On the Origins of the Great Rift and the Dark Imperium (Warhammer 40k Lore)

Being a record and account of the Imperium at the close of the 41st Millenium, divers dicussions upon the Noctis Aeterna and the Cicatrix Maledictum, and the musings of the chronicler upon his work.
Support the channel on Patreon: / oculusimperia
Follow me on Twitter: / buttstuffkaiju
Thanks to the amazing Myles Eves for the new Patreon credits! Check out his work at myleseve.com/
Music: Missa Victimae Paschali Laudes by The Tudor Consort
This video is a non-profit fan-made lore discussion. Games Workshop, Forge World, Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer, Space Marine etc are all trademarks of Games Workshop Ltd. Games Workshop does not endorse or support fan-made "lore" videos. All views and opinions expressed in this video belong to Oculus Imperia and in no way reflect the views or opinions of Games Workshop Ltd or it's employees.
All works used in this video belong to their respective authors and corporations. Oculus Imperia holds no claim or propriety interest, either wholly or in part, in any of the work displayed here, with the exception of the audio commentary recorded for this video.

[@arieltaylor3566]

Black Library should really look into hiring you to do a complete historical overview of the lore. I really appreciate your style of reading and delivery, it is extremely easy to listen to and for lack of a better word CLASSY! Thank you sir.

[@OculusImperia]

Pester them! I'd adore that!

[@alexandernagel8205]

Right? This guy has a poetic grasp of language

[@FieelFlying]

I also agree! Most lore videos have people being funny etc. and completely destroying any kind of immersion

[@martinmortyry7444]

@@FieelFlying that's also good. Sometimes you want the Black Crusades to sound as ominous as possible; other times, you want to joke about Abaddon having no arms.

[@TealWolf26]

Oculus is like a fine wine. Best enjoyed and savoured for its subtlety, nuance and quality.

[@Hendar23]

'Hope is a first step on a road to disappointment.' -Imperial Proverb

[@beemus1827]

That's just Jonah Orion from dawn of war 2

[@myriad9597]

@@beemus1827 Nah that was in there back in dow 1, it's a librarian quote.

[@beemus1827]

@@myriad9597 oh yeah and I forgot completely about isador

[@myriad9597]

@@beemus1827 Np

[@TherealSBlair]

Our favorite historian returns to us! "Gather around children. For it is grand story time."

[@TheMasterDeus]

The term is 'historitor', use the proper terminology.

[@Elenrai]

@@TheMasterDeus Too late, already converted him to a servitor.

[@NeiasaurusCreations]

TRAITOOOOOR

[@adamhunter1223]

Cue visuals!

[@flamingmuffin666]

“Nun liebe kinder, gebt fein acht”

[@TheEldritchGod]

*TRUE ORIGIN OF THE RIFT*: At games workshop someone spilled coffee on a map of the galaxy and said, "Hrrmmm... I got an idea..."

[@DeathBringer769]

There's always two explanations in fiction -- the in-universe lore explanation and then the (usually) more boring real life reason/motivation behind the writer(s) putting it into place ;)

[@fraser1614]

More likely to be tea, gw is a British company based in Nottingham

[@kyle857]

@@fraser1614 "Most English drink cheep Inara t coffee just like Americans" -Douglas Adams

[@patrickking3124]

@@kyle857 not at gw

[@Ether101_Prime]

You mean Kite Kubo payed Games Workshop a visit.

[@jackrogers5712]

You've done a good enough job with this channel and your character that I now consider Oculus to be an in-canon character. As far as I'm concerned, Oculus is as official as Guilliman himself. Keep it up, you're becoming a legend.

[@OculusImperia]

This means more to me than you can possibly know.

[@kosmokat111]

@@OculusImperia fr tho he's right, this is such an amazing channel and I think any 40K fan can appreciate, and adore the work you do, this is the absolute best, bar none, I have ever seen lore presented, not just for 40k, but any fictional franchise

[@bobbobbob8598]

You created a manner speech, rhythm and intonation, that is extremely fitting of this kind of content. The Mix of lore-facts and the overarching narrative of the scholarly narrator make your content more than just lore for fans of Warhammer 40/30k. Fantastic work. Happy New Year!

