The Solar Reclamation: The Birth of the Great Crusade (Warhammer 40K & Horus Heresy Lore)

Being a record of the wars to reclaim the Solar System for the Imperium of Man, and divers discussions upon the nature of the enemies faced therein.
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Thanks to the amazing Myles Eves for the new Patreon credits! Check out his work at myleseve.com/
Music: Missa Sicut lilium inter spinas 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.

[@BluJean6692]

I like to think that the one person who disliked this video only did it because they're super zealous and stopped listening after Oculus suggested that human manifest destiny isn't literal and inevitable...

[@Venneroth]

Five now. One zealot and four very sour clone matriarchs.

[@Vihara2]

It was probably MajorKill lol

[@briankeys5941]

Oooor cheap alcohol and bad motor functions. Which I HAVE NEVER mistakenly done with a high DPI mouse... hic

[@ryanmalady376]

@@Vihara2 nah, majorkill has said he thinks occulus is one of the best lore channels, probably someone else

[@mirceazaharia2094]

He's right. Human manifest destiny IS NOT inevitable. But all species wish to spread and reproduce and occupy as much territory as they need. Any species that does not do this is stagnant and headed for the trash-heap.

[@dragonsword2253]

It's impressive that you can hear the capitol "H" in "He" and "His" every time you refer to the Emperor

[@keithchamp]

I know right, awful presumptuous assuming gender like that.

[@roverman540]

It is beautiful

[@roverman540]

It is beautiful

[@kelborhal2576]

How can the future be grim when Pluto is considered a planet by one such as The Oculus?

[@thenaysmith6181]

Typical heretic nonsense. Pluto being considered a planet is the most obvious sign of the grimdark that awaits us.

[@Souledex]

If pluto is a planet than the solar system has a few hundred more planets to account for, not mentioning charon.

[@tmontgomery9255]

Because a certain arcotech NASA mage held secret hatred towards said planet.

[@Souledex]

@@tmontgomery9255 you could always move to New Mexico, where it is still a planet by law

[@WASDLeftClick]

A common misconception. Pluto is still a planet, simply reclassified into the sub-category of dwarf-planet. Not quite big enough to be a true planet, nowhere near small enough to be an asteroid or comet. As mentioned in this comment thread there are literally hundreds of objects in the Sol system that are around the same size as or even slightly bigger than Pluto, hence the sub-category’s creation.

[@youngimperialistmkii]

When I read in "Belisarius Cawl The Great work" that The Emperor wanted to restore Terra's natural environment, presumably after the crusade. It really made me feel how much was lost in the Horus heresy😔

[@snewsom2997]

Plague Marines and Khorne Berserkers tend to wreck shop, to say nothing of Demons, Psykers, Titan Battles, Astartes Destroyer Cadres, and Orbital Bombardment.

[@ArchAngel119]

The Heresy took more from us then we will ever know. For a moment, we as a species glimpsed utopia once more on the horizon. Only for it to be burned and broken by those who helped build it.

[@kenicherothered6816]

Keep heart brothers and sisters! Without loss, we would never know the glory of victory!

[@vulkhanasennet9961]

I love your icon, despite my feelings on The Guilded Tyrant I have to admit hearing that in The Great Work made my heart skip a beat.

[@Luca-rf3dz]

The siege of terra series has a few lines about how the siege of the palace destroys the fledging recovering terran environment

[@Awesomotron2k]

"The Screaming" reminds me of something I heard before in another setting... basically they scream, not because of visions, hallucinations or being forced to by the infection, but because they try to hear themselves. What happens is that all their senses become utterly blinded, effectively locking their consciousness in their bodies. Only darkness, silence and emptiness around them, no sensations at all remain. This drives any human mad within hours, causing them to stumble wildly and claw at themself and everything and everyone around them, trying desperately to find something to hold onto, some shred of affirmation of existence. And of course they scream, so loud that they tear their vocal cords, for they can't even hear themself. A nasty disease to be sure.

[@FixedGearFox]

What universe is that from? Makes me think of chaos Dreadnoughts, how they are tortured with their interment into the sarcophagi as a form of punishment, instead of glorious eternal afterlife in service to the Emperor.

[@Awesomotron2k]

@@FixedGearFox I think it was Eclipse Phase.

[@Richard-cx9bb]

Are you suggesting GW "borrowed" an idea from someone else? That is surely heresy! Surely.....

