk]

“Transported from the ‘Jermani’ regions of Terra…” Huh. Now I know that Kharn would probably like a good sauerkraut every now and then.

[@DavidManser]

Don't forget the Blutwurst too - GW just keep giving me reasons to like Kharn!

[@chadchadchaification]

Kharn and Argul Tal best bromance

[@yesmilord2350]

This is the beginning of the best series you've ever done.

[@ObiWAAAGHKenobi]

🎵‘Horrible heretics……’🎵 (Horrible history theme)

[@mazubahtender]

I could buy Khârn, but I could also probably convert him. The entire story of the World Eaters is tragic, but even before I knew of it, I've loved their simplicity. No tricks, no deceit, no magic, no waiting. Only brutal, mindless and terrifying carnage, in the name of a god that will never be satisfied, represented by a Primarch who has lost almost all ability to truly lead due to his blood fueled madness, and led by a captain who's mind is so lost that he can't even tell friend from foe.

[@Deimos0]

that's why I'm glad they got a small refresh in 40k - I can't get into DG because of how utterly ruined their character is by some of the models, TS seems like a pompous brats, so this leaves me only with pure hatred of the XIIth

[@talscorner3696]

Personally, I think you can do something much cooler by converting him ^^

[@dukedevlan5457]

I have his old metal model he is such a compelling character he is a perfect example of a villan made right because it's hard to blame him for a lot of his decisions because most people in his shoes would have done the same. Kharn is only loyal to Khorne, the World Eaters have one of the best reasons for there fall to chaos

[@ahoyturtle]

The only good part of Kharn's model is the helmet. I've converted a model myself with the new WE range, and I'm pretty pleased with the result. The new plastic bits means converting is a much better option, in my opinion.

[@euansmith3699]

I imagine that Khan's Kill-counter just flashed, "ERROR: OVERFLOW". Another great video. I hope that Ian is having a good time on his world tour.

[@rv3029]

He get a 1 million kill streak in the siege of terra

[@Brickerbrack]

Or it runs out of digits, and eventually has to just tick back over to 1.

[@maqywhaq]

Kharn's journey is kinda the same as Angron's in a sense. Desire to serve his chosen master(Angron wanted to die with his brothers, Kharn wanted to fight beside Angron), the strength of their nature denied to them(the empathy in this case). Eventual fall into the fallen path where they no longer have any choice in the matter(Kharn going full berserker, Angron being offered up as a sacrifice to Khorne). Tragic, but also endearing as I pity the fall.

[@paulellington1505]

Another good entry would be Typhus of the Death Guard or Lucius of the Emporer's Children or Argul Thal of the Word Bearers

[@kharnth3bl00dy]

Your style of lore delivery is perfect. Not so long like others and not too short as to leave an unclear understanding. Love your channel!

[@LordyT34]

I don't think theres a more deserving character for the name "Horrible Heretics"

[@Kenshito]

"lol" Said Kharn the Betrayer "Lmao"

[@disposable157]

Well this was so nice to listen to. You're a great storyteller and your voice is soothing, even when talking about bloodthirsty monsters :D

[@seanfitzy2256]

excellent video. your style is perfect for these histories. The world eaters are so tragic , just seeking an escape from pain. Its all horrible.

[@darkora_]

to quote adeptus ridiculous: "Lol" said Kharn, "Lmao" said Kharn

[@slymarbo1183]

I hope Kharn will hunt down Erebus in current timeline and finish their fight!

[@Generalscorpio]

It's lucky the Chaos Gods often offer resurrection, because there'll be a queue.

[@olly123451]

Interested to see who you do next! Would love to see the companion video for this one be Argel Tal, or go the other side of the heresy and do Typhon.

[@SirKanti1]

Even if the Emperor had stepped in to save Angron, Angron wouldn't have joined him. Angron just fought to free himself from the yoke of one tyrant, he wouldn't accept another.

[@manlyasian]

Swell guy, that Kharn.

[@lostsanityreturned]

Swole guy even

[@DrFeelGoodHelpDesk]

Just don't tell him it's too cold to go outside and play...

[@duncanself5111]

The Wrath of Kharn short story is hilarious

[@dragonsgreedgaming3500]

Haven't gotten this far in the HH books yet, but damn this was good. I thought Angron's tale was tragic, but this was even more heartbreaking.

[@jacobcronk2785]

Hell yeah, a new (to me ) lore channel to binge on.

[@ITCamefromthePage]

The short story of Angron getting transported to the flagship and everyone trying to deal with him is ABSOLUTELY amazing. This is a great video summing up a surprisingly complex story.

[@rickplayzyt6277]

I kind of resonate with the world eaters and Angron, i dont have nails biting in my head but i do have brain damage in the part of my brain that regulates emotion, so much like them i struggle to not go berserk in times of stress. Its a funny thing how some things can draw you into hobbies.

[@comradecthulhu6052]

It’s funny, in the TTRPG Cyberpunk 2020, there’s a gang known as Malestrom, essentially they’re ultra cyborgs, blood thirsty too. One of their leaders essentially was Kharn, he went crazy and left the gang, but would turn up at random battles to either the boon, or annoyance of his gang.

