Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium

Black Library Advent Calendar 2017 #14

by L.J. Goulding, John Banks (Narrator), Beth Chalmers (Narrator)

Malcador the Sigillite sits vigil by the bed of a dying friend and the two discuss the past, present and future – and revelations are made.

As the Horus Heresy rages and the death toll rises, one more will be added to the numberless dead: Sibel Niasta, personal astropath to the First Lord of the Imperium, Malcador the Sigillite. As her end approaches, Malcador sits vigil by her bedside, and pair discuss their friendship and what it means – how the past and present have shaped Malcador and the Imperium, and what the future holds.

Running time: 25 minutes. Performed by John Banks, Beth Chalmers, Jenny Funnell, Jonathan Keeble and Toby Longworth.

Genres: Science Fiction, Audiobook, 40k, Drama

MP3

First published December 14, 2017

About the author

L. J. Goulding is a British novelist, scriptwriter and editor, living and working in Los Angeles, California. His credits include 'League of Legends: Realms of Runeterra', the Black Library audio dramas 'Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium', 'The Heart of the Pharos', 'Scythes of the Emperor: Daedalus', and 'Mortarion's Heart', the novel 'Slaughter at Giant's Coffin', and many short stories for publishers in the UK and US.

Reviews

[DarkChaplain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama is incredibly well produced and Toby Longworth once again hit it out of the park with his Malcador.
It takes almost halfway to really get going with the "juicy bits", but builds up to it in a very melancholic, atmospheric way. It is far more emotional than I expected, not just over the way it ends, but the entire build up of Malcador's relationship with his personal astropath. This offers a side of the Sigillite that we haven't seen before.

I don't think this should have been a Primarchs story, ever. It fits perfectly into a pre-Siege anthology alongside the other HH shorts this advent, though.

[RatGrrrl · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: This is really, really sad.

May 2024 Read using the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project Reading Order (https://www.heresyomnibus.com) as part of my Oath of Moment to complete the Horus Heresy series and extras - Now in Immaterium of everything outside the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project working on the Primarchs and other stories, beige the Siege of Terra.

This really is as close to perfect as a Black Library Advent Calendar audio drama can be.

Shortly before the beginning of the Siege of Terra, Malcador, the Sigillite, attends the bedside of his personal Astropath and friend for many centuries, Sibyl, to say good bye and give her a modicum of solace, before she dies...

This is just so different as an audio drama offering and I absolutely adore it!

The writing is beautiful, the performances are wonderful, the unique perspective and details about Malcador, the Emperor, and the Imperium are fascinating, and the whole thing is just an exceptionally moving and unique work within the Horus Heresy.

My only complaint is that this time I didn't so my heart out like last time lol

Through the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project and my own additions, I have currently read* all 54 Horus Heresy main series novels (+1 repeat), 25 novellas (+2 repeats), Cthonia's Reckoning, as well as the Macragge's Honour graphic novel, all 17 Primarchs novels 1 Primarchs anthology, 3 Characters novels, and 179 short stories/ audio dramas across the Horus Heresy (inc. 11+ repeats). Plus, 2 Warhammer 40K further reading novels and 1 short story...this run, as well as writing 1 short story myself.

I couldn't be more appreciative of the phenomenal work of the Horus Heresy Omnibus Project, which has made this ridiculous endeavour all the better and has inspired me to create and collate a collection of Horus Heresy and Warhammer 40,000 documents and checklists (http://tiny.cc/im00yz). There are now too many items to list here, but there is a contents and explainer document here (http://tiny.cc/nj00yz).

*My tracking consistently proves shoddy, but I'm doing my best.

