Guilliman is actually the most overpowered being in the WH40k universe as he possesses the greatest and rarest superpower in the entire setting - common sense.

It occurs to me that Guilliman was more useful as the lord of Ultramar than he would have been as warmaster. Having a region like Ultramar that is internally stable and able to send support outwards to the wider imperium is a priceless boon.

Guilliman isn’t strong because he has the charisma of Horus or Sanguinius. People don’t realize just how remarkable Ultramar was and even is now. It is as close as to a “nice place” for humans to live in 40k. Ultramar even had baseline medical care for people, practically unheard of in the setting. It wasn’t nearly as corrupt as other places.

Surprised you did not reference what the Rune Priest says in Prospero Burns - given your affinity for the Wolves - as he goes through each of the Primarch Wyrds: - One to be the heir to the Emperor's Throne: Guilliman - One to fortify the defences of the Imperium: Dorn - One to guard the hearth: Vulkan - One to watch the distant perimeter: The Kahn - One to command the armies: The Lion - One to control intelligences: Corax - One to be executioner: Russ Notice that the wyrds only cover the surviving loyal sons, which goes to the idea that the heresy was pre-ordained.

Guilliman is the world builder, he is more fit to lead humanity than the Emperor himself

I honestly don't think any of the primarchs could truly qualify as a "true heir" to the Emperor. He's just too singular a character.

There's something to be said about the emperor referring to Vulcan as the creation he was most proud of. He would be the least likely to want to rule and most likely let humanity rule itself

I think there is a big difference between a warleader and an imperial successor. One is a specialist and the other a generalist. And of all the Primarchs we know about, Guilliman is the least specialized, a jack of all trades, just like the Emperor was. The only thing he seems to lack is real psykic potential.

Perhaps not an Emperor successor, but maybe a Malcador successor

Guilliman is Caesar Augustus in space from his blond hair, upbringing, the smurfs’ Roman trappings and his tendency for building empires. He’s by far the most qualified to lead a galactic government.

One grimdark theory is that one of the Lost Primarchs was the closest person to an heir as could be achieved. And that the Emperor buried his memory so thoroughly that his brothers don’t even realize what they lost. At least one of them was incredibly impactful. You don’t leave that big of a mark upon Horus, Alpharius, Jaghatai, Guilliman, Sanguinius, Russ, and Dorn all at once without being pivotal in some way, probably in many ways.

I feel Guilliman is the perfect 'hand of the king' type person. Fulgrim even says before he kills Guilliman that it all rests on him. He's the best person to lead the Imperim in 40k because it's a mess of beuracracy and political backstabbing, but if any Primarch is the 'Heir', it is either Horus or Sanguinius and really my money would be on Sanguinius. If he'd survived the Heresy, the galaxy wouldn't be grimdark. Guilliman is also humble enough to JUST be a logistician and co-ordinator as evidenced by when he advocated Sanguinius ruler of Imperium Secundus.

I think guilliman was more like a fail safe or backup plan, his first instinct after calth was imperium secundus which I think is indicative of his role in the emperor's plan

I would had picked Guilliman to build and keep my empire, he has that nerd in em

The possibility is that, as much as Horus was best fitting to be the Warmaster - the supreme leader of the armies of the Imperium, in the eyes of the Emperor, Guilliman was the best one for the role of the "Peacemaster" - the governor of the Imperium int the times of peace.

The difference in Horus and Guilliman's believing astertes could rule is that Horus dismissed humanity as a whole, Guilliman dismissed those who were ineffective, corrupt, or soem form of harm to the overall imperium whenever possible and didn't always replace them with marines.

Think you're right Horus was the goldenson but in the unremembered empire Bobby G pushes Sanguinius to be the new Emperor. He's the one people love and will follow. In all honesty none of the Primarchs can replace Big E as they are all elements of him. Question is, which element of the Emperor is MOST important in a figurehead for the Imperium? Bobby G could still be running things behind the scenes with Sanguinius inpsiring the populace.

The Emperor had the ability to appear to anybody in an idealized way, which becomes especially apparent in his interactions with the Primarchs themselves and with others about the Primarchs. While the Primarchs considered him as their father and he appeared to them that way, when he talked ABOUT the Primarchs to others (his Custodes, Malcador or the Mechanicus) that appearance changed completely. It's what makes the Emperor so special and kindof a meta-character. There really isn't any way to pin down his true motives since he appears in a different light to everybody and we're just reading their perception of him, which changes from individual to individual. Which is also the reason why no Primarch could ever be his true heir.