[@OculusImperia]

Thank you so much. This video, this script, felt like a bit of gamble, because I don't want the character to get in the way of the lore, only enhance it and give context. Delighted you enjoyed it so much

[@AutismIsUnstoppable]

@@OculusImperia I feel the character adds to the delivery of the lore immensely, it really helps set the tone and make the lore feel more real. I would love for your character to be developed a little more, similar to What Remleiz or that tau scum over at Tactica Imperialis have done.

[@Tomorer]

@@OculusImperia U have deftly, become lore ;()

[@dadagan8815]

@@AutismIsUnstoppable I agree the character gives just the right amount of inflection to give a feeling of hopeless despair that only a truly endless horrific dark age could create.

[@nicholasgraveline7384]

@@OculusImperia My favourite lore channel now.

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

Sounds like we have to create additional pylons

[@Jesus_Offical]

Or You Coud come Back From vacation

[@Enriiiiiii]

*BORGER*

[@ieuanhunt552]

The Imperium has allied itself with Aldari and Drukari. But I don't think making the Necrons our allies would be a good idea.

[@Deridus]

A year later and this comment still hurts me. Hey, Pro, toss me another!

[@darkhighwayman1757]

We need more minerals

[@willrogers3793]

Picture, if you will, a silent crowd of people. Suddenly, someone in that vast horde begins to applaud, gradually followed by more and more, until enough people to fill a hive city are all clapping as if their very souls depended on it, the sound rising high enough to deafen. I could think of no words to explain my appreciation for this record, so I shall leave you with this image of countless multitudes sounding their approval as a substitute. May the Light of His favor continue to guide you on your quest, Honored Remembrancer.

[@OculusImperia]

[@thewayfarer8849]

As someone who liked the idea that the narrator served Guilliman as Rembembrancer, thank you. Good start to the new year

[@hanasununhamunagoyum]

"None may know my name, but if you're really curious it's ButtstuffKaiju."

[@Brutalyte616]

"It's an honor name my family was gifted with long ago, supposedly on Holy Terra itself, though its exact origins are unknown to me, as the moniker dates back to some far-flung time before the Age of Strife."

[@bloodfreud]

*Imperia Buttstuff

[@jimvenanzio6561]

We must Have Lord Reagent Guilliman saying this name in recording.

[@NeiasaurusCreations]

I wonder if he's related to Fuun Tits.

[@nerfninja661]

This is heretically funny

[@spectretacitus325]

'Ours is not a pleasant tale, quite the opposite. The epochs of humanity are ridden with pain, strife, kin murder, torrents of blood, mountains of heartbreak, & oceans of woe. We are a race inculcated in misery, suffering, & hardship. Ours is a cruel existence for we exist in a cruel universe.' Amazing description of the universe of 40K.

[@chickentunic3443]

The writing of this series is so good it’s better than like 90% of official Black library lore.

[@Jeremy-rp3in]

Nothing like waking up to an Occulus video. You always make the best lore videos. Can't wait to see what future videos bring!

[@MrZoichi]

This is my favorite episode so far. The writing was top notch and had me hooked for the entire thing!

[@OculusImperia]

This is stunningly high praise, thank you so much!

[@noelienoelie8425]

I love how you extenuate HIM and HIS. It's fitting, for is it not through HIS will alone that we live to listen to this most glorious remembrancer. Actually gives me chills.

[@crimsonquill4255]

...I feel as though I am in a lecture hall, and you are the lecturer. You are not just entering character, Oculus...You ARE the character. And the character is you...you seem to be able to walk right into the turbulent setting, and deliver every line with utmost detail, and characteristic reverence of the Imperium...coupled with a refreshing willingness to acknowledge the truths of the matters you cover. Your channel is magnificent...I discovered it through the interview with the Ordo Hereticus. This is a gem. Ave Imperator! Gloria in Excelsis Terra!

[@dinocha0s]

Damn the sheer amount of depth you bring us into, literally feels like an imperial servant adressing his Stormtroopers/inquisitor/imperial agent about the horrors that awaits

[@ericfiedler5506]

Irrefutably the best source of lore on youtube for 40k. Fantastic work and please cover the defense of cadia!