***

Initial Review:

A few things I want to point out before I say anything else:
- This was originally a Black Library Advent Calendar audio drama
- It's only 25 minutes long
- It's only £3.99 for the MP3 on the Black Library website right now

Warhammer 40K [and the preceeding millennia] is a grimdark setting where everything on a macro scale is awful and it is only on a micro scale and within the context of being trapped in this galaxy and the nightmare situations and systems everyone is stuck in. The Imperium are not the goodies. They are a satire of authoritarianism and empire, specifically the British Empire and the extreme conservatism and ruthlessness of the Tories, particularly embodied by Margaret Thatcher. Much of the sci-fi and comics of the time shared in this, as with 2000AD.

I make a point of this because it's something everyone, including Games Workshop and Black Library at times, need to be reminded of and I've had a total reevaluation and new reading of Malcador and the Emperor recently with some of the Horus Heresy stories providing insight and context. None of this changes the fact that they are cause harm and disregard human lives, even as they labour to save them. They are two people that if they existed in the real world I would oppose them with every fibre of my being. But they don't exist in the real world and they are still both unbelievably awful, inexcusable, undefendable monsters in the views they hold and actions they take. In fiction we can explore the motivations and reasons that explain why a character is they way they are and feel empathy... What I'm trying to say is bad man bad, but make me feel sad.

This. Audio. Drama. Broke. Me.

I've been using silly names for the Sigillite in previous reviews, Bad Gandalf, Evil Elminster, Malcolm Dumbledore, etc. because until I listened to The Sigillite by Chris Wraight, he was just an annoying, scheming, psyker prick. He's utterly insufferable in all the Knights Errant stories. Wraight humanised him and gave his life and values and work weight and meaning without excusing tie atrocities he is party to. In Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium, L J Goulding takes the lay up from Wraight and leaps from Isstvan III, slamdunking it into the basket on Terra directly into my face and heart.

Malcador's personal Astropath, an old friend and someone who has kept more of his secrets than anyone, is on her deathbed. The Sigillite visits with his confidante and is with her in her last moments opening up and speaking freely with her.

I don't know if it's where I'm at in my hormonal cycle, having therapy earlier, being exhausted or what, but this audio drama got its hooks in me from almost the first moment. From then on I was openly weeping or sobbing throughout and after listening to this. Goulding's writing is magnificent and the performances of John Banks, Beth Chalmers, Jenny Funnell, Jonathan Keeble and Toby Longworth are next fucking level, especially Chambers' portrayal of Sybil. The emotion and realness in this little story for a novelty advent calendar promotion to sell these little stories set in the world of a nerdy tabletop wargame is utterly phenomenal.

There is something about seeing Malcador in such an unguarded, familiar, and tragically relatable situation that truly got to me. The centuries of working together and friendship are so very clear. The affection and grief on display is truly touching.

The things Malcador shares are mind-blowing, as is the ultimate qualification that is given. I don't want to spoil anything, but I gasped and exclaimed while listening.

I wish I had more to say, but this absolutely melted my brain and destroyed my heart. Don't forget, all of this is done expertly within 25 minutes!

I truly cannot say enough about the quality of the writing, which I was genuinely worried about due to not being familiar with Goulding and just how terrible the cover is (No shade to the artist, it's a sick picture but isolated as the cover it's very weird and does not say anything like what is going on in here). This is absolutely some of the best writing in the Black Library and beyond. This is one of the most moving and heartfelt things I've ever heard. I'm absolutely gobsmacked. This is almost certainly my favourite Black Library and/ or Warhammer story from any millenia, system, world, or realm.

I cannot recommend this enough. BUT, this is one where some knowledge of 40K, the Horus Heresy, Malcador, while not essential, will significantly affect the impact this has. At the very least, I would recommend listening to The Sigillite by Chris Wraight, preferably within the 24 leading up to listen if to this.

I'm so unbelievably excited, moved, energised, and utterly drained and exhausted from listening, weeping, thinking, sobbing and writing about glorious audio drama!

[NephriteON · Rating 5 out of 5]

The following review was published in the online newspaper The Orkney News in April 2020. Link here. https://theorkneynews.scot/2020/04/10...

