THE TRUTH OF CIAPHAS CAIN! HERO OR COWARD?

[@FrostSabre1997]

Ci Ci CIAPHAS CAIN! HERO OF THE IMPERIUM!

[@320466]

awww yea a man of culture i see

[@voidstrider801]

"Screams in unending imposter"

[@przemysek2511]

Any mood kindred here?

[@RevantheBlack]

Mood kindred!

[@Audiotrocious]

#MoodKindred

[@MrHellsing76]

Warhammer 40k fans seeing someone with common sense: Is he a Coward or hero?

[@captainpuffinpuffinson4769]

The true super power

[@ancientgearsynchro]

Nah, in 40k the "common" sense is to throw yourself into the meat grinder. Cain definatally does not have common sense in the least.

[@Ideo7Z]

Was about to say that...

[@Alex-cp6mq]

to be fair that's exactly what Cain asks

[@dyingearth]

Yes

[@MrMatchstick]

Ciaphus Cain: "There is a fine line between skilled hero and lucky coward. I like to think I walk that line everyday."

[@MrE-wr8ws]

RvB?

[@oditeomnes]

Never forget that when he asked permission to practice his melee combat in some corner in a storage, the Space Marine responded by giving him a quota to use the sacred training rooms on their ship. Space Marines considered him a trusted friend and a competent fighter. Never forget that he actually nicked the armor plate of a space marine during their sparring. Also a space marine considered him worthy of sparring with. Never forget that he was frequently asked for strategic advice by commanders, even though he is a political officer that should only be concerned with guardsmen morale. Never forget that as a normal human he had a willpower to resist slaneshi influence. He is a hero.

[@SavageSarcasm]

Ci Ci Ciaphas Cain Hero Of The Imperium!

[@cryamistellimek9184]

He was a human, a mere man who saw what he was against and fighting alongside and saw himself as not measuring up the task. Anytime he could accomplish something if great merit it couldn’t be him could it? He is just a man, and that is why he is simply the best. Despite having all odds against him there’s something capable of standing against all those horrors and coming out alive with a bit of luck. He is a representation of the humanity of the imperium.

[@manchannel7003]

I loved that the same marine whose armour he damaged chose not to repair the damage as a reminder not to be so cocky about fighting mortals in future

[@Austin_V]

Yes! Im reading the emperor's finest rn. One of the best "normal" humans to ever swing a chainsword!

[@reclaimerbear6760]

And don't forget that him and Jurgen were able to take on and kill an uninjured chaos space marine by themselves

[@daddypudding9074]

The male and women regiments of the Valhallans love him, the space marines love him, the Tallarn love him, the Inquisition love him, the mechanicum love him and even the Tau love him.

[@asaenvolk]

... so does that make him a Slanneshi tainted? I mean so much free love here.

[@daddypudding9074]

@@asaenvolk well not gonna lie, there was that slaaneshi sorceress/daemon Prince that loved him

[@dieguy3080]

@@daddypudding9074 Idk I was getting some stronger feelings towards Jurgen from her.

[@daddypudding9074]

@@dieguy3080 Well...she definitely had a stronger REACTION than most...which is saying something about Jurgen...

[@murder1625]

@@daddypudding9074 he saved by demon right captured by dark eldar i heard of maybe succubus

[@Dreamerx47]

Ciaphas Cain, the chaos god of: "i meant to do that".

[@Matihood1]

Just as planned.

[@eugeneoliveros5814]

69th like asides, Nice by the way, that might actually be possible considering he’s got his own mini cult following that the ecclesiarchy actually approved of. Or was that the inquisition?

[@reclaimerbear6760]

@@eugeneoliveros5814 probably both

[@jtfbreedlove]

Imperial saint of "mission failed successfully".

[@ulrickguiliman4810]

"Jealous Tzeentch noises"

[@qball331]

"Is Ciphas Cain a hero or a coward?" Me: Yes

[@ThomasSullivan3]

Ciaphas Cain, Second and One of Many

[@sessy01]

Ciaphas is human with an image to maintain.

[@NYIKAZENO]

definitely a hero... and a scoundrel.

[@daddypudding9074]

Damn it, I was literally about to type this comment! Well played ^^

[@Silverdeathpt]

Indeed, who said that a hero cant be a coward or that a coward cant be a hero?

[@minhducnguyen674]

The best description of Cain I'd ever heard is that he's like courage the cowardly dog. Whatever he's facing may makes him shit his pant but he will face it anyway.