[@Brutalyte616]

"Gork's teef it's dark... *OI LADS! GET SUMMA DEM 'OOMIE FLASHY-BRIGHTS! I CAN'T SEE ME OWN CHOPPA IN FRONT OF ME OWN ZOGGIN' FACE! YOU KNOW, DA ONES DAT DA MEKS KEEP IN DA BACK CUZ DEY CAN'T FIGYA OUT WHAT TA DO WIT'EM!"* "But Boss! We can't sees anyfing!" "All da more reason for you ta find 'em den, innit? *NOW QUIT WIT DA SLACKIN' AN' FIND 'EM YA GITZ!"*

[@goldenbrigain7031]

One thing I would like to know, Oculus, is how you’re affected by the maledictum. A lot of the reason you had to go through getting the permission of a Primarch to study chaos was because the inquisition basically made it a rule to hide info on chaos to keep people safe. Now, hiding anything about chaos is more than a little impossible with them basically able to appear wherever they want whenever and fucking with things so hard half the imperium is dark. So since everyone and their mother almost certainly has some inkling of chaos, or is being exposed to it whole sale and there’s nothing anyone, much less the inquisition can do to keep the lid on the jar when an oceans pouring out of it, does that mean you’ll be free to teach others how to handle chaos using your knowledge on the subject? Suppression is over and impossible. Now it’s adapt or, as you said, die. And we both know what choice the imperium will make, especially under Robute given what happened to him under a policy of keeping secrets about chaos in the dark.

[@l33t9r0u93]

I finished today "marathoning" your channel and I must say you are doing some thought out well designed videos in terms of lore gathering world building voice-over and visuals. I hope you have as enjoyment much doing it as I watching/listening to it. Emperor's speed

[@OculusImperia]

Thanks so much! It's been a wonderful hobby AND creative outlet, and a great way of giving back to the game and world I love so much. Delighted you're enjoying them :)

[@l33t9r0u93]

@@OculusImperia damn you're fast ! Hope you continue having as much fun then.

[@KertaDrake]

Such feeling and passion is hard to come by. You have an amazing gift for words that really draws the listener in and instills emotion like no other! You could probably convince a person that living in an ork-infested underhive is a wonderful idea if you put your skills into it.

[@MrMortull]

I have never felt such aching sympathy for a fictional historian as I do now. As an interpreter and reteller of lore you are among the best, but as our eye into the heart and soul of the milieu you stand truly without peer.

[@roningt7175]

Really enjoy how you speak of the events through a narrative that’s fitting of the lore. Really good job.

[@danielmartin4596]

Putting the grim in grimdark, good god man that was cool! That is the best and most horrifyingly heartfelt description of the dire state the galaxy is in I could ever have asked for. Thank you.

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

I don't know what to say. You manage to convey the essence of what warhammer is.

[@Kobiska15]

A few weeks ago I decided to start at the start of your videos. A complete re-listen of the channel. I was already a huge fan but I forgot about this video. It had me on the edge of my seat at work. For a full 25 minutes I was completely oblivious to the outside world. 100% lost in the words. The script and delivery of this video is perfection. There is no other word for it. So thank you. That’s all I wanted to say.

[@GRBoi1993]

Ik it’s not likely but I’d like for 40k, when it does end, to end on a positive note. Not perfect, not an ending where everything is set right. That’s not in the spirit of the lore nor is it realistic. But to have the eye close or the emperor restored, would be a satisfying end. Bc even in the grim darkness of the 42nd Millenia good things still happen

[@mattpryokra2245]

If it's going to end.... Its going to be at its best 'bittersweet' which is as good as it gets in the 40k universe lol

[@legend-rx9ik]

@@robdeskrd have you heard of end times

[@legend-rx9ik]

A yes a end times denier Me too man me too

[@christopherbarback1291]

I can't like this enough. You do such incredible work. Every time I hear, "Know then, that this is a record..." I reflexively hammer the thumbs up button. Simply the best 40K lore content available on any platform, save perhaps for the books themselves.

[@Xenophon122088]

Love your work and the atmosphere you create with your quality script and voice acting. IMO, you are one of the best 40k lore providers out there, and it's a real pleasure to experience your passion for the universe.

[@Unnatural09]

I was on my knees at the end..that was outstanding my friend. You have painted a clear picture of the horrors we might expect. All we can do is to pray to our mighty emperor and hope that we are delivered.

[@GalileoAV]

"It knows as many names now as there are languages..." You're writing is brilliant

[@Duppyman695]

Primordial annihilatior !

[@leifdanielson4207]

Well said, chronicler. These truly are dark times, but the soul of man ever finds what it searches for; be it for good - or for treachery.

