Horus Heresy Timeline Notes - POTENTIAL SPOILERS
***WARNING: THE BELOW CONTAINS POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR THE SERIES***
Below are the notes I've taken on the timeline of the Horus Heresy series, all taken during a re-read of everything in it, including the Forge World books. I've tried to put the stories into as close as I can manage to a true chronological order, though given the nature of the series this isn't really possible. I've coloured in red points that I feel need to be glossed over or, really, ignored, because they clash with other sources.
Please note that I do use real world month names (January, February, etc) even though these aren't used in the series, just to make it easier to immediately grasp the flow of the timeline and when things take place.
Finally, I've no doubt there are mistakes and things missing, and I apologise for that in advance, but hope this can be of some use!
Horus Heresy Website Timeline
30,550: Emperor begins Space Marine project, creating prototype Legionaires.
30,669: Battle of Mount Ararat, exterminating the Thunder Warriors.
30,703: First Pacification of Luna
30,712: End of the Unification Wars
30,739: Treat of Olympus Mons, forging the alliance between the Emperor and the Mechanicum.
30,792 (approx.): Scattering of the Primarchs.
30,798: Great Crusade begins.
31,000: Triumph of Ullanor.
31,001: Council of Nikaea.
31,004: Horus wounded at Davin.
31,004-31,005: War in the Webway begins with Magnus' attempted warning.
31,004: Russ dispatched to Prospero.
31,004-31,006: Signus Prime events.
31,005: Martian Civil War begins.
31,005-31,006: Isstvan III betrayal.
31,006-31,007: Chondax.
31,006-31,014: Imperial Fists blockade of Cthonia.
31,006: The Dropsite Massacre.
31,006-31,011: Paramar V conflicts.
31,007: Battle in Alaxxes Nebula.
31,007: Battle of Phall.
31,007: Betrayal at Calth.
31,007-31,008: The Shadow Crusade.
31,007-31,010: The Thramas Crusade.
31,008: Capture of the Perfect Fortress.
31,008-31,013: Siege of Baal.
31,008-31,009: The Vanaheim Space Drop.
31,009+: The Breaking of Anvillus.
31,009-31,013: Siege of Inwit.
31,009: The Doom of Molech.
31,010-31,012: The Death of Tallarn.
31,010+: The Cataclysm of Iron.
31,010-31,013: The Grand Imperial Muster at Beta-Garmon.
31,011-31,013: The Lorin Alpha Campaign.
31,012-31,013: The Passage of the Angel of Death, Lion El'Jonson razing a host of traitor worlds, including Chemos and Barbarus.
31,012: The Wolf Cull.
31,013-31,014: Alpha Legion delay the Ultramarines trying to reach Terra.
31,014: The Siege of Terra.
Horus Heresy Book I: Betrayal
The Emperor's Children geneseed disaster came within a year of the Proxima triumph.
The Emperor's Children and Luna Wolves fought side-by-side for "over a decade" after Fulgrim's rediscovery, as the IIIrd Legion was slowly rebuilt.
The Dusk Raiders fought for more than 8 decades without a primarch. Mortarion was one of the last found/given command.
Conquest of Galaspar is first major campaign by Death Guard after Mortarion takes charge.
Ghreer commanded the War Hounds for nearly 3 decades before Angron took over.
The Golgothan campaign is the first major one after Angron takes charge of the World Eaters, and it lasts 11 years. Probably around 30,906-30,917.
Remembrancers existed within the Crusade, they just weren't formalised until much later.
The Death Guard receive word of Isstvan III's rebellion 6 years after last official communication from there (30,999?).
The storms on Isstvan III last for 2 months.
Horus Heresy Book II: Massacre
807: Battle of Rust.
Ferrus Manus is one of the first primarchs to be found, but after Horus and Russ.
“By the fourth decade” is stated right before Vulkan is introduced, suggesting it’s around this time or soon after that Vulkan is found. However, Vulkan didn’t actually join the Salamanders for some years, training under the Emperor. Ferrus Manus found before him.
The Emperor comes to Nostramo “almost a century” after the Great Crusade began. Around 895?
947: Melkeji assault takes place about 60 years before Calth.
964: Razing of Monarchia (conflicts with The First Heretic and Book V)
966: Cadia entered into the Carta Imperialis
981: Alpharius takes command of the Alpha Legion
984: Destruction of Nostramo
994: Isstvan system brought into compliance (possible conflict with Galaxy in Flames, which indicates 992, but it might be that the compliance lasted 992-994).
Veneratii Urien fell in battle with the Psy-gore less than a decade before Isstvan V.
000: The Triumph at Ullanor + Chondax Campaign begins
001: The Council of Nikaea
002: Kayvas Belt Expedition (initial part only, pre-Blood Angels, otherwise conflicts with Horus Rising and Fear to Tread)
003: Luna Wolves renamed the Sons of Horus
004: Horus falls on Davin + Space Wolves are unleashed on Prospero + Destruction of Olympia (conflict with dates in Perturabo: The Hammer of Olympia and HH Journal)
005 (early): Orichalan Subjugation.
005: Blood Angels disappear en route to Signus + Isstvan III + Martian Civil War (conflicts with other sources)
006 (566): Isstvan V - assault takes place 6.8 months into year 006. Fleet first arrived in Isstvan system 2 weeks prior.
007 (late): Conquest of Manachia
The cruiser Warlock fled from Isstvan V and reached an Imperial outpost 9 months later (see Book IV: Conquest). Conflict: Book VI says 7 months)
Horus Heresy Book III: Extermination
803: Paramar identified by a rogue trader.
Paramar was taken in the 4th decade of the Great Crusade.
The geneseed crisis of the IIIrd Legion occurred during the 4th decade of the Great Crusade.
Rogal Dorn was reunited with the Imperial Fists 16 decades before the heresy (and this was also not long after he was found, he took control rapidly).
842 & 843: Liberation of Incaladion by the Iron Warriors.
849: Perturabo took control of the Iron Warriors.
The campaign against the Black Judges was the first major engagement for the Iron Warriors after Perturabo took over, so likely in the early 850s.
Vhakis became a marine when Perturabo took command of the Iron Warriors and became a dreadnought 7 decades later (around 920).
891: Crisis of the Hungering Gyre.
902: Kaldorax Aleph Subjugation.
Arkhas Fal commanded the Raven Guard for 3 decades before Corax took over.
At the beginning of the Heresy, the Mor Deythan have fought for 8 decades with Corax. Suggests he was found/reunited with the Raven Guard around 925. Possible that they fought with him for some time before he was actually found?
Corax is discovered after at least a century. Compliance of Indra-Sul occurs in the last years of the crusade, and is 50 years after Corax took over the Raven Guard, suggesting he takes over around 940-950.
933: 3rd Temporaferrox Extermination.
962: Pacification of the Saryinc Compact.
981: Burning of the Pharun Drift.
Legionary Ghelt served for 2 decades before Isstvan V.
986-989: Hunting of the Ak'Haireth. Campaign lasted 3 years.
002: Battle of Gate 42 is a few years before Isstvan V and soon after Horus became Warmaster. Book VI confirms this is in 002.
Horus' proclamation on Isstvan V is 3 days after the Dropsite Massacre.
The Alpha Legion left Isstvan V for Paramar very soon after the massacre, while some fighting was still going on in orbit.
006 (673): Paramar V begins 38 days after the Dropsite Massacre.
The 77th Grand Battalion has been away from Perturabo for over 4 decades by the time of Paramar.
008: 2nd Battle of Paramar.
019: 3rd Battle of Paramar.
Horus Heresy Book IV: Conquest
540: Mezoa founded as a Mechanicum outpost.
813: Mezoa brought into the Imperium.
824: Lethe's first Imperial contact.
831: Knight House Makabius eliminates last rival knight house on Baroda, decades before Imperial contact.
833: Knight House Orhlacc's Warrant of Imperial Immediacy issued. Also date of compliance. Brought in by the Dark Angels. (NOTE: says Dark Haven reminded them of Caliban, indicating the Dark Angels had already been reunited with Lion El'Jonson. However, this would make him one of the earliest primarchs found, and conflicts with the given order).
850s: Human inhabitation of the Cyclops Cluster began in the 6th decade of the Great Crusade.
853 447 (June): Archmagos Draykavac rediscovers House Atrax.
856: Imperial Fists defence of the frigate Eon of Stone.
Around 860: Attack on Spyre Zero occurs 6 decades into the Crusade.
876: Zavarich brought into compliance.
891: Grail discovered.
891: House Vyronii's autonomous status recognised, ratified in 904 (says M31, but this would make it a millennium after the Horus Heresy, presumably a mistake).
Late 890s: Numinal was colonised.
897: Moab gains the sovereignty of it's own commander.
902: Lescal becomes an independent colony.
Early-mid 920s: Compliance of the Manachean Commonwealth.
926: Vlorath Srader colony established.
942: Gethsamaine colonised.
Around 965: Shar'rec Grenn became a dreadnought 4 decades before the heresy.
Late M30: House Makabius' warrant of Imperial Immediacy re-instated.
Around 990: Ireton MaSade retired from public life nearly 2 decades before 008.
001: Port Maw founded.
Early M31: House Aerthegn granted Imperial Immediacy at the request of Horus. They were only conquered after Ullanor.
Late 004: Horus sends Davinite priests to House Aerthegn.
Early 005: Markan returns to Baroda months before Isstvan III.
005: House Vyronii allies itself with the forge world Cyclothrathe.
006 598 (August): Beginning of the attack on the Cyclops Cluster, Malin Dawn detected in the Gethsamaine system. Fear spreads over the next 12 months.
006 (October/November/December): Forge Worlds M'Pandex and Mezoa contacted by Regulus. Mezoa blockaded.
Mortarion comes to Baroda in year 006, "only a few months" after the House Makabius split. This is also after Isstvan V, as the knights are seen at Dominica Minor "only months later" (and this does not occur until May 007).
Word of Isstvan V reaches the Coronid Deeps in the closing days of 006.
007 102 (January): Dark Haven found to be deserted.
007 (late April): Karo Nar'shak and other Isstvan survivors on the Warlock reach Agathon 9 months after Isstvan V.
007 392 (May): The Death Guard attack Dominica Minor.
007: Death Guard and Sons of Horus make use of targeted strikes and spread panic and fear to conquer the Cyclops Cluster.
The Cyclops Cluster was conquered by the end of 007.
007: The Ork hulk Red Polyphemus is broken down in the Manachean Commonwealth in the closing days of 007.
008 044 (January): Attack on Port Maw begins. Lasts for 11 days.
008: Space Wolves bearing Horus' mark slaughter millions at Neo Cadiz.
011: Blockade of Mezoa lifted/broken.
026: Wreckage from Pride of Hemicron recovered at Dominica Minor.
Horus Heresy Book V: Tempest
806: Osiris Cluster originally came into compliance in 8th year of the Crusade.
806: Rhadamanthys Enclave brought into compliance.
817: House Vornherr's Warrant of Ancient Domain and Arms recognised, ratified in 841.
833: Osiris rebellion occurs. By this point, Horus and Ferrus Manus are leading branches of the Crusade. The XIIIth return to Osiris after defeat in 834. Guilliman was secretly discovered "more than 2 years" before this (832), but would only be found physically a few years after Osiris (i.e. 837). This also confirmed by saying he is met 5 years after initially being discovered (832 - 837).
Guilliman took over the Ultramarines in the 4th decade of the Crusade, so he must have done so within a few years of being reunited with them (837).
857: Lorgar (and Colchis) was discovered. Suggests he was found and united with his legion in the same year.
859: An agri-world at Maxilla Veritas appears to have been raided by the Psybrids 26 years after Osiris, but this is never confirmed.
889-899: Somewhere within a decade prior to 899 the Dark Angels suffered 50,000 casualties at the Third Rangdan Xenocide.
899: The XIIth Legion are still the War Hounds, but in the "last days" of this, before Angron is found.
899 (late): Word of the Psybrids at Eurydice Noctis reaches Guilliman in the closing segments of 899. This is months after the actual initial battle.
Legio Praesagius relocated to Gantz to rebuild for 7 years. This was done by mid-006, suggesting they moved there mid-999.
914: Celestrix annihilated.
963: The Word Bearers censure
Prosecution of the Gethora Warp-Witches across the Vaomir Reaches by the Night Lords was in the late 970s.
001: 255th Calth Solar Auxilia raised.
001: Scouring of the Hydras Reach.
005: Dark Angels sent to Tsagualsa and Blood Angels to Signus.
005: Guilliman departed the Sol System in 005, a few months before word of Isstvan III reached Rogal Dorn. It then takes almost 18 months to reach Calth.
005: Hrud migrations threatened Prandium.
007 (mid): Traitor fleet anchored at the edge of the Xersinia Prohibited Zone.
Confirmation that the Furious Abyss attacks Macragge around the same time as the attack on Calth.
Map shows Veridian System in 679 of year 007, suggesting the attack on Calth is around September 007.
Legionary Naevius is in 4th year of service by Calth.
Sarervan served for 3 decades before Calth.
Legionary Solon served the Ultramarines for a decade before Calth.
Klion served the Ultramarines for 4 and a half decades before Calth. He was stationed at the border of the Prohibited Zone for nearly 10 years.
009: Catechism of Revelation seen at the edge of the Dominion of Storms. 049: Catechism scuttled by Pride of Petrabus. 053: Catechism seen active again.
013: Honorum retaken.
017: Chronicles of Ashes taken. Presented to the Ultramarines as Lex Talonis in 022.
017: Arigatta retaken.
The Underworld War on Calth went on for over a decade after the initial battle.
Horus Heresy Book VI: Retribution
Gives a breakdown of legion statuses and movements during the 007-010 period:
Dark Angels: Engaged against the Night Lords for most of the period, and after victory at Tsagualsa despatched strike forces across the eastern galaxy.
Emperor's Children: Underwent a "rebirth" for many months after Isstvan V, before going on their quest for Fulgrim's ascension. Others sent to hunt down loyalists from Isstvan.
Iron Warriors: Went on a campaign of planetary assaults against loyalist fortress worlds, especially around the marches of the Segmentum Solar. This was well underway by the close of 009.
White Scars: Fighting Orks on Chondax at first, Jaghatai later purging his legion after the attempted schism. Some who sided with Horus were sent out on infiltration and assassination missions to seek some honour in their deaths.
Space Wolves: Heavy losses at Prospero, then again when the Alpha Legion attacked at Alaxxes. Remained a force held largely in reserve to defend Terra for much of the early to middle period of the Heresy.
Imperial Fists: Most at Terra with Dorn. Others at Phall, or scattered after it, and some forces acting as garrisons at other locations within the Imperium.
Night Lords: Highly splintered as a legion after their defeat at Tsagualsa. Pursued their own agendas until later reunited under Curze and drawn together again.
Blood Angels: Blood Angels mustered and sent into Signus, though several thousand did not make this. Says the legion returned in 010 (end of Unremembered Empire).
Iron Hands: Shattered after Ferrus Manus’ death as Isstvan V. Some gathered to serve under Meduson, others under Autek Mor, and others in their own vengeful groups.
World Eaters: Mostly committed to the Shadow Crusade, they also held a number of fief worlds for recruitment.
Ultramarines: Suffered heavily at Calth, then fighting against the Shadow Crusade in 007 and 008.
Death Guard: Most serving on the main traitor advance alongside the Sons of Horus. Some detached parts enacted atrocities on seemingly innocent targets to draw away loyalists.
Thousand Sons: Some small groups reported fighting on both sides of the loyalist/traitor divide, but most stuck in the warp after Prospero.
Sons of Horus: Advancing on the main front towards Terra, with some groups hunting down loyalists alongside the Emperor’s Children. Often harried by shattered legion forces.
Word Bearers: Mostly committed to the Shadow Crusade until it’s end in 008. Traitor forces would often have a Word Bearer Chaplain or Diabolist accompanying them to lend warpcraft knowledge.
Salamanders: Believed their primarch dead for several years after Isstvan V. Some returned to Nocturne, others fought alongside Iron Hands and Raven Guard.
Raven Guard: After escaping Isstvan V, Corax began rapidly inducting new recruits, sometimes with unstable results. Then began a campaign to liberate worlds from the Warmaster.
Alpha Legion: After Chondax they began hunting down loyalists, also using subterfuge and espionage to disrupt loyalist efforts.
The book then goes over a number of key events and their dates:
000 – Ullanor
004 – Davin
004-005 – Prospero
004-009 – Signus
005-006: Isstvan III
005-006: Mars
006 (568): Isstvan V
006: Paramar V
007: Phall
007-008: The Shadow Crusade
007-009: Manachea + The Coronid Deeps
007: Jaghatai Khan learns of the Heresy
007: Calth
007-009: The Thramas Crusade
007-017: The Underworld War
008: The Pale Stars – Blackshields named the “Dark Brotherhood” carve out a corsair empire on the edge of the Pale Stars and battles against the Alpha Legion.
008: The Destruction of Bodt – Autek Mor attacks the World Eaters recruitment world of Bodt, scours it of all life.
008: The Burning Grave of Ohmn-Mat – Forge World Ohmn-Mat falls into civil war between loyalists and traitors. Sons of Horus and Iron Hands are drawn in. The atmosphere is eventually ignited and the forge world effectively destroyed.
008: Fall of Batzel III – Space Wolves eradicate the 39th Millennial of the Emperor’s Children. While exiting, Space Wolves clash with Astartes with no recognisable heraldry.
008: The Blight of Isessos – Alpha Legion attack and infect casualties with an algal strain lethal to plant life. Within the year the system’s crops have been killed off, leading to famine and political destabilisation.
008: Dagonet (Nemesis)
008-009: The Vannaheim Space Drop – Iron Warriors capture the orbital hives of Vannaheim after 10 days of fighting. Loyalists, including Space Wolves, counter-attack, but fail.
009: Tsagualsa (this seems confused: it mentions Lion and Curze having to be pulled apart, badly injured, which is Savage Weapons, but also the DA ambushing the NL, which is much later in Prince of Crows)
009: The Xana Incursion – Renegade forge world Xana is about to supply Horus with Ordinatus weapons. Blackshields despatched to destroy the machines.
009-053: The Carnage of Morox – The isolated Morox sector suffers a huge civil war of auxilia and militia forces.
009: The Battle of Arissak (The Either)
009: Dwell
009: Molech
009: The Sangraal Campaign & the Salvation Run – Imperial Fists go on a mission to capture an antidote to a slow-acting Exterminatus viral weapon deployed on Herkaliaum. They are successful, and the traitors are ravaged by the contagion themselves. Cements loyalist hold on the Segmentum Solar.
009: Establishment of Imperium Secundus (the book also mentions 010, suggesting it happens over the end of 009 and beginning of 010?)
010-015: The Solar War – Battle for the Sol System begins. Mars is still, at this point, besieged.
010: The Scouring of Gilden’s Star – Blood Angels battle Word Bearers on the borders of Imperium Secundus.
010: The Battle of Nyrcon – Loyalists including Salamanders, auxilia and Legio Astorum Titans battle Emperor’s Children in the Beta-Garmon System. Triggers a series of traitor counter-attacks to try to re-take it as a vital stepping stone for Terra itself. Prelude to a greater conflict in the system (Great Slaughter of Beta-Garmon in 013?)
010-012: Fate of the Sabalis Liberatus – A Raven Guard battlecruiser, Sabalis Liberatus, was lost in the warp since Isstvan V. Appears near Galaspar. Battle traitors for 2 years on a journey back to Terra.
010-012: Tallarn (Tallarn: Ironclad shows the loyalists winning in mid-011. But technically some parts could last until 012)
010: The Dispute of Iron begins – Numerous lesser forge worlds between Segmentums Pacificus and Tempestus known as the Belt of Iron breaks out into full war.
011-014: The Malagant Conflict – Death Guard from Barbarus attack Malagant in the southern reaches of the Imperium. Raven Guard utilise their unique skills to hold and harry them there until the Death Guard finally retreat in 014 from incoming reinforcements from Inwit.
013: A Return to Honour – Arcaes Odenathus of the Ultramarines gathers loyalists around the Dominion of Storms and leads them to Honourum. Loyalists eventually win after 3 weeks of fighting, but Honourum is left a blasted ruin.
807: Claviger Khalon fell at the Battle of Rust, then preserved in stasis for future dreadnought interment.
843: Contact was made with Xana, when it recovered a damaged rogue trader ship and helped them make it back to the growing Imperium.
The Imperium assesses forces needed to take Xana by force in 846.
The Rangdan Xenocides took place within the first century of the Great Crusade, but after Xana’s discovery, so the latter half of the first century.
916: Dreygur served Perturabo for 90 years before Isstvan V.
955: The White Scars fought the xenos Barghesi, and at least one brotherhood was almost destroyed, survivors known as the Brotherhood of the Foresworn.
Akum-sothas Cluster brought to compliance by the Luna Wolves in the waning years of M30.
999: World Eaters 120th Armoured Support Phalanx sent back to Bodt.
002: The Sibelius Campaign. Last confirmed action of the Dark Sovereign before the Heresy.
002: Akum-sothas Cluster rebels under the influence of the xenos “Sightless Kings”. Horus calls on the Space Wolves, Iron Warriors and Raven Guard to join him in defeating them. Includes Battle of Gate 42 (see Book III: Extermination).
002: Raven Guard survivors of the Battle of Gate 42 (those who Corax disapproved of) are formed into Crusade Fleets and sent out to the Ghoul Stars.
007 (October): The Iron Hands Clan-Council meet at Oqueth Minor 8 weeks after Isstvan V.
After the Dropsite Massacre, Fulgrim withdrew from his legion for “long months”.
Says that the Ruinstorm broke across the galaxy in early 007, though this doesn't seem to fit with the dating of Calth, unless it is referring to the warp turbulence before then.
Within a year of the dropsite massacre, the greater part of the northern Imperium had fallen to the traitors.
007: Almost a full year after Vulkan departed Nocturne for Isstvan, Lord Chaplain Rhy’tan sends out the Ebon Drake to look for him. It first emerges at Sulis and cleanses the secessionist system in a 3 day battle.
Kirhane fled from Isstvan V for 7 months before coming to Baal (February 007). Conflict: Book II said 9 months. 7-9?
007 (mid): Magister-Militaris Karpath of Constantium declared for Horus. A strike force of Dark Angels, White Scars and loyalist Iron Warriors defeated him within 1 year.
One of Autek Mor's first actions is attacking Gethsamaine in the Cyclops Cluster, 1 year after it declared for Horus.
007 (late): "Several months after the outset of the Shadow Crusade”, Assault-Captain Roscius captures a Sons of Horus strike cruiser at Plutol. Six weeks later they use it to cripple a Death Guard heavy transport at Terrax, and another month later (early 008?) strike at a traitor Mechanicum fuelling station at Yspotua. 1 year later (early 009?) he attacks traitor supply lines at Toreus.
007 (late): 771/51-6 attacked by the Dark Brotherhood, their first recorded action.
Orpheus reaches the Pale Stars after months of travel. His messages back to Terra take many weeks to get through.
The book notes that Malcador gets 20 names of potential Knights-Errant from Severian. Presumably after Wolf Hunt, and perhaps after this, Garro is made the first and sent to look for the rest?
008 (017, January): Garro arrives in the Pale Stars. The journey from Terra took “mere weeks”.
By the time Garro goes to the Pale Stars he has recruited Rubio and Zaven.
Garro sends an astropathic message out for a loyalist meeting, which takes place 20 days later.
Garro’s mission to recruit the Nemean is one of his Knight-Errant recruitment missions, of which Legion of One is the last. So, Legion of One must take place after that.
Serron and his Blood Angels of the 121st Company have been lost in the warp since the muster before Signus, though to them only days have passed.
008 (early): Possible early Blackshields sighted at the Liberation of Numinal in the Coronid Deeps.
008: After Baal, the Ebon Drake decides against going to Port Maw. At this point it is in traitor hands, so should be after early 008. They instead go straight to the now-abandoned Isstvan V, and search there for 3 days. They spend a further day excavating a dreadnought which has been there for “over a standard year”, suggesting this is only just past the battle for Port Maw (as 1 year past would be August 007, Port Maw is January 008). They spend a few more days there, then depart for Mezoa, so they were there for about a week total.
Skorr lays siege to Mezoa for 9 days.
008 (720, September): Autek Mor attacks Bodt in mid-008.
Xana sends a probe to Terra in 006 expressing their regrets over the Heresy but refusing to take a side, and the probe arrives 2 years later in 008. In 009 one arrives expressing the same thing to the Warmaster.
Confusion regarding the Xana timeline, sometimes indicating that Rogal Dorn’s warning and later attack was in 007, other times 009.
008 (late): Taghmata allied to Xana attack the mining world of Guilders Grave, driving off traitor naval blockades and massacring loyalist militia on the world.
009: The Shadow Crusade was "cast back".
Meduson's campaign runs for 3 years (at least until Horus is fully aware of it, as seen in The Either)
009 (late): The Warmaster’s pact with Xana is finalised.
The Xana Incursion lasts for 15 hours after initial hostilities.
009 (sometime after Xana Incursion): Battle of Gaunt’s Hollow.
010: Guilliman established Imperium Secundus.
010/011: Tenebor, moon of Nostramo, destroyed.
011 (033, January): Shroud of Eventide’s final report begins, at Kalleth, where it falls, likely to the Ashen Claws.
011: Lehrove infestation of Nethersken.
011: Blackshields called the Umbral Hundred scoured 12 entire systems in the southern marches of the Chonma Sector.
011 (997, December): Desperation attacked by Arcaes Odenathus of the Ultramarines. Ashen Claws intervene to loot supplies.
012: Cairn destroyed.
012: Kruun destroyed.
017: The Solar Purge
017 (675, September): Blood Angels field report on Nostramo.
Vulkan’s designs for Astartes-focused cruisers were not put into widespread use until 019.
019: Dyisonus Ghry of the Raven Guard writes about Isstvan V.
019: Trial of renegade rogue trader Mortdecai Hope.
020 (033, January): Blood Angels return to Nostramo to claim the Shroud of Eventide.
020: Skathe’s logs of his journey through the Nostramo Sector are dated 020.
063: Crysos Morturg patrols the Ghoul Stars and picks up what is likely an Ashen Claws transmission.
Horus Heresy Book VII: Inferno
Timeline of the last years of the Great Crusade:
981: Alpharius takes command of the Alpha Legion
984: Nostramo is razed by order of Konrad Curze
999: The Pacification of Ark Reach Secundus
000: The Triumph of Ullanor
000: The Fall of Saran Luxor
001: The Council of Nikaea
001-005: The Chondax Campaign
002-003: The Kayvas Belt Campaign
003: The Vespae Incident
003: The Luna Wolves are renamed the Sons of Horus
004: Horus returns to Davin
004-005: The Destruction of Prospero
005: The Signus Muster
005: The Betrayal at Isstvan III - The War of the Horus Heresy begins
823: Bazant, first instance of a member of the XVth Legion succumbing to flesh-change. Hidden from other Legions.
The VIth’s first major engagement was nearly a decade after the Great Crusade left the Sol System. By this point Horus has been found (but no others). They continue and expand for another dozen years.
Russ was the second primarch to appear openly at the Emperor’s side (interesting phrasing) and did so “a handful of years” before Ferrus Manus.
The Space Wolves’ first campaign under Russ was the Wheel of Fire, which lasted 5 years. They then returned to Fenris to expand the legion.