[@grimgoreironhide9985]

Someone needs to make a Warhammer 40k meme with Courage the Cowardly Dog as a Commissar .

[@Audiotrocious]

EXACTLY!

[@michaell8000]

@@grimgoreironhide9985 i mean let's be real it'd read like a Cain novel except with an abhuman/mutant as the protag

[@Blackheartzero]

@@michaell8000 Also, everyone speaks in recycled voice clips with maybe one or two lines of new dialogue whenever the situation calls for it.

[@algomez8563]

Courage is just a small dog, as smart as a human but still a small, weakly dog that is forced to face supernatural creatures of nightmare his fear is understandable but his love for his owner the nice old Lady makes him rise above his fears.

[@willcopley5519]

Most of the Imperium: "I'll die for the Emperor!" Ciaphas Cain: "I'm gonna make whatever that is die for whatever it belives in, then go relax until some high ranked idiot sends me out into another life threatening situation."

[@newflesh666]

most Imperium "I'll gladly die for the Emperor!" Cain "He'd probably prefer that the other side dies..."

[@magicallydelicious9186]

"Oh nads! It's bloody Korbul" Cain's words when stumbling upon the Ork Warboss, whilst seeking safety from battle. Before killing said Warboss in single combat, the duel being recorded and later broardcast by the Commissariat.

[@THEGRUMPTRUCK]

He also fought a Khorne Berserker in 1 on 1 combat for a prolonged time in front of everyone and Jurgen Ex Melta sent said Berserker to the shadow realm. Even with Jurgen however Cain is no less of a badass. Before Jurgen killed it with a melta, Cain was noting that the Chaos Astarte's movements were beyond superhuman. Speed he couldn't see with his own eyes, and Cain had no bionic enhancements or cybernetics minus a few fingers.

[@Arderas811]

And let's no6 forget his back and forth with a Slaaneshi daemon

[@kgfalcon9394]

@@Arderas811 you mean his tsundere stalker that returns every chance she can to try to corrupt him

[@GaldirEonai]

The Korbul fight is particularly notable because there was no outside help involved. No melta, no earlier fights wearing the enemy down, no Jurgen shutting down all psychic powers (and noses) in the vicinity...just Cain's skill with a sword (and with acting less dangerous than he was) and one dirty fighting move. This against an ork warboss, and fighting those tends to be a Very Bad Time for regular Astartes.

[@firmak2]

an lets not forget how he 1 v 1 a space marine well enough for him to take Cain seriously.

[@Arderas811]

"Oh, FRAK THIS!..." -Commissar Caiaphas Cain, M41.

[@peternickle1884]

You’ve read the Holy Writ, Tallarn Brother

[@Tinandel]

He started out a coward, albeit a very very clever one. He then gradually transformed into a genuine hero, albeit a tremendously self-depreciating one. Though not thinking of himself as a hero was definitely one hell of an asset, since it meant he never got a big head or over-estimated his chances.

[@dredgewalker]

I think that's the real reason he depreciates himself so he won't have his ego grow and ego can easily kill himself and his troops.

[@alexandercarter1228]

You could do an entire month on him alone. He is such an incredible character. I hope we get a model of him

[@ssjjshawn]

There was a limited release model of him a few editions ago, and a very very similar model that was also released with a "commissar's aid" model

[@dkoz81]

That would possibly be my favorite series.

[@chegorilla1468]

Love Caiphas Cain.

[@manniefresh3425]

I've always said if there were ever a 40k movie, Caiaphas would make the perfect protagonist

[@Dimes607]

I'm sure you can find a proxy somewhere

[@Kainlarsen]

Cain is afraid, deathly afraid, of the endless horror that his position puts him into, but no matter what he thinks of himself, he always ends up doing good in the end.

[@stewartthorpe2533]

Being afraid and wanting self preservation is human. How one responds to it, that makes difference between hero and an actual coward.

[@jamesroad316]

With a healthy amount of bullshit and luck

[@agentc7020]

@@jamesroad316 And an even healthier amount of skill, luck might make you survive a crashlanding, luck definitely doesn't allow you to fight world eaters and hive tyrants and survive.

[@NotChaosCultist]

I'd say he's a hero. If he was truly a coward he would have broken long ago. How he sees himself is a different story however.

[@00yiggdrasill00]

Thats it. Hes constantly trying to avoid danger but whenever he finds himself in the heart of it all he constantly steps up. Personally i go by the old saying of "bravery isnt the lack of fear but doing the right thing even when you are afraid". Hes the very definition of bravery.

