The Four Pillars Of Chaos

The Four Pillars Of Chaos

The nature of chaos can best be envisaged as a roof supported by four pillars of corruption.

• Ambition: Which justifies the accumulation of power and the evils of self-interest, ruthlessness and the domination of others.


• Innovation: Which justifies the adoption of dangerous concepts and ideas and destroys order in favour of change and upheaval.


• Obsession: Which places the personal desire of the individual above those of the collective and promotes evils such as avarice, jealousy and vanity.


• Fear: Which can drive mortals to any extreme in the search for comfort, safety or belonging.

  Each in isolation is a catalyst for corruption of the mortal soul and can be exploited by evil to its own ends. But when combined can create the most perfect form of Chaos.  

The Motivations Of The Chaos Gods

The motivations of the Chaos Gods can best be understood by referencing these four pillars of corruption. Each of the known Gods of Chaos can easily be identified and associated with the form of corruption described by one of these pillars, and seems to be attracted to mortals who are susceptible to that type of corruption.  

Khorne the Blood God

Khorne, is attracted to mortals whose ambitions are achieved through ruthlessness, intimidation, fear and the shedding of blood. These actions are often disguised as acts of martial honour, strength and murder. Khorne appears to be drawn to those whose actions include the most direct and brutal of sentient emotions, such as hatred, anger, rage, the desire for destruction and the joy of killing one's enemies, most often linked to an ambition for power, control and the ability to dominate others.

Tzeentch the God of Change.

Tzeentch is attracted to mortals who are naturally innovative and creative. It is supportive of any visionary or revolutionary with the desire to change the status quo, regardless of the dangers involved and encourages creativity and risk.

Slaanesch the God of Pleasure

Slaanesch is attracted to mortals with an obsession which gives them personal and selfish pleasure. Slaanesch will actively support their obsession, encouraging them to even greater extremes of selfish indulgence. This behaviour can become excessive and fanatical, fueling a desire for possession and achievement, which often causes suffering to others.

Nurgle the plague Lord

Nurgle is attracted to mortals who are bereft, despairing and fearful. For many who feel isolated or fearful, Nurgle offers support and comfort in its nurturing guise as 'Father Nurgle', the provider of understanding and acceptance. However, its desire to increase the size of its congregation relies upon the promotion of fear, misery, bigotry and social division that adds to the breakdown of social order.  

Modus Operandii of the Chaos Gods

From my observations, it appears that the gods of chaos are little more than leeches that feed on the corruption of the human soul.   Whilst many of their followers claim to have been corrupted by their attentions, I believe that these mortals were selected specifically because of their natural predilection for corruption and that the attention of the God was drawn to them because of their obvious potential for exploitation.   Therefore, I would argue that most Chaos followers were already corrupt before being approached by Chaos and that all the Gods of Chaos are guilty of is providing these mortals with the support and encouragement they need to fulfil their personal goals.   Professor Quintus Fassbinder Rector Of The Universoty of Altdorf