By the time their expansion as a legion was done, Ferrus Manus, Fulgrim and most recently Rogal Dorn had all been reunited with their legions, so likely around 835/836. We know from other sources that Vulkan had also been found, but he spent time away from his legion, so is likely still in training at this point.
The Rangdan Xenocides were in the 860s (mildly contradicted in Book IX: Crusade, which states that only the third Rangdan conflict was the "Xenocide", which was in 887. The second conflict was 862-882, so this is likely what this book refers to).
800: Molorian Revolt. Russ was discovered “nearly 20 years” after this.
999: Xantriss Insurrection.
Not a timeline point, but the book states that Fulgrim made active use of psykers, contradicting a previous point that Fulgrim did not allow psykers in his legion.
The list of those at Nikaea confirms that Magnus, Leman Russ, Fulgrim, Sanguinius, Mortarion, Corax and Dorn were the Primarchs present at Nikaea.
The Thousand Sons continued to fight in the Great Crusade for almost three years after Nikaea, while Magnus returned to Prospero. After those three years, he summons most of the Legion back to Prospero.
Confirms that the writ of censure from the Emperor was issued in 004. Says it takes several months for the Censure Host to be fully assembled before heading to Prospero.
Atharva was summoned to provide information about Prosero to Valdor, indicating this happened before the events of The Outcast Dead.
Valdor and the Terran host arrived at Prospero a month and a half after Russ and the Wolves got there.
The Censure Host took several months to reach Prospero.
The scouring of Tizca, after the main battle ends, lasts for 3 days. The evacuation of Imperial forces after this lasts for another full day.
The outbreak of the Horus Heresy is “a mere handful of months” after the destruction of Prospero.
Puts the actual attack on Prospero at 734 004 (late September). But if so, why does the Prospero conflict go into 005?
The Acceredine Defiance was early in the XVth's history.
The Prisoa Campaign is a decade before reunification with Magnus.
Pentacanaes happened sometime before Russ was found.
The Emperor requested 25 Warlord Titans in 967 for the Ordo Sinister.
Skagan-VI was brought to compliance by the IVth Legion in 860.
Helioret Sector under attack by Eldar since early 960s.
Civil war erupted on Zhao-Arkhad in 827. It begins to wane after nearly 3 decades.
Horus Heresy Book VIII: Malevolence
Cethlen was brought into the Imperium in 801. Carven xenos discovered 2 decades later. Destroyed by the War Hounds with cyclonic torpedoes in 824.
The book states that the initial compliance of Signus was in 933, 1 decade after the humbling of the Word Bearers at Monarchia. However, Monarchia happened in 963. Given that the Word Bearers apparently sowed seeds of Signus' eventual fate during its compliance, the "one decade after Monarchia" point is more likely accurate, so 973 seems most likely.
The Blood Angels stood guard at Kayvas for 13 months, prior to being sent to Signus.
The Blood Angels departed for Signus in early 005. At this point the Wolves are en route to Prospero. The Blood Angels fleet was assembled within 3 months of Horus' orders. Their final warp jump and disappearance was 327.005 (late April). That last journey to Signus took 9 months, making it late January 006 when they arrive.
Chaos' influence at Signus begins properly soon after Horus' fall in 004. Davinite priests are sent there months later.
The time recorded when the Blood Angels left Signus was 688573.009, about 4.5 years after they entered. When they emerged, the stars indicated much more time had passed than they had experienced within Signus.
The Red Tear takes off 51 days after the main conflict on Signus Prime.
Horus gave Jaghatai Khan orders dispatching him to Chondax in 769.000 (October), likely around the time of the Triumph at Ullanor.
Jaghatai takes several months to assamble his forces, so likely departs for Chondax in early 001. They got there after "a few shot months" of travel, so likely mid-001.
The Alpha Legion apparently received their orders (from Horus) for Chondax long before Jaghatai did. This makes little sense though, as Horus wasn't yet corrupted, or even Warmaster, by that point.
The attack on the White World is first.
The Brotherhood of the Red Hawk spends the best part of a year harrying Ork clains on Honderal.
"7 years had passed since their arrival" when word of the Heresy reached the White Scars. Likely a bit of an exaggeration since they only arrived in early/mid-001, and this happened in early 007.
Nogai Noyan-Khan was slain by the Alpha Legion in 002.
The massacre on Phemus was one of the last actions of the Chondax campaign (as seen in The Serpent Beneath).
The Chondax Engagement (against the Alpha Legion) lasted a little over 8 hours. The time between the arrival of the Alpha Legion fleet and the Khan's departure was 4 days.
The Tenebrae 950 station was destroyed when word from outside got through to the White Scars (early 007, as seen in The Serpent Beneath).
The oldest Thunderhawk in the White Scars, Skyfire, had 62 years service since its initial deployment as a test unit.
Some shattered legion forces took refuge in the Chondax system in 010.
The last White Scars survivors left at Chondax were rescued by Raven Guard in 017.
In 087, the last White Scars brotherhood returns to the Imperium, the Brotherhood of the Blue Hawk. By this point the Khan has disappeared, but Guilliman is still active.
009: Battle of Perditus - 98th Clan-Company of the Iron Hands battles the Death Guard at a Mechanicum research facility. After over 1 month of conflict, the Lion arrives (as seen in The Lion).
010: Ahriman's attack on Kamiti Sona (as seen in The Crimson King).
012: Malcador formerly dissolves the Elucidator order.
The Sea of Fire is a large naval engagement at Beta-Garmon.
Weeks after the Siege, an Alpha Legionnaire turned himself over to the Imperial Fists. "LXX" was later executed.
Canopus was besieged by traitor forces early on, and last word from it was a message of desperate defiance in 008.
Saiph, a Blood Angels recruiting world taken over by the World Eaters, was abandoned by them in 012.
Word Bearers outposts on Sarcossa and other nearby world started to go dark in 010.
The Brotherhood of the Broken Shield was deployed to deep range scouting missions in 002.
Remembrancer Brandt was attached to the IXth Legion 811-848.
The IXth Legion's 14th Company was sanctioned by Dorn during the 2nd Siege of Yarant, which would be between his discovery and Sanguinius'.
The Emperor rediscovered Sanguinius at Baal in 843. It took 2 years and 4 months to gather the IXth Legion for Sanguinius.
Teghar Pentaurus was the first campaign with Sanguinius leading the Blood Angels. They fought alongside the Luna Wolves for a decade after that.
The Banquet of Kiy-buran lasts 12 years. At the end of it, Rogal Dorn arrives, newly reunited with his legion.
The Battle for Thapsus was in 744.
The book "Warrior-Brotherhoods of the Legiones Astartes Vol. 3, the Vth Legion" had at least one edition out in 756. Seems very early for something like this...
Jaghatai was discovered in 865 by the Emperor and Horus, and would wait "nearly a decade" for most of the pioneer companies to gather at his call. Their first engagement together was the Kolarne Circle, which took 5 years. However, this conflicts with what is shown in Warhawk of Chogoris.
Legionary Nidun fought with the Brotherhood of the Golden Star for 27 years before Chondax.
The War of the Pale Emperor was likely around 980.
The Emancipation of Drune was in 881. Mortarion was around at this point. The war lasted for 6 months.
Lord General Vannik was executed by Lion El'Jonson in 30,989.
Horus Heresy Book IX: Crusade
Rogal Dorn's forces fought a holding action to slow Horus on his way to Terra for "two long years".
"As the seventh year of the 31st Millennium began, the second year of the war for the Imperium, there were few parts of that wide realm that had not given themselves over to bloodshed and madness". Implication that the Thramas campaign is about to begin in early 007.
The Night Lords split up: some, led by Curze, went back to their thrall realms to restock on supplies and mortal thralls/soldiers before heading to the Eastern Fringe. Others went straight on to Triplex and Thramas itself, with Curze arriving there later.
Tsagualsa was reached in the last months of 007. It had "endured the demands of the Night Lords for almost a century". The adjoining Thramas sector was flooded with refugee ships fleeing the Night Lords "within the space of a few short months".
"Within the space of a few months, the Night Lords were the uncontested masters of nearly half the Thramas sector". Despite resistance, "by the middle of 008.M31 it would appear that the Thramas Crusade was all but won."
Book states that it was Perturabo, at Diamat, who sent the Lion after Curze and into Thramas.
The Dark Angels retaking of Sheol III and Yaelis from the Night Lords takes a month. Within another month they reached Crucible.
Curze calls his forces to Nergante, ready for a push back against the Dark Angels. By this point, Thramas itself has been under siege for "almost 2 years". Curze's big attack begins "in the final days of 008".
After routing the Night Lords at Crucible, Lion leads and elite strike force to Thramas itself. It takes them less than a week to arrive there.
The battle at Thramas "marked the beginning of the second year of the Thramas Crusade", indicating that while the Night Lords' overall campaign began in early 007, the "Thramas Crusade" itself only counts after the Dark Angels arrived later. At this point, Curze calls for the meeting with the Lion on Tsagualsa that is seen in "Savage Weapons". Though there may be some conflict with BL materials there, as Savage Weapons says that the Dark Angels have been battling Night Lords for 26 months by that point.
The battle on Memlock lasts for 7 weeks.
After Lion returns from Perditus, the first stage of his plan to draw the Night Lords out is to assault numerous Night Lord flotillas, which he does "within the space of a few months".
In total there was "more than three years of blood and death" at Thramas.
The height of the Siege of Inwit was 012.
The third siege of Antioch was in 603.M30, and included the early First Legion, indicating they had been in use for around 200 years by the time the Great Crusade began.
By 668 the First Legion numbered 10,000 and took to the field en masse for the first time (other legions were just a few hundred each at this point). This was the battle of Samerkend against the King of Akkad.
The Rangda were encountered around the time the Dark Angels got their second Grandmaster, Urian Vendraig, later confirmed to be in 839. The Rangda were also initially discovered by the 105th pioneer company of the Vth, indicating Jaghatai hadn't been discovered/reunited with his legion at this point. This initial campaign in Advex-mors lasted 4 months.
The Rangdan counter-attack, the second war, was in 862. The Vth and the XIXth fought a delaying action at Xana for 8 months. Then came a counter spearheaded by the Dark Angels and Death Guard, the Lion being the foremost commander. This campaign lasted 2 decades, with the final battle being in 882. Also, the first major influx of Dark Angel recruits from Caliban came to help replenish numbers after the 2nd Rangda conflict, indicating this was an early campaign for the Lion. From there, he went to Sarosh, as seen in "Descent of Angels".
The book does note that a lot of information about the Rangda and those wars was concealed, and so what was pieced together later was as much fiction as fact. May call in-universe details into question.
The third conflict was the Rangdan Xenocide, as the Space Wolves and Dark Angels finish them off. The edict of exclusion from the 2nd war was lifted in 887, and soon after White Scars discovered Rangda nests (with Jaghatai being around at this point). The Dark Angels and Space Wolves exterminated the remaining Rangda within a year.
The Lion was discovered on Caliban (by local inhabitants) 150 years after he was lost on Terra, indicating that the loss of the Primarchs happened sometime around 650-690. It's possible he was active on Caliban for 100 years prior to that discovered, so it's possible he appeared there long before he was discovered.
The Dark Angel Hosts became the Hexagrammaton around 830.
The Sealing of the Black Gate took place while Thrane was still the Grandmaster of the First Legion.
The Siege of Mykana took place during the final years of the Great Crusade. "The Warmaster" is mentioned, indicating post-Ullanor.
The Battle at Rangda, the first recorded Heresy engagement with significant Dark Angel elements, took place in 006, "but a few short months after the opening salvos of the war" (Isstvan III).
After Isstvan V, the Night Lords spent a few months acting as Horus' outriders, spreading fear and forcing dark complaince in the North. But they got out of control, so Horus sent them to Thramas.
The book says that Curze was only subtly punished after the destruction of Nostramo, and welcomed back seemingly with open arms a couple of decades later. This seems to conflict with the BL book accounts, where he was sent to Vulkan.
Horus Heresy Journal:
798.M30 - The Great Crusade begins.
870.M30 - Compliance of Dulan, followed by duel between Russ and the Lion.
882.M30 - Sotha is discovered as Ultramar expands.
905.M30 - Luther is returned to Caliban, a century before Isstvan III.
944.M30 - Compliance of Davin by the 63rd Expedition.
963.M31 - Razing of Monarchia (M31 presumably a typo)
981.M30 - Alpharius is assigned command of his legion.
000.M31 - Perturabo decimates Olympia.
000.M31 - Conclusion of the Ullanor campaign, followed by the Triumph.
000.M31 - Alpha Legion make their accord with the Cabal.
001.M31 - Council of Nikaea.
003.M31 - Luna Wolves become the Sons of Horus.
004.M31 - Horus falls on Davin's moon.
004.M31 - Magnus contacts the Emperor and Russ is dispatched to Prospero.
004.M31 - Horus contacts Sanguinius at the Kayvas Belt and sends him to Signus.
Late 005.M31 - Battle on Isstvan III begins.
006.M31 - Eisenstein reaches Terra.
006.M31 - The seven "loyalist" legions of Isstvan V leave to confront Horus.
006.M31 - Mechanicum of Mars rebels.
566.006.M31 (late July) - Dropsite Massacre.
568.006.M31 (late July) - Vulkan is revived and imprisoned by Konrad Curze.
835.006.M31 (November) - Corax rescued from Isstvan V.
108.007.M31 (early February) - White Scars contacted by Russ while the Space Wolves battle the Alpha Legion at Alaxxes, Scars learn about the Dropsite Massacre.
Mid-007.M31 - Attack on Calth. Ruinstorm begins.
007.M31 - Shadow Crusade begins, and Angron ascends to daemon princehood.
007.M13 - Garro recruits Rubio on Calth, the first of 20 Knights-Errant.
002.008.M31 (early January) - Ventanus destroys remaining forces of Hol Beloth on Calth and banishes Maloq Kartho.
Mid-late 008.M31 - Garro recovers Loken from Isstvan III, last of the Knights-Errant.
Early 009.M31 - Perturabo and Fulgrim join forces to pursue the Angel Exterminatus.
290.009.M31 (mid-April) - Arendi and his men finally escape from Isstvan V, having been fighting for 630 days.
Mid-009.M31 - Fulgrim ascends to daemonhood and his legion scatters. The Iron Warriors enter a black hole singularity in the Eye of Terror.
009.M31 - End of the Thramas Crusade.
787.009.M31 (mid-October) - Shattered Legions forces attack Horus and Mortarion on Dwell.
906.009.M31 (late November) - Horus leads attack on Molech.
Early 010.M31 - Sanguinius arrives in Imperium Secundus. Guilliman declares him the new Emperor.
326.010.M31 (late April) - Tallarn is virus bombed by the Iron Warriors.
late 010.M31 - Vulkan's body is cast into Mount Deathfire on Nocturne. Numeon follows him into death.
408.011.M31 (late May) - The Iron Warriors withdraw from Tallarn.
Mid-late 011.M31 - The Emperor enters the Webway, then withdraws his forces and closes it off.
011.M31 - Davin is destroyed and the Ruinstorm begins to dissipate.
Late 011.M31 - Guilliman renounces Imperium Secundus and pledges to aid Sanguinius in returning to Terra.
029.012.M31 (mid-January) - Dark Angels destroy Chemos, home world of the Emperor's Children.
876.012.M31 (mid-November) - Leman Russ abandons the "Space Wolves counter-attack against the Alpha Legion"(??) to attempt to execute Horus.
398.013.M31 (late May) - Dark Angels destroy Barbarus, home world of the Death Guard.
120.014.M31 (mid-February) - Traitor bombardment of Terra begins on the "13th of Secundus". The beginning of the Siege of Terra.
755.014.M31 (early October) - The Emperor teleports onto the Vengeful Spirit. Sanguinius is killed by Horus.
757.014.M31 (early October) - The Emperor ascends to the Golden Throne.
121.M31 - Guilliman is mortally wounded by Fulgrim at the battle of Thessala.
White Dwarf 478 (The Passage of the Angel of Death)
The article on The Passage of the Angel of Death details some events in the southern parts of the galaxy in the later years of the Heresy.
010 - The Solar War begins, including Alpha Legion attacking Pluto. [POSSIBLE CANON CONFLICT: Praetorian of Dorn indicates this takes place in 011, possible that the wider Solar War begins in 010 but the Battle of Pluto doesn't occur until 011?]
010 - The Dispute of Iron: Forge Worlds along the Belt of Iron are engulfed in civil war.
011 - The Subjugation of Tyrinth: Death Guard strike out from Barbarus and subjugate nearby systems. Tyrinth Prime is reduced to an irradiated wasteland. Iron Warriors garrisoned at Luth Tyre agree to supply the Death Guard in exchange for plunder from pillaged loyalist worlds.
011 - The Malagant Conflict: Death Guard from the Barbarus garrison assault the industrial hive world of Malagant. They are locked into a vicious guerilla war there by Raven Guard forces, and trapped there for three years.
011 - The Lion's Wrath Unleashed: Davin is destroyed, as seen at the end of Ruinstorm.
012 - The Death of Chemos: The Dark Angels attack Chemos and split the planet apart using seismic macro-charges and cyclonic torpedoes.
012 - The Wolf Cull of Yarant: Russ and the Space Wolves stand against traitors at Yarant, and are rescued by Corax and the Raven Guard.
012 - Echoes of Tallarn: The Iron Warriors battle cruiser Visage of Vengeance, lost in the warp since Tallarn, arrives at Luth Tyre.
012 - The Liberation of Saronican: Ultramarines and Calth High Guard Solar Auxilia are dispatched by the Lion to pacify the hive worlds of the Saronican Gulf. They battle World Eaters and rebel Army forces their, eventually winning but being left behind by the Lion.
012 - The Scouring of the Pale Stars: Emperor's Children fleeing the destruction of Chemos battle Salamanders from Nocturne's garrison among the Pale Stars.
012 - The Reign of Blood: In the aftermath of the Shadow Crusade, World Eaters forces band together as Butcher Fleets, razing systems and slaughtering populations across the Segmentum Tempestus.
012 - The Argolian Massacres: Word Bearers scour the Argolian sub-sector in the wake of the World Eaters Butcher Fleets, performing mass sacrifices to the dark gods.
012 - The Carrion Realms: Night Lords forces move in after the bloody passages of the Dark Angels and World Eaters, preying on the devastated regions left in their wakes.
012 - The Fall of Luth Tyre: The Lion unleashes his forces to capture Luth Tyre. The Iron Warriors, Death Guard and traitor Mechanicum there are defeated, with some fleeing into the void.
013 - The Siege of Inwit: Led by elements of the Emperor's Children, a great traitor force attacks the Inwit Cluster. Loyalists are eventually forced by to Inwit itself. Some Imperial Fists break out and eventually find the Lion, but he refuses to go to Inwit's aid, instead conscripting them into his own crusade.
013 - The Thassos Incident: A Dark Angels flotilla is ambushed by Night Lords in the Thassos system. A Shattered Legions force of Iron Hands, Salamanders and Raven Guard arrive to assist the Dark Angels, and are then tasked with scouring nearby systems of traitors by the Lion.
013 - The Burning of Vrexor: Mechanicum and Dark Mechanicum forces battle in the Vrexor sub-sector. The Lion sends elements of the Legio Atarus and Knight House Orhlacc to assist.
013 - Twilight of the Reaper: Mortarion and the Death Guard enter the warp to join Horus at Terra. [CANON CONFLICT: The Buried Dagger shows this happening after the destruction of Barbarus]
013 - The Deliverance Conjunction: The Lion arrives at Deliverance and meets Corax and Russ there, questioning Corax's absence from the front lines, but Corax is defended by Russ. Russ joins the Lion in his crusade of vengeance, and Corax commits a small force of Raven Guard, plus a lot of materials from Deliverance.
013 - The Wolf King's Fury: Russ and the Space Wolves go on a rampage across the stars. At Vezdell Secundus they defeat Alpha Legion and Securran Janissaries Solar Auxilia.
013 - The Ydursk Incident: Raven Guard stealth operatives mount a campaign against Army traitors on Ydursk, ending up assassinating their leader and restoring the world to Imperial control.
013 - The Warmaster's Shadow: Justaerin Captain Arbras Haax is dispatched to Barbarus as an emmissary of Horus to check on the Death Guard, as Mortarion is still missing in the warp.
013 - Iron and Stone: Iron Warriors remnants from Luth Tyre arrive at Barbarus.
013 - The Dawn of Desolation: A Death Guard raiding force returning to Barbarus from the systems surrounding Galaspar is attached by Space Wolves.
013 - The Ghosts of Zhao-Arkhad: Dark Angels forces arrive at the Forge World of Zhao-Arkhad and encounter Thousand Sons there claiming to be loyalist. However the Dark Angels attack, and are eventually driven back and establish an orbital blockage.
013 - The Siege of Barbarus Begins: The forces of Russ, the Lion and the Raven Guard begin to lay siege to Barbarus.
Adeptus Titanicus: Titandeath
811 - Beta-Garmon cluster brought into Imperium
006 (634, mid-August) - Alpha Legion attack Beta-Garmon, paving the way for an Emperor's Children Millennial.
007 (376, mid-May) - 010 (779, early October) - Traitor forces and rebels constantly assault the star cluster. Events include the Great Starvation, the Soul Plague of Theta-Garmon and the Rain of Plasma.
007 (521, early July) - The Ruinstorm strikes.
010 (780, early October) - Rogal Dorn orders Imperial Fists and Salamanders to assault the Emperor's Children Millennial garrisoning Nyrcon City while other Imperial forces besiege the fortress cities of Beta-Garmon II. The Warp Runners battle the Death's Heads Legio on Beta-Garmon III.
012 (012, early January) - 013 (740, late September) - The Great Slaughter.
012 (138, mid-February) - After 5 years of it, the Ruinstorm begins to abate following the destruction of Davin. The Imperium sends out the call to muster at Beta-Garmon II. [CANON CONFLICT: Other sources indicate Davin is destroyed in 011. Possibly that occurs in late 011 and the Ruinstorm abates more as we move into 012?]
012 (224, mid-March) - The Beta-Garmon campaign increases further as more and more forces arrive.
012 (277, early April) - The harbingers of the Warmaster's armada attack the outer worlds of the star cluster.
012 (317, late April) - Horus unleashes the full might of the Titan Legions against key targets in the cluster.
012 (361, early May) - A great battle on Alpha-Garmon IX between the God Breakers and the planet's Martian Domini with Firebrands and Warp Runners allies.
012 (403, late May) - The Second Battle of Nyrcon City. The Warmaster unleashes his Titans, fleet and traitor army regiments into the wastes around Nyrcon City. The traitors take control of the city and most of Beta-Garmon II.
012 (643, late August) - Beta-Garmon III remains loyalist but under siege by Sons of Horus and Iron Warriors. On the shores of the Chymist's Sea, Imperial Hunters Titans battle neuro-slave armies of the Warmaster's captives.
012 (705, mid-September) - Death's Head Titans battle Firebrands Warhounds at Omega-Garmon.
012 (859, early November) - More and more forces pour into the cluster, and overarching strategic command is lost as reinforcements are hurled into the meat grinder.
012 (919, early December) - The first battles of the Sea of Fire begin, a great void war between Beta-Garmon II and III.
013 (084, beginning of February) - Jaghatai Khan and Sanguinius arrive in the cluster.
013 (111, early February) - Traitor forces restore recently conquered defences.
013 (193, early March) - The Dark Sentry enters the Beta-Garmon system.
013 (286, mid-April) - Loyalists attack the shipyards of Theta-Garmon V.
013 (356, early May) - The Titandeath: More than 20 Legios and hundreds of titans battle on Beta-Garmon II.
013 (559, late July) - The Warmaster unleashes his fleets and reserve Titans against Beta-Garmon III.
013 (637, mid-August) - More and more devastating and horrific events take place as the war shifts from one of conquest to one of slaughter and destruction.
013 (788, mid-October) - Loyalist Titans and Knight allies defend the Diviner's Needle on Beta-Garmon III. Ultimately the traitors bring down the spire, sending out a psychic scream through the cluster and beyond. This is the tipping point where the Warmaster begins his final march on Terra.
Adeptus Titanicus: Doom of Molech
Molech was brought into compliance in 869.
Forge World timeline:
The Signus campaign is over years 005-008.
The Destruction of Prospero is in year 005, meaning the 004 event mentioned in Book II was indeed just the Wolves being unleashed.
The Civil War of Mars is also over years 005 and 006.
The Chondax Engagement is over years 005-007.
The Thramas Crusade is over years 007-009.
The Shadow Crusade is over years 007 and 008.
The Solar Campaign is over years 007-013*.
The Vannaheim Campaign is over years 008 and 009.
The Underworld War on Calth is over years 008-014**.
The Battle of Tallarn is over years 010 and 011.
The Cataclysm of Iron is over years 010-013.
The Breaking of Anvillus is over years 009-011.
The Marches of Madness is over years 011-012.
The Passage of the Angel of Death (likely Sanguinius going to Terra, as it is supposed to be covered in the Angelus book) is over years 011-013
Year 001: Council of Nikaea.
Year 002: Battle of Gate 42.
Year 003: Luna Wolves renamed.
Year 005: Isstvan III
Year 006: Isstvan V + Invasion of Paramar + The Sundering of Zhao-Arkad + The Persecution of Sarum.
Year 007: Battle of the Cyclops Cluster + Battle of Armatura + Assault on Calth + Alaxxes + The Phall Engagement
Year 008: Siege of Mezoa + Conquest of Manachea + Battle of Molech*** + The Death of Tredecima.
Year 009: Defence of Agathon + The Xana Incursion.
Year 010: Battle of Nyrcon (start of Beta-Garmon conflicts) + Blood Angels arrive in Ultramar + Imperium Secundus declared + The Drussen Atrocity.
Year 011: The Scouring of Gilden’s Star****.
Year 012: The Wolf Cull + Imperial Muster at Beta-Garmon.
Year 013: The Sea of Fire + The Titandeath + Great Slaughter of Beta-Garmon + The Solar War.
Year 014: Siege of Terra
*Book VI says it is 010-015.
**Book VI says it goes from 007-017.
***Book VI says this is in 009. Another FW timeline puts it in 008 AND 010…
****Book VI says this is in 010.
Valdor: Birth of the Imperium (late 30,700s)
Takes place after the end of the Unification Wars, before the Great Crusade is launched.
At this point the Imperial Palace is being constructed. Kandawire thinks of "the last 50 years of debate and disagreement."
Maulland Sen was 126 years ago, in "the early years of active expansion", the first time an entire legion of thunder warriors was utilised. The Emperor's plans had been in motion for decades, but he had not shown his hand openly in many places. The thunder warriors were deployed for at least a century following Maulland Sen. They had conquered much of the globe by then.
The method of having Lords Civilian, who ruled over the provinces the Emperor conquered on Terra, last "almost 70 years" up to this point.
The space marine primarchs being stolen away happened 26 years ago. However, this conflicts with the official timeline, which indicates this took place around 792. That would make this 818, which is long after the Crusade began.
At this point Achilla believes all of Terra has been conquered.
Ilead arrived at the Palace 20 years ago.
The battle in the latter part of the book is the first full engagement of the space marines.
At the end, Malcador returns from an initial trip to Luna. Negotiations are due to continue, though Malcador speaks of preparing space marines to attack.