[@livingthepct1224]

Simply the best quality narrative focused and executed narration in 40k. Keep it up good Arbiter.

[@S.A.S.H.]

A tragedy of Shakespearean proportions.

[@alexpointon784]

Really enjoyed this. Thanks Ian. And thanks to the writers of Kahn's story.

[@divideby000]

He's not the dumbest man in the universe, but The Emp's handling of Angron certainly doesn't paint him as the genius he's said to be.

[@lordnagatron]

It does when you realize the emeprors full plan. Never despair the intents of the Emperor of mankind, when you do so, you are letting the universe know exactly hpw pitifully ignorant you are.

[@MrZauberelefant]

He does have strong Elon Musk vibes - "total genius", quite poor with people, etc

[@dalgafaik966]

Fantastic video with great level of detail, showing how the cartoonish Kharn is actually a well-rounded and interesting character. Great stuff as always!

[@talscorner3696]

Effectively, the Horus Heresy can be summed as "Oh, yeah, some folks were a bit on the wonky side. But then the World Eaters made everything worse."

[@therevenant4178]

I blame Erebus. That scoundrel...

[@nurglerider781]

@@therevenant4178 I mean, it really should be called the Word Bearers Heresy

[@ohmygoditisspider7953]

I can't believe how good your videos are compared to the amount of subs you have. I don't know exactly how long I've been watching you but I think you had like 30k when I started, something like that. and this video is as good or better than anyone with six times your sub count has with regard to this subject, in terms of how well researched and edited the video is. I'm impressed and anyone who knows anything at all about watching warhammer stuff on youtube also would be.

[@judsonbates1359]

Would love to see your take on some of the bigger battles / campaigns from the HH. Thramas Campaign, Calth, Prospero, Chondax, etc.

[@thierrydevries]

Trying to talk slower? For most people that certainly would be recommended, but i feel that you speak so perfect English, you might be an exception to that rule. I feel it messes with your cadence. No hate only love! Keep up the good work!

[@sowdog]

It's so strange, he normally sounds amazing. I'm watching this at a 1.25 speed and it sounds closer to normal.

[@Randomyoutuber0000]

I agree, love all of Ian's videos and his voice as it is, is perfect for the lore videos he does. I'm also 125% speed

[@rossharrison6912]

Increase speed to 1.25x if you want Ian to speak like he usually does 😂

[@kilianh.5297]

we want more of Horrible Heretics!!!

[@DoomsToys]

Thinking of doing a horus heresy World Eaters army… this video is not helping my thirst to serve the blood god

[@PinkyJustice]

The thirst only grows... they might release a heresy era "young dæmon" Angron if Fulgrim sells well... or rules if they haven't yet... And holy hell that would push me over the edge, too... Stay strong...

[@TheBriarWolf]

Just checking in to see if Kharn caught Erebus yet 😃

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome video. It is great to learn about Kharne. Keep up the good work.

[@SultanOfAwesomeness]

Your intro music never feels to make me smile.

[@NerdMafiaSV]

Ngl, a Horrible History style warhammer show would be awesome!

[@Sciontabier]

Listening to the Khârn Lore from a different youtuber even though I know full well that I will not learn anything new.

[@steviebarrett]

"You can trust me, I'm Kharn The Betrayer. It's one of those ironic nicknames!"

[@markweevil3985]

Minor pedantic point! I don’t think The Cutter is a chain axe, it’s that cleaver looking thing that comes with the Forge World model as an option

[@earnestwanderer2471]

I’m sure Mira’s relaxation meditations would have helped Kharn.

[@stoneosborne9247]

Kharn is hands down my favorite character in 40k not named Angron

[@PoolNoodleGundam]

You call them horrible heretics, I call them upstanding revolutionaries doing what they can for the good of a higher cause, but I guess yours rolls off the tongue better.

[@WARSMITHAFROW]

Slaves to a false god

[@jblazeby]

You do this so well. I've been an avid Warhammer fan for over twenty years and you make me believe that everything you say actually happened.

[@Spaceboy02111]

Such an amazing and tragic story, fantastic video on one of my favorite characters from the heresy!

[@GooglyEyedSkull]

Killiest Bunnie ears in the galaxy. Perhaps as killy as The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog!?

[@asphyxianone]

I really like all the monogod chaos legions, they're all delightfully tragic and terrible. Khârn is, much like his genedaddy, a proper tragedy.

[@GhazDakkaDaKrumpa]

Dat Red Spikey git iz in da line Fer a propa krumpn

[@WilhelmScreamer]

I'd like a bit more on how kharn's presentation evolved.

[@davideddy8557]

If Big E's plan hadn't been interrupted, you think it would have been Angron and the 12th taking the role that Perturabo and the 4th ended up with in the Imperium?

[@Yurt_enthusiast7]

Doupt Emp had a plan for WE besides having a savage legion of wardogs that he could unleash on certain enemies, much like NL. His mistake was that he thought he could control both Angron and Curze.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

Awesome video lore about Kharn the Betrayer!

[@icemanespoo2977]

Kharn the Diplomat, yeah that sounds right. How bad were the other candidates?

