Kill Lupercal 2

I'm watching the Kill Lupercal animated series on Warhammer+, and this is my review of it.

This review contains major spoilers.

Given that we all know that Horus is definitely not killed before reaching the Emperor, much less by a bunch of wandering titans, the title of the series is as enticing as it is incredulous. It's this episode that gives the series its title, and it delivers on the promise of intrigue.

Story

This episode picks up at the very moment the previous episode left off. When the credits rolled, the Aurora Ferrum was about to collide with something because her auspex was on the blink. What that something is, we didn't know.

In this episode, it's revealed that Princeps Gemnon and her troop of God Engines nearly walked into a fellow titan, like 2 submarines without SONAR. The titan is Clavius Dread, of Legio Tempestus. It seems to be wandering the battlefield alone. When Princeps Gemnon contacts its pilot, Princeps Senioris Areum Keeso answers, and reveals that she is hunting a prize far greater than traitor legions or titans. Princeps Gemnon asks what could possibly take precedence over nullifying traitors beseiging the Emperor's palace, and of course Senioris Keeso responds "Horus Lupercal."

Significantly, in the previous episode we saw, with our own eyes, picts from Aurora Ferrum's targeting system showing the traitorous 16th legion (Sons of Horus) on the ground. Senioris Keeso claims to have intercepted video of Horus himself arriving on Terra, and even sends Princeps Gemnon a copy of the feed. It seems too easy, and you can hear the doubt in Princeps Gemnon's voice as she mines for more information.

At the same time, you probably you have your own doubts, and lots of questions. But then again, everybody knows that Horus's ultimate goal is to face the Emperor. He has to show up on Terra at some point, right?

The question is, would he just be disembarking in the parking lot like any other rank-and-file legionary? Would he allow his image to be captured and broadcast?

Princeps Gemnon reluctantly joins forces with Clavius Dread, but she's entirely alone in the decision. Her fellow titans vehemently disagree with her choice, convinced that this is either a distraction or a trap, and they don't hesitate to tell her that.

If you play any tabletop wargame, then this situation definitely resonates with you. You've definitely surveyed the battlefield and identified one sure bet and one wild gamble. Which do you choose?

By the end of this episode, you'll still disbelieve that these lost titans are going to kill Horus Lupercal, but you won't be sure why. Is it a trap? Is it Chaos playing tricks on the auspex? Is it Chaos literally transforming the world around our heroes? Or does Keeso herself have ulteriour motives?

Good Warhammer

This episode is good Warhammer 30k. The tactical gamble it presents to you is irresistable. I assume it's going to lead to tragedy, but I guess part of me is holding out hope, bizarrely, that we've been teleported to an alternate timeline where the God Engines do kill Horus. I'm not sure what good that would do for the actual timeline, but it would feel pretty satisfying. The next episode is the final one, so presumably all will be revealed!