Guilliman, though not perfect, has the ability to join people in a collective way to build and strengthen. Something the imperium needed, otherwise it would fall.

One Big Question - would the Empire of Man even still be one Empire without the threat of Chaos? Would the Orks really be enough to hold them together? Perhaps the empire that stands, the empire that Chaos is dedicated to ending, only exists because of Chaos. 🤔

This was sort of obvious from all the books I’ve read so far. If there was one primarch that was safe from the “what-happens-after-the-crusade” paranoia, it was Guilliman. Hell, choosing Roboute for glassing Monarchia is all the evidence you need about what Emperor thought about the future template of Imperium. I mean he didn’t choose Dorn or Lion, who’d be happy to do it. He chose Roboute who was extremely disturbed by the destruction. He was gonna give the reins of administration to him. No doubt about it.

I think you are missing a key point. The arch traitor was WAR MASTER. The Emperor foresaw an end to all of the war. After that the war master was never meant to be in charge. I think that’s then when Roboute would’ve been appointed Regent or lord commander. For a time at least until he could give full leadership to regular people.

Uhh....I thought its established lore that who ever became Warmaster would turn on the EoM. So Malcador and the EoM picked the best choice who could be beaten in civil war. But good enough not seem like he was picked by the EoM to fail. Even though part of the reason the neverborn call Horus the Sacrificed or Sacrificial King was partly because of this. That both the EoM and the Dark Gods always intended Horus to fail and die. In some fluff Chaos even mention that the four hardest if near impossible Primarch's to turn, Sanguineous, the Lion, Dorn and Guillemin. Would have the best chance of winning the Hersey over Horus.

The heresy had to happen. E. Stated to Malchador that it came earlier than expected during his chess match w Malchador in master of mankind book. My guess is that he had a chance to move more to his side before the war and because ot was early. He had to settle for half/half.

Plus in First Lord of the Imperium, we learn all this was known if not planned to chose Horus and know him fall to chaos. The Unremembered Empire also shows a good picture of Sanguinius being Emperor as a figurehead, and yet Guilliman still having that organisational first Lord role.

None were the heir, the emperor wanted mankind to rule itself(obviously with himself in the background). Hence his statement to Lorgar, “It is the Imperium of Mankind”

I honestly doubt the Emperor ever planned for any one else than himself ruling the Imperium.

I think the Emperor was more like the Lion- he had his secrets and didn't tell his sons about the warp. But I think he liked to think of himself as more like Bobby G. And it makes sense that Bobby G would be a better heir then the Lion.

Has the Emperor ever personally possessed and brought back from death and completely healed any other primarch?

Roboute would be the best guy to run an empire, Sanguinus would be the figurehead, and Horus is the diplomat.

Can you do a video over how each primarch would’ve run the imperium in the emperors stead

What about the Emperor’s game with Malcador? Emps knew anyone he chose for the position of Warmaster was going to fall to chaos. Perhaps that is what barred Guilliman from being put in a position as Warmaster?

Hey Wolf you forgot that the Emperor, while figuratively,playing his future chess game discussing the future of the imperium with Malcador, that he knew whoever became Warmaster, would fall to chaos. Mystery solved. I wish I could site it, but the info is out there.

I would asume that if you had to pick one primarch to return to fix the imperium as it stands in 40k, that the emperor chose guilliman for a good reason. He is the one to fix such issues, cant solve all those problems with the Lion

Loving the channel. Your videos have gotten me back into the hobby after a 20 year haitus. Keep up the good work.

Perfect timing, Rho! I just started my lunch break and the vid dropped.

My boy Robbie G gets a lot of "hate" for being the poster boy Primarch of the poster boys marines but lets get real he would be uncontested for the role of empire leader aka EMPEROR by all his brothers ;) Other Primarchs would contest each other for other roles like Warmaster but none of them got the brains to run a million worlds Empire.

I like how they reestablished that Primarchs are galaxy needle movers and makes you realize how powerful most factions were before and despite the massiveness and firepower they have in 40k, they're still watered down versions of themselves. Just thinking of another loyal son or Valdor returning to form a tag team with GMan, while possible, you can't help but see it as a little too much of a boost for the Imperium but in a cool way because I'd like to see it.

Maybe saw a line where lord of ultramar was the best choice logistically since he had so much under his belt by the time big E found him?