[@manniefresh3425]

I agree no true coward could spare with a chapter master of the astartes, no coward could single handedly take out am ork warboss, which he just wrote off as getting lucky

[@oditeomnes]

"The greatest critic of Ciaphas Cain, is Cain himself" -Amberley, aka the hot inquisitor chick our true HERO bangs in his free time

[@THEGRUMPTRUCK]

@@00yiggdrasill00 coward with a heart of gold. He does truly try to do right by his men, it's why the Valhallans are so loyal to him.

[@Crysomandiaz]

Indeed. You become a hero by doing and he does a lot of heroism.

[@TheKitchpp26]

I enjoyed every single Cain book - Sandy Mitchel really did create a great character, who shows true human nature - you try to do what saves your life but when forced into a situation you keep calm and do all you need to too survive. Someone you can understand and have sympathy with but also admire

[@midgetydeath]

It also mostly happens on Civilized Worlds. So, we get a view at the more mundane setting most humans live in instead of the grimdark of underhives.

[@joaosoares-rr5mj]

not only that, but when someone else is in danger, he steps up to help

[@sword4005]

in the emperor words: a man with enough common sense to survive anything thrown at him

[@captainpuffinpuffinson4769]

Cowards die a thousand times, Ciaphas never died He just wanted to live to retirement, what so bad about that?

[@mountaintiger6945]

Literally, even after he actually died and was given a state funeral he kept on coming back so often the Astra Militarium Admistration kept him on the active duty rolls just in case. They've been wrong before. HA ! 🤣

[@brianrhodes9228]

CI-CI-CIAPHAS CAIN! HERO OF THE IMPERIUM!

[@le_floofy_sniper_ducko]

ah a man of culture as well ;)

[@tirepo]

FACE THE MUSIC CAIN! CAUSE YOUR SONGS A PLAYING

[@HTWW]

I... I... *chokes up* I...uhm... I can explain! I...

[@blam320]

@@HTWW *Papa Smurf steps from the shadows* "There is no need... _Mood Kindred_ "

[@HTWW]

@@blam320 M-mood kindred? *in disbelief and with a note of cautious hope* Are... Are you also a POS?

[@RevantheBlack]

Ciaphas Cain: The Imperium’s patron Saint of Luck and Sarcasm

[@manniefresh3425]

What I like about him is that his luck is both the worst and the best. The worst in that it always puts him in danger and the best that it always got him out of it lol

[@ancientgearsynchro]

Its his special ability, his luck increases the closer he gets to danger. In his office: the lord general wants him to face off a Tyrinid Hive Fleet. At the hive fleet, he stumbles into finding the nord queen and Yergin's Blankness and Stankness stuns the tyrinids long enough to kidnap the entire queen.

[@shikatsu]

A holy fool for the emperor!

[@jonathanathor117]

The emperor's son/ sensei.

[@lightofdawn117]

Caiphus Cain was my first entrance into 40k and I’ve loved him ever since. As for whether he’s a coward or not, I think Inquisitor Amberly Vail summed it up best: true courage is not the absence of fear, but overcoming it. And having faced down pretty much every evil on the battlefield and killing it, I’d agree with her that he richly deserves his reputation as a Hero of the Imperium.

[@Burningphynix]

Cain is for those who don't know regarded as one of the greatest swordsman in the Imperium regarding to the chainsword. So good in fact that he could even hold his ground against a world Eater in single combat. Also despite all his books featuring him with a bolt pistol, he actually uses a las pistol and is a remarkable marksman with it.

[@AM-ep1rv]

Bolt pistol bcs imperial propaganda

[@Sgt_Glory]

I think someone once gave him a Hellpistol but he never got the hang of using it and went back to his laspistol.

[@AM-ep1rv]

@@Sgt_Glory the first novel

[@Sgt_Glory]

@@AM-ep1rv ah, that's why the memory was so hazy lol.

[@rickrollerdude]

"I was aiming for the stomach, but then he just kind of crouched and I scored a headshot" Is the first thing that comes to my mind when I remember those novels

[@sessy01]

And to think, this whole fight started over Founding Day dishware...

[@Rakanarshi2]

Yeah but it was Founding Day.