[@bearwithabat]

@@Richard-cx9bb The entire thing is basically Dune brought to the 40th millenium

[@BlueLantern2815]

@@bearwithabat Waaaaaay more violence in 40k, I'm on Heretics of Dune right now and this book has more action than all the others ones so far, with the possible exception of the first book. It actually gets kind of infuriating how often theres a huge buildup to a climactic confrontation, and Frank Herbert straight up skips it. The next chapter will be characters talking about what just happened. I love Frank Herbert's writing, but he take the rule of "Show, don't tell" and breaks it over his knee.

[@lg8924]

The Oculus has blessed us again this day

[@kelborhal2576]

I love being watched! By OUR Emperor and HIS agents.

[@tmontgomery9255]

I think I could listen to him reading a phone book lol.

[@lg8924]

@@tmontgomery9255 if it existed I would listen

[@philiphockenbury6563]

That’s the good shit keep it coming buddy. At a pace that you feel comfortable with.

[@OculusImperia]

I live for wholesome comments like this.

[@wildheartmactavish4346]

Best 40k channel out there. Before Oculus I had no idea what 40k was really about, now I have about 500 quid's with of plastic men and paint and I'm on the 4th Horus Heresy book. My wallet doesn't thank you but I do!

[@vsGoliath96]

Weird that the Gene Cults of Luna considered the Emperor's genetic manipulation craft to be fumbling and unrefined when he was surrounded by the Legio Custodes from day one. You know, they single most enhanced and perfect specimens of genecraft before the Primarchs?

[@NGCDragoonFighter]

True, makes me wonder what works they have done that have been lost or repressed by the imperium. Then again with respect to the the emperor's body guards maybe given how individually crafted each one is, they could be critising the methodology rather than execution of said gene craft.

[@lachlanv.b.7783]

@@NGCDragoonFighter Yeah I can see that. If a single custodian was like a wooden cathedral, with exquisite carvings, details with peices both massive and miniature. The emperor built it by hand with basic iron tools, compensating for his lack of resources and equipment with sheer skill and might. Meanwhile the Lunar cults have advanced power tools, hydraulic systems, and experience in construction. They would have also struggled to make a custodian, and you need the vision and plan. but they would still have had an easier time of it.

[@lukassiqueira314]

​@@lachlanv.b.7783 Unfortunately due to recent revelation on the Siege of Terra books, the lunar cults motives were just "men bad and do war, women good and wise" while they tortured the messengers and where doing fuck all to help anyone but themselves.

[@Shrouded_reaper]

​@@lukassiqueira314 it's all so tiresome

[@Buttsmcgee069]

@@lukassiqueira314That sucks. It would’ve been cooler if they were just doing big no-no stuff with gene science.

[@lukejames7931]

Hot take, all the dislikes are from people who miss the Buttstuff Kaiju signoff.

[@derrabbit7289]

So the Solar Reclamation was not just Astartes stomp on this, Astartes stomp on that. My knowledge has been broadened!:)

[@TheDubDisciple]

Haha it was tho. Oculus even pokes at this a bit in the end. If even one step of this plan had failed, had the Legions failed to take a single objective at the times the Emperor deployed them then the Great Crusade would have been delayed decades and would never have surged into the greater cosmos with the ferocity it did The ultimate Mary Sue so we could get a unified and powerful Imperium off the back of the worst catastrophe in human history

[@jeambeam3173]

@@TheDubDisciple i mean one reason they expanded so quickly is they tried to absorb and integrate as many worlds as possible into the Imperium rather then waste human life not to mention having unified legions, custodes and a living emperor, and no Necrons or Nids no wonder the galaxy got stomped

[@juliocuadra5578]

Careful, your words border on heresy.

[@SeanDahlman1]

Dude well done. I love that it’s told through the lens of an imperial historian. Makes the lore more immersive

[@uglyweirdo1389]

There is no other pre-heresy content on this level. You are truly peerless.

[@CharlesUrban]

The Screaming is basically the psychic version of most comment sections on the Internet.

[@generaljimmies3429]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sparking023]

now I cannot stop visualizing a collective of edgy Psychers sending REEEEEE ripples through the Warp

[@Jamhael1]

"The Screaming", also known as "The Great REEEEE"

[@_Reverse_Flash]

As a fellow Irishman I am delighted that you found a way to adopt the style and monetise the Catholic culture we grew up with, lol. You even got the priest cant down. Nicely done!

[@OculusImperia]

It was either this or hold Mass liturgies in the stairwell of a Waterford Tescos, like in that one video.