I think whoever was named warmaster would face the full court press by chaos. Perhaps the emperor knew this and spared a more useful tool for a rainy day.

My thinking is that Horus was made Warmaster because of his super charisma. This would make it easier to sell the emperial truth to the world's they were trying to bring in to compliance. This would be the most efficient way, and the emperor was apparently in a hurry to get everything done. This, of course, excludes the likelihood that the emperor planned for the half the primarks to rebel anyway in some step in an insane plan to obtain god hood.

Very good video! excellent content, thank you very much!

Remember Even when some GW authors did undermine some of the Emperors Achievements that old lore keft in mysteries , the Master if Mankind is the greatest Empire bilder. Knowing , calculating what to do at wich moment and what Ressourcen move to use for any task or goal to build the Imperium

Funnily enough if I were the Emperor I'd put Vulkan at the top of my list. Not because of the whole niceness/humanness he has which are nice bonus'. But he's also stable and the fact that he doesn't want such things is a big plus in my book. Then there's his perpetual nature giving him a bit more leeway in the risk department than his brothers. He's also on the lower scale of risk seeking. He also of all the primarch's probably has the most technical know how beyond even the likes of Ferus and Perterabo with his ability to manufacture his artifacts which probably puts him in the best position to continue a lot of the non-psyker projects that the emperor was working on and if he had the support of Magnus as an advisor in those matters along with the Sigilite I think the Imperium could be cooking with gas. He's also relatively well liked by his brothers which doesn't hurt.

Guilliman really is the Emperor's true heir. He is a builder. He raises humanity up and thats important. Hes also already proven he can run an empire.

Well there's not much choice. Jaghatai Khan would be going too fast to get anything done. Rogal Dorne would be building forts all the time. Leman Russ is busy sniffing out the tree of life. Ferrus, Vulkan, Corvus and Sanguinius are dead and Lion El’Jonson's is sleeping and forgot to set his alarm clock.

Yeah the idea of seeing which primearch is worthy to inherit humanity is interesting

A deep dive into the dark age of technology. Come on Rho, make this happen!!!!!!!!!!!

all i got to go on is the dawn of fire series when it comes to guilliman but the way he is written in those and dark imperium he's the most human of them especially when it comes to anger. If not for the nails in angrons head id say guilliman more represents the emporers rage then anything.

Heir? No. But singularly placed to run an empire. He was the most obvious, most balanced, replacement for the emperor.

Love the old background music. Been missing for awhile

And now I’m trying to imagine Horus with a toupee…

If we are at this topic, I have to bring up the lost primarchs, which atribute of the emperor cant be found in the primarchs and could be part of the missing ones ?

Big E would have chosen Malcador IMO. They were on pretty much the same exact wave length in their vision, and perhaps most importantly Malcador is human which is what Big E wanted.

I do actually believe this. He may not be the best fighter, but he’s one of the best generals, THE best statesman, and has the perfect temperament for running an empire (not too harsh, not too detached, not too compassionate). No he’s not a future Emperor of Man, but he is the perfect Regent. Even before Horus’ betrayal, I still believe that. Horus miiiiight have been the Imperial figurehead, but Dorn and Guillaman both are the administrative and strategic geniuses. Sanguinius actually could’ve rivalled Horus to the figurehead position. Frankly I believe that, even without chaos, some of the primarchs were destined to revolt. Kurze and Angron come to mind.

No, but it is to everyone's benefit that he is the only primarch available for the job.

Good video as always, thanks. I disagree with your reasoning for Horus.....I think the key to the Emperors vision for Horus is in the title he gave him. He called him Warmaster......but in the books, we see that the Emperors vision was for an Imperium of Man that eventually would not need to go to war. That he did not give the Emperor the title of Regent, Heir or Lord Commander was a clear indication of him not seeing Horus as the heir. ' I do not think the Emperor viewed any of the 20 as heirs. They were specialist tools for respective jobs....Magnus for the Astronomican, Guilliman for the administration and organisation, Dorn the Protector, Mannus, Perturabo and Vulkan the builders....Sanguinius the conscience and heart etc. It would be humans that took over as heirs eventually....but the Emperor did not see that happening for millenia, hence why the need for the Primarchs in the interim. Malcador would never take the role....he is an advisor, a right hand, a back door statesman, not a ruler. Guilliman was always intended for Lord Commander I think...but not an heir. I think he does most reflect the Emperor as he is the ultimate pragmatist and will always find a way to achieve his goals....that was the strongest aspect of the Emperor I think. But great video as i say....keep em coming!