[@Elturril]

Ciaphas Cain, heroically charge backward towards the place of least danger where enemy of empire lurks in legions

[@Audiotrocious]

The audiobooks are fantastic as the narrator does an excellent role of using emphasis and emotion to express Cain. #MoodKindred

[@MrHellsing76]

Moood kiinnnnndreeeed

[@HTWW]

(some spoilers in this message) Stephen Perring comes a close second after The Great And Mighty Jonathan Keeble in my list of best male narrators. I mean, let's face it, Jonathan is pretty much undisputed. But Stephen is also great, especially with his knack for human characters. (I'm curious to hear his Dramon voice, though.) And not to forget the amazing Emma Gregory! Loved her interpretation of Sulla. And she's even better in "Celestine". I swear, that chapter with ... her waking up in the Warp (the first chapter) is something else. Especially when she steps of the ridge into the abyss and *unfurls her wings.* #ultracomfortandsupport #itfeelsliketheresonlywar

[@rerako4755]

I only dislike how he says the Ork "WAaaaaGHhh"

[@Audiotrocious]

@@rerako4755 same

[@prophet4722]

Sarcasm at its finest

[@ottomackensen]

Coward? Now that is some brave words for a guardsman within BLAM range!

[@bubbasbigblast8563]

Cain is a lighter shade of grey, but he still remembers organizing firing squads on the same level as shuffling paper work.

[@reclaimerbear6760]

Only at headquarters for troopers already sentenced to death. He went out of his way to mitigate it in his own regiments

[@Diginixx]

Daemon - "Blood for the blood God!" Cain - "Harriers for the cup!" lol

[@Verse_Jumper]

The better question is: Heroic coward? Or cowardly hero?

[@archmagosbiologusraucker2178]

Yes.

[@LucianBloodaxe]

Both...

[@robberyproductions1363]

Courage the Cowardly dog

[@midgetydeath]

Gorkamorka? Morkagorka?

[@joshuaandremalata6231]

Cunningly brutal? Brutally cunning?

[@loecorristo555]

None of that. He is a survivor. Whatever he does, he does it to survive. He has very good skills, which he uses really good in extreme situations. Not a coward though, but he always tries (and fails) to smooth things out in the favor of his survival. The fact that he still cuts himself out of difficult situations makes him a hero.

[@eugeneoliveros5814]

He even makes an effort to not lose soldiers, granted lots to make sure he has a good amount of meat between him and painful firey death, but it somehow works

[@____________838]

Sounds like what all the good Commissars are. I’m looking at you, Gaunt.

[@broccoli6235]

Ah lord cain, the spirit of a rouge trader who has been mercilessly thrust into the role of one the most hated men in the galaxy.

[@ProjectEkerTest33]

Nah not the most hated... that title belongs to his GF's organisation

[@broccoli6235]

@@ProjectEkerTest33 haha yeah, but try to tell that to a guardsman who saw a commissar blow his friends brains out.

[@ProjectEkerTest33]

@@broccoli6235 Inquisitors wipe out whole planets dooming billions to death by torture, mass-sterilisation or literally just blowing up the planet. I think they're still worse.

[@broccoli6235]

@@ProjectEkerTest33 to us yeah, but it is a good question. Inquisitors kill billions but most do it anonymously and with a good reason (most of the time). But it is interesting to think about, to us inquisitors are pretty bad, but most in universe see it as a justifiable loses, really the only people who really hate them (like a lot and aren’t heretics) are space marines. To be honest planetary governors probably are hated most the both of those combined, by the masses of citizens I mean.

[@ProjectEkerTest33]

​@@broccoli6235 Yeah fair point. Considering that almost all planetary governors are corrupt, heretics and/or incompetent cowards the average citizen probably hates them the most.

[@DeadWayfes]

If we are going Comissars we cannot forget about Colonel Comissar Gaunt and the First and Only

[@ThomasSullivan3]

he is Lord General, or something higher now I believe

[@DeadWayfes]

@@ThomasSullivan3 yes, pretty much, but damn his story is an awesome one. Cant wait for the last book

[@cj4857]

@@ThomasSullivan3 He gets promoted in the book 'Warmaster', i think he's now a Lord Militant General and also the 'First Lord Executor', (an old Imperial Army honorary rank) Warmaster Macaroths right hand man, and presumed as his successor if Macaroth falls

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

@@cj4857 I just wonder what Abnett will do with him now that a full circle and story arc has come to pass. I am not sure of the chronology but the only place he could go from here would be to cross paths with Bob or Ravenor - either this or go full Yarrick on Khaos and start obliterating fallen Marine chapters. And as the rest of the good company of commenters around here I would pay good money to have an official crossover between Gaunt and Cain. It would probably be so out there it would actually be good.