The Last Church (late 30,700s)
Takes place as the last church is destroyed on Terra, at the start of the Great Crusade.
Lupus Daemonis (very early Great Crusade)
Takes place early in the Crusade, as we see the initial discovery of Horus on Cthonia.
Canticle (early 30,800s)
Takes place in Ferrus Manus' early years on Medusa.
The Sinew of War (post-30,810, pre-30,837)
Takes place before Guilliman's rediscovery. He is a youth on Macragge, "barely into his teenage years". An earlier flashback shows him at age 5.
Mercy of the Dragon (approx. 30,835)
Takes place during the Great Crusade. Shows both the Emperor speaking with Vulkan for the first time on Nocturne, and a conquest with Vulkan at his side, before he is unified with his legion. This is also the first time Ferrus Manus has seen Vulkan in action. Fulgrim, Russ and Horus are all mentioned.
Vulkan: Lord of Drakes (post-835, pre-Heresy)
Opens with T'kell and Rhy'tan as legionaries on Nocturne, but not yet joined with the Great Crusade. The Nocturnean forces are fresh, but have been ready for some time, and spent years being trained. Vulkan has been back on Nocturne for years by this point, and prior to that was away for years with the Emperor. N'bel also perished while Vulkan was away.
The XVIIIth are fighting Orks in the Taras Division. They numbered 19,000 at the start of the war, 1 year earlier.
Vaughn thinks back to the "early stages of the Great Crusade", to a meeting of commanders. Fulgrim and the Pride of the Emperor are both present.
Lorgar: Bearer of the Word (approx. 30,841 - 30,857)
The book confirms that Colchisian years are just under 5 times longer than standard ones. A Colchisian day is approximately as long as a standard week.
The opening section is set in 959, the compliance of 47-9.
There are a further two interludes: the first immediately after Monarchia in 963, the second in the same year, burning items of Emperor worship on 47-6. By this point the Word Bearers are working backwards, cleansing all the worlds they brought to compliance. The epilogue is in 964, by which point they have reached the first world they claimed after finding Lorgar, 47-1.
Each main section on Colchis states that it is "X years ago". It isn't entirely clear which point these are measured from. The timeline doesn't change dramatically either way. The most accurate timeframe with other measurements seems to be to take all of the "X years ago" points from 959, the first time point seen in the book.
Assuming the above, Part I is 118 standard years before 959, i.e. 841. Lorgar is found and taken in by Kor Phaeron.
They go to Ad Drazonti after "forty wake-rises and rest-eves" have passed since they discovered Lorgar. This would be about 40 standard days.
When they come to the Razors, approaching Last Haven, half a Colchisian year has passed since they found Lorgar, so a little under 2.5 standard years.
Part II moves to "112 years ago", so again, assuming this refers to 959, Part II starts in 847.
Part II starts 8 Colchisian days after Part I ended, so approximately 2 standard months after Kor Phaeron made Lorgar Bearer of the Word. Part II ends with the taking of Vharadesh.
Part III opens soon after Vharadesh is taken. Lorgar is to be ratified as Ecclesiarch in 4 Colchisian days (1 standard month). At this point Nairo says he has been a slave for "a little over a year and a half". Assuming this is a Colchisian year (standard would not fit, and would be inconsistent with use later in the book), he has been a slave for about 8 years. However, this part is supposed to be 10 standard years after Part I, at which point Nairo was already a slave.
Part way through Lorgar's crusade, "near four years as the Terran adepts measure such things" have passed, so his crusade is at least 4 standard years by this point.
Lorgar returns briefly to Vharadesh before taking the final city of Colchis. When he does so he says to Kor Phaeron that it has been "near a year and a half" since he left. Given the above point about four years, this must mean a Colchisian year and a half, i.e. nearly 7 standard years have passed by this point.
All of this, combined with Lorgar being discovered in 857, indicates that he is found by Kor Phaeron in 841, becomes Bearer of the Word in 847, takes Vharadesh in 851, and finishes his crusade in 857, just before the Emperor arrives.
A Lesson in Iron (post-30,843)
Takes place early in the Great Crusade. Ferrus Manus is "newfound", and the Iron Hands are at the end of the Rust campaign.
Ferrus has Forgebreaker, indicating Fulgrim has been found at least. Sanguinius was present at the forging of this weapon, indicating this is after he was found also (credit to Soundwave902 on Reddit for spotting this point!)
Descent of Angels (sometime in 30,840s - 30,905)
Timeline unclear at the start of the book: says it is the 10th and final year of the cleansing of the beasts, then says it's 2 years later and it's still going on. Says Zahariel is going through his initiation to become a full knight, then says "one day we will be knights" 2 years later. Whatever the terminology used, it seems Zahariel and Nemiel were 7 when they first joined the order, and now are 9, as supplicants on their first hunt.
"Years passed" before part 2. Lion says his campaign is nearly over, estimates just 3 more months. By Chapter 7 Zahariel is just about to turn 15 (in 2 weeks). It has been 5 months since Amadis set out to hunt the Beast of Endriago.
Zahariel returns about 38 days after setting out to hunt the Beast of Endriago.
The Imperium comes to Caliban just as Lion is setting out on the final hunt, 10 years after starting. They are seen renovating the planet at a point "nearly 6 months" after Zahariel became a knight (which was after he returned from his hunt). This is to clear a landing site for the Emperor, who is no more than 3 weeks journey away, so this clearing must be soon after their initial arrival, though it has been at least a few days, as the accident with Moniel is mentioned as being "a few days ago".
From all of this we can establish: Lion began his great hunt when Zahariel was 5.5 years old. At 7, Zahariel initially joined the Order. At 9, he is a proper supplicant and goes on his first hunt. At just under 15, Amadis dies and Zahariel hunts down the Calibanite Lion, and becomes a full knight. At 15.5 years old, the Knights of Lupus are defeated and the Imperium comes to Caliban.
The Imperium finding Lion El'Jonson is also before the two unknown primarchs are expunged, as Israfael talks of 19 other primarchs.
The last scene before Zahariel becomes an astartes is one week after the attempted attack on the Emperor.
Sarosh is their first campaign after becoming Dark Angels (this seems very unlikely given the time periods, and the fact that they are immediately sent back to Caliban), though this process itself may have taken some years (Fallen Angels suggests 8 years). They were briefed and the legion split 3 weeks before reaching Sarosh. Initial contact with Sarosh was made 1 year earlier. It has also been "years" since Caliban.
Jaghatai Khan has been discovered and taken command of the White Scars by this point.
HH Journal states that Luther was sent back to Caliban in 905.
Stone and Iron (post-30,849, pre-Heresy)
Takes place sometime after Perturabo takes control of the Iron Warriors, but before the Heresy.
Magnus the Red: Master of Prospero (unknown & 30,853)
Opens sometime after the fall of Prospero, flashback to the evacuation of Morningstar in 30,853. Also says this is the 55th year of the Great Crusade, confirming that it began in 30,798.
Magnus is now one of 12 primarchs, indicating the loss of the first unknown primarch hasn’t happened yet.
By this point the Thousand Sons are barely a decade out from their sabbatical on Prospero.
Magnus was reunited with the Thousand Sons 13 years ago, Perturabo with the Iron Warriors barely 4 years ago. Indicates Magnus reunited with the TS in 840, spent 3 years working to cure them.
Lantern's Light (30,855/30,856)
Takes place soon after Mortarion's discovery on Barbarus. He has been there on the Emperor's orders for 1 Barbaran year since his discovery.
Word Bearers (or rather, Imperial Heralds) ships are seen, and the Emperor says he hasn't yet discovered their primarch. Indicates Mortarion was found at least 1 (Barbaran) year before Lorgar.
Horus was discovered "just over half a century ago" (Terran calendar). Fits with Horus being found very early on and Mortarion sometime between 850-856.
Fulgrim: The Palatine Phoenix (30,850s/860s?)
Takes place sometime during the Great Crusade, after Fulgrim has been reunited with the Emperor's Children. Shows their first proper compliance on their own, breaking away from the Luna Wolves.
Throughout the book it sounds very much like the IIIrd Legion is still establishing itself: Fulgrim hasn't witness Abdemon's swordsmanship first hand, he talks about needing to win over the legion, that their numbers are still low and their morale only just recovered, Horus thinks it's still too early for them to go alone, etc. All indicates this is early on.
Fulgrim thinks of his brothers: Horus, Russ, Ferrus Manus, Dorn, Guilliman and the Second. He says there are seven brothers arrayed against him currently: this doesn't necessarily mean only seven have been found, but there were at least that many present when he made his claim to take command of the 28th Expedition. Interestingly, all of the named primarchs are among the earliest found ones (save for Vulkan, who we know spent some time with the Emperor before joining his legion). The fact that only early primarchs are named may also indicate this is early in the Great Crusade.
Says that the Emperor's Children have fought alongside Horus for "several decades" before now wanting to break away.
Fulgrim mentions decades of disappointment since he left Chemos.
Fulgrim spent 50 years on Chemos. Though this doesn't mean 50 years since the start of the Great Crusade, as the Primarchs may have been scattered some time before that began, and the Warp could have deposited the Primarchs at different times.
Pyke made her request to join the 28th Expedition "so many months ago".
They spend weeks travelling to Byzas.
Fulgrim makes Byzas compliant in 1 month.
At one point Pyke thinks of "the intervening century since his [Fulgrim's] rediscovery." However, a century since his rediscovery would put this well into the second half of the Crusade, which seems far too late for the Emperor's Children and Fulgrim to still be so small and untested.
First Legion (approximately 30,868)
Takes place during one of the Rangdan conflicts. This has been going on for 6 years by this point, badly depleting the Dark Angels legion. This must be the second conflict, as the first and third Rangdan conflicts did not last more than a year each.
A legionary from the 20th Legion arrives (calling himself Alpharius). He states that theirs is the only legion not to have found its primarch yet. This would place this event after 940-ish, as Corax was discovered around that time (and possibly the second lost primarch after that). However, FW Book IX: Crusade states that the 2nd Rangdan conflict was 862-882, and the third and final one was around or soon after 887. By this point, several primarchs had still not been found.
"Alpharius" also speaks of a primarch being made Warmaster, saying that this has been spoken of among the other primarchs already. He says the Ultramarines are more numerous than the Dark Angels for the first time.
Alpharius: Head of the Hydra (approximately 30,700s - late 30,900s)
• Takes the form of a record narrated by Alpharius (and Omegon) himself. Notes that it could be partially/entirely false, but we will assume it's accurate.
Starts and ends with "Alpharius" (actually Omegon) being "found" by Horus late in the Crusade.
Begins properly with Alpharius being discovered on Terra, right after the scattering of the Primarchs, before the Crusade has even begun. At this point, Terra isn't entirely compliant and the Imperial Palace is unfinished.
States that Horus was found 3 years into the Great Crusade, so about 30,801.
At the end of Part One, Alpharius meets Valdor. Amar Astarte's betrayal is mentioned, and the first action of the Space Marines comes up later, so this takes place around the same time as Valdor: Birth of the Imperium.
Part Two jumps forward to a compliance action. At this point the Alpha Legion is operating in secret, often ahead of the other legions (paving the way) or cleaning up behind them.
In Chapter 2 of Part Two, they say that Volda Beta was brought into compliance "47 sidereal years ago".
Rumours of a Primarch in the galactic north-east come from "refugees of the renewed rangdan offensive", and that they have "bled the Imperium twice" by this point. This could point to it being the third war, but this seems unlikely: the third war was a case of discovering remaining nests, not a fresh rangdan offensive, and this conflict seems much bigger than that was. The connected short "First Legion" also seems to take place during the second war, and this fits with current Primarchs found too.
In Part Three the Alpha Legion meet with the Dark Angels at Tigrun III (as seen in First Legion). They refer to the War Hounds here, indicating Angron has not yet been discovered, but they also mention the Death Guard, suggesting Mortarion has been reunited with his Legion at this point.
Ferrus Manus: The Gorgon of Medusa (30,869)
Author says it's set "at the height of the Great Crusade, many years before Ullanor. It’s a time when everything is going right for the Imperium (on the surface at least!), but also one of great change. Primarchs are still being rediscovered, the Fist of Iron is still shiny and new, Mars is slowly supplanting Luna and the Urals as the engine of the Imperium, and within the Legion Medusans are starting to displace Terrans. It struck me as the perfect moment in time to show Ferrus Manus at the height of his powers."
A note in the book says Gardinaal knows defeat in 869, implying this is when the book takes place.
By this point the Fist of Iron is "a little over forty years out of Luna drydock", implying it was made around the mid-820s.
At this point, the Iron Hands Order Primus have received their first hundred prototype cataphractii suits.
The blurb on the back of the book says there are rumours of the Emperor withdrawing from the Crusade and choosing someone to lead in his stead. This is mentioned in the book, but it does note that "the first and most difficult part" of the Crusade is nearly done, not necessarily the whole thing. So could conceivably still be plenty of time before Ullanor.
We see the Emperor's Children working with the Iron Hands, and while they are a small legion they are still operating away from Horus, indicating this is after "The Palatine Phoenix".
The 52nd expedition has about two thirds of the Iron Hands' full strength, which is around 70,000 marines.
The War Hounds are mentioned by that name, implying it is before Angron is found.
Mentions the Emperor gathering Fulgrim, Horus, Jaghatai and the Lion to his side for an unknown purpose. Later confirmed to be Molech.
Gardinaal was discovered by a rogue trader in 858.
DuCaine is wearing thunder armour(!) and described as a thunder warrior(!!).He has seen looks of incredulity about the Unification Wars for a century and a half, suggesting it's been 150 years since Unification.
Akurduana apparently became a marine 300 years ago. Combined with the above this suggests Unification began at least 250 years before the Great Crusade, lasted for 150 years, and then there was a 100 year gap between it and the start of the Great Crusade. However, given chronology issues in the book, this may not be accurate.
Ferrus speaks of "the fifteen", indicating 15 primarchs found. Specifically mentioned are: the Lion, Sanguinius, Magnus, Dorn, Horus, Guilliman, Perturabo, Fulgrim, Jaghatai, Mortarion and Corax. However, several of these do not fit. It has previously been indicated that Jaghatai was discovered sometime around 880 (unless we take the FW date); we have previously seen Mortarion on Terra around the 930s, being taught by Malcador before joining his legion; and Corax was one of the last primarchs discovered, long after 869.
Skjalds (post-30,830, pre-Heresy)
Takes place during a visit by Leman Russ back to Fenris. No other indication of timeline, other than being sometime between his rediscovery and the Heresy.
Leman Russ: The Great Wolf (early post-Heresy & 30,870)
The opening chapter is set post-heresy, referencing the Siege and Yarant. Brokenlip says these Blood Claws are the first to know the “new ways”, with the Space Wolves a chapter rather than a legion.
It takes 2 weeks for the Space Wolves to plot their course to Dulan after cracking the cipher.
Compliance of Dulan (main part of the story) in 870. This also confirms that the Lion was discovered by then.
In the closing section, back post-Heresy, news of Lion being lost has just reached Fenris.
6 weeks of travel takes the Blood Claws to Pholeses X. The book then jumps ahead years later to them being Grey Hunters.
Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris (30,879 - 31,000)
Starts on Terra in 879. The Khan has recently been found and is meeting his legion for the first time. He’s the 15th Primarch found. Giyahun had never flown until a year ago, which was when the Emperor came to Chogoris and some were first converted to Astartes.
The White Scars were originally known as the Star Hunters.
Barbarus is known to Jaghatai in this first part, but not mentioned openly, so it’s possible it’s been discovered but Mortarion hasn’t yet reunited with his legion. He/Barbarus is mentioned many times throughout the book though.
Malcador says Vulkan spent years on Terra before reuniting with his legion. He also mentions Caliban.
The book then jumps to Hoadh, 9 standard days after its conquest is completed. 2 months later, the campaign is over. This is the Scars’ first campaign with Jaghatai.
The Swordstorm was completed 3 years before Hoadh’s fall, so 881.
Sanguinius says both Ferrus and Perturabo are opposed to the Librarius.
After meeting with the Blood Angels, the book jumps to Chogoris in 898.
Naranbaatar became a full member of the legion in 886.
The book then jumps to Gar-Ban-Gar in 906.
Then to Baal in 908, where Magnus, Sanguinius and Jaghatai discuss the Librarius project.
Lastly, the book jumps to Ullanor in 000, just after the Triumph. It is days after this, and Yesugei first meets Ilya, as seen in Brotherhood of the Storm. 5 days later, the Scars are preparing to depart for Chondax.
Konrad Curze: A Lesson in Darkness (approx. 30,900)
Shows the compliance of 85-40. Takes place sometime after Curze is found, probably not that long after: Curze is musing on the concessions he made after being found, and talks to a Terran NL captain as if this is all new.
Ghost of Nuceria (30,899)
Takes place at the end of Angron's rebellion on Nuceria, and his teleportation up to the Emperor and the War Hounds.
After Desh'ea (30,899)
Takes place when Angron is found, one of the later primarchs.
Perturabo was discovered before Angron.
Angron: Slave of Nuceria (early 30,900s)
Takes place at Ghenna, some time (but not that long) after Angron is reunited with his legion. At the start of the book the World Eaters have yet to craft a functioning replica of the Butcher's Nails, and the Conqueror is newly rechristened.
Kharn says that Angron has only been "like this" (not wanting to fight) once before, and the text also says this is the first time he hasn't accompanied them.
Mago lists 5 compliance campaigns (Quandra Ni, Brujo, Holu, Trikaton and Cestus Four) where the legion suffered for failing to meet Angron's 31 hour standard. Brujo is also said to be 3 compliances ago, so this list is likely the 5 that took place before Ghenna.
When Angron disappeared, Kharn spent 2 years looking for him.
Lhorke was interred in a dreadnought 3 decades before Angron was found. Presumably this was when Gheer became Legion Master. Lhorke also mentions the lost legions, so this has happened by now.
Iocare lived for over a century before his failed Nails implantation attempt.
The honours given by Gheer after the conquest of the Vuhlskaeon Cybermancy were his last before the Emperor's summons to Nuceria.
Contact with Ghenna/93-15 was lost for over 15 years before now.
Champion of Oaths (post-30,835, pre-Heresy)
Shows Sigismund undertaking a trial to become First of the Templars, with flashbacks to earlier points in his life. Archamus became Master of the Huscarls 1 year before this trial.
In one flashback, we see Sigismund training with Appius (pre-Dreadnought) to join the Templars, 12 years after Sigismund was taken to join the Imperial Fists.
The Will of the Legion (post-30,835, pre-Heresy)
Takes place sometime during the Great Crusade, after Dorn is found.
The Sixth Cult of the Denied (post-30,840, pre-Heresy)
Takes place during the Great Crusade, possibly not too long after Magnus' recovery (and temporary solution to the flesh-change). Djet is 8, and started as an apprentice at 3. He came from 28-9, Magnus' ninth conquest, and the story is set on 28-18, his 18th conquest. This would suggest that the 9 conquests between took about 5 years, and indicates this isn't too long after Magnus set out with his legion.
However, the story later mentions both Mortarion and the Lion, which would place this story much later. But that would indicate an extremely slow pace for Magnus' first 9 conquests, then suddenly doing the next 9 in 5 years!
The Abyssal Edge (post-30,900, pre-Heresy)
Takes place during the Great Crusade. Curze has been found and leads his legion.
Ulatal has served with the Night Lords for 2 decades.
It sounds like it takes Ulatal some months to get to the Nightfall, and then he waits 3 days to meet with Sevatar.
The story mentions the VIII Legion's victories over the last century.
The Conqueror's Truth (post-30,900, pre-Heresy)
Takes place sometime during the Great Crusade. Curze is with the Night Lords, though a comment about how the legion has worsened since his return -may- indicate this is not too long after.
Ennylin Ares left Terra 2 years ago.
The Verdict of the Scythe (30,930s?)
Takes place 1 year after the Death Guard compliance of Galaspar, which was their first after Mortarion took command. Mortarion thinks of Curze, so this is after his re-discovery. Daemonology indicates that Mortarion does not take command until approximately 130 years into the Great Crusade.
Mortarion: The Pale King (30,930s?)
Covers the conquest of Galspar, the Death Guard's first after Mortarion takes command. Daemonology indicates that Mortarion does not take command until approximately 130 years into the Great Crusade.
Scions of the Storm (early 30,963)
Takes place just as Lorgar emerges from his reclusion after censure, after a 4 week journey from Khur. Seen in The First Heretic, and likely early 963.
The Devine Adoratrice (30,966)
Takes place pre-Heresy. No other specific indications given (Vengeful Spirit tells us this is 43 years before the assault on Molech).
Call of the Lion (30,967)
No specific indications on timeframe, but must be after the Lion is found, but before Isstvan III is learnt about.
In Fallen Angels it is mentioned that Astellan was sent back to Caliban 15 years after Luther, which would make it around 30,967.
Roboute Guilliman: Lord of Ultramar (post-30,963, pre-Heresy)
Takes place some time after Monarchia, as this is referenced.
Corax and Angron are also mentioned, so they have been discovered by this point.
There is a note included written by Guilliman dated 31,120, indicating he is still active at that point after the Heresy.
Corax: Lord of Shadows (approx. 30,970s)
Takes place during the Raven Guard's assault on the Thousand Moons of the Carinae Sodality.
Corax has fought in the Great Crusade for a "few decades" by this point. Chapter 10 says it is 3 decades since Corax's revolution on Deliverance, and a tech-guild representative speech at the end of the book says it is 32 years since the Emperor came to Deliverance. Other works indicate Corax was discovered sometime around 940-950, likely placing this story around 970-980.
At the start of the book, Saviour's Day on Kiavahr is 2 weeks away. Chapter 16 is 1 week after the bombing of that, and Corax's eventual return to Kiavahr is 2 months after that.
Phelinia was born 6 years after the Emperor came to Kiavahr (making her 26 years old).
Agapito has visited 49 worlds so far.
Caius Valerius is 70 years old.
The search for Agarth takes "weeks".
The Passing of Angels (post-30,850, pre-Heresy)
Takes place sometime within the Great Crusade. We do see Horus having concerns about their role after the Crusade is over, so that may indicate this is late in the Crusade, but not necessarily.
Galen has fought alongside Sanguinius for a decade.
Prologue to Nikaea (pre-Heresy)
Takes place sometime during the Great Crusade. No other real indications given.
The Dark King (30,984)
Takes place at the point where Nostramo is destroyed, in 30,984.
The compliance of the Cheraut System lasts 8 months, and culminates in Curze attacking Dorn.
The Wolf of Ash and Fire (30,980s?)
Takes place before Ullanor, with the Emperor still at Horus' side. At the end the Emperor turns to Ullanor.
Misbegotten (late 30,990s)
Takes place shortly before the Ullanor campaign begins. Horus is being urged to head there, but is waiting for the return of Loken, Qruze and Sejanus. They have been as Issinium for 20 months by this point.
Saturnine indicates that this took place around 15 years before the Siege.
Lion El'Jonson: Lord of the First (August 30,997 - late 30,997)
A series of dates is given for events leading up to the Dark Angels' arrival at Muspel:
123 997 (mid-February) - Two Chartist ships lost in the warp en route to Muspel
125 997 (mid-February) - A Mechanicaum ark transiting the subsector forced to make an emergency translation, presumed lost
129 997 (mid-February) - 1st brigade of Muspellian Irregulars is lost in transit to a training exercise
131 997 (mid-February) - A fire on an orbital substation cuts most of the planet off from vox and auspex.
131 997 was six months ago, putting the Dark Angels' arrival around mid-August 997. Savine has also been wtih the Invincible Reason for 6 months by this point.
The 3rd Rangdan Xenocides are mentioned as over but recent.
Remembrancers joined this expedition fleet "in the decades after Perditus". Perditus was originally taken soon after Mortarion was reunited with his legion.
When Savine is remembering her past she thinks of "the early skirmishes of what would soon escalate into the Ullanor Crusade", indicating it has already begun.
Sar Castis died in 869. This is almost 80 years before Aravain's ascension to the legion, putting that event in the late 940s.
The Order of Santales was founded almost 160 years ago.
By Chapter 6 they have been at Muspel for weeks. The Ullanor Crusade is on-going: Guilliman hasbroken the Ork armadas of the Nalkari subsector, opening the way to assault Ullanor itself, and Valdor has slain Goff Dakka on the scrap world of Calgarix.
The Emperor's Architect (30,999)
Takes place during the Great Crusade. We see the revolt on Olympia beginning at the end, so likely occurs at the start of The Hammer of Olympia.
Olivier has been chasing primarchs for 4 decades.
Dammekos has recently died.
Perturabo was called to the Sak'¨Trada deeps (the Hrud) several months ago.
It seems the LeBons have done 5 primarch biographies by this point. They spoke to Fulgrim, Vulkan and Dorn. Russ and Lorgar refused to see them, but possibly they wrote the books about them anyway?
After his initial arrival, Perturabo spends some time (weeks or months?) around shepherds on Olympia. He later forgets this, and 6 months later is on the Phrygean cliffs, as seen at the start of Angel Exterminatus.
Andos (Perturabo's step-brother) died 90 years ago.
The campaign against the Black Judges took place "well over a century ago". This was the Iron Warriors' first major engagement after Perturabo took over, so likely in the early 850s.
Perturabo: The Hammer of Olympia (30,999/31,000)
Perturabo was brought to Lochos in 30,799. By 800 he is “in truth” seven years old.
Confirms Perturabo meets the Emperor there in 849.
Main story is set in 30,999, the Iron Warriors battling the hrud.
Perturabo sends Dantioch to Lesser Damantyne in 999.
News of Olympia’s rebellion reaches Perturabo in 999 and he arrives back there and decimates it in 000. This does contradict Forge World material, which places it in 004, but this earlier date does seem to make more sense. It fits with his and his legion’s absence from Ullanor Triumph, and makes Horus swaying Perturabo less last minute. 000 is also confirmed in the HH Journal.
Death of a Silversmith (31,000)
Takes place before Horus Rising, as Sejanus is still alive. Lodge medals are being made.
Sejanus requests the Mournival medals 1 day after the Triumph of Ullanor. The Silversmith works on them for "weeks", then there is some amount of time during which he hears nothing. Then Targost comes and demands the lodge medals. 1 day after that, he is murdered.
Legion (31,000)
Legion is stated to start 2 years before the Heresy. However, it's later said to be at the same time as the war in Ullanor, which is 5 or 6 years before the Heresy. Likely a case of chronology not being so clearly laid out early in the series. In addition to this, it’s later stated that as the Alpha Legion get to 42 Hydra (which is stated to be 4 months after Horus becomes Warmaster), the Luna Wolves are attacking 63-19, but according to Horus Rising this doesn’t happen until nearly 2 years after Ullanor.
The war on Nurth lasts 6 weeks, and 5 months after that Alpharius meets the Cabal.
The Geno Five-Two Chiliad came to Nurth 8 months before the start.
John Grammaticus was born towards the end of the 29th millennium.
Part II begins 5 months after Nurth. We are told this is 4 months after the Triumph at Ullanor & Horus being declared Warmaster, which we know is year 000.
42 Hydra Tertius started being prepared by the Cabal 5 years ago.
The HH Journal places the final event of this book in 000, indicating that the "same time as Ullanor" part is correct, not the "2 years before the Heresy" part.