From a true Night Lord lover and groupie of Talos Valcoran I'd have to admit it will uld have to be Gulliman. But he just doesn't have the emperor's psychic prowess so I'm not sure.

A few points that I would like to make. 1) It's ironic that Lorgar said Guilliman was an open book when just a few books later, he realised that he never knew him. 2) Are you sure that Lord-Commander came AFTER Horus rebelled ? I would have thought it was before as Dorn said the position was Guiiliman's originally ? 3) Regarding the Heir? You are correct that the Big-E would prefer Humans to rule themselves BUT .... that was in an ideal scenario where the Big-E could stand down as Humanity could govern themselves. In the Non-Ideal scenario? When the Emperor was side-lined or stopped mid-way ? That is when the Big-E would need an Heir... Edit : One important point I would like to make. There is a difference between Guilliman during 30K and 40K. Big-G in 40K is BECOMING like the Emperor, see how he is making compromises and 'lying / using ' people like the Emperor , see how Big-G understands WHY the Emperor made the decisions he did and is making the same. I would argue that 30K Guilliman is an ECHO of a YOUNG and INNOCENT version of the Emperor. 40K Guilliman ? He is becoming an ECHO of the MATURE version of the Emperor.

Maybe this was already said. But do you think emps abandons angrons gladiators as a punishment for declining him?

Other Primarchs might be better fighters or speakers but that power is nothing compared to having the Imperium running even slightly more efficiently. Imagine if Guilliman increased the productive output of the Imperium by just 1% spread that across a million worlds and think if the army that was just raised. Being really good at swinging a sword doesn't mean much if an extra 50 regiments land in front of you

There should a be a video on loyalist primarchs returning as traitors and vice versa

Hmm, I could see that in a poetic sense. Logar wants to place himself in opposition to Guilliman. One has the Emperor's face and the other has the Emperor's soul. I'm not sure I see it though. Guilliman seems to be his adopted parent's kid more so than anything else. It seems like it's just salt from a salty man

I believe, that all the primarchs were created with the purpose to rule togeather, once the great crusade was over, the emperor would go into the webway continuing his work, while the brothers were left to rule and build the galactic imperium. Robute would handle the galactic logistics, down building the infrastructure, perterabo building its defenses, russ squashing rebellion, etc. Magnus would sit on the golden throne in the emperors absence helping the emperor keep chaos at bay, each of them having their own important role.

Great video.

So the Emperor can see the future, and this means he had to of seen the Horus Heresy coming and that he would lose half of his sons to the Ruinous Powers. This likely means he knew whoever became War Master would ultimately become the head traitor. This is why The Emperor never choose someone like Sanguinius or Guilliman to be War Master.

My Credits are on good ol' Number 11 being the original intended Heir to end 'em all! At least, until The Emperor had him all ended!

I'm not really sold on idea of Guilliman being an heir, but I have to say this: Firstly, about the choice of the Warmaster. Let's ask a question - what does it reflect in Emperor's view on primarch? My take is as follows: The Emperor needed someone in his stead. The main function of this "someone"is to coordinate the efforts of the forces in the Crusade to ensure it's successful complition without complications. Since the most dangerous and immediate external threats were eliminated or suppressed, I suppose almost any primarch except the most specialised or deviant ones (like Curze, an example of both highly specialized and deviant primarch) would've been sufficient in terms of actual organisational and military talents, but yeah, it's obvious one should choose among the greatest generals. The second crucial requirement was to be able to archive compliance with your orders from many different forces of the Imperium involved in the Crusade, most notable - the other Primarchs and their Legions. From what I see, that's all there is to it, choosing the one who will fit these criteria the best. And while Guilliman and Horus were both exceptionally good military leaders and strategist, the former at the time did not possessed the skills, or, perhaps even, the mindset, that would've allowed him to develop better standings with his brothers and to play political game with his peers successfully. And I don't believe it to be caused by some core flaw in his personality, it was simply a product of his previous experience. He really changed over the course of Horus Heresy and his subsequent resurrection. He gained better understanding of his brothers, of his flaws. He became more grounded, bitter and he is willing now to fight tooth and nails to ensure humanity's prosperity. I think the current Guilliman would've been more than suited to be a Warmaster in the Emperor's eyes. My second argument is about Guilliman's feelings towards being used and similarities with the Emperor. I don't see the Emperor as someone cold. On the contrary, he is a man of passion - judging from what we know. To be a leader you ought to be passionate. And his, and his son's main passion is the dream of saved humanity. This is what unites them, different primarchs had different reasons to follow Emperor, some were forced to (Angron), some were bound by word (Mortarion, Lion), many joined because they were swayed by his charisma, but I think Guilliman was the one who followed Emperor explicitly because of his vision of the future. He shared the dream and for me seemed to be more driven by it than any of his brothers. I think it's the similarity Kor Phaeron noticed. And, since they are both driven by this dream and understand necessity of its fruition, they are ready to go to great lengths to pave the way to it. Thats is the main point for me of the passage describing Guilliman's feelings towards this revelation - he is pained by the hypocrisy and manipulation, but, ultimately, he understands - he embraced the lie because it was needed, and repeated it to everyone who asked. This is also a similarity with the Emperor - they are able to make sacrifices when they are necessary. Perhaps, if we'll give Gulliman couple tens of thousands years he'll grow to be spitting image of his dad.