[@khartog01]

He has the respect and admiration of a Space Marine Chapter.

[@Duppyman695]

You could say he is more cunning than a cunning fox !

[@firefox3187]

Defiantly a relation of Black Adders family tree. 😁

[@____________838]

Direct route, most definitely.

[@NetVoyagerOne]

"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!" "Harriers for the cup!" -blam-

[@joshuacarpenter1075]

my favorite 40k commisar, this guy was basically the jack sparrow of the 40k universe.

[@rook6115]

No Cain is the 40k ripped off version of Harry Flashman.

[@paxtonjohnson2488]

Yes

[@kishlam]

I see Ciaphas Cain, I like immediately

[@ThePathStrider]

I would argue that running towards certain death is just as cowardly as running away from it, because you have already decided that death is certain, and therefore have already given up. Fear of being considered a coward is still fear none the less. Somebody who steps back, judges the situation, and acts accordingly, is no coward.

[@Tracker947]

The only difference between a hero and a coward is what they do when they are afraid.

[@joaosoares-rr5mj]

this reminds me of a phrase of my favorite children's book "the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse" the dialogue goes like this boy: what is the bravest thing you ever said? horse: "help" asking for help is not giving up, is refusing to give up

[@VaftrudnerKGA]

Hehe, I watched the Yarrik video yesterday and thought: Wonder if he will make one about Ciaphas Cain? :-)

[@HackaX26]

Praise be the Emperor.

[@jiminfested]

Who will he do tomorrow?

[@kgfalcon9394]

I'm sure we're also getting Gaunt!!

[@Historyfrek4ever]

Honestly, if the imperium had few more Ciaphas Cains and fewer Kriegers or penitent engines, it wouldn't be in such a shitty state.

[@toledochristianmatthew9919]

The Imperium do need kriegers though. Despite them being suicidal they are still some of the most experienced and trained soldier in the Imperium.

[@margar9021]

the imperium deserves it though, being a fascist theocracy and all

[@jakehughes6087]

@@margar9021 ahh yes but if the Imperium was a Communist Dictatorship it would have the same casualties, infact Fascism with its many faults normally have well trained armies compared to its Commie counterparts

[@margar9021]

@@jakehughes6087 I mean ya dictatorships are bad, good thing socialism and communism arent inherently authoritarian. Also fascism is self destructing by its own nature, I wouldn't reccomend defending fascism on any level dude, it looks weird.

[@jakehughes6087]

@@margar9021 I'm just saying on a military level mate not as political defense

[@barcod11]

Ciaphas cain was the first warhammer series I read back when I knew almost nothing about 40k outside of dawn of war 2, so he's a hero to me at least

[@tabhamma4451]

Caine the epitome of "the biggest of cowards are capable of the biggest acts of bravery"

[@AbadonXXX]

More than that he is mood kindred

[@lopezmarlon]

[ultra comfort and support]

[@captainvalourous6668]

"Mood Kindred" -Marneus Calgar

[@lopezmarlon]

[ultra comfort and support]

[@ohoyos3379]

This dude is the most relatable to my time in the army 😅

[@krugicivic3359]

I Goddamn nearly died laughing when i heard him order a random guardsman get a fucking broom hahahahahahaha amazing. Truly a hero the Imperium needs. I wonder if he will ever run into Guilliman? I would give my life to read or hear that book xD

[@oditeomnes]

Alas even with his inquisition girlfriend's influence and his own hero status, where he gets his life extended with methods reserved for upper class, he is pretty much retired and old in the end. The books are written as his uncensored version of autobiography that are kept for research purposes within the inquisition, and we know for sure that he was around 200 years old when he was called back from his retirement during the 13th black crusade. He most likely died from old age somewhere between 200-300. And most likely peacefully, which is uncommon in his profession.

[@THEGRUMPTRUCK]

@@oditeomnes the best part is, the imperium has seen him "die" and come back so many times (he didn't die those times, just disappeared for a while) that he is permanently on active duty just to cut down on the mountains of paperwork involved with writing up and filing countless documents explaining why he supposedly died and came back. Even at his real funeral in front of tens of thousands of high ranking witnesses he is left on Active Duty in his file, since he might just come back AGAIN and be like "So you'd never BELIEVE what just happened!"