Council of Truth (post-Ullanor, pre-Heresy)
Takes place as Alpharius answers questions related to Alpha Legion's part in the conquest of the Tesstran Conservation. FW books state that after this, Guilliman made a complaint to Warmaster Horus, indicating it takes place sometime after Ullanor.
Feat of Iron (sometime between 31,000 and 31,005)
Mentions Vulkan having already found one Eldar node, and Promethean Sun says there are three nodes. At the end Ferrus Manus then says he's going to aid Vulkan in the jungle.
Promethean Sun (sometime between 31,000 and 31,005)
Takes place during assault on Caldera, alongside Feat of Iron. No specific timeframes given, but Horus is Warmaster, so sometime between 000 and 005.
Sigismund: The Eternal Crusader (approx. late 31,001, with flashbacks)
In the opening section, Voss says the Emperor has withdrawn and the Fists are joining him, so soon after Ullanor, probably around same time period Horus Rising begins at.
Framed with Sigismund recounting his history to Voss, covering a range of scenes from his initial recruitment from Terra up to the current time.
When Sigismund is first take, marines are in grey with early Crusade imagery. Voss calls this "the early days of the Crusade".
In Chapter 5, the Phalanx is being upgraded at Jupiter, and Dorn is meeting with other Primarchs and commanders at the First Solar Conclave. Lion is the latest Primarch at this point, placing it around 847/848.
Archamus' service is longer than Sigismund's, and Archamus was one of Dorn's First.
Horus Rising (March 31,002 - August 31,003)
High City is the first major engagement for the Luna Wolves after the Triumph of Ullanor, and is "the best part of 2 years" after it (also when the Imperial Fists begin their return to Terra). The attack on the Whisperheads takes place 3 months after the initial assault on High City. The Luna Wolves then take a further 3 months to make it to Murder.
Rogal Dorn has been travelling with the 63rd Expedition for 8 months by the time of the Whisperheads.
Eidolon's force was en route to rejoin Fulgrim at Carollis Star and begin advance into the Lesser Bifold Cluster, when it diverted to Murder.
War on Murder takes 6 months, taking us to 1 year after the novel started. Sanguinius and the Blood Angels around near the start. Sometime during this, Boniface of the Alpha Legion also arrives, requesting forces for the Kayvas Belt Expedition.
Travel from Murder to the Interex Empire takes 9 weeks.
Debate within the Interex Empire then takes 3 weeks. Sanguinius and the Blood Angels depart around the end of this time.
After the disaster with the Interex, the expedition returns to Imperial space “some weeks later”
Davin was brought into compliance 6 decades earlier. Fits with The First Heretic, which places it at 30,946.
Sanguinius: The Great Angel (31,002 - 31,003)
Takes place after Horus is made Warmaster and after Nikaea. The Blood Angels muster at Baal "fresh from Nikaea".
At the end of Chapter 8, Sanguinius receives the "This. World. Is. Murder." message, then departs for that world, as seen in Horus Rising. This conflict takes place over six months in late 002 and early 003. Before heading to Murder, the Kayvas Belt is mentioned as "the next big thing" for the Blood Angels, and at the end they are preparing to head there.
Qruze says that his legion first saw Sanguinius (when he joined the Luna Wolves right after being discovered) 59 years before Murder, but this is likely an error, as this would place it around 944, and Sanguinius was discovered in 843. The book should probably say 159 years instead, either due to a typo or a mistaken calculation by the author.
The prologue and epilogue take place many years after the Heresy with the Imperial Faith getting properly established.
Virtues of the Sons (late 31,002/early 31,003?)
Not definitively stated, but sounds like Horus is Warmaster at this time, saying his attention is divided between roles as a primarch and commander, and that his brows are heavier, he is under a burden. He also has a hololith display showing thousands of wars being fought across the galaxy. May take place in the time he and Sanguinius are together during Horus Rising.
Serpent (pre-31,005)
No indication given. Sometime before the Heresy breaks out.
False Gods (January 31,004 - April 31,005)
Loken re-painted his armour “months” ago.
6 months before Horus' fall, Keeler was not so religious (if at all).
Horus is being "healed" for 9 days.
The 63rd Expedition then spends 16 weeks travelling to the Auretian Technocracy, also requesting that Angron and the World Eaters meet them there too.
The war against the Auretian Technocracy then lasts for 10 months.
On the 6th day of the 10th month of the war against the Technocracy, Fulgrim and the Emperor's Children arrive. They have come from the Perdus Anomaly. He mentions that at this point the Space Wolves have been unleashed on Magnus. Horus seems surprised, so possibly before he changes Leman Russ' orders, but this could be a lie. Fulgrim leaves with the anatheme and intention to convert Ferrus Manus.
At the end of False Gods, Horus says he has changed Leman Russ' orders, possibly after Fulgrim came to him. The Wolves were unleashed in 31,004 and the attack on Prospero was in 31,005, so this should be somewhere in late 31,004 or early 31,005.
The book ends just over 1 year and 2 months after the opening, which itself was at least a few months after Horus Rising.
The Kaban Project (late 31,004/early 31,005)
Takes place sometime before Horus' treachery, but after the rot has set in: some of Mars' tech-lords are already turning to Horus and preparing for war.
A Thousand Sons (February 30,999 - approximately April 31,005)
At the opening, the Thousand Sons have been at Aghoru for 6 months. They are supposed to be alongside Russ and Lorgar in the Ark Reach Cluster by now. It later says they have been there for 3 months. Possible they set out for it 6 months ago but only arrived 3 months ago.
Ahriman has had his tutelary for nearly a century.
The Thousand Sons have fought for less than a century of the Crusade. The time between them finding Magnus and the start of that period was when Magnus was trying to fix them. Magnus was discovered between 837-849, so this seems to suggest it took him around 50-60 years to “fix” the legion, then they rejoined the Crusade around 30,900. This appears to conflict with later info in Magnus the Red: Master of Prospero.
At the time of Chapter 1, Ullanor is about to start.
Kallimakus was one of the first remembrancers chosen by the Thousand Sons. He is about 130 years old.
After Aghoru, it's six weeks of travel to the Ark Reach Cluster.
Between parts I and II they spend 6 months fighting alongside the Space Wolves.
First contact with the Ark Reach Cluster was 2 years ago by the 47th Expedition.
This is the first time Russ and Magnus have met in 30 years.
After the victory on Shrike the Thousand Sons spend 4 months copying the great library there, then depart for the Ullanor Triumph.
It says Ullanor was expected to take years, implying it did not.
The preparation for the Triumph at Ullanor takes months and is done as the Thousand Sons arrive, so that must be months after the victory, though the summons might also have taken time to reach them.
The Thousand Sons get to Ullanor 2 months after departing the Ark Reach Cluster. They are among the last to arrive.
The Thousand Sons travel from Ullanor to Hexium Minora to resupply, taking 2 months to get there, and staying for 6 more months.
Magnus says Horus fought alongside the Emperor for nearly 30 years, presumably meaning "before other primarchs were found".
A year after arriving on Prospero for the first time, Magnus went out into the desolation for 40 days.
It takes an entire year to get to Nikaea. This puts it 20 months after the Triumph at Ullanor, meaning the Triumph had to have been near the start of 000 and Nikaea is near the end of 001.
The Achaemenid Empire allied with the Emperor over a century before Ahriman was born.
Psychic powers began to appear among the Thousand Sons 5 years into the Crusade (30,803).
The book mentions Mortarion, Dorn and Corax before Magnus being found, though with Corax and Mortarion this doesn't fit.
At the start of Part III they have been on Prospero for 5 months. Magnus says they will meet in 3 days to attempt to save Horus, and that the Luna Wolves are about to attack the moon of Davin, suggesting this is early 004. This means they arrived back on Prospero around mid-late 003. It is confirmed to be "over 2 years" since Ark Reach (in truth it must have been much longer than this). The Emperor's Children on Laeran is mentioned, meaning it has happened or is happening.
The timeline on Prospero itself is too rapid. At the start of Part III, Magnus says they will meet in 3 days to try to save Horus, and that itself takes 9 days. Two weeks later, he tries to warn the Emperor. 1 week later, the remembrancers flee on the Cypria Selene, which takes 3 days to reach it's warp point, and then the Space Wolves arrive. This allows for just 36 days between the start of 31,004 (Davin) and part way through 31,005. As it is, we know the first ritual takes place around the beginning of 31,004, the second around 8 months later in late 31,004, and then the Space Wolf arrival 6 months after that in early 31,005.
Wolf at the Door (approximately November 31,004 - February 31,005)
Wolf at the Door starts 5 months before the Space Wolves gather for Prospero. It lasts 3 months.
Prospero Burns (30,930/May 30,997 - approximately April 31,005)
Hawser is in a coma for 19 Fenrisian years, which are 3 or 4 times as long in Imperial years. This averages to about 67 years. Later we see the attack on the Quietude which takes place 10 months after the Triumph at Ullanor, so early 001. Left Fenris 2.5 months before, making it around the end of 000. He spent 3.5 years on Fenris before that, making it mid-997 when he awoke from his change. If he was asleep for 67 years before that, it would be since 930, by which point he was 75. This would mean he was born around 855. His mission to Neo Aleksandrya would then take place in 880, but he says the crusade has been going for 150 years by that point. Perhaps including unification in that?
Kasper's history:
860: At 4 or 5 he's being raised in the non-Imperial settlement of Ur.
880: At 25 he goes on the mission to Neo Aleksandrya, just after graduating, and decades before he decides to go to Fenris. He also founds the conservatory around this time. Tizca has been discovered by this point, as it is mentioned, and Thousand Sons are known. The Great Crusade has been going for 150 years, but if this is true there’s no way he could have been asleep on Fenris for so long.
880-884: Somewhere between 25 and 29 he is on the conservator team in the 2nd flashback, pushing for the full Conservatory project.
885: At 30 he and Murza are in Lutetia (confirmed to be a decade before Murza is killed), with the attack at the cathedral and Hawser seeing Murza use enuncia.
895: At 40 he's seen on a mission with Murza and the army, Murza is killed by the bomber.
900: The Conservatory is officially founded when he is 45.
930: At 75 he receives his award, and has been working on the conservatory for 50 years. At this point (award) it has been 6 months since Slussen was put in charge and the conservatory began moving into the administratum. At this point, Caliban has been discovered, as he considers going there.
Hawser spent the best part of 1 Fenrisian great year (3 or 4 Imperial years apparently) on Fenris after awakening.
Tra (and Hawser) reach the 40th Expedition 9 weeks after leaving Fenris. This brings us to the Quietude.
Pawel Korine has fought in the Crusade for 37 years by the time of the Quietude, so since around 30,964.
2 years earlier (30,999), Dekk company destroyed a craftworld called Thuyelsa.
Pacification of the Quietude home world by the Space Wolves takes 3 weeks.
By the time of the Space Wolf assault on the Quietude city, word of the Triumph at Ullanor has just reached Tra, but the event itself happened 10 months ago.
Nidhoggur was built 50 years before the Crusade began (29,948).
Olafer and Longfang fought Orks on Prokofief 40 great years (approximately 150 standard years) ago.
Tra undergoes 40 weeks of transit after the Quietude, to Nikaea. Confirms that Nikaea is 20 months after the Triumph.
Typhon confirms that at the time of Nikaea, Hawser resigned about 70 years ago, so around 930.
26 weeks from Nikaea to Thardia. Then they go to Prospero. However, they must spend some time at Thardia, because the Wolves are only unleashed near the end of year 004, and 26 weeks (6 months) after Nikaea could only take us to mid-002 at the latest.
When Hawser sees a vision of Horus on Prospero, it says "about a year from now this blade will have done it's work upon me". Not clear what this means, as Horus is already corrupted by this point, and Isstvan III isn't a year away.
The Thirteenth Wolf (approximately April 31,005)
Takes place during the Space Wolves attack on Prospero.
Howl of the Hearthworld (approximately March 31,005)
Takes place as the Space Wolves are heading to Prospero.
It will take Howl of the Hearthworld 3 months to get to Terra.
Galaxy in Flames (31,005)
Opens with warp storms growing. Contact lost with the Blood Angels, and no word from the Space Wolves on Prospero. Dorn is returning to Terra, and apparently so is Vulkan (?!). The Ultramarines are mustering at Calth. Lorgar is also moving into position. Overall, Horus is moving the pieces ready for his rebellion.
It is 1 year since the fire in the archive that put Keeler into a coma, which took place as Horus arose on Davin. This would actually place it technically before the end of the war in the Technocracy, so we must assume it's using "a year" loosely.
The Emperor's Children have just cleansed the Deep Orbital station DS191 of Orks, and are about to assault Callenedes IV along with the Iron Hands. Lucius has begun to acquire scars under the influence of Serena D'Angelus, as seen in Fulgrim. The legion is now splitting up, some going with Fulgrim to join the Iron Hands, others heading for Isstvan III.
Isstvan III was brought into compliance 13 years ago (992).
Horus has received the armour shown made for him in the Kaban Project.
By the time of the last stand the Isstvan III survivors have been holding out for an unknown time. Possibly 2 or 3 months, though also possibly only days.
Erebus indicates that Signus takes place at the same time as Isstvan III.
Fulgrim arrives at Isstvan III near the end of the resistance there.
The HH Journal states that the Isstvan III attack begins in late 31,005.
Lord of the Red Sands (late 31,005)
Takes place during Angron's assault on Isstvan III.
The Last Loyalist (late 31,005)
Takes place during the ground war on Isstvan III, 26 days after the initial attack and betrayal.
The Flight of the Eisenstein (late 31,005 - 31,006)
Starts with the Death Guard's last engagement before heading for Isstvan III.
The Eisenstein is stuck after breaking from the warp for "days" or "weeks". Last confirmed that it is "weeks" between their flight and recovery. However, when they return to Terra it is revealed to have been "more than twice as long".
Mentions that Rogal Dorn was present at Nikaea.
The HH Journal states that the Eisenstein makes it back to Terra in 31,006.
Rebirth (late 31,005)
The 4th Fellowship leaves Prospero, and then loses contact with them a few weeks later. They return 6 months after leaving to find it ruined.
By this point Kharn is no longer on Isstvan III.
The Voice (late 31,005)
Takes place after Horus' treachery is revealed, the Sisters saw what happened after the Eisenstein was recovered. But before Isstvan V, as another Sister says the rebellion will be stopped before it can spread, and they are also still reeling from the news.
Fallen Angels (late 31,005 - early 31,006)
Luther and the others arrive back on Caliban in the 147th year of the Great Crusade, which would be around 30,945. Howeve, we know the Lion finding out about Isstvan III can’t be in the “200th year of the Great Crusade”, so perhaps best to ignore these specific dates, and focus on the time between the prologue and now, i.e. 53 years. If this is late 31,005, that would put Luther’s return to Caliban in 30,952.
Apparently Luther and the others are sent back to Caliban "little more than a week" after being deployed on their first mission, though this seems…odd.
The HH Journal later confirms Luther was sent back in 905. Given the odd timeline points involved in this and Descent of Angels, possibly best to just go with that.
The Lion learns of Isstvan III 2.5 months after it takes place (could be 2.5 months after Isstvan itself, but that seems unlikely, as that would make it almost the same time as news first reaches Terra, and already there are widespread uprisings, so suggests it's 2.5 months after the news gets out). It takes them 2 months to travel to Diamat. Lion says that at this point it will take loyalists 4-6 months to reach Isstvan, and would take the Dark Angels 8 months. Unclear how accurate this really is.
Zahariel's message to Lion says it previously took 8 years to turn someone into a space marine, which they now have down to 2.
10 years before Gordia was the Siege of Barrakan, when Nemiel was nominated as chaplain. They were trapped at Firebase Endriago for 18 months at the time.
Remiel departed the legion aged 112.
After the initial victory at Diamat, Lion estimates Horus' forces will be back in 2.5-3 weeks. Chapter 13 cuts to 2.5 weeks later. In the middle of Chapter 14 we move to 1 week after the initial worm encounter on Caliban. All suggests the whole story takes place within 1 month or less.
The epilogue is 8 months later on Caliban, though the Iron Warriors arrive at Diamat 5 days after the battle there. It’s possible the two parts of the story don’t take place at the same time at all, or just diverge here in the epilogue.
Mechanicum (early 31,006)
Ships have recently been sent for Horus' Isstvan campaign.
Jupiter will soon create the Furious Abyss, suggesting Mechanicum opens before Battle For the Abyss, probably some time before it.
Dalia worked in the Scriptoria for 2 years. She is 17 years old, was indentured to the scriptorium at age 6, apprenticed to Ludd at 12 and assigned to the Hall of Transcription at 15.
Dalia transcribed poetry about Laeran nearly a year before Mechanicum. Though this doesn't mean Laer happened then, as it may not have been the original transcription, and even if it was it could easily just have been delayed in making it to her.
By 1.03 Dalia has been on Mars for nearly 7 days.
A society with 2 STCs has not been encountered for 119 years.
The group works on the Reader for some time after passing their test.
By the time Mortis marches on Tempestus, scrapcode has been around for days.
Dalia is knocked out for 7 days between 2.01 and 2.02. The Death of Innocence happens during this time. They then spend 6 days working on a new Akashic Reader.
By 2.03 it has been a few weeks since the Death of Innocence event.
Shortly after the Death of Innocence, Maximal receives fragmentary communications from the expedition fleets, telling of Isstvan III. Indicates word is starting to get out.
By the time the group reaches Crater's Edge (mid-2.06) they have been travelling for 1.5 days.
In 3.01 we see Sigismund sent to Mars, which we know happens 4.5 months before the Battle of Phall. At this point, Isstvan V has not happened.
Into Exile (early 31,006)
Takes place at the same time as the evacuation from Mars, seen at the end of Mechanicum.
The Nine (early 31,006)
Takes place as open conflict breaks out upon Mars, late in Mechanicum. Magma City is seen falling during it.
Blood Games (early-mid-31,006)
Blood Games starts 10 months after Amon begin his Blood Game. 5 months ago some guard declared for Horus.
Artefacts (early-mid-31,006)
Takes place while Vulkan is preparing to depart for Isstvan V.
Vulkan's story shows the destruction of Nostramo (984), and later shows Vulkan speaking to Horus after Horus has been made Warmaster, renamed his legion and undergone a change of character, so sometime around years 004 or 005. Vulkan has not spoken to Horus between these two events.
Hunter's Moon (early-mid-31,006)
Takes place after the Space Wolf watch-packs are sent out at the time of Magnus' censure. Before Isstvan V. Seems likely to be close to the time of Isstvan V, as the Space Wolf talks about the galaxy being split, and the Alpha Legion are bold in revealing their treachery.
Brotherhood of the Storm (31,006)
Brotherhood of the Storm is "years" after Ullanor, during Chondax engagement. Some word of Horus comes at the end, but it is not clear precisely what. Scars later indicates it is only a general foreboding, not a clear message.
The First Heretic (early 30,963 - July 31,006)
Part I, the Word Bearers' censure, is 43 years before Isstvan V (so, 30,963).
Cyrene is 3 weeks from turning 18 when the Ultramarines come to Monarchia.
Khur was brought into compliance 61 years earlier, so 30,902.
The people of Monarchia have 7 days to evacuate before the Ultramarines level the city. The Word Bearers arrive 2 months later.
Argel Tal first saw Lorgar before he turned 11.
At the time of Monarchia, Argel Tal has been away from Lorgar for 3 years (30,960).
Apothecary Turyon was slain 40 years before the censure, so 30,923.
The civil war on Colchis lasted for 6 years. However, Colchisian years are 5 times as long as standard ones, so it’s possible Lorgar means this, which would be 30 years. One or the other.
Chapter 5 cuts to "less than a week" since they left Khur.
The Word Bearers brought Uvander into compliance 9 years ago (30,955), Davin 17 years ago (30,946) and Corossa 29 years ago (30,934).
In Chapter 6 it says they have been "in orbit" for 2 weeks, but not clear where.
They arrive at 47-16 4 weeks after leaving Khur, and begin bombardment within a day, so unclear where they were "in orbit" for 2 weeks, but nevertheless this is 1 month after Khur and their censure. This is the world seen in Scions of the Storm.
Argel Tal tells Cyrene about 47-16 2 days after the attack.
Xi-Nu 73 was fully human for 2 decades almost a century ago, before he began to mechanise himself. He has fought with the WB for 12 years as of 47-16.
Argel Tal left Colchis nearly 7 decades before Monarchia.
The Word Bearers spend 4 months travelling from 47-16 to Colchis.
Argel Tal hasn't been back to Colchis in 3 decades.
Magnus and Lorgar talk of the lost primarchs, so they must have been dealt with by 963.
Part II moves to 3 years after they left Colchis (so 3.5 after Monarchia). Argel Tal emerges from the Eye of Terror.
Chapter 13 timeline is muddled in its telling. Argel Tal talks of 1301-12 (Cadia), of 7 worlds conquered by them during the pilgrimage, but also mentions an eighth. Then we have a scene of them at 1301-9, which is apparently 3 years after their censure at Monarchia. Then a scene at Cadia, which is supposed to be at the end of the 3 year pilgrimage. This could be 6 months after 1301-9, though this isn't clear.
When they are at Cadia it has been 3 weeks since they lost contact with the Unending Resolve, and 4 months since last contact with Kor Phaeron.
The Word Bearers are on Cadia for weeks before the ritual for Ingethel's ascension. Lorgar then spends three nights on the world before the Orfeo's Lament sets out into the Eye of Terror.
Janus has known Arvas for over a decade. 4 years ago (962) she had a sexual encounter with him.
Ingethel says the Chaos Gods kept Lorgar in the warp for decades. This could mean nothing, since time is so fluid in the warp, but could also mean he didn't actually land on Colchis until long after the scattering of the primarchs.
At the opening of Part III, Ishaq Kadeen is 35. He is assigned to the 1301st Expedition 3 days after his meeting with the remembrancer hierarch. It then takes 19 months to reach them.
3 weeks after Ishaq arrives he's at the hangar for Xaphen's arrival. 11 days before that he meets General Arric in the corridors of the ship.
Arric has, by this point, been with the 1301st fleet for 60 years, suggesting he joined it about 17 years before Monarchia (around 30,946).
At the start of Chapter 21 Xaphen says remembrancers have been with Horus for 2 years. Suggests this is late 004, but the term may also be a loose one, so could be later. He later says the forces of Isstvan III are gathering, suggesting this is now early-mid 005.
Chapter 21 sees Xaphen returning to the 1301st Expedition fleet. The Serrated Sun Chapter haven't seen a chaplain for almost a year by this point. Sar Fareth was killed by a primitive human 10 months ago, shortly after Xaphen left, so he probably left about 11-12 months ago. He has been with the Iron Warriors, part of turning them to Horus' traitor cause. During Xaphen's time with them (so the last year) Olympia was besieged.
They then attack 1302-20 (Calis).
Zamikov has been fighting in the 1301st Expedition for 12 years at the time of Calis.
House-Captain Revus (Calis) is 52 when he is killed.
Cartik is "pushing 70" when he reports Horus' treachery to the Word Bearers and Custodes.
Argel Tal's sister Lakisha was born a year before him.
Says the Word Bearers take 39 days to reach the Isstvan System. Even allowing for some waiting time for others to arrive, this means Calis can't be much earlier than mid-006. However, Olympia is in 000/004, and yet Xaphen (who was there and has just returned to the WB) apparently left not much more than 10 months ago. Moving Olympia later doesn't really make sense because then Horus would be leaving it ridiculously late to secure their commitment to his cause. So instead we must dismiss/extend the time Xaphen is away.
Fulgrim (mid-31,002 - July 31,006)
Begins with Laer, one of the Emperor's Children's first encounters since Ullanor.
Fulgrim's flagship was constructed 160 years ago, suggested that as roughly the time he was found.
Prior to the final engagement of the Laer, Eidolon, Tarvitz and Lucius are sent off to the Satyr Lanxus Belt, then to rejoin Fulgrim for the Lesser Bifold Cluster assault afterwards. It's on their return from the Satyr Lanxus Belt that they come to Murder, which is in late 31,002. This suggests Laeran takes place in early/mid-002. Captain Anteus, who we see at Murder, is also seen when Fulgrim reunites with Ferrus Manus, indicating that Eidolon only sets out on the mission that will take him to Murder after this event.
At the point of the Laeran victory, remembrancers mention Horus being at 63-19 and there still be resistance there. This took place around March-June 002.
Cuts to 2 months after Balhaan was ambushed by the Diasporex. The Imperial Fists have been recalled to Terra, the Space Wolves press on, the Emperor's Children are on their way to join the Iron Hands, expected in 1 week.
Part III opens with Eidolon having recently returned from Murder. Now the Emperor's Children make for the Perdus Anomoly. It has been a 6 week journey from the Carollis System.
They encounter the Eldar 30 days after entering the Perdus Anomoly. The meeting takes place around the time when Horus is injured.
Part IV begins with it having been "weeks" since their departure from the Perdus region (and it will have been longer still since the meeting, as they spent time after this bombing the Eldar worlds). At this point, Magnus has made his attempt to contact Terra and the Wolves have been dispatched to deal with him, so late 004/start of 005.
Fulgrim then spends 8 weeks travelling to the Auretian Technocracy.
The Emperor's Children spend 4 weeks travelling from the Auretian Technocracy to the Callinedes System. After this, they split between the Iron Hands and Isstvan III. Indicates 1 month between the end of False Gods and Galaxy in Flames’ opening.
One week after Fulgrim's failure to sway Ferrus Manus, the Emperor's Children fleet feels the impact of the treachery at Isstvan III. Fulgrim is then told it will take at least 2 months to make it to Isstvan III. Since he arrives near the end of the battle for Isstvan III, this suggests that is how long the survivors hold out for. Solomon Demeter also confirms it lasts over a month, as he describes "the first month" of resistance.
The Iron Hands are stuck for "weeks" before receiving word from Terra (which should be anytime from September onwards).
The sculpture of the Emperor has taken Ostian the best part of 2 years to complete. However, this point is at the very least over 2 years after the start of the war on Murder, which began after he started work. In fact it has been closer to 3 years.
Part V opens with them having been orbiting Isstvan V for 1 week. Though Serena later notes it has been "months" since they entered the Isstvan System, but this is possibly set later.
It is stated that the World Eaters, Sons of Horus and Death Guard only arrived on Isstvan V 8 days before the loyalist assault, though this seems to leave a long time between Isstvan III and V.
The Phoenician (July 31,006)
Takes place during the duel between Fulgrim and Ferrus Manus, at Isstvan V.
Massacre (July 31,006)
Takes place around the Dropsite Massacre.
Veritas Ferrum (July 31,006)
Shows the second wave of Iron Hands arriving at Isstvan V, and seems like it is shortly after the Dropsite Massacre, probably only hours or days.
Immortal Duty (July 31,006)
Begins sometime after Isstvan V, then shifts to a flashback of events while the Iron Hands were being slain at the dropsite.
Aurelian (30,966 & July 31,006)
Aurelian begins (prologue aside) 4 days after Isstvan V. The part covering the pilgrimage takes place 43 years before Isstvan V, when Lorgar is in the Eye of Terror, after Argel Tal returned with a daemon.
The Underworld War (July 31,006)
The Underworld War takes place in the aftermath of Isstvan V, and after Aurelian (as Lorgar already knows he will go with Angron).
Calth occurs 1 year after Isstvan V.
In the epilogue extra part we see a message sent to Sotha from an Ultramarines ship in place for the proposed Ork campaign in Ghaslakh, which was the reason for the Calth muster. It is dated 854 year 007. This puts it in November.