I think the fact that Guilliman does reject the Emperor’s initial plans for the primarchs is evidence that Guilliman was the best choice to lead the Imperium. Most primarchs like the Lion, Vulcan, and perhaps Sanguineous who were loyal would’ve simply accepted it and acted humble to the idea that their father used them. But Guilliman is a rare case when he’s literally living in his own worst nightmare. Religion has become a staple in the imperium, Chaos overwhelms real space, all his brothers are MIA, dead, or evil. His own sons and nephews of the imperium are echoes of the proud and stouthearted soldiers he once grew, now more religious and superstitious, sometimes even falling into chaos themselves. The imperium literally falling apart. And finally Daddy never really loved him. Yet despite all that Guilliman fights on, he understands this reality and instead of disappearing into the warp he decides to push back against the enemies of the imperium and build a new empire, one that takes the best of both worlds and renews itself in its own light, or darkness. Guilliman was not the first choice, but damn he is the best choice for what is happening in the current setting.

What Rho misses is that Horus was only warmaster because the Emperor deemed him the best choice to rebel. He and Malcador struck a balance between somoke great enough to be placed above his brothers yet not so great enough to defeat the light.

I agree that Horus was always the Emperor's choice but there was a lot of undeserved favoritism between the Emp and Horus. He wasn't the best choice, The emp just had a crush on him. The angel was always the best choice. Horus himself admitted it at one point in the early books of. H.H.

I think a big problem with the Hours being the obvious choice is that, the Emperor and Malcador knew that whoever became Warmaster would fall to Chaos. Going off of this logic then surely Horus would have been a sacrifice moreso than his personal choice?

Well this is going to be interesting!!

Vulcan and Guiliman are by far my favorite primarchs.

What if Dorn and Perturabo were friends?

a counter argument for what you said at 9:30. the normal humans have been ruling the imperium for the last 10k years and look at the state that its in, planetary governors working for their own self interest, condemning planets to die because they simply lost value, backstabbing, betrayal, all of this is rampant in the normal imperium. its logical to set level headed astarties in postions of power that will act for the greater good of the imperium but it has been made clear that quite alot of normal humans are simply not fit to rule the imperium, and people like the astarties are needed to help rule.

Lorgar was the one responsible for the Imperial Cult (The Faith worshipping the Emperor) So it is no stretch that Lorgar might have been planning for Roboute's ascension as leader of the imperium and the Emperors ascension to becoming a true god of mankind just like Lorgar wanted

To me the thing to remember is what makes a good commanding general is often very different than what wakes for a good head of state so to speak. I can totally see Big E picking Guilliman to succeed him with the understanding that in Big E’s mind that would be AFTER the fakest was conquered.