[@gamer65688]

@@oditeomnes didn't he go into the eye of terror? I swear i read that somewhere online

[@ex-holdenlindsay840]

It would be the height of Irony if Cain became a Saint and was reincarnated.

[@HubiKoshi]

Guilliman seeing right through Cain's bullshit and seeing him for the man he is and liking what he sees... and then adding Cain to his own staff or making him the go-to-guy for important missions. This is the only way this meeting would end for Cain XD

[@lukazil8465]

Ciaphas Cain, for all of his self-depreciation, is actually an insanely talented person. This man has fought Genestealers, Cultists, Necrons, and a Chaos Marine in melee. His book series is one of my absolute favorites because all he wants is a cushy job and to be left alone, and it seems like the Emperor Himself is guiding him into these situations so that his talents are not wasted.

[@MedievalFolkDance]

The Emperor has many champions. Most have no idea they are so blessed. As is his will.

[@LetholdusKaspyr]

Cain is his own unreliable narrator, describing events from many decades ago. He's remembering everything in his own old age, through a film of self-awareness and humility. I'm sure he felt all the fear and selfish impulses he describes, but I think the solid streak of cowardice he ascribes himself is wildly overplayed in Cain's own head.

[@yomogami4561]

the emperor protects as does an inquisitor and jurgen. great series of books. ciaphas has faced it all: chaos marines; dark eldar; demons; genestealers; greater demon; heretics; necrons, orks; tau; and tyranids. you name it he's faced it even nobles, students, and bureaucrats! the emperor has a sense of humor and ciaphas brings a smile to his face. thanks for the mention of my favorite 40k character

[@320466]

Caiphas Cain hero of the imperium

[@lopezmarlon]

[ultra comfort and support]

[@320466]

@@lopezmarlon MOOD KINDRED

[@OriginalItsFly]

Honestly these books are the GOAT of 40k! If you haven't peeped them it's honestly such an enjoyable read from beginning to end.

[@yootoobecansoogmiballs8735]

Yep, idk how many wh40k books ive already read but the caine series felt really special and were always exciting....not like some other stuff (im looking at you Horus Heresy Filler Books )

[@hamanu666]

The closer you are to danger the further you are from harm! -Hobbit and Ciaphus Cain logic.

[@AJMoustgaard]

The man is a Hero, involuntary at times.. yes, but a hero certainly

[@Epsilon-5]

Can I just point out that the Krieg soldier in the image is pointing towards something while talking on a radio as if the operator can see what he’s seeing.

[@Sgt_Glory]

Nobody ever sees their faces, so maybe it's natural for them to gesticulate a lot while talking, and he just forgot himself 😁

[@davistud]

I love Caiphas cain he is so humble that he makes himself look like a coward.

[@pabloarroyo2322]

Man this character (and story) would make an awesome yet hilarious Netflix type series

[@jager2749]

agreed

[@johngardner4096]

It would be interesting to cast. I could see Rory McCann (who played The Hound in GAME OF THRONES) as Jurgen, carrying his ever-presnt melta-gun alongside the standard issue lasrifle.

[@turbo_kats]

I just started reading the Cain books a few days ago, and the mess hall part made me instantly love his character XD

[@buangka57]

a coward who can hold his own against a space marine in sword combat

[@whistlerdan7718]

If Cain was assigned to become a Death Korps Commissar, he would definitely accidentally make them appreciate the value of life... Although, it would probably go something like the Kriegers seeing the most valuable life to protect is Cain’s so they all sacrifice themselves to protect him at any cost

[@slamindorf5478]

Not cowardice, but rather rationality and practicality in the face of the death machines that are the enemies of mankind in the 41st millenium.

[@squarepusher13z]

I was thinking of requesting this but figured you had already planned out Imperial Guard week. My favorite 40k character. Thanks!

[@captin3149]

The thing that cemented him into my roster of favorite characters was how he handled the disciplinary hearing after the brawl. He had to find a way to please all sides (Including the crew of the ship they were traveling on) in the name of maintaining morale and discipline. Clearly he was still considering the job, and intended ot do it to his best ability, and that made him consider options that other commissars may have overlooked. (The decision winding up simultaneously saving his butt and almost screwing him over later in the book)

[@azadzeeman1243]

Man, I just love those scenes where they're sipping coffee and discussing impending Tyranid swarms. Cain is about coffee and hot tea.