[@london_TC]

How come the vocal pace of this episode sounds slightly slower than usual? Sounds like the video has been slowed down to 0.9 speed or something (have checked my speed settings and all fine)

[@Yurt_enthusiast7]

Are you in a rush😂

[@jansandman6983]

So in technicality Kharn is so much more strong willed than his primarch.

[@ArbitorIan]

That's not actually that rare. You could say the same about Typhon, or Erebus, Ahriman, or even Abaddon. You could also argue that the Primarchs are just a lot more human that the Astartes, who've kinda been mindwiped of a lot of vulnerable emotions.

[@AW-wf2dx]

Love the new production and music!

[@kharn109]

Kharn is the best character in the Chaos faction

[@zgmfx-09a]

"If you wanna learn about the truly horrible - who am I kidding they're all horrible!" a little redundant don't you think?

[@EFFORTINDUSTRIESINC.]

Khornedogs for the Kharnival God

[@57DarthSion]

Not gonna lie, I read the title as HONORABLE Heretics. Must be cause Kharn is just such a swell guy.

[@sphyre1196]

If you know, then I have to say no more than : Get Up! How we all wish Kharn would have ended the little runt then and there.

[@briochepanda]

'He reached to touch the wound with a hand that was no longer there.'

[@johnnyscifi]

#fckErebus

[@MrThorndj]

Nailed the music in this video, Ian!

[@davidjohnson-rj7op]

Brilliant video! Cant wait for more in the series.

[@RumblesBettr]

The way you say arbitor is wildddd

[@dashvash5440]

Hate the discovery of Angron. It only makes sense if the Emperor (smh) wanted Angron to betray him.

[@stobiusshroden]

before i watch this can somone assure me the part in kharns story where he kills everyone in a path around the planet hes on is mentioned? it was pre publication of the heresy and i will be sad if its retconned...

[@Jakel79]

Khârn was so fun in 2nd ed 40k

[@evanfish4505]

Man, this makes me want to buildsome primaris War Hounds

[@badasbob4761]

Can't wait for more of these. This one was fantastic.

[@AubLambe]

Hell yeah, stoked to see more. This was fantastic

[@martynjones3978]

Absolutely loved this video pretty much the best description of this hobby 😂😂😂

[@admiral_darkbar4389]

Kharn is a pretty swell guy if you ask me. He once peeled the skin off twenty cultists to make me this nifty "leather" wallet. No idea why it took twenty people, but hey thats Kharn for ya! Always thinking of his friends!

[@mattb106]

Really want to watch this but I have 75 pages left of ‘Betrayer’ and don’t want to spoil anything! Although it’s not like I don’t know where it all ends up.

[@2guys1cliplol]

Lets face it. Khorne wanted the Blood Angles for the black rage but was happy with getting kharn as a trade off. 😂

[@Yurt_enthusiast7]

I would argue he already got BA because of the black rage, every act of violence is after all a prayer to the Skull throne

[@Imladris-lm3bo]

Hi Ian, can you tell me what the name of this lovely looking heresy reference book you're always showing is? Thanks!

[@No_nameOG]

“All kinda horrible”? I dunno, Ciaphas Cain is a pretty good person.

[@matthewrappold1459]

Really looking forward to this series !

[@squirrelsugar]

Hey Ian. I’m an older guy so this is how I use KZbin 😊 thus this comment is off subject (I know, obnoxious, sorry) just because I had an actual serious question on one of your older videos that I needed an answer for, but was afraid it may not get noticed in an older video. Your 40K editions video - you said the 1st edition came in a hardcover? I was always under the impression that the hardcover was a reprint that was some sort of anniversary edition that was a warhammer world exclusive and the softcover was the original, and format for additional printings up until 2nd was released? Can someone please clear this up for me? I thought I knew, but now I am confused! 😅 Thanks!

[@ArbitorIan]

I've owned two copies of the 1987 rogue trader over the years and both have been hardcover, including when I had one in the 90s. This was standard for the big books like realm of chaos too, though supplements like the compendium were soft IIRC. From 2ed everything went softcover.

[@gentlemanviking2644]

But kharn is such a swell guy.

[@Omnicide101]

Swell guy, that Khârn

[@lholocron]

Does Kharn is still alive during the '' present '' time of 40k ?

[@redpill1984]

The music here is so creapy

[@michaelgrey1351]

You can't call the series "Horrible Heretics" without also including a song a la Horrible Histories.

[@ghostcat5303]

Pls do Talos and First Claw!

[@Dustbinlid1]

40K is Kharn the Betrayer, 30K is Kharn the Betrayed.

[@kaiser5910]

He's just very kharnsequent....

[@steppeone]

Such a superb video. You are truly the Loremaster.

[@lordnagatron]

Not even close butt smoocher

[@jonesfigures]

Kharn is the goodest boy! Great retelling of his story- and without needing saying, f$*k Erebus. Obviously.

[@Zorajit]

Hell of a guy, that Khårn

[@parkerstange851]

"LOL" said Kharn "LMAO"

[@fitnessandinjury]

Simply amazing❤

[@greendalf123]

I thought Kharn was from the Urals?