[@davidforrest1064]

Maybe your best work yet. I am in awe. Really top notch work. The feeling and atmosphere of these videos are palpable. I can't say enough.

[@thetau4866]

I always love walking back and forth in my kitchen while tearing up slightly at your description of Cadia.

[@playerone2424]

Your lore vids are as long as Lutins, but you're entertaining enough to actually watch all the way through! Well done!

[@egirlSkeletor]

In these dark end times, we can find bravery deep in our hearts when we remember and cry out, that the planet of cadia broke before the guard did.

[@theburgerking1236]

This lore is amazingly told, I think only a handful really go the route of looking at the lore from an in universe perspective and I really do love it! This is a very old video but keep up the good work! For the glory of all mankind and the emperor himself.

[@englishheathen]

Damn, this was one of your best yet. Good job mate

[@Overanalyse_This]

As a copywriter with two decades of experience, I like believe that I know a thing or two about writing, scripting and narrative and I must say the quality of your work is INSANE. I am envious about so many of your attributes but your vocabulary and word selection is outstanding. Now, all that being said, PLEASE FINISH THE ARKS OF OMEN SERIES! It's almost a year since you put out part two. I think your two AOO video are some of your best work.

[@Alexandoas]

Did anyone else get chills at the end of this video, god dam dude, you are fucking amazing, keep up the good work!

[@OculusImperia]

[@yeakeltonyeah7493]

It's a good day. We have been waiting for a new vid for a while. Great delivery bravo!

[@HighlanderFrag4Life]

Ah yes. We all listen intently. You are the Best wh fix on KZbin my dude. The way You talk rock! NEVER CHANGE THAT PLEASE

[@OculusImperia]

Thank you so much!

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

* stops nailing plywood over a Magnus shaped hole * .......I'm gonna need more wood to plug that one .

[@OculusImperia]

[suddenly daemons]

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

Oculus Imperia " DAD DAMN NOT AGAIN!"

[@tonylaw5036]

If there's one thing I've learned from watching various Warhammer videos and reading a lot of the books these last few years is this: when fighting the enemies of The Emperor & Imperium, one can never, EVER have enough firepower.

[@Steventrafford]

Beautiful delivery of narrative. I could listen to you all day.

[@OculusImperia]

Thanks for listening, and the kind words!

[@BlizzardofKnives]

Brilliant script and vocal delivery, can't wait for the next video.

[@TheConfire]

This is the best 40k lore video I’ve ever watched! Keep it up!

[@jacob.w.collins3672]

So glad to see you posting another video! Great channel mate, please keep it up.

[@philips.5563]

Chronicler, even when hope is lost, we have the shield of defiance and the blade of righteous fury. Continue your search, for hope will be needed again. Is it a sin that I have a hope? A distraction, perhaps. I would lay my tools aside when mankind is safe, and till ground, and pray, and sink into the soil when my time is done. That will not be my fate, but perhaps someday mankind will know lives such as that.

[@SchwarzerHirsch]

This is one of the most glorious things I heard in a while! Let hope be never forgotten!

[@NegiTaiMetal011]

I'd love to see you one day take on the events on the resurrection of Roboute Guiliman; the Ultima Founding and the Indomitus Crusade. You are among the finest 40k storytellers and chronicler. The Emperor would be proud of you.

[@kairos468]

I love how you write these videos! They really bring 40k to life. Thanks for posting.

[@scottfree6479]

Your videos are truly fantastic, thank you for making them. I'm new to 40k, and your take on the lore has completely enthralled me.

[@themutts910]

I could listen to you read a math textbook. Your lore videos are some of the best on KZbin

[@Kalakmol]

Your script writing was on point in this. Well done!

[@matt36866]

I'm annoyed that I only found your channel a couple weeks ago. Enjoying going through the backlog though. Great work man. Much love from Yorkshire England

[@whynaut1]

I love how his finally worrying about the "now" is talking about something that happened 10,000 years ago

[@kaiusbellum107]

simply beautiful. lore totally on another plain. You do not get the credit you deserve

[@94EyeEagle]

hmm... "Death of Hope". Did you intend this to be a cameo? ;)

[@frontroomgaming2311]

Good to have you back. For the emperor

[@misterwhalrus7334]

Such an abomination! The galaxy is the Emperor's, no unholy rift can stop mankind's divine manifest destiny. Ave Imperator. The Emperor Protects.