Strike and Fade (July 31,006)
The Salamanders have not used the vox network for days, meaning this is likely soon after the Dropsite Massacre.
The Outcast Dead (mid-31,006? – approximately August 31,006?)
The prologue shows Kai Zulane's assessment, then Nagasena's force going to arrest the Crusader Host, of which there are 30.
We also see word from Ferrus Manus reaching Terra, as he is en route to Isstvan V.
Kai has been an astropath for a decade (so since around 30,996).
Sarashina says Curze has been reunited with his legion, but that no one knows where he's been since Cheraut. So the destruction of Nostramo and Curze being with Vulkan are secrets.
By the time of Isstvan V, Vesca Ordin has worked at the Conduit for 30 years.
By Chapter 6, Kai and Athena have only known one another for a "short time".
The infamous chronology issue: Magnus' warning appears to happen now, after Isstvan V. This makes no sense and conflicts with too much. Further emphasised when, in Part II, we are told that only a day or two later the Custodians are already on their way to Prospero.
In Part II we cut to the prison. Kai has "a day's worth of stubble", suggesting this is only a day or so after Part I.
Amon's blood game is mentioned as having ended, suggesting this takes place after "Blood Games".
Chapter 11 cuts to an unknown amount of time later, Kai losing track of time as they try to extract the implanted information from his mind. However, Atharva still notes it as just "months" since the Crusader Host was arrested, though logically it was the best part of a year ago. May imply it’s not long after Isstvan V at least.
At this point, Natraj is nearly 40.
Tejas Dozyna has served with the Uralian Stormlords for 6 years (31,000).
Atharva says only “5 out of 12” will be useful, meaning the other 5 members of the Crusader Host he takes with him. This suggests there are 13 of them there, implying others are elsewhere or have already been freed.
The Argo first set out from Calth 156 years ago (850). Kai served on it for 11 years.
Atharva says he hasn't seen Magnus in 70 years. He also says Tagore knelt before Angron over a century ago, though this seems to contradict Betrayer?
In Chapter 20, probably just days or weeks after word of Isstvan V has reached Terra, they are apparently receiving word of Calth, though this doesn’t happen for another year or so. Another timeline mistake?
Wolf Hunt (approximately August 31,006)
Takes place only a few days after the end of The Outcast Dead.
Severian has been on Terra for 177 years.
Magnus' warning was sent to Terra 2 years before.
The Lightning Tower (approximately August 31,006)
Takes place after news of Isstvan V has reached Terra, as Dorn knows of the later traitor primarchs.
Templar (approximately August 31,006)
Templar has various flashbacks set before the Heresy. The main story has the Imperial Fists cleansing the shrine comet the Word Bearers dealt with during the Purge, so is probably soon after word of Isstvan V reaches Terra. It is the first time Sigismund has killed another marine.
The first flashback, to his duel with Jubal Khan, is set in 30,990.
The second flashback, to his conversation with Alajos aboard the Phalanx, is set in 30,977.
The third flashback, to his duel with Kharn, is set in 30,995.
It has been "months" since Sigismund encountered Keeler at the end of Flight of the Eisenstein, but it is before he confesses to Dorn in The Crimson Fist.
Praetorian of Dorn also indicates this is in 31,006.
The Crimson Fist (mid-31,006 - late 31,006)
The chronological references here are helpful, but ultimately conflict with other given dates. FW publications put the Martian Civil War as starting in 005, Isstvan V in mid-006, and Phall in 007, yet according to The Crimson Fist's references, these events all happen with less than 5 months of one another. In the end the simplest thing is to discard the exact date references here. Given other numerous FW date issues, and the dates shown in the HH Journal, I would lean towards using the ones given here.
Opens 141 days (4.75 months) before the Battle of Phall. At this point the forces for Isstvan V are gathering. Also, Mars has just rebelled, and Sigismund is being sent there.
Word of Isstvan V reaches Terra 28 days before the Battle of Phall (this is at the time of The Outcast Dead). At the same time, the Iron Warriors are preparing to leave Isstvan for Phall.
Sigismund confesses to Dorn on the eve of the Battle of Phall. This means the events of Templar occur sometime within the 28 days before this.
Embers of Extinction (late 31,006/early 31,007)
Takes place soon after Phall, Perturabo reviewing their losses.
At the end, they set off for Hydra Cordatus, the start of Angel Exterminatus.
The Noose (July/August 31,006)
Takes place between Veritas Ferrum and Damnation of Pythos.
Sermon of Exodus (31,006?)
No specific timeframe given, but ends with Tsi Rekh departing for Pythos, acts as a prologue to The Damnation of Pythos.
The Damnation of Pythos (August 31,006)
The Emperor's Children arrive 1 day after the Iron Hands get into place to ambush them.
The Calidora's logs show it has been a few weeks since Isstvan by the time the Iron Hands attack it near Pythos.
Kanshell is working on a yurt on Pythos and hears screams of those venturing out to hunt the saurians. This is on the 3rd day after the discovery of the ruins.
Meduson (late 31,006)
Starts not too long after Isstvan V, then takes 8 weeks for the council to assemble.
Meduson and Gorgonson have known each other for 24 decades.
Scorched Earth (late 31,006)
No specific indication given, but takes place sometime after the Isstvan V Dropsite Massacre.
We see a follow-on from this in Unforged/Unspoken, which we know take place "months" after the Dropsite Massacre, so this is likely a couple or a few months after the Massacre.
Unforged (late 31,006)
Begins "weeks" after the Dropsite Massacre. Unspoken shows us it has actually been months, but technically this does not contradict it.
Unspoken (late 31,006)
Takes place after Unforged and Scorched Earth. Also shows that Unforged takes place after Scorched Earth.
The Voluntas came back to Isstvan V "months later" after the Dropsite Massacre.
The Voluntas joins other survivors 6 weeks after leaving Isstvan. More arrive over the following week. By this point, Meduson seems to be into his quest to gather men to him.
Signs of the Alpha Legion schism can be seen.
The Reflection Crack'd (late 31,006/early 31,007?)
Takes place after Isstvan V, after the Emperor's Children have been sent out, but before Fulgrim tells them what for. Also, Lucius mentions it feeling like weeks since he started having his dreams.
The Emperor’s Children spend 6 days on Prismatica V.
Forge World books say that after the Dropsite Massacre, Fulgrim withdrew from his legion for “long months”.
Deeds Endure (January 31,007)
Takes place sometime after Isstvan V. Ari'i says he and Kratoz met 6 months ago, and later there is talk of their ships meeting at Isstvan, so it is likely 6 months from then.
Kryptos (January 31,007)
Iron Hands survivors from Isstvan V merged with the following Iron Hands forces soon after the Dropsite Massacre, and a day later were ready for combat. This is 6 months after that, so just over 6 months after Isstvan V.
The Serpent Beneath (approximately January 31,007)
Shows many time-points, with hours relative to the attack on Tenebrae 9-50.
Omegon is briefing for the mission at -806.44 hours (33.6 days before the attack).
The main squad is recalled from Phemus IV at -734.29 hours (30.5 days before the attack). The aftermath of the White Scars ambush here is seen in Scars. The squad has been on Phemus for a month.
Xalmagundi is recruited at -633.19 hours (26.4 days before the attack).
Auguramus is recruited at -417.85 hours (17.4 days before the attack).
All are seen in a pre-attack briefing at -216.82 hours (9 days before the attack). This briefing lasts for several hours.
The legion squad is seen infiltrating at +2.68 hours. The attack lasts for several hours.
The epilogue on the Beta is seen at +138.11 hours (5.8 days after the attack began).
At the end, Alpharius mentions that the Chondax system is calming and Jaghatai Khan will soon be moving on, and that messages may soon reach him. We see this in Scars.
Scars (February 31,007)
At the start of the prologue, when Tamu (Shiban) is first found by Yesugei, he is 12 years old (8 Terran years).
At the time of Torghun's initial assignment to the Vth Legion he thinks of the War Hounds, indicating that Angron hasn't yet taken command of them.
When Shiban is inducted in the prologue, he mentions that Hasik and Yesugei were among the very first White Scars from Chogoris, with over 60 years service.
It takes Haren 14 years after his initial assignment to the Vth Legion to become a White Scar.
In Chapter 1 Shiban has been on Phemus IV less than a month. Sounds as if other worlds may have been cleansed between Chondax and now.
Shiban finds the Scars killed in the Serpent Beneath. They were posted there 6 months ago, so no more than 6 months after that story.
In Chapter 1 Torghun barely feels the wounds he took on Chondax. So he has almost fully healed from Brotherhood of the Storm. Given Astartes healing, maybe this indicates it was not that long ago after all, if he's only just recovered?
Valdor departed the Space Wolves after Prospero, before word of Isstvan V reaches them.
On Terra, the discussion between Malcador, Dorn and Valdor makes it sound as if word of Isstvan V is still fresh, as is Valdor's return from Prospero. Corax has not returned yet.
Yesugei's exchange with Jaghatai, before the coming of the Emperor, was 140 years ago.
By the end of chapter 4, some Scars have been waiting around Chondax for "weeks", so it's presumably been at least that long since Brotherhood of the Storm.
The message Jaghatai received at the end of Brotherhood of the Storm was from a single astropath, and said "Horus stands on a precipice", perhaps indicating Isstvan III or V? Could also be a delayed vision.
Some of the messages the Scars receive about the Heresy have chrono-marks from months ago.
When they decide to retreat into the nebula, Russ says the chrono-mark is 108.007, putting it at February 007.
Ilya saw figures on legion cohesiveness 2 years ago (showing only Blood Angels and Space Wolves as more cohesive in their operations than the White Scars). Perhaps suggests that was just before the warp storms cut them off?
In Chapter 13 Torghun says he hasn’t set eyes on Terra for 100 years.
Maji has been fighting for a century by the time of Prospero.
Brotherhood of the Moon (approximately March 31,007)
Takes place sometime after Scars, probably soon after.
Torghun describes some of the time leading to his Brotherhood's corruption. Starts cleansing worlds of Urj, which they originally conquered 20 years ago. This takes 3 months. Then on to the Tarsch Belt, where the Luna Wolves have been fighting for 7 months. All takes place before Ullanor.
Allegiance (approximately March 31,007)
No specific timeframe given, but takes place in the aftermath of Scars. Arvida says it has been months since he last had a glimpse of future foresight, though it isn't clear if that means it's months since he joined the White Scars or months since he was left on Prospero. We also see the Khan carrying out some sentencing after the schism in Scars, so probably not too long after it ended.
Grey Talon (approximately March 31,007)
Grey Talon takes place after Scars, probably not too long after. Also after Meduson, possibly some time after, as Meduson says they are used to their process by now.
The Grey Talon's hull was laid down in the 130th year of the Great Crusade (30,928).
The Grey Talon became the Hesiod, seen in Scars. Changed back after the second Battle of Prospero.
Daemonology (early 31,007)
Takes place in 007, sometime after Mortarion's duel with Jaghatai Khan at the end of Scars. He's still healing from it. Given Primarch healing capabilities, may indicate it's soon after.
Also features a flashback to 70 years earlier (around 937), when Mortarion is being tutored on Terra. By this point, both Angron and Curze have been discovered.
The Fields of Abundance (post-Isstvan V, likely pre-31,009)
Takes place sometime after the Heresy has kicked off, with Typhon attacked Imperial worlds under Mortarion's orders. The fact that he's factoring in Mortarion's orders still, and is only just beginning to spread his devotion to Nurgle within his Company, suggests this might be early on, before Mortarion lost contact with him properly.
Raven's Flight (August 31,006 - November 31,006)
Raven's Flight begins 7 days after Isstvan V massacre.
Raven Guard rescue group depart 1 month after visions of the Massacre.
Ends with them arriving at Isstvan V, as per the beginning of Deliverance Lost.
The Face of Treachery (November 31,006)
Takes place as Corax escapes from Isstvan V, 98 days after the Massacre.
Deliverance Lost (November 31,006 - early 31,008)
The Dropsite Massacre is "almost 15 years" after Isstvan was brought to compliance by the Raven Guard.
HH Journal confirms Corax's rescue at 835.006.
Branne dispatches Therion ships to distract the traitors in the Isstvan system several days before recovering Corax.
Corax rescued 98 days after the Massacre. Horus Heresy Journal confirms this as 835 in 006.
It takes Corax several days to get from Isstvan V to IV. They then search for 7 hours for any surviving Therion distracters. Then they expect 7 days to reach the translation point and depart the Isstvan system.
By the time Alpharius is questioned by Horus it has thus been over 100 days since Isstvan V. Alpharius and the Alpha Legion still seem to be at Isstvan, as does Horus. It also mentions Lorgar having not departed for Calth yet, and this seems to be before Erebus has his face cut off at the end of Fear to Tread. At this time is has been 12 years since Alpharius fought Orks on Actur 3-18 (30,994).
Omegon is already on Kiavahr at the time of the Raven Guard escape from Isstvan.
At the start of chapter 3, the Raven Guard have been travelling 3 days towards the exit point, and are 2 more days away.
In chapter 4 they've been travelling for 70 days. They reach the Sol System 133 days after departing Isstvan. This makes it around 238 days after the Dropsite Massacre (98 days stranded, 5-7 days to escape, 133 days travel) = 8 months, so late March 007.
The inspection from the Imperial Fists then takes a couple of days (so Noriz estimates, with no later indication to the contrary), and then the journey to Terra itself will take 11 days. This puts it into early April 007.
By April 007 there is war on Mars.
The Raven Guard spend 3 days trying to get a suitable docking point at Terra.
When Corax speaks to the Emperor it has been "more than 300 days" since he was injured at the Dropsite Massacre. This doesn't really fit, unless he's been waiting on Terra for nearly 50 days waiting (there's no indication he has). By this point, Omegon has been on Kiavahr for "less than 100 days" (this also contradicts the 300 days).
It takes Corax several days to reach the Labyrinth after leaving Rogal Dorn.
Corax's third flashback, to raiding arms lockers, is 3 years after he first lands there.
It's a decade between young Corax first being found on Deliverance and the Emperor coming there.
The Emperor tells Corax that most of the other Primarchs have been found. However, the two unknown Primarchs appear to have already been expunged: the Emperor does not include them in his initial tally, and sorrowfully says he will explain them later.
Vincente Sixx has served in the apothecarion for 15 years by this point. So started in 30,992.
Marcus' father is in his late 50s when Marcus returns after Isstvan.
Chapter 11 moves to 20 days after something, but not clear what. Not after return to Deliverance, since the very next scene is 8 days after that return. Perhaps 20 days after they started examining the genetic material?
Chapter 12 moves to 4 days after Corax authorises the first implantation into the new recruits.
In Chapter 13 the next hundred recruits are selected for the next stage of implants. Navar Hef is told the next selection will be in 1 week. Corax is then shown planning attacks. By this point he has at least 500 Raptors. Attacking Cruciax will take at least 35 days, and he wants to attack the Perfect Fortress in 50 days.
Chapter 13 then cuts to Alpharius' squad on patrol. It is then 23 days until the Raptors' first action.
After the attack on Cruciax, Corax notes that most of the Raptors were children 100 days ago. He says they will attack the Perfect Fortress in 25 days.
At the end of Chapter 13, Omegon believes they will be ready to attack in 10 days.
Navar Hef awakens from his transformation after a few days. The Order of the Dragon then agrees with Omegon to attack in 3 days.
At the opening of Part III, Omegon is planning to make his final move in 29 hours.
In the final chapter Alpharius reports to Horus. At this point Horus speaks of the Blood Angels being turned and the Ultramarines being defeated, indicating their neither Calth nor Signus has taken place yet (or at least he has not had word of them).
Summary: The Raven Guard flee from Isstvan V in early November 31,006. They reach Terra in early April 31,007. They journey back to Deliverance, which is an unknown time period, then are preparing on Deliverance/Kiavahr for about 2 weeks before Corax announces his assault on the Perfect Fortress in 50 more days, which puts it about 2 months after their return to Deliverance, so anytime from June 31,007 onwards, depending on how long the journey from Terra took. Official timeline later says this is in 31,008, so likely very early.
Riven (March 31,007 - mid-31,007)
Riven begins 214 days (about 7 months) after word of the Dropsite Massacre reaches Terra.
It then cuts to after they have tried calling to survivors 12 times, by which point it is months later.
The Shards of Erebus (31,006/31,007?)
Covers two periods: one with Erebus training with Akshub, which takes place after the Heresy has begun, and one with Erebus gathering Word Bearer commanders to give them shards of the Anathame, which takes place en route to Calth.
Battle For the Abyss (late 31,005 - July 31,007)
Takes place sometime after Isstvan III, as word of Horus heading there reaching Vangelis Space Port recently.
Seems to start before the Martian rebellion, as Mars doesn't appear blockaded or in turmoil.
Hektor has been away from the Ultramarines legion for 3 years by this point. Cestus has been at Vangelis Space Port for 1 month.
But then chapter 14 moves forward apparently just 2 weeks, and yet Kor Phaeron is heading for Calth and the Abyss attacks Macragge. Could be warp strangeness, or just incorrect.
Know No Fear (July 31,007)
Adeptus Titanicus: Titandeath places the Ruinstorm around 521 (early July) 007.
Telemechrus served for 10 years before becoming a dreadnought. He is awoken on Macragge after 2 years of dormancy and told he will be going to Calth. He awakes again 18 weeks later, at -9.5 hours.
Bale Rane married Neve 6 weeks ago.
Oll’s service ended 18 years ago.
Tchure and Luciel met on Caskian 8 years ago (30,999), their companies working together. It lasted 4 months.
The Holophusikon was commissioned 30 years ago (approx. 30,977).
Fowst worked with the Cognitae on Mars for 10 months before departing.
8 years ago Ventanus and Sydance fought against the Eldar Craftworld Jielthwa.
Opens at -136 hours (before Guilliman gives the order to return fire at Calth). This is when the Campanile is taken. Vox contact is lost at -99 hours, but restored at -88.
Guilliman contacts the Word Bearers at -8 hours. By this point, Erebus and Kor Phaeron have arrived. Hesst has also just relinquished control of the weapons grid due to the scrapcode.
Tchure kills Luciel at -19 minutes. Part II then begins.
Part III begins at 00.00.00, as Guilliman gives the order to return fire.
At just over 1 hour in, Erebus begins scouring the southern hemisphere of Calth.
The bridge of the Macragge’s Honour explodes with a daemonic incursion at 2 hours.
At 11 hours Ventanus starts broadcasting a signal to the scattered Ultramarines. At 12 hours the Macragge’s Honour’s auxiliary bridge is taken and they make contact.
Guilliman is seen again at nearly 13 hours. Also at this point, the Word Bearers start bombarding the sun.
Guilliman leads a strike force against Zetsun Verid Yard at 19.5 hours.
Loyalists regain control of the weapons grid at 20 hours 20 minutes.
The epilogue shows a count of 219,479 (25 years later, 31,032), when Colchis is being purged by the Ultramarines.
Athame (prehistoric - July 31,007)
Shows all points at which the Athame blade has passed from one person to the next: pre-history, medieval times, Imperial times with the conservatory, a point at which the Word Bearers are following Chaos, Word Bearers slaughtering a compliant world prior to the Heresy, preparations for Calth, then Calth itself.
Honour to the Dead (July 31,007)
Takes place during the initial attack on Calth.
Dark Heart (July 31,007)
Takes place during the attack on Calth, ending with Kor Phaeron's failed attempt to convert/kill Roboute Guilliman.
Macragge's Honour (July 31,007)
Follows immediately on from Know No Fear, pursuing Kor Phaeron into the Warp.
Garro: Oath of Moment (late 31,005 & July 31,007)
Takes place during the attack on Calth, but some days after it begins, as the 21st Company have been dug in for "days".
Also features scenes of his time initially becoming a Knight-Errant of Malcador. Probably not too long after Flight of the Eisenstein, as the augmetic leg Garro bears is still "recent".
Butcher's Nails (July 31,007)
Angron and Lorgar have been crusading through worlds for 3 months when Butcher's Nails begins. They spend approximately a week pursuing Eldar and returning to their fleet.
The attack on Calth begins at the end of Butcher's Nails.
The Traveller (July 31,007)
Takes place during Blanchot's second week underground (after the Calth attack) and lasts a number of days, maybe a week or so.
The Honoured (July 31,007)
Opens at mark 23.46.32: 24 hours after the initial Calth betrayal. Ventanus' message to take shelter reaches the Ultramarines in chapter 1.
61 years before Calth, the Ultramarines and Word Bearers fought together at Melior-Tertia (30,945).
Chapter 4 cuts to 71 hours into the Calth betrayal.
Chapter 7 cuts to 132 hours in.
Ends up at 141 hours, 6 days after the betrayal.
The Unburdened (July 31,007)
Opening chapter at Monarchia, then to Calth, alongside the Honoured.
Confirms Calth is 44 years after Monarchia, in 30,963. Definitely not 964.
By Part II Sedd thinks how "only a few days ago" he wouldn't have had to prepare for rebellion among his ranks. Fits with the 5 days shown in the Honoured.
Unmarked (late 31,007?)
Takes place as Oll Persson and his companions travel through the Warp to escape Calth. Takes place after Calth, with them travelling for several days on end, but accurate time measurement is impossible due to the Warp. Includes visits to historical times.
Children of Sicarus (post-July 31,007)
Takes place after Macragge’s Honour and before the end of the Heresy. Time impossible to judge in the Eye of Terror, so other than this no real indications.
Hubris of Monarchia (approximately October 31,007)
Takes place during the Ghaslakh campaign, which was the (given) reason for the Calth muster. The Ultramarines here left the Calth muster 2 months earlier.
Initial audio opening gives a date of "785 4 007.M31", indicating mid-October 007, i.e. shortly after Calth happened.
The Revelation of the Word (31,007)
Takes place sometime during the Shadow Crusade, as Lorgar assaults the 500 Worlds.
Garro: Sword of Truth (approximately October 31,007)
Takes place soon after Garro returns from Calth with Rubio.
The story says "months" have passed since Isstvan III, which while technically true, is an odd way to describe it, since in truth it's been over 2 years since Isstvan III.
Wolf's Claw (October 31,007)
Takes place after Prospero and during the Space Wolves war with the Alpha Legion in Alaxxes.
Wolf King (October 31,007)
Takes place between Scars/Wolf's Claw and Vengeful Spirit.
The Alaxxes Nebula was first discovered by the 6th Expedition in 817.
The map included shows two engagements within Alaxxes, after the Alpha Legion initially attack: one at 769007 (early October 007) and another at 805007 (mid-October 007). The second is presumably their last stand. where the Dark Angels arrive to help them.
The opening (Blood-Well) appears to be directly after Wolf's Claw. Part I then jumps back to 3 days before.
Days pass between the opening engagement and the last one (as shown with the map attachment, 7 days into October, then 20 days in.
The Dark Angels have had their outpost there for 59 years (30,948).
After the final battle, Russ says it will be months before the fleet is ready to fight again. He is going to Terra.
Army of One (post-31,005)
No indication of timeframe given. Sometime during the Heresy.
The Sigillite (post-31,005)
A few days take place between the mission and the debriefing.
The orders for the unit came 6 days ago.
Betrayer (July 31,007 - late 31,007)
The prologue is on Isstvan III, during or just after the betrayal slaughters.
Part I, Armatura, takes place 1 year after Isstvan V (many other references affirm this). Magnus' questions and description of Calth also indicate that Know No Fear has taken place, probably recently. Lorgar confirms that Kor Phaeron and Erebus are currently at Calth.
At this point, Magnus has not yet committed to a side.
Lorgar says that the rest of his fleet is elsewhere in Ultramar (Espandor, Ulixis, Latona, etc), killing now that the Ultramarines are crippled at Calth.
Lorgar says that the Furious Abyss died days ago, close to the same moment Kor Phaeron struck at Calth. Confirms that the end of Battle For the Abyss is the same time as Know No Fear, and also confirms that this attack on Armatura is just days later.
Lotara earned the Conqueror's throne six years ago, just before her 30th birthday. This would mean she was born in 30,971 and took command of the Conqueror in 31,001. There is also mention of remembrancers coming around this time, and it being a brief period when Angron had allowed them.
The briefing planning the attack on Armatura was weeks ago.
Kharn thinks of how the World Eaters and Word Bearers almost came to blows mere weeks ago. This was Butcher's Nails. Since Calth happened very recently, and we saw that being announced at the end of Butcher's Nails, it indicates that Butcher's Nails took some weeks, and ended very recently.
Venric Solostine is 80, meaning he was born in 30,927.
Keeda Bly was inducted into slave maturation process at 15, to see how she'd handle titan cockpit interface. At 19, she was weapon-mistress aboard Hanumaan. At 24, Princeps Solestine elected her for his crew aboard Syrgalah. Her first operation in that role was Isstvan III.
Lhorke fell 30 years before they found Angron.
Angron's discovery was a long time coming. Horus, Guilliman, Dorn and Lion were all found before him.
Russ comes to Angron (Night of the Wolf) not long after he takes command of the War Hounds/World Eaters. The second visit to Angron regarding the nails is almost a century later.
Gharte says that 70 years of serving Angron and the nails is enough.
Part II begins 3 days after Armatura.
Erebus arrives at the end of Chapter 11 and confirms that Calth was no more than 1 week ago. This also confirms that Calth is 1 year after Isstvan V.
Signus Prime is referred to as something that hasn't happened yet, so this is before the main events of Fear to Tread. It still hasn't happened by the end, as Erebus thinks of it being yet to come during his fight with Kharn.
In Chapter 14, Ninth says they're supposed to be making planetfall in 27 days.
Toth has served on Syrgalah for 7 years (31,000), with Legio Audax for 16 (30,991).
By Chapter 14, Lhorke has been awake for several days.
The end of Chapter 14 confirms they are en route to Nuceria directly.
Cyrene has had "a year of decay and many months in the care of the cultists". At first this seems to say she has been dead for a year and many months, but given the other timescale references it instead seems to be saying she's been dead for a year and for many months OF that year she was with the cultists.
The Devourers have spent "a century" being ignored by Angron, indicates he was found around 100 years ago.
They arrive at Nuceria 27 days after they left Armatura. This means that the events here cannot be the end of the Shadow Crusade, as it goes on into 008 (and 1 month would be strangely short anyway).
Oshamay Evrel'Korshay lost her arm in the Last War 9 years ago (30,998).
Tybaral Thal'kr would turn 13 one month after Angron's return to Nuceria.
The bones at Angron's last stand have had a century of weathering, again suggesting 100 years (or thereabouts) since he was found. Oshamay also says Angron left 100 years ago (not even "a century", but 100 years, which sounds more specific).
Chapter 19 moves to 6 days after they arrived at Nuceria. The Ultramarines now arrive there.
Vel-Kheredar spent 2 years upgrading the Conqueror’s weapons, soon after its name was changed from the Adamant Resolve.
In the epilogue, Lorgar says he now intends to gather their forces throughout Ultramar and lead them back to rejoin Horus.
The HH Journal places Angron's ascension within 007.
Inheritor (late 31,007?)
14 years before Inheritor, the World Eaters fought alongside Amandus Tyr of the Imperial Fists at Varleth Gorge.
5 days after the templum is completed, the Ultramarines arrive to retake Kronus. They have heard nothing from Angron for 40 days. Perhaps when his ascension takes place?