[@_Reverse_Flash]

@@OculusImperia Ha! Liturgies, in a dodgy Tescos in Waterford. Count me in! But only if I can be Sacristan... I mean Sacristanorist of His Emperor's Holy Imperial Creed :-D

[@kevincroke7741]

Oculus Abú!

[@MrEpz4321]

I love hearibg him talk. So soothing. Pure ASMR.

[@weldonwin]

Grimdark ASMR

[@haircutdeluxe]

Definitely my favorite, with Baldemort close behind and Lucien third. Puts me to sleep in minutes and then I just listen from the beginning in the morning.

[@dansmachine9360]

Murder Moon pacified: 'check' 'excellent'

[@FlyingNinjaish]

Never understood how the XVI Legion managed to actually land om the moon - from everything I've heard, they should have impact at several kilometers per second, earning the cognomen Luna Splatter.

[@spiritvdc5109]

Ever heard of a boarding torpedo?

[@notinspectorgadget]

They pulled the E-Brakes and did a sweet drift into the parallel parking spot.

[@argosime]

Idk how this is one of the few, if only, channels which leans into role play without seeming cheesy or too much.

[@notabotpromise5654]

We need a unification war series.

[@cakecakeham5823]

He already did one?

[@notabotpromise5654]

@@cakecakeham5823 I mean games workshop needs to do a unification wars series

[@kingdomofvinland8827]

@@notabotpromise5654 agreed. Maybe even an age of strife one. I think that would be cool

[@notinspectorgadget]

...You really want them to goof that up, huh? Just take any and all mystery out of the setting so we can see a poorly done Fist of The North Star ripoff?

[@unintentionallydramatic]

Unification War stories are my favourite before even Radical Inquisitor ones. Thank you kind Historitor for treating this better than GW. Maybe through efforts such as this the utterly ridiculous neglect will end. Ave Imperia.

[@WASDLeftClick]

Holy shit I forget how cool Old School 40k lore is sometimes. That event known as The Screaming sounds like it came right out of the SCP Wiki, but more gothic and with space marines.

[@VallornDeathblade]

To be fair, SCP would be vastly improved by the addition of gothic atmosphere and bio-engineered murder monks. But then that goes for most things.

[@WASDLeftClick]

@@VallornDeathblade Hmm, true. Come to think of it, the Foundation's Mobile Task Force Tau-5 "Samsara" are kind of like Space Marines. Arguably tougher. They're clones created using the flesh of a dead god, heavily cybernetically augmented, and semi-immortal through the use of cloning and mind-uploads. They're specifically designed to take on magical, thaumaturgical, and psionic threats, and carry some of the most technologically advanced/esoterically supernatural weaponry and gear the Foundation is able to produce through their research into anomalies and paratech. Kinda like a cross between an Officio Assassinorum operative and an Astartes, granted they're about the size of a regular but tall human. Would be an interesting fight. Astartes are better armored but Samsara agents are faster and pretty resistant to any psykers among the Astartes.

[@lemonrazor7812]

....so you're telling me the fists were the first to assault Uranus?

[@ekscalybur]

You'll never catch me admitting that I went to the comments section to look for this.

[@ineptwizzard]

It's been supresed by the inquisition but scientists renamed it in M35 to stop that joke. They called it Urectum.

[@lemonrazor7812]

@@ineptwizzard stellar work from the inquisition, as usual. 😂

[@admiraltiberius1989]

Great Scholar of Holy Terra, your works are required listening in the fleet. They are inspirational and educational. We always look forward to your transmissions. May He Who Sits on the Golden Throne sustain you and keep you.

[@daveeol1987]

It's been too long but I know you can't rush greatness!

[@OculusImperia]

Even chroniclers need Sanguinalia holidays

[@juancarlonavarra8397]

The Shrine Comet is Haley's Comet, isn't it. Also, I would like to add how happy I am that Pluto go her planet status back in the future.

[@phreakazoith2237]

ah, that glorious day when Free Waterfall put up earth's flag on the reclaimed Haley's comet. He lost his hand in the fight but it was totally worth it.

[@vlweb3d]

*ARE YOU FEELING BETTER OCULUS ???* We feared that you were lost to ... *CHAOS !!!*

[@ryanjamesarmy158]

What An excellent thing to wake up and make breakfast to!

[@tmontgomery9255]

Better to fall asleep to.

[@user-cq1cw8xz7f]

You would have made a great remembrancer if attached to the right legio

[@FixedGearFox]

The last time I was this early, I was purging the Jovian moons of xenos with the Geno 5-2 Chiliad. Geno before gene, Het before Imperium!!!

