40K Lore: The High Lords of Terra
Roboute Guilliman is about to shake up the High Lords of Terra, but who are these leaders of the Imperium?
The High Lords of Terra (officially the Lords Temporal, Martial and Ecclesiarchical of the Most Divine and Righteous Imperium of Mankind) collectively form the Council of the High Lords of Terra, also known as the Senatorum Imperialis. The Senatorum is an Imperial governing body of twelve leaders of the most powerful organisations of the Imperium. This body rules the Imperium in the Emperor’s name. The Senatorum itself is composed of tens of thousands of Imperial dignitaries, nobleman, lords, and other officials, but these rarely meet and instead the “High Twelve” conduct the vast majority of affairs.
The task of the High Lords is to interpret and enact the will of the Emperor. Accordingly, the position of High Lord is the most powerful in the Imperium.
The position of Lord Commander of the Imperium, first held by Roboute Guilliman, continued after his wounding at the hands of Fulgrim. There were still holders of the title, often simply referred to as “Lord Guilliman” in the Primarch‘s honor, until at least mid-M32. The Lord Commander served as the Chairman of the Senatorum.
Despite their vital importance to the Imperium, the Adeptus Astartes are not represented among the High Lords. This may have been set up intentionally by Roboute Guilliman himself as the Primarch fervently believed that it was the duty of the Space Marines to protect mankind, not rule it.
The Paternova – The Chief of the Navigators, makes sure every ship in the Imperium gets where it’s headed safely. Also can survive in hard vacuum – HANDY!
Master of the Administratum – Piss this dude off and you’ll be waiting in line, filling out paperwork for eternity.
Grand Provost Marshal – Master of the Adeptus Arbites. His word IS LITERALLY Law.
Speaker for the Chartist Captains – This individual wields the influence of all the merchant guilds in the Imperium. Like they say – money talks…
Grand Master of the Assassins – Definitely #1 on the list of “get his daughter home before curfew”…
Inquisitorial Representative – Everyone has secrets. He already knows all of yours…
Other positions often named to the High Lords of Terra include:
The Master of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica
Lord Commander of Segmentum Solar
Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard
Cardinal(s) of the Holy Synod of Terra
The Abbess of the Adepta Sororitas
Captain-General of the Adeptus Custodes
Lord High Admiral of the Imperial Navy
Learn More of the High Lords of Terra
Lexicanum
~There’s a Primarch back in town – who do you think Guilliman is going to fire first?