Eliphas is told by Lorgar that the Shadow Crusade is over and he has achieved his goal, so this is after Betrayer.
Vulkan Lives (late 31,006 & late 31,007)
The two parts of the book, Vulkan and the Isstvan survivors, may take place at different times, so we'll note the timeline references separately:
GENERAL POINTS:
The Emperor came to Traoris in 30,898.
At Kharaatan, Vulkan says he is reminded of Ibsen, as seen in Promethean Sun, meaning this happens after that.
The Pyre Guard on Kharaatan describe Ibsen as “very recent”.
Vulkan is said to be one of the last primarchs found, though this conflicts with other sources.
The Emperor spoke with Grammaticus at the Triumph of Pash.
FROM VULKAN:
The HH Journal says that Vulkan was taken and imprisoned by Curze at 568.006.M31, shortly after the Dropsite Massacre.
Curze says to Vulkan that he suspects Corax is on his way to Deliverance, indicating that Corax has escaped Isstvan already. He also says the Khan does not wish to be found.
Curze had the prison for Vulkan built by Perturabo.
Curze refers to Ultramar in the past tense, hinting that Calth/the Shadow Crusade have begun.
Vulkan says he spoke to Horus twice after Ullanor. The first time was after Kharaatan. The second time is as seen in Artefacts, by which point Horus has already been corrupted. All suggests Ibsen is soon after Ullanor, then Kharaatan, then that last communication after Davin but before Isstvan.
Vulkan says he wanders the Iron Labyrinth for days, possibly weeks.
During his final confrontation with Vulkan, Curze says they are on their way to Thramas.
FROM THE ISSTVAN SURVIVORS:
At the start of the novel Erebus badly injured, including having lost his hand, indicating he has just come back from his fight with Kharn at the end of Betrayer. We also know that at this point, Signus Prime has not happened, as he thinks of it at the end of Betrayer as something he has yet to see play out. However, half-way through Vulkan Lives, he thinks of the conclusion of Signus Prime, indicating it takes place between that first point and half-way through.
Narek refers to the Ruinstorm, indicating that this part of the story (on Traoris) happens after Calth.
Pergellen says he and Numeon were on a dropship for 51 days before reaching the Fire Ark, presumably after the Dropsite Massacre.
Numeon has encountered daemons before by the time of Traoris, and thinks that the term would have been ridiculed a few years ago, suggesting this is a few years after Isstvan V.
In Chapter 25, Grammaticus thinks of having reached out to Oll, also indicating Calth has already happened.
Grammaticus thinks of how "many years ago" he thought a close friend had succumbed to psychic intrusion, but had been wrong. Reference to Legion?
At the end, Grammaticus is told that Vulkan has been on Macragge for "some time", emphasising the time difference between the two parts of the story. Vulkan's section takes place en-route to Thramas, in late 006 (with Curze's reference to Ultramar likely just hinting at what is to come there), while Numeon's section on Traoris takes place much later.
Fear to Tread (late 31,004/early 31,005 - 31,010)
After concluding on Melchior in the opening section, Sanguinius heads for Perseus Null, Horus heads for Ullanor. Possibly therefore around the time of the Wolf of Ash and Fire.
Part I starts with the Blood Angels at the Kayvas Belt. The campaign has lasted 13 months and is just about over. It began when the Alpha Legion tracked Orks from Ullanor there and asked Horus for aid, which they then got in the form of the Blood Angels. This is seen in Horus Rising after Murder and the Interex. So, BA depart Interex mid-003, arrive at Kayvas early 004, and war continues until late 004/early 005. The HH Journal states that Horus contacts Sanguinius at Kayvas in 004.
Kano saved Meros' life on Brecht IX 5 years before departure for Signus (31,000).
By the time the Blood Angels set out for Signus, Horus is en route to Isstvan. At this time, the Space Wolves have already gone to censure Magnus.
Toin Sepose was turned into a servitor 42 years before the Triumph of Ullanor.
Godolfan has been in the Imperial armed forces for 6 decades by the time of Signus.
The survivors on the Stark Dagger have been there for weeks, suggesting the disasters in Signus were recent. Chapter 11 confirms that it has only been a few days since the last conclave, when they arrived.
The Space Wolf watch-pack knows about Magnus being sanctioned, so Prospero has happened by this point, or is happening soon.
The Blood Angels appear to only spend a short time in the system, but at the end they receive word from Rogal Dorn saying that Isstvan V has happened and is known about, but that the loyalties of the White Scars and Ultramarines are unknown. Warp time being strange. More of this occurs when the Blood Angels leave and then encounter Guilliman at the end of Unremembered Empire, placing it at the end of 31,009/beginning of 31,010.
Events in Vulkan Lives, Vengeful Spirit and Betrayer indicate that Signus Prime takes place after Betrayer ends, during Vulkan Lives, and before Vengeful Spirit. Signus Prime is likely in late 31,007, with warp effects and the Blood Angels recovery time after it explaining the large time gaps between heading into Signus, Signus Prime itself, and emerging in Ultramar.
Horus Heresy Book VIII (Malevolence) gives dates for various parts of the narrative. The Blood Angels fleet was assembled within 3 months of receiving Horus' orders to make for Signus. They departed for Signus in early 005, and at this point the Wolves are en route to Prospero. The last major warp jump into Signus (when they were last seen) was 327 005 (late April). That jump lasts 9 months, making it late January 006 when they arrive. The last accurate recorded time before entering Signus is 365 329 005 (as above, late April), and the first accurate time recorded when they leave is 688 573 009 (late July).
Visage (late 31,007)
Takes place immediately after Erebus has his face flayed by Horus at the end of Fear to Tread.
Kharn: The Eightfold Path (late 31,007)
Takes place after Betrayer, and is the first time Kharn has visited the pits since then. The ship is starting to shift.
The Keys of Hel (late 31,007?)
Takes place sometime after Riven.
Calth That Was (January 31,008)
Takes place a few weeks after the initial attack on Calth, with mention of shelter doors being closed for two weeks, and someone talking about what they've been through these past few weeks.
Conflict: HH Journal says this takes place at the very start of 008, but that would be more than "a few weeks" after the initial betrayal at Calth. Unclear which to go with. For the time being, I will go with the Journal date, as it is more specific.
The Final Compliance of Sixty-Three Fourteen (post-July 31,006)
No specific timeframe given. Takes place after Horus has begun his rebellion.
Takes place 36 years after the world was brought to compliance.
Liar's Due (post-July 31,006)
Covers 8 weeks before the main event (announcement of Horus' victory) and up to 1 day after it.
Hands of the Emperor (post-July 31,006)
No specific timeframes given. Takes place sometime after Isstvan V, with the palace being made ready for war.
Cybernetica (late 31,005 & post-late 31,007?)
Opening section takes place at the same time as Mechanicum.
Klayde came to Mars 30 years before opening of Cybernetica.
Corrupted code (the scrapcode) has appeared recently. Regulus arrived only 3 days ago. The Martian civil war is just breaking out. This takes place around Part I of Mechanicum, around the time of the Death of Innocence.
Gnaeus went missing 3 days before the opening of the novella, the same time Regulus arrived.
After the destruction of the tower it shifts to Klayde on Terra, many months later. He was rescued from Mars by the Imperial Fists (near the end of Mechanicum). Isstvan V is known of by this time. Also possible that Corax has been back too, as Rogal Dorn doesn't mention him being missing. This is also after Garro is made the first Knight-Errant, possibly after Burden of Duty too, as Dorn uses the term. Malcador also mentions multiple Knights-Errant.
Myriad (post-late 31,007?)
Set sometime after Cybernetica. Mars is blockaded, and the Dark Mechanicum seems to have been around for some time, with Chaos' influence being strong.
Nemesis (mid-late 31,007 - 31,008)
At the start of the book, when Tobeld is making his move and Gyges Prime has been blasted by the traitors, 2 years have passed since Isstvan III, putting it at mid-007 (perhaps the term used loosely could put it into late 007). Tobeld has been on his mission for 1 year.
By this point, 8 assassins have gone after Horus, including Tobeld. Also, only 5 living beings know Malcador’s identity as the Master of Assassins, including himself and Valdor (and presumably the Emperor too).
In Chapter 6 the assassins are heading for Jupiter. By this point, the Garantine has been in his chamber for 2 days (presumably since his capture).
Chapter 6 mentions the Furious Abyss being constructed, indicating it left before this point.
In Chapter 9, when Spear has just killed Hyssos, it is stated that he has been here for 2 months. Assuming the two main stories are running parallel, the assassins have just arrived at Dagonet by this point.
Forge World HH Book VI gives the Dagonet assassination as year 008.
Forgotten Sons (post-31,007)
Takes place after Nemesis, as the assassination attempt on Dagonet is mentioned. Takes place before The Gates of Terra, when Arcadese appears again. Also after Calth.
Vorax (post-31,005)
No indication of timeline given. Takes place sometime after Mechanicum.
The Purge (February 31,006/May 31,008)
Main event of The Purge takes place at 454, year 008, meaning about half way through year 8. Word of Calth has not reached the Percepton system when it was first attacked 164 days earlier (45% of a year, thus almost exactly the start of year 008).
The flashback is to 132 (approximately 1.5 months into) year 006, early in that year. At this point, forces are being mustered for Isstvan V. This is probably around 4-5 months before Isstvan V.
The Purge also shows an additional document with the Imperial Fist names from the Crusader Host scored out, indicating this was when Rogal Dorn returned to Terra having heard of Isstvan III (as he released them but imprisoned the rest). The date of this is 788 (9.45 months into) year 005.
Child of Night (post-31,005, pre-31,011)
No indication of timeframe given (though in The Crimson King we do get confirmation that this takes place before that book).
Eater of Dreams (post-31,005, pre-31,011)
Follows immediately on from Child of Night.
Distant Echoes of Old Night (post-31,005)
No indication of timeframe given.
The Harrowing (post-July 31,006)
No specific timeframe given. Alpha Legion are en route to Callistra Mundi. The Omnissiax is headed for Terra, with estimated travel time of 2 months. 22 days into the journey, it and one other ship are changed to head to Callistra Mundi.
Kane is newly-appointed Fabricator-General at this point.
Heart of the Conqueror (31,008?)
Takes place after Angron's ascension. No other specific timeframe given.
Prince of Blood (31,008?)
Takes place immediately after Andrasta's suicide in Heart of the Conqueror. The Word Bearers abandon them at this point.
They emerge at the periphery of the Ruthan Marches.
At this point, it has been more than a month since they spilled enemy blood, so at least a month since Betrayer, but possibly more. Kharn thinks of seeing Angron's new blade in action, implying they have been in battle since he ascended.
Kharn thinks this is the most lucid Angron has been in many months.
Burden of Duty (mid-31,008)
Takes place after Sword of Truth (as Garro has recruited before, and both Oath of Moment and then Sword of Truth are his first missions). Before Legion of One, as this is another recruitment for Malcador, and Legion of One is said to be the last.
The Garro collected novel indicates this takes place immediately before Ashes of Fealty, and then they set out for Legion of One. Also says "months have passed" before Calth and Burden of Duty. The book also has Dorn show Garro a report on not all of the Seventh remaining on Luna, later shown to refer to Voyen.
Garro: Ashes of Fealty (mid-31,008)
Takes place after Garro: Sword of Truth, as Garro is now established as a Knight-Errant. The collected Garro novel indicates this takes place immediately after Burden of Duty. Rubio encounters Garro after the events of Ashes of Fealty and thinks of him having been gone for "days on end". He talks about it being "months" since Calth, and says it is time to venture out and find the last of them (Legion of One).
Garro: Legion of One (approximately August 31,008)
Takes place over one year after Rubio's recruitment (which was during Calth).
This is also apparently the last recruitment for the Knights-Errant.
The Iron Within (approximately late 31,007 - late 31,008)
The Iron Within takes place after the events of Calth, and lasts for 1 year and 1 day. Dantioch is also on Sotha for 9 months before The Unremembered Empire. This means he must get there at most 19 months after Calth. This means The Iron Within can start anywhere within 7 months after Calth.
Savage Weapons (late 31,008/early 31,009)
Savage Weapons begins with them having fought for 2 years. Says it is both 2 years since the initial treachery was discovered (Fallen Angels) but also 2 years of fighting the Night Lords (which likely began about 6 months after this). The Lion later specifies it has been 26 months (2 years 2 months) of chasing the Night Lords, suggesting 26 months since the Night Lords arrived post-Isstvan V.
Little Horus (early 31,009)
Dwell was made compliant 32 years before Little Horus.
Takes place sometime after Nemesis (as it is mentioned that Sedirae is now dead), but before Vengeful Spirit.
Ironfire (early 31,009?)
Takes place after The Iron Within ends.
Emperor's Children have been called to a meeting in Hydra Cordatus between Perturabo and Fulgrim, i.e. the start of Angel Exterminatus. So probably takes place around the time of that novel.
Angel Exterminatus (early 31,009 - mid-31,009)
The Iron Warriors came to Hydra Cordatus 3 months before Angel Exterminatus begins.
Perturabo came across designs for the Cavea Ferrum on Terra a century and a half ago, and was at that time “newly reunited” with the Emperor. Suggests he was discovered about 150 years ago. This fits with Forge World’s HH Book III, which says he took command in 30,849.
The construction of the Thaliakron was projected to take 2 days, no indication it took any longer.
Perturabo asks Fulgrim is he "heard what happened on Dwell", indicating this takes place after Little Horus (but before Vengeful Spirit, as we see daemon Fulgrim then).
Branthan ordered the Sisypheum to Hydra Cordatus after the events of Kryptos. Described as taking a “circuitous route”, which could explain a significant delay.
The Raven Guard assault on the Perfect Fortress has already happened by Chapter 11, as the Iron Warriors are replaying it.
In a flashback we see that Magnus was already on Terra when Perturabo was taking his oath to the Emperor there. Likely Magnus was discovered first. Fulgrim also took this oath years before.
While at Iydris, Tarsa awakens Branthan, and says Branthan was last awoken weeks before, indicating the journey from Hydra Cordatus to Iydris took weeks.
HH Journal confirms that this begins in early 009 and ends in mid-009.
Lucius: The Eternal Blademaster (mid-31,009?)
No specific indication given, but takes place sometime after Angel Exterminatus. Ahriman needs Lucius for something. Also takes place before The Crimson King.
Amor Fati (mid-late 31,009)
Takes place after Fulgrim's ascension, but likely before Path of Heaven, as Eidolon still seems uncomfortable in his new form here.
Later confirmed to take place before the story Primacy, which itself is in the aftermath of Fulgrim's ascension as the Emperor's Children decide their path. So this is likely not too long after Angel Exterminatus ends.
Primacy (mid-late 31,009)
Takes place after Fulgrim's ascension, as the Emperor's Children decide their future path and way out of the Eye.
Eidolon thinks of Rakomon's demise, as seen in Amor Fati, so this takes place after that.
A Rose Watered With Blood (31,009?)
Takes place sometime after Prince of Blood. The water supply is still blood at the start of the story, but they then arrive at Heshimar, a world where they can re-supply.
Guhuj is 47. 3 years ago he was handsome, suggesting it's been less than 3 years since Angron's ascension.
They drain Heshimar in a week. Lotara tastes clean water for the first time in almost 8 months.
They leave, and weeks become months. As they travel, Lotara states that Tobin was killed "months ago" by Kharn.
As the mutineers prepare to make their move, Lotara says it is "weeks of coordination".
Major Thrallen is a veteran of almost 6 decades.
Warmaster (31,009?)
No specific dates, but takes place after Signus and Calth. Mentions Guilliman gathering forces in Ultramar. Sometime around or before Imperium Secundus?
Grey Angel (31,009)
Qruze and Loken have been on Caliban for days.
Takes place after Fallen Angels, and also after Garro: Legion of One, as Loken is present. Loken has had time to recover at least somewhat from Isstvan III. Also probably not too long before Luna Mendax, as that takes place after Loken gets back from Caliban.
The Lion (early 31,009)
Takes place 82 days after Savage Weapons. This puts it nearly 2 years and 5 months into the Thramas Crusade.
The Invincible Reason is travelling for approximately a week before the daemonic attack. They spend 2 days cleansing daemons from the ship. They then travel for another 8 days before reaching Perditus.
Perditus Ultima was originally conquered shortly after Mortarion took command of the Death Guard, as they are described as newly-renamed. This was also the first time Lion and Mortarion met.
Six months earlier, the Iron Hands forces here received word from the Ultramarines that Guilliman is gathering forces in Ultramar. He then dispatched these Iron Hands to Perditus.
Horus Heresy Book VIII (Malevolence) confirms that the events on Perditus take place in 009.
Censure (mid-31,009)
Censure takes place "nearly 2 years" after Calth.
Rules of Engagement (approximately September 31,009)
Rules of Engagement is 2 years after Calth. Guilliman is writing the Codex Astartes and preparing for Imperium Secundus.
Blackshields: The False War (late 31,009)
Tells of the events seen in “The Xana Incursion” in Forge World Book VI. According to that book, the bargain with Horus was nearing completion by “the closing divisions of 009”, indicating this is in late 009.
Imperfect (post-31,008)
Takes place after Fulgrim's ascension. No further timeframe indications given.
Chirurgeon (post-31,008)
Takes place sometime after Imperfect, as it mentions Fabius creating the Ferrus Manus clones for Fulgrim.
Luna Mendax (late 31,009)
Takes place immediately before Loken is summoned early in Vengeful Spirit, and sometime after he returns from his mission to Caliban in Grey Angel.
The Last Remembrancer (late 31,009)
Takes place during Vengeful Spirit: we see Dorn coming from killing Solomon Voss just before the Knights-Errant set off.
The Either (late 31,009)
The Either begins 3 years after Isstvan V, so in 31,009. They head to Dwell and make it to Dwell V 7 days after transitioning into the system. This takes place during the early part of Vengeful Spirit, after the attack on Horus/Mortarion/Fulgrim, but before they go to Molech.
Marr spends 5 days brooding on Dwell after his arrival.
In the later meeting, Abaddon says they are leaving Dwell within a week (for Molech).
Marr then spends 6 days travelling to the Dwell asteroid belt. He then returns to Dwell V just before Horus departs for Molech.
Vengeful Spirit (October 31,009 - November 31,009)
Takes place 43 years after The Devine Adoratrice.
Chapter 1 talks about the war on Dwell being long ended, implies it’s set a good amount of time after Little Horus. The assassination attempt on Dagonet is also mentioned.
Mortarion says Typhon has been battling the Dark Angels since Perditus, seen in The Lion, so this is some time after that too.
By this point, Leman Russ is on Terra, so it's after his escape from the Alpha Legion. He says it will take at least 3 months from now to make Hrafnkel void-worthy again, longer for the rest of his fleet.
A shuttle bearing Loken after Luna Mendax arrived the morning of Russ & Malcador's talk, so this is likely the day after that short story.
Horus says that, according to the logs, sometime in the Great Crusade he, Fulgrim, Lion and Jaghatai came to Molech for it's compliance. At the time, Fulgrim says the IIIrd Legion was still too low on numbers to operate independently. Odd because while Horus, Fulgrim and Lion were all likely found in the first quarter of the Crusade, Jaghatai likely wasn't found until much later.
Horus, Fulgrim, Lion, Jaghatai and the Emperor remained on Molech for 111 Terran days (so nearly 4 months).
At the start of the book, Cyprian Devine is rapidly approaching 125 years old. Raeven is a juvenated(?) 64.
Horus’ fleets set sail from Dwell 5 days after levelling Tyjun in retaliation for the attempt on Horus’ life. Estimated 6 weeks to reach Molech. The Emperor’s Children meanwhile head for the Halikarnaxes Stars.
Didacus Theron saved Tauro Nicodemus’ life at Terioth Ridge nearly 60 years before Molech.
Salicar first laid eyes on the Citadel of the Stormlord on Molech almost 2 years ago. Possibly when he came to Molech?
Yasu Nagasena's villa has been expanded significantly over the last year, becoming a bastion for the Sigillite's forces. This suggests it is at least one year since Wolf Hunt. At this time Nagasena is away on another hunt.
The Terran orbital station Ultima Thule was constructed 62 years ago.
The Ardent Reef is noted as unfinished at this point. The Gates of Terra sees individuals being psychically trialled for commanding it, though that doesn't actually indicate whether it is yet finished or not.
Must be after The Sigillite, as Malcador mentions speaking to Khalid Hassan.
It is "years" since Flight of the Eisenstein, as Mersadie says she hasn't seen Sindermann and Keeler in years. Qruze also says he knew she was in there for 2 years, though she may have been in there longer with him not knowing.
At the Molech military meeting in Chapter 7, Horus is expected to make real space breach any day, and be at Molech in around 2 weeks.
Loken was investigated for any hint of treachery for months after his return. So probably until late 008/early 009. Then his mission to Caliban?
The Imperator Titan Paragon of Terra has existed for 943 years, so since 30,066.
Chapter 14 sees Ophir fully functional 10 hours after Mortarion's assault.
"Months" before the Battle of Lupercalia the Blood Angels there went into a murderous rage and slaughtered innocents. The Red Angel seems to confirm this is an echo of what happened on Signus, could indicate it happened not long before, or could be warp time weirdness again.
Horus mentions Armatura near the end of the book, confirming this takes place after that battle in Betrayer.
Molech confirmed by Laurie Goulding to take place late in 31,009.
HH Journal states that the attack on Horus and Mortarion is at 787.009 (mid-October) and the attack on Molech is 906.009 (late November).
Gunsight (late 31,009)
"Years" have passed since the end of Nemesis. Takes place around the same time as/just after the end of Vengeful Spirit.
Wolf Mother (late 31,009/early 31,010)
Takes place after survivors flee from Molech, after the end of Vengeful Spirit.
Cannot be more than 1 year after that point, as Vivyen is still 12.
Alivia's gun was made 187 years ago.
Ghosts Speak Not (post-mid-31,008)
Meric Voyen is said by Kendel to not be returning, with the implication that he is dead. So this is likely after Ashes of Fealty.
Kyda says they have been on Luna for "years" by this point.
After they enter the warp, Sorkad says it will be 38 hours to reach their destination.
Vasado is killed 4 days after they arrive at Proxima Majoris.
Garro: Shield of Lies (31,009?)
Takes place "a few years" after the Furious Abyss being taken.
Takes place after Legion of One, Sword of Truth and Oath of Moment, as Rubio, Varren and Loken are all mentioned by Garro. Other Knights-Errant are mentioned as well. Loken is the last, so this must also be after any other recruiting missions.
Gallor is mentioned as a Knight-Errant, indicating this takes place after Ghosts Speak Not.
A Deeper Darkness (post-31,008)
Pelion mentions that it took the better part of a year to clear certain areas of Word Bearers and their cultists. This means it must be at least most of a year after Calth.
Nicodemus is seen, indicating it's after he was seen at the siege in The Iron Within.
The Watcher (post-31,006)
Shows the Space Wolf watch-pack arriving on the Nightfall. At this point it is en route to Isstvan, so sometime in early 006, before Isstvan V.
Semuel fled Mars “months” ago. He also mentions the Othris project, which we see in Shield of Lies is the construction of the Grey Knights citadel on Titan.
Thief of Revelations (31,009?)
Takes place after the Thousand Sons fled into the Warp. No further specific indications given, though visions are seen of the end of the Thramas Crusade (Prince of Crows). Also sees visions of Calth and Signus. Since all three of these are at different times, the story itself could be placed anywhere, even before they occur.
Prince of Crows (mid-late 31,009)
Takes place at the close of the Thramas Crusade. Sevatar says they have been fighting the Dark Angels for "almost three years". This would place it around 9 months after Savage Weapons, 6 months after The Lion.
Sevatar forms the new Kyroptera and tries to save Curze 2 weeks after the Dark Angels ambush. The Dark Angels then catch up and attack them again.
Konrad Curze was recovered by the Emperor at least a century ago (as Sevatar was a boy about to become a marine "over a century ago"). At the time, Rogal Dorn, Fulgrim, Lorgar and Ferrus Manus were all recovered.
Twisted (late 31,009/early 31,010)
Takes place sometime after Vengeful Spirit. Maloghurst is still getting used to Horus' newfound power.
3 days before the Sons of Horus assault Lamrys.
Red-Marked (late 31,009)
In the first scene with Captain Likane, Thiel has "not long" been back from Calth. He is now waiting for a ship to take him onwards to Macragge. In the meantime, he forms a team of Red-Marked to help combat traitors within the borders of Ultramar. This story thus seems to take place after Censure, but before Thiel's return to Macragge as seen in Stratagem. The initial forming of the Red-Marked.
The overall narrative is confusing, but they start at Tritus, then go to Courus, then Protus and finally the forge world Freightius.
The Unremembered Empire (November 31,009 – early 31,010)
Calth was “barely more than 2 years” before the book. Later confirmed that the book takes place 28 months after Calth, placing it around the end of 009.
Sotha was colonised 127 years ago (30,882).
After Eeron Kleve (Iron Hand officer) fled Isstvan V he and his men fought for 60 days before the Sons of Horus pursuing them were driven off by Timur Gantulga’s White Scars. At this point word is beginning to spread of Horus’ treachery and Gantulga has come to confirm it (but not necessarily from the main Scars legion, so doesn’t have to mean Scars has happened yet). After saving the Iron Hands, they make for Momed, where Iron Hands are supposed to be gathering.
Dantioch came to Sotha 9 months before Unremembered Empire (so early 009).
Early in Unremembered Empire, Lion has been hunting Curze personally for 16 weeks (and other Dark Angels before that), so this is more than 4 months after the end of Thramas.
Damon was recruited by the Cabal at Iwo Jima.
Damon confronts the daemon stalking him 3 days after his jump to Macragge.
Chapter 8 is 3 days after the assassination attempt on Guilliman.
Grammaticus has been on the Helion Orbital Plate above Macragge for 6 days when the Lion arrives.
Ptolemy is mentioned by Euten as the Lord Librarius (Chief Librarian), but Chief Librarian Ptolemy of the Ultramarines was slain long before the Heresy (see Horus Heresy Book V: Tempest). There could be another one, but Promus is mentioned as Chief Librarian of the Ultramarines in A Thousand Sons. So possibly just a mistake.
Curze forced Vulkan to endure tortures in Vulkan Lives “over a period of months”.
Grammaticus says Vulkan teleported away from the Nightfall more than a solar year ago. At this time, at the end of Vulkan Lives, Konrad says they haven't arrived at Thramas yet. Technically this is still "more than a solar year ago", but it's a lot more, more like three years ago. Later, Curze also says that his torture of Vulkan was "months ago", which again isn't technically untrue, but sounds even more odd. It could be Curze having a warped perception of time, and could also be that Curze didn't arrive in Thramas until sometime after the Crusade there began.
Sanguinius arrives at the very end. According to Forge World timeline, this is in 010.
Lost Sons (early 31,010)
Lost Sons begins 4 years, 111 days after the Blood Angels went missing, which was in early 31,005.
Stratagem (early 31,010)
Thiel returns to Macragge after Red-Marked. He has heard about the assassination attempt on Guilliman (seen in Unremembered Empire), and tells Guilliman about how his newly-formed Red-Marked forces operate.
The Laurel of Defiance (31,008 & 31,010)
Takes place after the end of Unremembered Empire, as Sanguinius is now Regent of Imperium Secundus.