[@unintentionallydramatic]

The fact they didn't keep the Geno 5 around speaks volumes about just how bad a tactician Malcador was. Give me visionary child generals over mass produced Schola fare any day of the week.

[@ZeroNumerous]

@@unintentionallydramatic No. The fact that they didn't keep the Geno 5 around speaks volumes as to how aware Malcador was of the fragile state of the Imperium. The Geno were one good demagogue away from being traitors, as demonstrated by the Alpha Legion.

[@guardianofthetoasters2323]

Bless thee who spread his words

[@horuslupercal6952]

Blessed is the holy historator Oculi Imperialis!

[@tomorion5186]

One of my favourite instalments. I've listened to this recording countless times. Thanks oculus

[@BigZam_TheMan]

Me: :( Oc: *uploads* Me: :)

[@DerAlteU96]

I am the first among equals? Come on brothers of the first Legion. Gather here and listen to this historic tale.

[@JarlRagnaar]

I'm with you, battle brother

[@robertoleary5470]

BROTHERS!!!

[@chairmeme6231]

But what of the thunder warriors....

[@arnantphongsatha7906]

@@chairmeme6231 We don't talk about them.

[@cxfxcdude]

I stand with His Dark Angels

[@jasonmitchum1420]

The lore of Warhammer 40k is so rich and detailed. I would love to watch a streaming channel series just of the unification wars! It could expand more and more and show all that 40k can provide. I need this

[@spike.strat1318]

May the Emperor continue to keep you two steps ahead of the Inquisition!

[@robertbaca3003]

This is the gold standard for world building lore

[@thryce82]

this and baldy are the best. the more dramatic style taken by the two channels seems to be copied by quite a few youtubers now. while I appreciate the content the exposition is generally subpar. Oculus and Baldy have done it differently but yet both done it right. Thanks for that.

[@TealWolf26]

Mmm that's some fine Oculus wine. Ca. 3rd millennium vintage if I am not mistaken.

[@inquisitorgramaticus2250]

Simply fantastic work . Most highly recommend to all . The Emperor Protects.

[@BriarLeaf00]

Man, I could listen to you all day, the way you present and describe things its like you're a scribe for one of the high lords of Terra.

[@jwb_666]

Great work. I'm really starting to think that BigE was a weapon crafted in the Age of Strife to defend humanity

[@kamaeq]

According to the lore he was crafted in prehistory for that task...

[@JordanAndTrazyn]

I’m finally catching up to this, and I had no idea about so many of these incidents. Fantastic recounting!

[@venerablebrothergoriate5844]

Y’know, considering the amount of gin I’ve had tonight, I’d have thought I wouldn’t be able to grasp this lesson, but lo and behold, your channel speaks to me on the most fundamental levels. Thank you, Oculus.

[@sci-figaming8631]

This can be a tabletop game on its own

[@Krullio]

Great content delving into the last secrets of ancient Terra and pre-imperium. Oh and so the Gene-Wrights are basically a direct take from the Bene Tleilax; would their gene craft also be borne in tanks made from the female Gene Wrights by any chance?

[@flamebreakk]

My lord is this the same guy as sad cat diaries? It IS YOU!!! Zefrank1! Omfg im so happy you are narrating 40k stuff omg so happy

[@kieran2221]

Damn it - this is one of the very few youtube video I get excited about when I see an update. I love the style, the reading, and the general idea of it. Another wonderful video, thank you so much!

[@stop_calling_me_willy2743]

YES NEW VIDEO I just finished binge watching some of your space marine videos again so this timing could not be better

[@ilyana1126]

I think that this one was my favorite episode yet. Fantastic storytelling

[@Discotekh_Dynasty]

Thanks so much for this Oc! You keep picking some of my favourite parts of the lore

[@gregmandu]

Worth the wait. After all the hints at this period through out your prior records. Truly satisfying. :)

[@jamesdegraw1490]

Again my hunger is satisfied, by the great chronicler!! Ave Imperia!

[@cxfxcdude]

Gloria, in excelsus Terra

[@big_daddy_d1547]

On these dark days its rays of light like these that get ya to pull through

[@nassirahmad4873]

I love this channel! Your voice is captivating, and you illuminate areas of 40K lore that were previously shrouded from me in a style both informative and narratively engrossing. Gloria in excellcis Occulus!

[@vampireforhire18]

And now I have to rewatch the Solar Auxilia video again, I love the artwork for that one, human void armor looks soo industrial.