[@ChoonMa]

You do absolutely fantastic work. Please, keep it up.

[@OculusImperia]

Thanks so much for the support!

[@acidreign6]

You're videos never fail to impress! I always look forward to them.

[@margathapai4010]

I don't know how I've only ever heard half of this story (probably from not reading the books); always thought it was like "Roubte is back and we have primaris now!" This is WAY more awesome; love the whole 'time is broken' thing!

[@hope121107]

Wow. Just wow. These videos are fantastic. Thank you so very much for making them.

[@crankfastle8146]

Welcome back, Happy New year !

[@FauX358]

Have you seen Astartes? Good to see you back, hope you had a happy holiday and thanks for the quality content.

[@trekker105]

"Look to the helpers." Frederick Rogers, sage, M2.

[@KCCxn]

Absolutely fantastic man. Big fan, keep up the excellent work.

[@TheCthultist]

It is good to have you back, Historian!

[@leopoldjenkins]

This was glorious as always. Though if I was to venture one small point, it would have been nice if the Necrons got a mention when the other xenos were listed

[@hughgedney3393]

A very extremely great video Oculus Imperia. Warhammer 40k is a very extremely dangerous place to lived.

[@juleswild9498]

Magnificent video, I love that in-world style.

[@cop154]

I enjoy your videos a much as I do Arch. Thanks you do a great job with the tone and background music. Thanks!

[@spartan5157]

I love your feel for the tone of WH40K and the feelings and ideas of the people therein, especially as it pertains to the horror of existence and the source of will that keeps humanity grinding onwards. Previously I had suggested TTS as a fun and funny way to approach WH for the first time, but now I think I'd point toward this video in particular to get a true feel for the horror and ruthlessness of the setting. As others have stated you do a superb job of playing your character within the universe, better than most authors, even.

[@bluebuda8170]

hell yeah I got just enough time to watch this before work

[@nickm501]

This is a great format, I love it.

[@BeastnBrushes]

I love the poetry of your narration

[@randomhumanobservingafalle5717]

First off great narration!! And I am excited with this advancement in the plot, I just hope it's not another end times.

[@6006mrfu]

This man really needs to be hired by GW or Black Library

[@Tacoguy1000]

Hope? In 40k? Good joke, mate, we all know 40k doesn't run on hope. That'd be too optimistic.

[@Tacoguy1000]

@lioheart2356 It was their fault for thinking everyone would be all and well in warhammer. Sunny moments like the Crusade don't last in places like this.

[@papanurgle8393]

Good, Tzeentch can suckle on my deformed maggot.

[@darkbut8864]

You made my love the warhammer 40k lore.

[@Eulemunin]

Incredible as always.

[@darrickdelmoral]

Your channel is great. Thanks for the content. Super immersivr.

[@davebowman9000]

Masterful narration! I'm hooked!

[@the_king_fish7336]

This is so great! Thank you for your work.

[@nicholasleon7819]

THIS is why I maintain that Warhammer, specifically the Imperium, can beat pretty much any other sci fi universe out there, certainly any of the mainstream ones. The Imperium literally endured Hell^3 spilling out across the universe, and pockets of the Imperium aged centuries in days and it still stands strong. CADIA STANDS, FOR THE EMPEROR AND SANGUINIUS!

[@bigchef290]

Wonderful, meaningful read. Must do it again.

[@michaellapalme1198]

Thank you for another one.

[@mateuszmarkucik8013]

Abother vid from Oculus. My reality just got better. Thank you.

[@seanmilne9265]

Might be a bit late to this but my god man I can’t stop listening

[@6Stevo]

Best yet. Brilliant stuff! Literall goosebumps!

[@austineutslerj1386]

Im quite late in seeing this video but as expected, it does not disappoint. You sir, shall one day sit within the Black Library.

[@steventcunliffe]

Fantastic lore video!

[@tomjordan7606]

I always look forward to your videos

[@MarcusPedranDobson]

This was fantastic!

[@chrisw5640]

Dude you're awesome! Thankyou for this video! You remind me of Antonid Biota from the Ghosts books

[@OculusImperia]

Wow, thanks! That's a genuinely lovely compliment :D

[@absolute-focus]

Another brilliant video.

[@Nyctophora]

That opening gave me legitimate chills. Would you produce a transcript ever?

[@OculusImperia]

I could, if there's interest! What sort of service would you like to see it delivered upon?