The battle takes place sometime after Calth, and after word of Calth reaches Astagar, but it is 2 years before the "current" event of Laurel of Defiance.
The Long Night (post-mid-31,009)
Takes place after Sevatar's capture at the end of Prince of Crows.
Altarni is tortured for 7 days after her contact to Sevatar is discovered.
Blackshield (post-31,009)
Takes place sometime after Molech, as Khorak mentions events there.
The Shadowmasters (late 31,009/early 31,010)
Set during Corax: Soulforge
Corax: Soulforge (late 31,009/early 31,010)
In Soulforge the Word Bearers have already made 2 trips to Constantix II since leaving Calth. The Raven Guard are on their way to Euesa, so this should be shortly before The Divine Word. Corax splits the legion, sending Branne to Euesa, while he and Agapito travel to Constantix II (which will take 7 days).
The Divine Word (approximately February 31,010)
The Divine Word is 2.5 years after the assault on the Perfect Fortress at the conclusion of Deliverance Lost.
The Seventh Serpent (early 31,010?)
Takes place after Angel Exterminatus. It has been “years” since Isstvan V.
Takes place after Dwell has fallen and word of this has spread, so probably after Vengeful Spirit.
Meduson’s Kryptos died 4 months ago.
The Iron Heart was commissioned in 30,808, said to be the tenth year of the Great Crusade. This means the Great Crusade officially began in 30,799.
They spend 15 days travelling to Eirene Septimus.
Ravenlord (early 31,010 – late 31,010)
Aside from the prologue, Ravenlord opens 128 days before the main event on Carandiru. The Raven Guard liberated the Scarato system 50 days ago. This puts the main even on Carandiru at least 6 months after Corax: Soulforge.
Ravenlord is "years" since Isstvan V. Noriz has been reinforcing Deliverance for a year. It is "some years" after the events of Deliverance Lost.
Arendi was on Isstvan V for 630 days, nearly 2 years, before escape (so escaped April 31,009). Then an unknown time hopping from system to system. This is stated 90 days before the attack on Carandiru. Therefore Carandiru must be at least 2 full years after Isstvan V, likely more.
It has been "over 2 years" since Corax wore anything other than armour.
It is also noted that Nuran Tesk, made commander of the Hawks after the treachery at the end of Deliverance Lost, died during the assault on the Perfect Fortress just weeks after being given command. This suggests that assault took place just weeks after that end of Deliverance Lost.
Ravenlord is after the assault on Euesa (The Divine Word).
The Value of Fear (31,010?)
No specific timeframe given, but takes place sometime after Nuon (loyalist Night Lord) joins them. Could be before Ravenlord or after, but certainly a ways into Corax's guerrilla war.
Raptor (mid-31,010)
Set after Corax gives his muster order (Ravenlord).
The Space Wolf ship jumped to the moon about 21 days ago, was there for 14 days, then left.
It has been “five years, maybe more” since the Wolves were dispatched to watch Corax. So, about 5 years since Prospero.
The Serpent's Dance (post-31,008)
Takes place some time after Ghosts Speak Not, as we see Kendel acting after those events, but before Horus arrives for the Siege.
The Shel'tain Affair (post-31,008)
Takes place after The Serpent's Dance, but before the Siege.
Amendera says she's the "newly made" AgentiaTertius, so likely not that long after Ghosts Speak Not and The Serpent's Dance.
Blackshields: The Red Fief (31,010?)
Takes place after Haar's attack on Xana in The False War. Possibly not too long after, as the outcomes of that are still being discussed.
Malcador's message mentions meeting at Beta-Garmon, though it's not clear what the situation there is at this time.
Ends with Haar saying he will meet Malcador at Beta-Garmon.
Tallarn: Executioner (April 31,010 - August 31,010)
Takes place after the Iron Warriors escape the warp following Angel Exterminatus.
The Forge World Horus Heresy timeline puts the Tallarn war as beginning in year 010.
The timeline included says that the initial virus bombing occurs at 326 (late April) in 010.
The Jurnian 701st have been on Tallarn on holding pattern (pre-deployment) for 27 months at the start of Tallarn: Exeuctioner. So since the start of 008.
All surface life wiped out (more or less) within 3 days of the bombings.
Then moves to 7 weeks later. War continues from there. Specified as 460 (mid-June).
At 498 (end of June) a surviving astropath is discovered beneath the Crescent City and a distress call is sent out. Seen in Tallarn: Siren.
By 579 (end of July), Imperial reinforcements arrive.
At 596 (August) the Sapphire City falls.
671 (start of September): Iron Warriors create the Sightless Warren complex.
724 (mid-September): First attack on the Sightless Warren.
787 (mid-October): Second attack on the Sightless Warren.
875 (mid-November): Fall of the Eagle's Talon.
892 (late November): Battle of Iron Corpses.
054 (mid-January) 011: Third attack on the Sightless Warren.
222 (mid-March): Inferno Tide erupts in Tallarn's orbit.
285 (mid-April): Governor-Militant Dellasarius assassinated.
383 (mid-May): Battle of Khedive begins.
408 (late May): Traitors withdraw.
Tallarn: Siren (June 31,010)
Takes place “weeks” after the initial bombardment of Tallarn. The timeline in Tallarn: Executioner places this even as 498 (end of June).
Sins of the Father (31,010)
Set sometime after the end of The Unremembered Empire, with Sanguinius and the Blood Angels within Imperium Secundus.
Herald of Sanguinius (31,010)
Takes place after Unremembered Empire and Stratagem, as Sanguinius appears to have accepted the title of Emperor, yet in Stratagem he is questioning it.
Deathfire (31,010)
Takes place after Vulkan Lives, The Unremembered Empire and Stratagem.
Numeon is seen in his cell (chapter 1) 6 weeks after the end of Vulkan Lives.
Chapter 11 begins 6 days after Vulkan's body goes missing on Macragge.
Sons of the Forge (late 31,010 - early 31,011)
Opens with the end of “Artefacts”, before Vulkan sets off for Isstvan V.
References the Salamanders returning at the end of Deathfire and Vulkan’s body being laid to rest, but Vulkan hasn’t yet returned to life. Zau’ull thinks of how “Vulkan lives” has become an acknowledgement of his actual death for the past few days, or few months for some. May refer to the months of travel for those in Deathfire vs. the days they’ve been back on Nocturne?
Chapter 3 moves to after “several months of warp transit” aboard the Chalice of Fire.
Chapter 19 moves to 3 weeks after the initial battle at the Wrought.
Varr says “the one our father [Vulkan] called has already answered” in chapter 19. Could mean Numeon’s sacrifice.
The Eagle's Talon (November 31,010)
Describes events that took place 197 days after the initial strike on Tallarn.
Tallarn: Executioner timeline shows this as 875 (mid-November), year 010.
Iron Corpses (November 31,010)
Starts 5 days after The Eagle's Talon, ends on 7th day.
Tallarn: Executioner timeline shows this as 892 (late November), year 010.
Black Oculus (late 31,010/early 31,011?)
Seems to take place sometime after the Iron Warriors attack Tallarn.
Tallarn: Ironclad (December 31,010 - July 31,011)
Takes place after Tallarn: Executioner.
Two dates shown in opening material: 874 year 009 (mid-November), when Tallarn is still fine. Then it shows 415 year 31,011 (end of May), when the Imperials have won.
Dates from Tallarn: Executioner timeline:
054 (mid-January) 011: Third attack on the Sightless Warren.
222 (mid-March): Inferno Tide erupts in Tallarn's orbit.
285 (mid-April): Governor-Militant Dellasarius assassinated.
383 (mid-May): Battle of Khedive begins.
408 (late May): Traitors withdraw.
Ieao came to Tallarn 1 year before the fall of the Sapphire City, so mid-009. She was made unbound 1 year before that, mid-008.
The 3rd attack on the Sightless Warren occurs 6 months after the 1st.
As of chapter 4, it has been 12 days since Argonis initially heard from the Alpha Legion operative. This is just before he goes down to the surface.
Kord lost the Iron Warriors he was chasing 3 days or 2 weeks before chapter 6, it's unclear which.
In chapter 6 we see Argonis at the Sightless Warren. It is suggested that by this point he has been at Tallarn for months.
The Golden Fleet left Tallarn a decade before, so around 31,001.
A kill team comes for Iaeo 3 days after Argonis is taken prisoner.
When Kord is being interrogated at the start of chapter 10, his patrol has been missing for over 8 weeks. The governor was assassinated 6 days ago.
The Battle of Khedive lasts 6 days. Within another 3 weeks the Iron Warriors withdraw. 1 week after that, Gorn enters the Sightless Warren. 4 weeks after that, Imperial victory is announced.
Tallarn: Witness (May 31,011)
Takes place after the Battle of Khedive, as seen at the end of Tallarn: Ironclad (and the end of the Tallarn war).
The Gates of Terra (post-July 31,007)
Takes place sometime after Forgotten Sons, as Arcadese is now in the Sol System. Talk of how Horus' attack could come at any moment suggests it is late in the Heresy.
The Crimson King (31,010)
Lorgar says that Horus is reborn, so this is after the end of Vengeful Spirit.
The Word Bearers bombed Shrike/Heliosa a year after they left it (in A Thousand Sons).
Nagasena last saw Uexküll 4 years ago.
Lemuel and the others have been imprisoned at Kamiti Sona for 5 years, so this is at least 5 years after Prospero, though it may be longer if it took them time to get there.
Horus Heresy Book VIII (Malevolence) confirms that Ahriman's attack on Kamiti Sona takes place in 010.
Chapter 13 has the Thousand Sons aboard the black ship, 4 days after the attack on Kamiti Sona.
Magnus says he helped the Salamanders (seen in Deathfire) during his time building the Orrery.
The Thousand Sons arrive at Nikaea and it may have been months or years since they set out for it.
Confirms that Fel Zharost is a Knight-Errant, and puts Child of Night before this. Promus thinks of how the last he heard of Yesugei was him going to rejoin his legion fighting the greenskins. Indicates the White Scars haven't made it back to Terra yet (or at least he doesn't know about it).
By the end, Magnus is still missing one shard of himself, which he says is still on Terra. This is seen in the Last Son of Prospero, merging with Arvida.
We see Thousand Sons taking part on Yarant on Horus' side, indicating The Crimson King takes place before then.
The Dark Between the Stars [aka The Heart of the Pharos] (late 31,010/early 31,011)
Takes place before Pharos, scouts investigating under the mountain, then seen recovering at the start of the novel.
Dantioch has been sending servitors down to explore the tunnels of the Pharos for 5 months before this story.
A Safe and Shadowed Place (late 31,010/early 31,011)
Some of the Night Lords that fled the final battle of the Thramas Crusade have been stranded near Sotha for 7 months. Something is going on on Sotha at the time (likely in Pharos).
Pharos (late 31,010/early 31,011)
Oberdeii started becoming a space marine (biological treatments) 2 years before Pharos opens. He's 4 months from his final trial. He's been in the apothecarion for 6 weeks after nightmares from Mount Pharos.
The alien devices on Pharos were investigated for over a century before now.
The Battle of Tsagualsa (end of Thramas) happened over a year ago.
The Probity will take 2 days to reach vox-beacon 7 after it detects the Night Lords.
At the start of chapter 4, the Night Lords have been locked in their chamber and armour for 14 days.
Mericus decided to settle down 7 years ago.
Mercius notes that the Ruinstorm has blocked the stars for "nearly 2 years". This doesn't fit however, as the Ruinstorm was created after Calth, Unremembered Empire was over 2 years after Calth, and this is some time after that. Unless it took time to spread?
By this point Sotha has been under mankind's stewardship for "little over a century".
It should take Corvo less than 1 day to reach Sotha (if the Pharos had held out anyway).
Guilliman says he has realised Sanguinius isn't happy as emperor "over the last few months". So he has been emperor at least that long.
Chapter 21 is the close of the 2nd day of the invasion.
People were clamouring for attention in the early days of Imperium Secundus (seen in Herald of Sanguinius).
By Part III the Lightkeepers have been fighting for a whole week.
By the Lion's Command (post-31,009)
Takes place after the end of the Thramas Crusade. Lion El'Jonson has split the Dark Angels, taking 20,000 with himself into Ultramar, while the remainder go to find Leman Russ. Corswain has since split them again, sending some to find Leman Russ while he pursues the Death Guard. At the end he sends Belath back to Caliban, while he goes to rejoin those seeking Russ.
Master of the First (31,011)
Astellan sees Cypher and Zahariel departing at the start, suggesting this is at the same time as Cypher: Guardian of Order.
May also be some time after Isstvan engagements: Melian mentions supply ships bringing word of the galaxy having changed somehow (possibly referring to the Heresy), and Astellan says those ships left "years ago".
Cypher: Guardian of Order (31,011)
No specific timeframe given, but takes place sometime after Fallen Angels and probably around the same time as Master of the First. Angels of Caliban indicates it takes place around the same time as Pharos.
Angels of Caliban (31,011 & 31,012)
The prologue is set in 970. Luna Wolves and Death Guard are at Zaramund. Typhon is lieutenant-commander of the 1st Company. Zahariel and Luther have already been banished to Caliban by this point.
Typhon does think of the "20 kings-to-be", i.e. the Primarchs, which could be taken as meaning the two lost ones haven't been expunged yet. Or he could be thinking of them hypothetically.
Chapter 1 opens in 011 in Ultramar.
Chapter 2 looks like it’s directly after Cypher: Guardian of Order.
At the end of Part I Sotha disappears, so this is at the time of Pharos. Puts Pharos in 011.
At the start of Part II Astelan says Zahariel went missing “some days earlier”, indicating this is only days after Cypher: Guardian of Order.
The Dark Angels ships that arrive in the Caliban system in Chapter 6 will make it to Caliban itself in 10 days.
Redloss was 8 when the Lion and the Order came to his home, and the Imperium arrived 4 years later.
Chapter 15 indicates that Luther and the others have been on Caliban for 70 years, so since around 30,941.
Astelan says the incident seen in Call of the Lion was several decades earlier. Again, fits with previous mentions.
By Chapter 19, Belath has been on Caliban for 11 days.
Fyona, Luther’s wife, died in childbirth 2 years after their nuptials, and Luther found Lion half a year later.
Chapter 23 moves to 23 days after Redloss began purging Illyrium.
The Lion muses that Tuchulcha was delivered to him 1 year ago, though Thramas ended in 009 and we're now in 011. More like 1.5 years, could be considered generous use of the word "year".
Duriel was Grand Master of the Order 300 years before Luther was born.
The epilogue is set in 012. Typhon has been battling Corswain for the past year.
The Painted Count (mid-31,011?)
Takes place after the events of Pharos.
Skraivok thinks of the last six months. Not entirely clear, but could be six months since Pharos.
Skraivok gives the other Night Lords 20 days to prepare before they gather the legion and make for Terra.
The Path of Heaven (mid/late31,011)
Chapter 1 says the Imperial Army has suffered "more than 4 years" of culling, indicating this is more than 4 years after Isstvan V (so 31,010 or later).
The Gheist Narrows were taken by the traitors 2 months before the start of the book.
The Loeb Sector has been under III Legion command for 2 years.
By the time of the attack on Kalium, the White Scars have been fighting for 4 years.
House Achelieux came to Herevail 3 years ago. The attack there happened sometime in the last month before Chapter 6.
Qin Xa says that 2 years before Kalium, they made the Emperor’s Children flee on Peressimar.
Ilya set off 5 years ago to find Jaghatai. Possibly contradicted later in Part III when she confirms first meeting him at Ullanor. Was this a separate event?
Veil has served for 90 years by this point. He has been working on Herevail for 3 years.
Mortarion says the Death Guard have not all fought together for more than 2 years.
Chapter 15 is 2 days into the first warp stage after the White Scars’ gathering.
The Dark Glass station was crewed without incident for 52 years, before all except Pieter had to abandon it. The Heresy is underway when Pieter records the hololith saying this.
In the epilogue we see Jaghatai arriving at Sol. It takes Russ less than 3 days to reach him after detecting them. By this point, Khalid Hassan has been recruited by Malcador.
The Last Son of Prospero (mid/late 31,011)
Takes place after the end of The Path of Heaven, probably not that long after, as Malcador has apparently been working on Arvida since he was brought in.
It has been "years" since Hassan was chosen by Malcador, as seen in The Sigillite.
Morningstar (post-31,010, pre-Siege)
Magnus and Ahriman return to Prospero. Ahriman says he's glad to see Magnus restored, indicating this is after The Crimson King, and they are there to help prepare to assault Terra's psychic defenses.
Praetorian of Dorn (mid/late 31,011)
In the prologue we see Horus assigning Alpharius to the Sol System in preparation for the traitors’ arrival. Alpharius has said that it will take time to prepare. Horus sets course for Terra. This is after the Sons of Horus’ last seen destination in “Twisted”, but obviously will be some time before they get there, to allow Alpharius time to both prepare and launch his attack.
Dorn put current security protocols in place 6 years ago, suggesting it’s 6 years since he got back to Terra with word of Horus’ treachery. Puts this in 011.
When Phocron is awoken on Terra he is told “the strike” will be in 2 hours and 23 minutes.
A rebellion on Triton is mentioned and Mars is still blockaded at this time.
The items Silonius retrieves on Terra have been planted over the last decade. This has been in planning since before Isstvan III, probably since the Legion had their revelation in Legion (also confirming this was nearer to Ullanor than the “2 years before the Heresy” mentioned).
At the opening of Chapter 6 it has been 20 hours since Kestros’ company dropped onto Damocles Starport.
When the stasis field on the Alpha comes down someone completes a blink they started 1 year ago. So the Alpha Legion have been actively preparing this aspect for at least 1 year. Possibly when Horus ordered it?
The first interlude is set in 835 and shows Rogal Dorn recently having met the Emperor. So he was discovered around 835.
Fafnir Rann says Sigismund has been out on the Sol borders fighting for 5 years. Indicates he confessed to Dorn in 006.
In Part 2, Chapter 5, Dorn says the distress call from the Esteban System was received 2 days ago, and could have been sent anytime from that same day to several weeks ago.
The second interlude shows the Imperial Fists battling Orks on Rennimar in 865.
The third interlude is set in 30,999, showing the Imperial Fists and Alpha Legion operating on the same world.
In the epilogue we see word of Jaghatai’s arrival.
Ordo Sinister (pre-31,012)
Takes place sometime during the Webway War, so before the end of Master of Mankind.
The Master of Mankind (mid-31,011 - late 31,011)
Opens with the scene of Magnus’ mistake, then Constantin executing Koja Zu for stealing water on Terra. A daemon is born of the first murder and emerges into the webway and attacks servitors near the Impossible City.
We see the Emperor as a boy in a memory (may not necessarily be true). Ra reports on the webway war, saying they are losing the outward tunnels, fighting in the Impossible City, and that World Eaters, Word Bearers and Sons of Horus are now with the daemons, as well as titans.
Ra thinks of “the weariness of the last five years”, implying it’s been 5 years since Magnus wrecked the project. That would put this in late 009/early 010. However, Old Earth last indicates that the end of the book happens at the time Vulkan makes it back to Terra, which is after Praetorian of Dorn and Path of Heaven. This would put Master of Mankind in 011, and 5 years before that would be 006. Possibly based on the timeline from The Outcast Dead...
Diocletian confirms it has been “over five years” since he felt natural light on his skin. Multiple other references to 5 years.
The servitor feeding Jaya D’Arcus stops bringing food on the 151st day after her imprisonment, so about 5 months ago. Highrock fell to the traitors “mere weeks” after that imprisonment. After freeing them, Diocletian says they have between a week and 10 days to prepare for war.
Zephon played the harp for a century before being crippled and sent to the Crusader Host.
Kane is now changed, more than he was in Cybernetica, indicating that took place before this.
Weeks pass after Hieronyma’s rebirth. Likewise, Zephon met Torolec weeks before the descent into the Imperial Dungeon.
When Sagittarus is picked up by Land and Diocletian he says they’ve been fighting in the Impossible City for 293 hours (12 days), since the walls fell.
Zephon confirms he was with his legion for over a century before the crusader host. He seems to be a Baalite native, so likely joined after Sanguinius was found. He suffered his wound "decades" ago.
By Chapter 20 Ra has been awake for 15 days, fighting since the walls fell.
HH Journal states that the end of the book takes place in mid-late 31,011.
Hand Elect (31,011)
Takes place after Dwell, as the attack there is mentioned as a "setback" for Meduson.
After Aug is restored on Lliax, it takes 1 week for him to finish recovery, then 1 month to reach the Iron Heart and Meduson. Aug is then told they will attack Hamart Three in 2 days.
Old Earth (late 31,010 - late 31,011)
Begins right at the end of Deathfire, Vulkan's rebirth.
Zytos says T'kell has already left Prometheus, so this is after Sons of the Forge began.
In Chapter 4, the other Iron Hands have been waiting for 3 days, sometime after Hamart III, due to meet Meduson at Nerrovorn. He gets there 2 days later. At this point we are told it has taken "several months" to arrange this meeting.
Meduson says he has received word of Beta-Garmon coming under attack, suggesting this may be early in the conflict. According to FW publications, this conflict began around 31,010/31,011.
Vulkan recalls how he led Nocturnean natives into a Dark Eldar gate "several years" before the Emperor came to him.
Chapter 18 moves to 2 weeks after the false Ferrus Manus was destroyed.
When Vulkan reaches the Impossible City, he sees signs of the battle there, from Master of Mankind. Later, they see the gates to Terra closing and the Emperor's forces withdrawing, indicating this is at the end of Master of Mankind.
Kestros is here as Archamus, and Dorn says the Khan is here, so this is after both Praetorian of Dorn and Path of Heaven.
Magisterium (late 31,011)
Opens soon after the end of Master of Mankind, with the Custodians starting to recover from the Webway War. Also has some flashbacks to Prospero.
It moves forward some days later and says there are rumours of other legions making for Terra.
Near the end Samonas is called to Valdor on the cusp of the Khan’s return. Seems to be his return to Terra itself, so perhaps when Dorn says he is “here” when Vulkan gets back at the end of Old Earth, he means the Khan is in the system/area, and now we see him actually landing on Terra.
Restorer (late 31,011)
Takes place soon after the Scars return to Terra, as we see Shiban's bionics being replaced with better ones.
Shiban thinks on the Imperial Fists' ranks swelling over the last 4 years, with Luna having been working since the war broke out to make new space marines. While 4 years since the war broke out would be a little earlier than this, presumably the ranks didn't actually increase at first, as new marines take time to produce.
Dreams of Unity (post-early/mid-31,011)
Takes place sometime after the Alpha Legion attack in Praetorian of Dorn.
All That Remains (post-31,010)
Takes place sometime after the Thousand Sons return to the war, as they are mentioned attacking a loyalist world. Also after the Thousand Son Knight-Errant is recruited.
Garro: Vow of Faith (mid-late 31,011?)
By the start of Vow of Faith, Garro has been following Malcador's orders for "years". His first mission was in 007, suggesting this is 010 or later.
Mentions the citadel on Titan, so this is after Shield of Lies.
Mentions Garro searching "in recent months", including the Riga plate from Shield of Lies. Later confirms he went there "months before".
Sigismund's data incidates Keeler was at Sanctuary less than 4 days before Garro discovers the massacre there. 1 day after this, he reaches the Hesperides platform.
Sigismund being here may indicate it's after Praetorian of Dorn: at that time we see him stationed out on the borders of the Sol System, and having been put there since he confessed to Dorn. Being back on Terra seems odd for him, unless it's after that point.
Qruze is known to be dead, so this is after Vengeful Spirit, and enough time has passed for this to become known to both Garro and Sindermann.
The final part is several weeks after the main event, when Garro has recovered.
Ruinstorm (late 31,011)
At the beginning, "years" have taken place since the Red Tear came to Macragge. Unremembered Empire indicates this was at the end of 009/start of 010, so this book is likely 31,011 or later. According to the FW timeline, the "Passage of the Angel of Death" runs from 011 to 013, and this is likely Sanguinius' journey, since this same title is covered in the Angelus book. Probably isn't too long after the main part of Angels of Caliban, as the Primarchs would likely not wait long before departing.
The HH journal confirms that Davin is destroyed in 011.
The Atonement of Fire (late 31,011/early 31,012)
Currently Guilliman and the Ultramarines are not making for Terra, instead still acting as distraction/defence for Sanguinius. So likely soon after Ruinstorm, and before Spear of Ultramar.
The Binary Succession (approximately 31,011/31,012)
Set after Mars has fallen.
Vetherel first met Kane on Terra 2 years before the Martian schism. Vetherel's first memory recording is of her appointment as Mechanicum ambassador. The second memory moves to 1 week before present time.
It is now just over a decade since the Council of Terra's formation. The Council was created shortly after Ullanor, making this somewhere around 31,011/31,012.
Likely after The Master of Mankind, as no mention of the Adeptus Mechanicus is made in that.
Old Wounds, New Scars (late 31,011)
It has been just under 2 years since the refugees fled Molech.
Alivia says this latest warp translation has taken 9 months, though she does also note that time may have passed differently in the materium.
The Ember Wolves (post-31,010)
Set sometime after The Binary Succession, as the Adeptus Titanicus is mentioned.
Patience (post-31,009)
Gallor is now a Knight-Errant. He and Garro haven't spoken since the Eisenstein. They seem used to dealing with daemons, and the Knights-Errant seem numerous, suggesting this is late in the war.
Dark Compliance (post-mid-31,011 + later event)
In Argonis' story, Horus mentions Argonis on Tallarn, so this story is sometime after he returned from that. The "present" story of Dark Compliance is set further along still.
Abyssal (post-31,005)
No indication of timeframe given. Sometime during the Heresy.
Blackshields: The Broken Chain (post-31,011-pre-31,014?)
Takes place some time during Endryd Haar's on-going campaign against Horus. This is after the events of Red Fief, and a number of other engagements involving Haar's forces are listed, suggesting at least some time has passed.
This is also after Haar met with Malcador at Beta-Garmon.
We see Sons of Horus forces within the Segmentum Solar, indicating this is late in the Heresy.
Better Angels (approx. 30,960 - early 31,012)
Opens with Jehoel as a neophyte, then jumps forward several times.
Second scene moves to sometime during the Great Crusade, at least 6 years later. Jehoel has an augmetic arm from a conflict at Adryantis.
Third scene moves to sometime after Signus, with the Blood Angels departing.
The final scene is as the Blood Angels arrive at Terra after Imperium Secundus. Jehoel now has a collection of glass sculptures spanning "more than 5 decades", indicating he joined the legion sometime around 30,960.
Bringer of Sorrow (early 31,012)
Opens as the Blood Angels are arriving on Terra. At this point, Land says they reached the edge of the subsector weeks ago. Land and Zephon have been a common sight in the palace "in recent months".
Land's meeting with Sanguinius takes place 9 days after his surgery on Zephon.
The Lightning Hall (post-31,006)
Takes place "years" after the schism of Mars, but before Mars' recovery by Imperial forces.
Wolfsbane (31,012)
The prologue is set when Horus first meets Russ. Confirms Russ is the second Primarch found.
The first chapter is set some time after the Knights-Errant return from Molech, with Russ still at Terra. Between Russ' return to Terra and now, Russ has fought in a campaign at Daverant Reach and a battle at Vanaheim.
Russ thinks how Elva (the 11th Company of the Space Wolves) has gone through 4 lords in as many years.