[@FoundingChambers]

Perfect timing I gotta finish building these assault intercessors and knowledge from the Oculus is the best to listen to while building/painting!

[@Camasaki]

I love this time frame of the Imperium, and any mention Thunder Warriors get no matter small is just soothing to my soul. =)

[@jackmyers8687]

Fantastic video as always my friend. Interesting, factual, well scripted and excellent use of images. You do us honour.

[@eichler721]

Love this one. Such good info and the narration is great.

[@Kay_Drechsler]

I enjoyed this video a lot. It's always exciting to hear from the early days of the imperium.

[@r.w3440]

Your videos always bring a smile to my face, they are surprisingly beautiful, and the sound, warm.

[@callukcraft]

great work , you are the best Warhammer lore channel , keep up the great work.

[@bbuschner]

Wonderful as always. Thank you and keep up the good work

[@tmontgomery9255]

Gets my paints out and relaxes, so relistening to this as I fall asleep

[@thepaperwizard7381]

Beautiful work

[@xenored13]

With each video you do on The Great Crusade, the more I want a Book series of it. One could say that "I HAVE A MIGHTY NEED!" Awesome as always Occlus. Thanks.

[@cantabrian1009]

Thank you dear chronicler - this record aided a humble remembrancer pictographer in his holy duties.

[@leopoldjenkins]

Absolutely marvellous. Lore at its finest.

[@aethelraed9953]

Love your work, Oculus. Thank you for calling Pluto a planet ;)

[@TherealSBlair]

With just the lore, secrets and actions of the Unification/Reclamation periods one could fill an impressive library with content.

[@georgesulea]

Another great narrative Sir; Hail to you Chronicler!

[@timberknuckle8281]

Fantastic as always Sar Oculus. One of the great 40k content creators. /salute

[@tylernelson2218]

Probably the most authentic 40k channel out there

[@kronanthekonqueror2979]

Yo man love your stuff. Everything about it is great, keep at it 👍

[@iamdavoodoo2548]

I am delighted to see that our dear and well revered Oculus is able to bring us more of these glorious insights. The Emperor protects.

[@zendit570]

Love your work my friend

[@shinobidave]

Such epic content, truly compelling.

[@colorado4815162342]

Love the planetary artwork.

[@ChoonMa]

This is exactly what I needed today!

[@incrediblemr.e8765]

You have the best voice for this.

[@Axelcat11]

Amazing Work

[@Vuntermonkey]

I appreciate your work. Thanks!

[@adeptuscole4675]

Warhammer channels across the board have new content . Love this community !

[@patrickmcabee123]

Fantastic episode, Sir.

[@sneedfest3399]

Fun Oculus game: take a shot every time the phrase mendicant nanophage is said

[@PhantomFuelax]

GJ my man Really good Wording, If ever i come across someone that wants to get into the lore of 40K, I'll send them here for sure!

[@IITJII95]

Your voice is so darn soothing it helps me sleep at night.

[@RockiestRock]

The ninth legion assimilated a bunch of abberant mutants early on in their legions history? That explains so much...

[@OculusImperia]

It was basically ALL they took in. The geneseed could make anything no matter how genetically divergent into a Space Marine. The attrition rates were beyond appalling, but some still made it.

[@jameskerry2560]

You hvae just made my day seeing this notifierion

[@judowrestlerka]

Love your channel. Thank you.

[@michaellapalme1198]

Thank you for another one.

[@Katoasapun]

are your videos in some chronological order? I love listening to these while painting, doing the dishes or just taking a walk!

[@HeiligerGrimmnir]

Fascinating record.

[@benbrown9467]

fascinating data stack.

[@coreystockdale6287]

The emperor has blessed us with this chroniclers words

[@Paddy3115]

Listening to the description of pre unification Terra just makes me think a strategy game set then would be amazing.

[@adammc7170]

There’s a Mod for Heart of Iron 4 that lets you take control of forces during this time. Been a while since I looked at it so not sure what it looks like at the moment.

[@Paddy3115]

@@adammc7170 thanks man! I'll check it out

[@ZeroNumerous]

@@Paddy3115 Be warned that playing the Emperor makes it easy, and playing against the Emperor is incredibly hard.

[@eichler721]

@@ZeroNumerous ya the Pan Pacific Empire is hard early but after that the Imperium faction crushes as it should once the Legions and Custodes started coming in numbers.

[@alexanderfielding4344]

Blessed is a subscription box with an Oculus Imperia videos.

[@clivemahony9827]

Another great work emperor would be proud