G man more a support class kinda guy i think. If horus never turned and he had to take over i think as much as he felt better at leading g man would rather support horus than ever do so. He may have been the lord of ultramar but it was so set up it could run with him not being to involved unless things were dire

For me you have to look at Monarchia. Guilliman was chosen to handle the task. The Emperor Could have chosen Horus to do it, but he knew Horus had a jealous side( we see it when the Emperor finds Russ). Horus would have seen it as an honor and the rightful thing to do. Guilliman saw it as duty. What better person to raise a city than one who spends his life building them. He alone would understand how devastating it would be to lose a city that he had spent his whole life building. How degrading it would be to kneel before another legion on his home world. There was no joy in the act. He's a builder not a breaker. He would understand tho, the gravity of situation and how it would make him look to his brothers. Finally at the core of it the Emperor wanted to redeem Logar, just as Guilliman would see it as a second chance to build and that from the ashes something better could be made. Everyone says Guilliman is the logical and calculating world builder. I see a primarch who cares the most. He's empathetic towards others and can relate to even the lowest human because he understands the plight of people. He spends his entire life trying to build things better for all humanity. He is the Emperor. If the Emperor hadn't shown up, Guilliman would have continued expanding Ultramar, kept bringing a better quality of life for everyone with him. Horus was warmaster because the Emperor knew of his jealousy and to put anyone else there would cause strife. Guilliman is the heir, he rules over the jewel of the Galaxy in Ultramar. He even founded Imperium Secundus, not out of jealousy or pride, because he knew the Galaxy needed a symbol to flock too and know they are safe. Again he is empathetic to others, not because he was designed that way, because he was raised that way.

What about alonius pious if he survived what role do you think he would’ve had in the imperium the new warmaster?

None of the primarchs are able to preside over the imperium in the same capacity as the emperor did. Of all the primarchs, 3 at a minimum working in perfect concert with one another would be required for the imperium to endure eternal. Which leads me to suggest that 5 would be ideal for the imperium to see eternal glory Horus- to sit on the throne and lead with his brothers advising Guilliman- to manage and maintain the imperium's resources and keep it's government organized Dorn- to fortify the homefront and build the infrastructure his brothers need Sanguinis- to stand at the imperium's gates Corvus- to listen within the imperium and keep his brothers in contact with each other

Rogal Dorn and Guilliman as Consuls of a Terran Republic....a man can dream

Is it not fair to assume the emperor knew all the events that would unfold even till now, his choices made based on the best possible outcome for humanity and that no matter who he chose he already knew the ending?

Guilliman awoken to an Imperium in tatters, Ultramar had fallen in its glory. Their people were suffering under the Imperial Creed and lost sense of reason. The astartias were removed from the Creed and could not be made to kneel to the church, so it makes sense to put the marines in control till things could be cleaned up

I think there are a lot of assumptions about the role of 'Warmaster' and that because Horus was given this position above his brothers, the Emperor would give Horus any position just below himself... I think Warmaster was a very specific role of continuing the crusade. Were no one to turn against the Imperium and the Emperor disappeared, Horus would still be Warmaster and in charge of the crusade, Sanguinius likely made Monarch (as much as he'd hate it) Guilliman would be lord commander, Dorn still the Pretorian of the sol system, Magnus would steer the astronomican and guard the webway... etc etc

Hes the best at administration. And wars are won or lost on logistics. After the war? He probably would have made some version of the senatarum under Malcador.

Vulkan was not alone of all his brothers in hating war. Lorgar also did not want to be a general.

The fact that Guilliman stepped aside to Sanguinius during the Imperium Secundus situation seems like proof that he recognized and accepted his role as an administrator and strategist not as figurehead. Judging his actions now against a universe pre-Heresy or where the Heresy hadn’t occurred is ridiculous since the Imperium is in shambles currently due to inept, corrupt, greedy individuals and religious zealots. He could be less heavy-handed but how would that work in a crisis?? The overall question though seems unfair since all the primarchs were essentially aspects of the Emperor. No one of them alone would be an appropriate successor. You’d need them all playing particular roles TOGETHER to be able to fill the Emperor’s shoes. But also, Horus might have been the only choice for Warmaster responsible for leading the other Primarchs and Astartes but no way he’s the “true heir.” He fundamentally did not jive with the Emperor’s vision or views on humanity. He would never have willingly sat back and let humanity govern itself, acting merely as their guard dog/protector. He would wonder why he should turn over the Imperium he fought for and his brothers bled for to lesser beings…

This is what I love about the Lost Primarchs and why I wish more people wondered vocally about them. I fully believe that one of the lost Primarchs had intense political skill, so as to rule the Imperium when the fighting was over and the Emperor was done, and the other had incredible medical talent, such as that would have been able to potentially save the Emperor from his internment in the Throne. I think these because I absolutely love the idea that the Imperium is in the state its in because the Emperor never got to use all of his Primarchs during the Crusade/Heresy.