[@TinkyTheCat]

One of the benefits of the Cain series' unique perspective of the W40k universe is that I find it's more relatable for casual fans or newcomers. The focus being on regular humans in the Guard, Ciaphas' terror at the dangers he's unwillingly plunged into, and his "Duty's nice, but no, I'd rather *not* die For the Emperor, thank you very much," mindset makes it a good vessel for giving the average Joe a tour of the 40k setting. I've tried reading a few other 40k novels, but none of them were able to grab me in the same way.

[@XIIIUDSP]

I was so happy when I saw this notification. I love the Cain books. I would love to see you do more of a character deep dive after you get to reas a few more of Cains exploits

[@coltonlong2223]

My catch phrase is "little did you know, I'm a professional coward". Get em in the first half, and be sprinting before you finish the second half.

[@kingbaldwiniv5409]

I LOVE Caiaphas Cain/Edmund Blackadder. He even has his Baldric. I have read ALL of the hero's books!

[@dkoz81]

Ciphas Cain isn’t the hero we need he’s the hero we deserve.

[@DangerHost]

how delightfully topical, I just got done listening to 4 of the cain audiobooks and then bam! you come with this! Cain's a really neat character, Jurgen is my favorite however.

[@ltjast]

@Wolf Lord Rho: I am a long time fan of the Ciaphas Cain series and this channel. I love that Sandy Mitchell brings a light of comedy to the 40k universe through Ciaphas Cain. I would personally recommend reading the first short story: "Fight or Flight", the second novel: "Caves of Ice", and the most recent audio drama: "The Devil You Know". I do enjoy all of the lore involving Commisar Cain, but I think those titles all capture the character of Chiaphas Cain the best. If you end up reading more about his character then i would love to hear it.

[@SoulCrusherEx]

Ciaphas Cain is a true Hero in my eyes. He is so much of a Human and very honest with himself not boasting around with his fame

[@AussieGriffin]

Thanks for doing a video about my favorite character! The series of novels and short stories gets into his mind, and I can honestly say he's a not a coward, he's a survivor who's always looking at the best angle for survival. Taking up the mantle of hero was the most robust one he had... and got him a look in with Amberley Vail. o.- A.G.

[@allenjackson8632]

One of my favourite series for exactly the reason of the different approach. Goes nicely alongside Gaunt.

[@Ghostwolf82]

Let’s face it, if it had been Yarrick who walked into that mess hall, he wouldn’t of even needed to say a word to get the guardsmen under control. This is the guy who stared down a Space Marine Captain, and won.

[@dredgewalker]

That's Yaricks style, Cain is more flamboyant. They're both equally good though but Cain has the better luck and Yarick died

[@darkdarklighting]

Saving he's own skin ends up him going into situations that could kill him, but this always ends with up him saving every one except the enemy. His luck rations seems to never run out.

[@weaselwolf]

I've been waiting SOOO long for one of my favorite 40k Lore guys to address one of the most overlooked series in the BL. I am DYING to hear your take on Death or Glory. Death or Glory is not just one of my favorite 40k novels, it's one of my favorite stories period. I re-read it at least once a year when I need a distraction

[@lordcommissar7813]

This video is heresy I met commissar Cain and he is undoubtedly brave as he valiantly lured the enemy away splitting up there forces allowing for a swift victory! At first I thought it was strange tactic to drive a camera at full speed away from the enemy as soon as they appeared but I cant argue with results

[@patrickmundhenk-koch7407]

I believe Cain is just an outlet of the Emperor's humor.

[@ballistics343]

Cain and Amberly are absolutely my favorite take on 40k. I love grimdark as much as the next guy but you have to inject some human personality once in a while or it loses all impact. Wish GW leaned into this angle more often (rabble rabble back in my day grimdark was satire rabble rabble)

[@thesyndrome43]