Malcador: First Lord Of The Imperium by L.J Goulding – A Warhammer: The Horus Heresy Primarchs Audio Drama


Nephrite’s Month Of Heresies


So…here we are. Inside the mighty defences of Holy Terra as some call it. The Horus Heresy itself is close to an end. The Siege Of Terra is soon to begin. But before the forces of Chaos arrive and encounter the Imperial defences there is still some normalcy is there not my friend? Life goes on even during great heresies. And some who have served the Imperium since they were born are now due to leave this world. And they will have company at the end.

But I feel we should explain the importance of Malcador. In simple terms Malcador is the Sigillite. A member of an ancient order of incredibly psychically gifted humans with great knowledge of the past who searched for culturally important artefacts. But that wasn’t all he did. Shall you discuss his importance to The Emperor himself?

*Ah yes, Malcador the…what was the word you things use? ‘Hero’ yes that was it. Founder of both the Adeptus Administratum and the Officio Assassinorum as well as a hand in the founding of the Inquisition and the Grey Knights. Funny how The Emperor’s most trusted would put in place such groups who now are so fixated on ideas of heresy…a very religious concept.*

Indeed. Malcador certainly was an interesting figure. One with many shadows indeed. But I should get to the story at hand.

First Lord (as I shall refer to it henceforth) has a plot as follows: Malcador The Sigillite has been summoned. One of his oldest friends approaches her end. His personal astropath – in extremely simplified terms a powerful telepath who uses their powers for communications – shall have company as she passes on. However she has many questions for her master. And many things which trouble her greatly. But will she appreciate the answers she is given?

First Lord by L.J Goulding in my opinion is a very interesting if potentially divisive audio drama. The basics of the plot are very simple but they are executed wonderfully. There is a very strong sense of melancholy throughout as well as a few small moments of gallows humour. There are many questions put throughout: How old truly is The Sigillite? What is the true nature of his connection to The Emperor of Mankind? And What is the true meaning of the Imperial symbol? The Imperial Aquila? And…certain other worrying questions for followers of The Imperium. The possible answers one can receive to those questions must be…fascinating for Chaos to hear? Especially regarding the Primarchs. What do you say to it my…shadow of the Ruinous Powers?

*Do you now see, to them the Space Marines, his sons the Primarchs were nothing more than tools. He planned to do away with them, sowed the seeds for all the pain that was to come. We, we were not their damnation. We were their saviours, welcoming them, accepting them for who they were and lifting them above what their horrid creator had planned to greater things. No wonder Guilliman...well that would be telling. Or…perhaps he told a lie to comfort a dying friend in times that even he felt were the end. It is a very easy thing to do.*

You raise some interesting possibilities. Was he telling the truth? In which case…why would they have planned so far in advance? And what…things…would be the next evolution beyond even the Primarchs or the Custodes which share part of the Emperor’s own blood? But if he lies then why would the lie be so detailed? So vivid? Simply to aid the grieving and dying? Or…was he possibly lying even to himself. So that he could fight on in the forthcoming Siege? So many questions.

Unlike The Last Church this is not a two hander as we have multiple characters and voices. Although Toby Longworth – narrator for Horus Rising through to Galaxy In Flames in terms of stories I’ve reviewed as well as several others besides such as Double Eagle – as Malcador and Jenny Funnell as Sybil Aster are the main performers we have appearances by John Banks and Beth Chalmers in minor roles while Jonathan Keeble fulfils the duty of narrator. All involved play their parts expertly with particular mention to Jenny Funnell who beautifully draws you into the story with her emotions. Longworth’s Malcador on the other hand also deserves praise for having his voice practically creek with the weight of all of Malcador’s age, experience and genuine weariness.

L.J Goulding’s writing definitely attracts the attention of the listener. As well as managing rather well to pull you into the mindset that you are overhearing a private conversation you shouldn’t be aware of, they make you think – as we both discussed earlier – about the possible implications of the answers given within the story. That is why earlier I referred to First Lord being a potentially divisive audio depending on opinions for fans of Warhammer. I still however praise it as a very thought-provoking audio drama and one I will likely be listening to again soon. Just as I shall be looking out for the name L.J Goulding in future.