Leading an empire is Guilliman's thing, I don't think any of the other loyalists could measure up in that regard. He might be subpar as a warrior compared to many of his brothers but as a ruler and a general he was likely the best or close to the best.

I would contend that Guiliman was indeed the heir apparent to the throne of the Imperium itself, but that position was never meant to be inherited so the Primarchs instead competed for the next highest position of Warmaster - but being warmaster and being the Imperial Regeant are two fundamentally different roles that require different skillsets. Being the Warmaster is a job that requires the person to manage the egos of the various other generals effectively so they can most effectively accomplish short and mid-term goals. Being the Imperial Regent means building infrastructure for the long-term post-crusade fate of humanity - and that means dealing with the Webway Project one way or another. Magnus was never going to be capable of directly organizing and running the Webway Project . . . . so the only real alternative would have been to create diplomatic relationships with the Eldar directly. In my opinion, uniting with a humbled Eldar remnant was likely always "plan B" . . . . I just doubt Big E realized there was going to be a fucking 10k year loading period between plan A going to shit and actually launching plan B lmao

The only primarchs who truly understood and loved humans were Sanguinius and Vulkan. The rest of the primarchs saw themselves as separate from humanity. Guilliman included. The only difference is that Guilliman (and to a lesser extent Dorn and Corax) recognised that his primary duty is to protect humanity. Guilliman still considers himself separate to and above the concerns of humans (this is evident in Godblight).

If your one gripe is horus being picked as warmaster, I cant rememeber which book it was but when Malcadore and the emperor played chess who ever is picked as warmaster always falls to chaos. So not being picked as warmaster for Dorne, Guilliman, and Sanguinious is a point in their favor.

Being new to the 40k scene. ( 4years of lightly dabbing in the hobby and listening to the lore.) I got the idea that there are 4 Main Primarchs to take the mantle of responsibility in assisting Humanity in guiding it to a prosperous and long existence. Guilliman as the Logistical one. Lorgar ( Had he not fallen) the theocratic leader. Sanguinious as the Charismatic leader of all. And Finally either or both the Gorgon and Rogal Dorn. The rest are mostly supporting Primarchs. Not all would be in position of the same Power but different degrees. Some like the Khan, would probably be a General or a Rouge Trader type. And Rogal Dorn would held the defense along with Perturabo ( had he stayed loyal). Maybe I'm just spouting nonsense but if the Emperor is as logical as he is supposed to be. Then this is what it would look like. Horus is the odd man out. For some reason I get the feeling that the Emperor would always have to get rid of him.

I believe that the Emperor would have chosen Guilliman as his successor. Guilliman is the empire's holy bean counter. War is won largely by logistics and planning. What use is a pretty face or psychic might if they can't balance a spread sheet?

Courage and Honour!

If something had gone wrong, then Horus or Sanguinius would have been heir apparent. But if everytjing had gone RIGHT and the Crusade was a success, the Gulliman would have been the best ruler in peace. I still think he would prefer someone above him though since he thrives as middle-management. Sanguinius had a line saying that he wouldnt have wanted the titlebof Warmaster, because it would have restricted him to only ruling in the theater of war. He didnt want to limit himself and was more interested in what came after the Crusade. I think it is interesting to think about which Primarchs were useful during the crusade vs peacetime. Some like Angron and Kurze would probably have gone the way of the Thunder Warriors. Meanwhile Gulliman and ideally Lorgar would have thrived in maintaining the empire.

Makes perfect sense Bobby didn't get picked as Warmaster. Big E had foresight remember. He saw what would happen to the Warmaster no matter who he picked. So as much as he wanted to pick Bobby as Warmaster. He couldn't as the ONLY one that could rebuild the imperium would be The bigboy blue.

The difference is: The Warmaster had to able to lead the Primarchs. The Heir to the Emperor has to be able to lead Humanity in all facets. The traitors did everything they could to keep Guilliman from reaching Terra during the siege, because they knew his skill at coordinating armies and resources, rather than a great hero standing against a tide of enemies, would be the factor that would win the war. The Primarchs were all capable of being heroes, leading the charge, holding the gate, facing the enemy one on one, but Guilliman could orchestrate each line and flank and gun emplacement, every counter charge and bottleneck. Within an hour of his resurrection he broke the chaos siege of Ultramar, not by going onto the front line and beating back the greatest threats, but by sitting in a control room and giving orders while watching the screens and reports. Marneus Calgar, a legend all his own, was literally dumbstruck at how easily he did it.