I've not finished the full Cain series yet (I love the audiobooks, so I'm eagerly awaiting each new release), but Cain seems to have an extreme case of imposter syndrome, he's his own worst critic and his own doubt of himself reinforces moral judgement because he also empathises with people and so tries to save whoever he can. He will frequently look at his thoughts as selfish, cowardly, or deceitful, but his actions prove him wrong and show level-headed decision making to save as many lives as possible, even in instances where he puts his own life at risk to do it, and he justifies it as "trying to save his reputation". In one instance there is a fully-loaded troop transport on standby at a base ready for a precision strike and a chaos leman russ tank is getting closer to it, and the guardsmen nearby don't have the right guns to damage armour, so Cain uses himself as a distraction to allow Jurgen to hit it with a meltagun blast to disable it's tracks, and the nearby guardsmen are emboldened by this and rush the tank and start climbing on it trying to get into the hatches, but the tank finally notices the gunship and starts aiming to fire on it, Cain's first instinct is to sprint to the ship, jump on, and order it airborne, getting it out of range of the tank. The editorial note from Amberley afterwards says that Cain was well within his right as a commissar to order Jurgen to fire his melta on the tank again to destroy it and kill all the imperial guardsmen on it, but he didn't want to kill them by his order when they were just trying to help in whatever way they could, so he chose a riskier option that directly put him in danger. The books are full of moments like this where Cain does something completely at odds with his own narrative of being a selfish coward, and he just brushes it off as being a lapse in judgement rather than it being his true character being shown, even when he gives speeches he often acts as though he was a fraud for saying something he didn't believe himself, but knew would make someone feel better or inspire a soldier to keep fighting, and he doesn't realize that's probably exactly what a good leader does, they will tell white lies and give speeches that they think are untrue if it will raise morale; but likely due to the Imperium's hero worship and the presence of demi-gods like space marines, Cain thinks he isn't worthy of standing next to great people

[@nosacredcows1810]

Ciaphas Cain,on the imperial guardsmen. oh there my personal meat shields (something threatens his men) Don't you dare threaten my meat shields( proceeds to throw himself between them and the threat). Then proceeds to justify to himself why doing something insanely brave and heroic is actually him being a coward (well if I allowed my men to get slaughtered then I wouldn't be able to hide behind them). Its this contradiction that makes him such an interesting character. Another thing great about the books is the little glimpses into "peacetime" imperial life we get from Amberly Vail's side notes ,such as there being holovid shows that are obviously shown across multiple planets, just this little snippet implies so many things like there is some form of "independent" media industry. If your trying to introduce 40k to someone the Cain chronicles are one of the best ways to do so.

[@jakebull8874]

Wasn't interested in this book until I got it in a humble bundle. He's now one of my favorite characters

[@blademaker9843]

MOOOOOD KINDREEEEEED! [Ultra comfort and support]

[@johngardner4096]

This was an insightful analysis of one of my favorite Warhammer 40K characters. According g to interviews with the author, he is a cross between Harold Flashman and Blackadder, while Jurgen is a mix of Blackadder's henchman Baldrick and MacAuslan of the stories written by the author of the Flashman novels.

[@chrischapman699]

Please do something about the last chancers, thank you for doing these videos they are amazing

[@paulbrule5897]

He’s a hero with survivor guilt

[@ScoutSgtZaku]

I hope you get around reviewing Gaunt! :)

[@empire2.035]

The audible book is amazing 5* one of my favourite 40k novels

[@ShadrackMeduson]

after reading all the books soo far i have the theory that amberley vail is only using Ciaphas Cain for editorial exclusivity so she can make a profit out of his image, and the reason why the higher command allways sends him to the most dangerous missions possible is because they are part of this. Our boy is been played.

[@benjohnson5938]

The Commisariat is one of the most interesting niches within the Militarum, if not the entire Imperium. Love these last two vids.

[@timothypoburs9269]

Love that you've found Caiphas Cain!! Enjoy the ride brother!

[@jimminey-fooking-cricket4903]

Mordin Iron Guard and the Tanith First and Only may shock you then Rho.

[@xlaostha704x]

Cain is one of my top 5 favorite characters of WH40k!

[@generalnawaki]

that Cain lacks a model is the greatest tragedy in warhammer history.

[@lethiality]

A nice intro to Ciaphas Cain and his character but I think some of the best characterisation of the commisar comes from Amberley's footnotes. Besides being hilarious you get the insight of some-one who saw passed his 'Hero of the Imperium' facade and highlights his genuine heroic acts and pointing out holes in his own 'coward' narrative...also they add some great extra comedic snark you don't expect from an inquisitor of all people

[@Dalestarbuck]

I do love the Ciaphas Cain books and just reread this passage last week, certainly a must read, along with Gaunts Ghosts.

[@month32]

Cain, Gaunt and Yarrick walk into a bar. Gaunt has scouted the bar and knows where the amasec and the greenskins are. Yarrick has the bar surrounded searching for greenskins. Cain has just finished one bottle of Amasek and stumbles into the top secret lair of the greenskins, trigering the battle that the other two were preparing, killing the boss and playing it out that he knew what was going to happen all along.

[@andrewsmith7573]

Wow what a great snippet of the story names ne wanna pick up the book and give it a first time read