It was first released in 2017 as part of the yearly Black Library Advent Calendar where a new piece of Warhammer media of some description is released during the December period. The same occurred with The Revelation Of The Word in 2019.

I hope that myself and this Warpspawn here can persuade my readers to give this short audio drama a listen or perhaps a relisten if it is one you have already experienced. There is much more we could say on this one I’m sure?

Although I feel we are approaching the end of your time here. It won’t be long before you bore of me or perhaps find a different scheme to keep yourself entertained? I wonder where you will take me next? Just what do you have in mind?

*Indeed we have one more tale of the Emperor’s lies and hypocrisies. One of the greatest of all tragedies that was his doing. A tale of what were to have been The Imperium’s greatest achievements with futures undreamed of. Squandered by his own arrogance and brought down by the greatest traitors of all…who in their heresy doomed all!*

Sayonara!

Nephrite and Sgathiach

[Zare · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short audio-drama Malcador the Sigillite sits vigil with dying friend, Sibel Niasta, his personal astropath. While she expresses her worries about the coming days and expected destruction Malcador decides to tell her about himself and most importantly he reveals the Emperor's ultimate plan.

And this finally made sense of all the Emperor's actions. I wont go into it (you might even guess it but I will not spoil it here) but what Malcador said will surely set the stage for many things to come.

I am still a little bit under shock but man it surely raises many other questions - were the traitors actually warned of Emperor's true intentions and this led them towards the finale as we know it? It is very unsettling to come to conclusion that even mighty creatures as Primarchs are actually puppets that can easily be controlled and manipulated.

Even if we allow that not all said by Malcador is truth it still leaves a wow-effect considering the goals of the Emperor (I still don't see him as an altruist but we are still to learn - I truly hope these stories will be told - what he encountered and what he tried at first).

Excellent acting and very interesting drama that has no action scenes but quiet discussion between two old friends, both insiders when it comes to Terra's politics, about the current situation in the galaxy.

Highly recommended.

[Michael Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

When is a Primarchs story not a primarchs story? When it focuses on Malcador the Sigillite! It might not directly feature any primarchs, but if anyone knows their secrets it’s Malcador, and when he’s called to the bedside of an old friend to witness her final moments he comforts her with talk of the primarchs’ purpose and the grand plan he and the Emperor hold for mankind.

If you’re a Heresy fan you’re really going to want to listen to this, but be prepared to leave with as many questions as answers. Do also look past the revelations and questions, and take the time to enjoy a beautifully crafted story which makes magnificent use of the audio format.

Read the full review at https://www.trackofwords.com/2017/12/...

[Hawke Embers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple conversation between two people, a conversation of weight, life, history and mortality.

Exceptionally well done, filled with significant twist and turns for the Horus Heresy series as a whole..... Or is it? While much was revealed, there is a line at the end of the drama that suggests that maybe not all that was said was true #IamAlpharius..... But there in lies one of this story's great strengths, your personal interpretation of what was said.

A great; powerful drama and a pleasure to listen to.

a 4.5 out of 5

[Veronica Anrathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'll try to give you no spoilers. This was nuts, absolutely freakin' nuts, holy shit dude! Holy shit. Let me just say it took a turn, and then... it took a turn again. This is a must read (or, well, listen). Good stuff.

[John Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am amazing tale!! I was gripped from start to end, not only because of a personal fascination with the Sigilite, but moreover in the style and revelations of this piece. Like others here, I don’t want to give spoilers but this piece makes one re-evaluate how one looks at the entire Horus Heresy...

[Michal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy mother of feth. Awesome.

[Lee Rawnsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Marco Antonio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I KNEW IT

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oooh, that was good. Great insight into a very enigmatic character.

[Liam Tondeur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh damn. Oh damn! Oh daaaaaaaaaaaaaamn!!

[Gamer Gamersson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tl;dr: For a 30-minute listen, this dumped a lot more lore than it had any right to. Fantastic listen. Very well acted, short and poignant, all the good stuff.

I will get into spoilers discussing this, mainly for my own sanity. Holy Emperor, the revelations to come out of this are unbelievable.

I believe this is the first time we've heard of the idea that the Heresy was planned all along, and that Malcador and the Emperor played the primarchs against each other from the very start, so they would kill each other once they outlived their usefulness. This makes sense, and is consistent with Big E's previous... treatment of the Thunder Warriors.

However, this does fly in the face of the Emperor's previous characterization as (at least at times) a caring father, besides his psychopathic and manipulative strain that we all know and love (to hate). It also puts a lot of previous interactions into question, quite significantly, as any of these insane revelations tend to do.

I've seen some people complain that this version of the story goes against what was set up in The Master of Mankind. I whole-heartedly disagree: if anything, this is just further confirmation that the influence of Chaos over the primarchs is the one thing that escaped the Emperor's foresight. Whether or not the Horus Heresy was preordained, it was most certainly foreseen, as seen in The Flight of the Eisenstein and everything having to do with Magnus' Folly.

There is also the possibility that Malcador was lying here to comfort his old friend, to give off the sense that "No, we actually planned this absolute disaster, all is good." This is plausible, but since it's incredibly stupid to me, I'll be disregarding it.

Warhammer lore is ambiguous at the best of times, so I may be tremendously stupid for trying to fit everything together neatly here, but what's the point of reading a hundred books in the same setting if not to theorize over random unimportant details.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure I can give this a review without giving too much away for those getting into the Horus Heresy series. This is a fantastic ambient, audio-drama with a stellar voice acting cast. But beware, it's essentially a spoiler.

At the bedside of his life long friend and astralpath in his service, Sybal Niaster who lay dying, we're witness to a touching scene of tenderness shared between she and Malcador, Imperial Regent.

Malcador, brings the intrigue as he reveals things about himself, the Emperor, and confesses the true purpose of the Primarchs and the Astartes, despite only a single chapter of 24 minutes length.

These are crucial details for the Horus Heresy series on the present state of affairs for the Imperium engulfed in an unsustainable war with the ruinous powers of Chaos.

Malcador the last Sigilite is far more important than we know! I dare say even the Emperor...

[Vansh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am unsure of words. The voice acting, SFX, etc. were great but this wasn't an action story. It was a man sitting by his friend's deathbed. Looking back on the past; how difficult it was to get where he was today, how much it took, how many were sacrificed and then seeing how quickly it broke leaving him uncertain of the future.
After all that- he still chose to get up and do his duty. Beautiful.

[Maestitia Reclusiam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium est un audio drama sobre, poignant et profondément humain, qui transforme une conversation de fin de vie en méditation sur le mensonge, le pouvoir et le prix de l’immortalité. Une œuvre discrète, mais essentielle, à l’image du Sigillite lui-même.

Critique Complète :
https://reclusiam.net/malcador-first-...

[Heiki Eesmaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A melodramatic lore dump. Fine production as usual with the audio dramas. Not recommended if you're not into the franchise, but quite nice if you are.

[Hinrichs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stimmungsvoll, informativ und kurz.

[Ross Cudmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcador the Sigillite, First Lord of Terra and right-hand of the Emperor of Mankind is an enigmatic character. Little is known of his origins or motives, but he is quickly becoming one of my favourite Heresy characters.

A dramatic short story, that serves both to give a unique perspective to the Imperium but also acts as an intimate highly emotional moment as Malcador comforts a dying friend in her final moments. Sibil has served Malcador for centuries, and in her final moments he offers comforting lies to help her pass on peacefully. But he cannot take any comfort, he must bear the weight of the truth. Horus is coming to Terra, and he does not know if the Emperor will have the strength to stop him.