Friedisch and Cawl speak in chapter 3, days before Horus arrives at Trisolian. At this point they are receiving messages from Terra telling them about the newly-formed Adeptus Mechanicus. Indicates this is after The Binary Succession.
Chapter 4 sees Sanguinius return to Terra after Ruinstorm. He updates them on what went on at Signus, the Shadow Crusade and Davin's destruction, which is now bringing an end to the worst of the warp turbulence. During a meeting of the primarchs, Dorn outlines his plan for a muster at Beta-Garmon, and Russ declines to join this. According to FW sources, the Wolf Cull occurs in 012 and the Great Slaughter at Beta-Garmon in 013, so this is probably sometime in 012.
Alpharius' attack on the Sol System is mentioned (and the Khan is here), so this is after Praetorian of Dorn.
Chapter 6 sees Russ training, still at Terra. He says he hasn't heard from Malcador in a week. He then meets Malcador in the spot he interviewed Loken "months before", as seen at the beginning of Vengeful Spirit.
In chapter 7, Valdor is ready to see Russ. Russ asks where he was 6 months ago. Also says Dorn fortified the system years ago. At this point, as Russ prepares to leave, Dorn is gathering forces for his muster.
40,000 Space Wolves leave Terra, all that are left in the Imperium. It later says two thirds of the legion have died, indicating a typical size of around 120,000.
The Wheel of Fire took place not long after Russ was reunited with his legion. The campaign lasted 5 years. By the end of it, Ferrus Manus had been found (recently).
Russ speaks of "when we found our third brother", but is cut off. Confirms that one of the unknown primarchs was found third, and Ferrus Manus fourth.
Unclear how long the journey back to Fenris takes. Once the Space Wolves make it back to Fenris, their stay is intended to be "measured in days".
Sota-Nul contacts the Mechanicum at Trisolian. She is seen with Argonis during Tallarn: Ironclad, so this is likely either before or after the end of the Tallarn war.
Grimnr Blackblood has sailed Uppland for 140 years.
When the Space Wolves arrive, Trisolian is under attack for the second time in a month.
After the attack on Horus, the remainder of the Space Wolves flee to gather at Yarant.
Duty Waits (31,012)
Mentions the Alpha Legion attack in Praetorian of Dorn, so after that.
Early in the story it says that “lately” Sanguinius has returned, and Russ is still there. So at the same time as early Wolfsbane.
Kolo was admitted to the legion 2 years ago.
Moves to six days later, Thane at the Katman Road. Guntren will be dead in 7 months, not clear why.
Moves forward again, “days bled into weeks”. At this later point, Dorn has called for the Great Muster at Beta-Garmon. Russ has left, refusing to join this Muster.
Weregeld (31,012)
The Night Lords ship seen at the start made a 2 week jump to it’s current point in the Sellacis System, and before that had four little 8/9 day jumps. At this point Corax is mustering at Dexius.
Horus is moving his forces towards Terra, indicating this is late in the war.
The Raven Guard have seen nothing more than 1 or 2 Night Lords ships for 3 years, and now suddenly they see many. Perhaps means this is 3 years since the end of Thramas?
The Raven Guard waited for supply ships at Dexius for several weeks.
The Iron Hands say battle is currently taking place at Beta-Garmon. This conflict began in 010 and ended in 013 with the Great Slaughter, according to Forge World publications.
“Four years” separate Hef from the new Black Guard, indicating this is 4 years after the Raptors were created. He also says a century separates him from Branne, probably used a bit loosely as Corax was found somewhere 920-940.
By this point the warp storms have been raging for “more than half a decade”, but are now starting to abate. Likely a result of Davin's destruction in Ruinstorm.
In 676009 Marcus took the Therion Cohort to Ghorna to battle Death Guard.
The Grey Raven (31,012/31,013?)
Takes place as Balsar and Noriz return to the Sol system after Weregeld, late in the Heresy.
Exocytosis (approx. mid-late 31,012)
Takes place after the epilogue in Angels of Caliban (which was in 31,012). Luther granted Typhon this repair camp "several weeks ago" and the Death Guard have been on Zaramund for "over a month", so probably not long after that book.
Bloodhowl (late 31,012?)
Says it has been "seven long years" since Prospero, placing this around 31,012. Also mentions Trisolian in the past, so this is after Wolfsbane.
Jorin states that "the Warmaster's forces advance on Beta-Garmon", so this is likely in the build-up to that big conflict.
Spear of Ultramar (late 31,012/early 31,013?)
Horus is gathering his forces, and Guilliman theorises that Sanguinius has made it back to Terra. At the end of Ruinstorm, Guilliman said he would draw traitor forces away to clear a path for Sanguinius. So, he appears to have finished that and is now heading for Terra himself.
The Iron Warriors are fighting a rearguard action against the Ultramarines.
Prayto says the attempt to plunge the entire system into the warp will take 2 days, maybe less. Indicates a short timeframe for the novella.
Nightfane (31,013?)
Takes place sometime after Red-Marked, continuing Thiel's mission. Thiel makes reference to Alpha Legion infiltrators among their ranks (following on from the attempted assassination of Guilliman in Unremembered Empire).
Meriad says "it's been 4 years". Unclear exactly what she means, could mean it's been 4 years since she saw Kagan, before he came to the station.
The opening audio log lists a date of 0013.27.05M31, and the last one at 0013.06.06M31. Assuming that 0013 refers to the year, the rest is likely a local dating system. These logs could feasibly be a different time, though the framing of them around the main audio drama seems to imply they take place around the same time.
Illyrium (post-31,012)
The Macragge's Honour (now returned to Guilliman's side) is under attack by traitors. Euten standing up to Curze is mentioned, so this is post-Imperium Secundus, presumably sometime while the Ultramarines are en route to Terra.
The Soul, Severed (31,013?)
Takes place after Iydris, and at this point Horus is turning his gaze to what will become the Great Slaughter at Beta-Garmon. These Emperor's Children are at Horvia.
Eidolon says he last helped Mortarion "find something he'd lost", could refer to the Khan or after that, to Typhon.
Valerius (31,013?)
Takes place after the Therion Cohort arrive in the Beta-Garmon region on Corax's orders. Sometime during the overall Beta-Garmon conflict.
A Game of Opposites (approximately mid-31,013)
Jaghatai Khan is attacking Iron Warriors on Epsilon-Garmon II, trying to help clear the way for the Ultramarines' eventual arrival.
At the end of the story, Jaghatai says Sanguinius needs him, and that Horus has mustered many titans. Story takes place during Titandeath, after Jaghatai and Sanguinius arrive in the system but before they reunite at the end.
Titandeath (31,012 - 31,013)
Opens with loyalist forces gathering for Beta-Garmon, though it also appears conflicts have been going on there for some time.
Durana Fahl has fought for the Second Maniple for 3 years now.
Mohana entered her current titan cockpit for the first time 124 years ago. She has commanded for 15 decades.
In Chapter 2, Legio Solaria will arrive at Beta-Garmon in a day or two. The Mechanicum is now the Adeptus Mechanicus.
The message ordering Solaria to Beta-Garmon has a datestamp of 832 013 (October). [CONFLICT: Adeptus Titanicus: Titandeath states that the Titandeath has already happened by this point]
The Astronomicon shines brightly at the start of the book.
Once they arrive in system, Theta-Garmon V is 3 days away. The battle for Theta-Garmon V has been going on for 3 years.
Chapter 11 moves to 6 weeks after the initial attack on Iridium.
In a flashback, we see Legio Vulpa marching on Biphex in 002 987 (January). At this point, Esha was approximately 6 months pregnant.
Part II moves to Beta-Garmon III. Jinsu Hive is a burning ruin, and has been for a few months. The death toll of Beta-Garmon II alone is in the billions, with people calling it the Great Slaughter.
Mohana says in Chapter 12 that the capital world has fallen to Horus. 2nd Battle for Nyrcon City? Now Solaria goes to Beta-Garmon III. This follows 1 month of negotiation, and they have held their place at Iridium for weeks.
Protos says a daemon titan was made before, on Astagar (The Laurel of Defiance).
Chapter 18 concludes the attempted ambush of Esha. In Chapter 19, Sanguinius and Jaghatai arrive. They are “weeks late”.
In Chapter 20 (Harrtek losing control in battle) it is stated that Imperial ships arrived 4 days ago.
Chapter 21 moves to 3 days later.
Chapter 23 is weeks after the attempted ambush of Esha. At this point. Jaghatai and Sanguinius arrived just over a month ago. Sanguinius wants to launch an attack to retake Nyrcon City and Beta-Garmon II. This will be the 3rd battle for the city: the first was when Dorn dispatched a force to take it from traitors at the start of the war (referenced in FW Book VI, 010), the second when Horus’ massed forces took it back.
At the start of Chapter 26, the battle at Nyrcon has been going on for a week.
The Anvil was captured by Horus “some months before” (2nd battle for Nyrcon?).
After the fall of Carthega Telepathica, the Warp is badly disrupted, and Esha sees Horus surveying the results. His wound re-opens.
Adeptus Titanicus: Titandeath gives us a specific timeline. The wider Beta-Garmon conflict runs from 010 to 013, with the Great Slaughter really picking up from 012 onwards when the Ruinstorm goes down. The Second Gattle of Nyrcon City is in 403 (late May) 012, the ambush from Horus' mind-slaves was in 643 (late August) 012, Sanguinius and Jaghatai arrive in-system at 084 (early February) 013, the Titandeath itself is 356 (early May) 013, and the fall of the Diviner's Needle is 788 (mid-October) 013.
Slaves to Darkness (late 31,013)
Opens in the immediate aftermath of the last conflict over Beta-Garmon (which other books indicate takes place 31,013). The traitors have won ("The gates open"), but Horus' wound from Russ is resurging. By this point, Beta-Garmon has "eaten their strength for months".
The Ruinstorm has fallen and the Iron Warriors are fighting a rearguard against Guilliman. Krade has been holding against the Ultramarines for 6 months, so it is at least that long since the novel Ruinstorm.
In Chapter 2, Maloghurst is ordering Mortarion to Terra. By this point, Horus has been injured in his chamber for 38 days.
Volk has not been in the presence of Perturabo for "months", since the withdrawal from Tallarn.
Maloghurst says even the Emperor's Children have not seen Fulgrim since he went into the Eye of Terror. Seems odd since the Sons of Horus saw him after that (Molech), and we have seen at least one story (Imperfect) with daemon Fulgrim alongside Fabius.
It is stated that 13 years separate the Ullanor Triumph and the present.
Fulgrim calls out to his legion. At this point, Eidolon is on a throne.
The timetable for the traitors mustering at Ullanor is 14 days, and seems to be stuck to. By the time it is all done, Abaddon has returned from Yarant.
Layak looks up at the gathered traitor forces after 8 days of sacrifices on Ullanor.
Dreadwing (mid-late 31,013?)
Opens with the Dark Angels destroying Barbarus. They destroyed Luth Tyre 8 weeks earlier, and Chemos 3 weeks before that. Colchis and Cthonia still remain. However, these dates conflict with the exact ones given in the Horus Heresy Journal, which indicate over a year between the destruction of Chemos and Barbarus.
Sarosh (the world from Descent of Angels where Luther was sent back to Caliban) is mentioned alongside recent campaigns as reasons for their low numbers. Implies it happened towards the end of the Crusade. Also says the Lion went several years after that with no Seneschal, before appointing Corswain.
Redloss and Holguin are the only Wing lieutenants to have made it through the Ruinstorm alive.
The Lion has not been seen on the bridge since the destruction of Chemos.
Not a timeline point, but the Lion's fleet currently numbers 12 capital ships, and of the 20,000 Dark Angels at Macragge. less than half remain, the rest lost to Curze, the Night Lords, Davin and the Ruinstorm.
The astropaths are receiving messages that Horus has taken Beta-Garmon. Could be part of on-going conflict.
Heironymax has been fighting for 5 years, so since 008. He is 4 centuries old.
The formation of the Adeptus Mechanicus from The Binary Succession is also mentioned.
By the end, Lion says they can’t see the Astronomicon anymore. Could be connected to the warp disruption caused by the traitors in Titandeath.
Malcador: First Lord of the Imperium (late 31,013?)
Malcador says he is 6718 years, 241 days, 11 hours, 8 minutes and 56 seconds old. If true, this would mean he was born around 24,295.
Malcador also states that the Emperor was not “The Emperor” until he met Malcador, and until then he was just another warlord of Terra. Again, unclear exactly how much of what Malcador says is true.
Casualty figures from Beta-Garmon are mentioned, being in the billions in a matter of months. Unclear whether this refers to the Great Slaughter or the earlier conflict.
The Last Council (late 31,013)
The Council (created after Ullanor) ruled for "little over a decade" before being disbanded "in the months preceding" the Siege of Terra. This is when the main part of this story takes place, so not long before the Siege.
Both Sanguinius and the Adeptus Mechanicus are mentioned as present.
Includes a scene of the past, with Horus, Alpharius and the Khan storming in to confront Malcador. Horus is outraged at the removal of a primarch statue, indicated to be one of the unknown primarchs. Alpharius' presence indicates this takes place later in the Crusade. Notable exchanges include Alpharius referring to him as "our fallen brother", and Malcador referring to him as "a fallen and disgraced primarch". Horus/Alpharius' reactions may indicate this is the first time this has happened.
The table in the council chamber was gifted to the Emperor in 986, indicating that the scene with Horus is sometime after that date.
Malcador refers to Sibel in the past tense, indicating this is after First Lord of the Imperium.
The Chamber at the End of Memory (30,013?)
Rogal Dorn is sure Horus is approaching. May indicate it takes place towards the end of the Heresy.
The story says that the lost primarchs were struck from the records "long before the Warmaster's rebellion". Also that both Dorn and Guilliman were involved in the decision about what to do with their legions.
Perpetual (late 31,013)
The Calth survivors have been living in the clifftop city for nearly 2 years, and have been travelling for 6, putting this in (effectively) 013, although as they’ve been travelling through time Oll estimates they’re actually in the tail end of M23.
Oll estimates he is 45,000 years old.
The Buried Dagger (late 31,013)
Opens with Mortarion on Ynyx, befor the Death Guard make their way to Terra. Typhon returns here, after Zaramund (Exocytosis)
Barbarus has been destroyed by this point. [CANON CONFLICT: White Dwarf 478 states that Mortarion enters the warp before the destruction of Barbarus]
Wyntor arrived at the Imperial Palace a decade ago (though given what we learn of him later, this may not be accurate)
Garro hasn't seen Rubio since "the Manatan incident", and since then Rubio has retrieved Fel Zharost (Child of Night).
Rubio says the Warmaster has broken through at Beta-Garmon.
Jydasian was listed as missing, presumed dead during an action at Mercury over 6 months ago.
The third Death Guard chapter starts (after the flashback) 1 day after they enetered the warp. Morarg says they have "been in the fangs of this insurrection for nearly a decade", indicating it is nearly 10 years since the Heresy began.
The mind-broken Sisters of Silence began appearing several months ago.
In the third Knights-Errant chapter, Rubio, Gallor and Varren arrived in the jungle 2 days ago.
Yotun says Garro wasn't the first Knight-Errant, chronologically. Maybe implies that Yotun was there earlier?
Garro says the galaxy has known this conflict "for 7 years".
The subconscious message has lain in Rubio for 7 years, since Calth.
In a flashback in Interval V, we see Mortarion's on-going campaign on Barbarus. He returns to Safehold, which did not exist 8 solar years ago.
The book ends with forces on Terra directly preparing for Horus' arrival, and the Death Guard also emerge into the Sol System.
The Board is Set (January 31,014)
Takes place days/hours before the traitors arrive, and ends just before their arrival.
Says that a labour force has worked for "nearly 7 years" on making the palace a fortress. This implies the work only really began in late 006/early 007.
Now Peals Midnight (January 31,014)
Takes place over the 5 hours before the Siege begins.
Siege of Terra: The Solar War (January 31,014 - February 31,014)
Opens on the first of Primus, the very start of the year, 31,014. Malcador is dealing painted cards, possibly as seen in The Board is Set.
It is said to be 7 years since Oliton came back to the Solar System. This would take us back to the end of 006. Given that Isstvan V took place in the middle of 006, "7 years" isn't entirely accurate, it's probably closer to 8, but not too far off.
Oliton spent 4 years with the Luna Wolves/Sons of Horus before the Heresy.
The War Oath has not seen Sol's light in over a century.
The Alpha Legion attack on Pluto was "months" ago. A bit of a stretch, since indications are that was in mid-late 011, but technically not untrue.
Chapter 6 is 3 days after the attack on Uranus/the Elysian Gate began.
Loken comes to see Malcador 5 days into the dream riots (Chapter 14).
The book ends on the 13th of Secundus, 6 weeks after it opened.
Sons of the Selenar (February 31,014 - March 31,014)
Opens with the Sisypheum battling at Jupiter. Then they are teleported away by the warp rift that Horus opens at the end of the Solar War.
After this, Sharrowkyn finds a spot to dock in 25 hours, and it's another 9 days before they can sail again. It's another 7 days to Luna.
The Justaerin late in the book talk about Horus not waiting before attacking Terra, and the speartip to the surface they expect, indicating this is still pre-planetfall.
Sharrowkyn is unconscious for 10 days after the Photep appears.
Siege of Terra: The Lost and the Damned (February 31,014 - April 31,014)
Opens just as The Solar War ends, with the bombardment beginning on the 13th of Secundus. At this point, Mortarion's fleets have not yet arrived, but arrive at the end of Chapter 3, the following day.
Confirms that Vulkan arrived before Sanguinius' return to Terra.
Hanis stood near the Warmaster 10 years ago, before the Heresy, on 63-10.
The traitors launch their first big attack on the 25th of Secundus.
Myzmadra says the scene of her recruitment was maybe 10 or 15 years ago. At the time, "Alpharius" says the Imperium is doomed, and that Horus will turn traitor in "a few years".
In early Quartus it is said that the last meeting of the High Lords (as seen in "The Last Council") was months ago.
The book ends with the first attack on the walls, and Angron landing on the surface, at the 15th of Quartus.
Terminus (31,014)
Takes place during the Siege, with the Death Guard advancing on some outer defences of the palace, and Mortarion making planetfall.
Child of Chaos (31,014)
Takes place as Erebus is looking down at Terra before an attack (unclear if this is the very opening or a later assault), with him going back and telling his story from childhood.
Siege of Terra: The First Wall (January 31,014 - May 31,014)
The book has two main storylines: the traitor assault on the Lion's Gate space port and the Addaba Corps making their way towards the Imperial Palace. The assault seems to take place soon after the initial landings in Lost and the Damned, so likely in the latter half of April.
The Addaba parts of the story begin (aside from an opening prologue) 107 days (3.5 months) before the beginning of the assault on Lion's Gate, which would be at the start of 31,014. At this point, Zenobi is 17 years old and there are rumours that Horus' forces are at the outer Solar defences.
4 days after Zenobi's 10th birthday, her hive began production of tanks at Dorn's order. Her 18th birthday is 9 months away at the start of the book. This means tank production began 7 years and 3 months ago, which would be around the beginning of 007.
The compliance of Bious was 20 years ago, so 30,994.
Chapter 12 has the Addaba forces 69 days before the assault, just over a month after the start of their story. At this point (mid-February) traitor forces have apparently entered the atmosphere. If this is the same time as the bombardment began at the end of The Solar War (14th of Secundus), this would put the assault in late April.
The book ends 24 days after the assault, moving us into mid-May.
Sons of Cthonia (31,014)
The short stories from the Cthonia's Reckoning anthology appear to take place one after the other, chronologically covering a series of events within the fighting on Cthonia. Sons of Cthonia takes place after Imperial Fists have begun attacking the planet.
To The Last (31,014)
Takes place in the space above Cthonia while the war is on-going on the surface, and sees the orbital fortress fall.
The Gangs Beneath (31,014)
Takes place during the war for Cthonia.
The Flesh Harvest (31,014)
Takes place during the war for Cthonia. Mentions "Horus' legendary sky fortress" falling, as seen in To The Last.
Ikharios has survived 2 Terran-standard years of Cthonia.
Traitor's Faith (31,014)
Takes place during the war for Cthonia. Garrius has been coordinating war there "for months" by this point.
Says that Ashurhaddon could have joined Horus at Terra, indicating these stories take place at the same time as the Siege.
For Hate's Sake (31,014)
Takes place during the war for Cthonia. New Imperial Fist recruits are said to have been fighting on Cthonia for the last 7 years, implying there's been some conflict here since the Heresy began (though these stories appear to cover events at the time of the Siege).
The Orgaus Reclamation was 1 year before the Ullanor campaign began.
Postulant (31,014)
Takes place during the war for Cthonia. The Dark Angels have now arrived, though at least some of them still believe they were too late and the Emperor has fallen.
Siege of Terra: Saturnine (May 31,014)
Lion's Gate space port fell on the 11th of Quintus.
Perturabo confirmed as the 12th found son.
Chapter 2 is 5 days after Lion's Gate port fell (so 16th Quintus).
Keeler was moved to Blackstone on the 13th of Quintus.
Chapter 5 is the 21st of Quintus.
Basilio Fo was taken by the 63rd Expeditionary Fleet 15 years ago, so around 30,999. He's 5000 years old.
The last chapter is the 26th of Quintus.
Fury of Magnus (June 31,014)
Six times in the last 2 days, attackers have come at the Indomitor Wall.
Set after the failed attack on Colossi, loss of Eternity Wall Port, etc (all in Saturnine), and seems not long after.
In Chapter 4, Alivia is brought to Malcador 2 days after Khalid found her again in Chapter 2.
Magnus has not walked the palace paths in over a 150 years.
Mortis (June 31,014)
Takes place after Saturnine.
A column fell back from the fall of the Lion's Gate port "three weeks ago". It fell in mid-May, indicating Mortis is in June.
Garro: Knight of Grey (July/August 31,014)
Takes place after Mortis, as we see the Legio Mortis within the Palace and the bastions are falling to the traitors, but before Warhawk, as Mortarion is still present.
Warhawk (August 31,014)
Jangsai had 4 years of being turned into a marine on his homeworld of Ar Rija, then evacuated to Terra, followed by last few months of implants and training. By the time of his final ascension, Ganzorig Noyan-Khan has been fighting the traitors for 7 years.
Mercury Wall has been breached and traitors are pouring through, so this takes place after Mortis.
Crosius thinks of there having not been a counter attack like this (when the White Scars go for the spaceport) for "months", and Naranbaatar thinks of there being "weeks of research" into their attack.
By Part 3, Keeler's conclave has been together for a matter of days.
Echoes of Eternity (August/September 31,014)
The Khan is said to have "died of his wounds" from Lions Gate "days ago", suggesting this is soon after Warhawk.
Hindarah has been in the field for "months since her first deployment on Terra's surface".
Inzar and Kargos met 3 days before Chapter 4, and Kargos likely found Kharn (slain by Sigismund) at least a week before that, indicates it has been something like a week or two since Warhawk.
Chapter 12 is "days" after Chapter 3.
Dorn has done nothing but relay commands for 9 days.
By the end of the Kiy-Buran Compliance, Sanguinius has not yet been reunited with his Legion, and Dorn has recently taken command of the Imperial Fists.
At the end of Nithander's compliance, the IXth Legion gets word that the Emperor has found Sanguinius. However, Sanguinius meets them 3 years after meeting the Emperor, so he was likely actually found several years before this.
Zephon's injury is late in the Crusade, when Shenkai was 9-12.
Part 4 uses flashbacks: Chapter 17 shows the Ninth pre-Sanguinius, 18 shows Sanguinius meeting the Emperor, 19 shows Sanguinius meeting his Legion, 20 shows Shenkai just before and after Zephon's injury, and 21 shows Kargos duelling alongside Amit in the late Crusade.
Chapter 21 shows the Blood Angels and World Eaters on a joint engagement at Serrion, late in the Crusade. Sarrin is new to the post of Captain of the Conqueror. This point is after the World Eaters receive the Nails. Amit has been taking part in pit fights for 10 years, 3 of them as Kargos' chain-brother. The Legions have fought 3 campaigns together by this point, and Kargos & Amit have had 106 chained bouts.
The Siege is said to have gone on for half a year.
Chapter 25 is days after Zephon was reawakened by Land.
Zephon's injury in Saturnine was "months ago".
"Almost a year of this madness" suggests this is in later 014.
Sanguinius talks about "200 days of dread", indicating 200 days since either the Solar War or since figthing began on Terra, so approx. 7 months. Indicates this is either late July or the start of September 014.
The events of Fury of Magnus took place "mere weeks ago".
Guilliman's message at the end says he is "mere days" from the Sol System's edge, and will reach Terra within a week.
The End and the Death: Volume I (September/October 31,014)
Horus confirms that he and the Emperor had 30 years together before any other Primarchs were found.
Bhab Bastion was sacked in the last 4 hours.
Jaghatai defeated Mortarion "just hours past", so not long after Warhawk
The End and the Death: Volume II (September/October 31,014)
Takes place immediately following Volume I. By the opening, the Siege has lasted 9.7 months "relative".
The Sanctum Imperialis has withstood assault for "seven long months".
The End and the Death: Volume III (September/October 31,014)
Takes place immediately following Volume II. The Ultramarine fleet has been sitting at the edge of Sol for 8 days at the start of the book.
Bjorn: Lone Wolf (post-Siege)
Confirmed by Laurie Goulding to be set many years after the Siege.
Two Metaphysical Blades (pre-Unification Wars - post-Siege)
Starts long before the Imperium, with the Emperor forging the two spears in his first citadel.
Then moves to the Unification Wars, when the Thunder Warriors are still new.
Then moves to the Wheel of Fire, the Wolves' first campaign under Russ, early in the Crusade. The campaign lasts 5 years. By the end, a third of the legion has been lost, and Ferrus Manus is discovered, but likely recently, as Russ asks if Valdor has spoken to him yet.
Then moves to just after the end of the Siege of Terra.
Says the Siege is 7 years after Ullanor. Likely an error, as this conflicts with numerous other sources.
Then moves to sometime after the Heresy, when Russ and Valdor both depart Fenris and Terra, respectively.
Konrad Curze: The Night Haunter (post-Siege)
The "present" of the story takes place on Tsagualsa, as Curze awaits his death, post-Heresy. Various past tales are then depicted throughout.
The stasis pod containing Curze is recovered in 31,032, plus or minus 2 or 3 years. It then takes him over 20 months to reach Tsagualsa (it is 20 months before the ship begins to decelerate, with "months" more to go).
Other events include time on Nostramo before Curze's rediscovery, events shortly before and after Cheraut, and leading up to Nostramo's destruction. We also see a scene with Curze interacting with Corax (thus sometime after Corax's rediscovery), which is indicated to be before the Carinaen Sodality event (seen in Corax: Lord of Shadows).
Grandfather's Gift (post-Siege)
Time hard to measure as this is set in the Warp, but generally seems to be post-Heresy, with Mortarion residing on the Plague Planet, having been hunting his adoptive father for centuries, and seeing the light of the Astronomicon.
Shadow of the Past (post-Siege)
Takes place after the Siege. Lorgar has ascended to daemonhood and Word Bearers are preparing constructions for him on Sicarus. By the end, Lorgar has gone into seclusion.
The Ancient Awaits (post-Siege)
Takes place after the Siege, centuries or millennia after.
Luther: First of the Fallen (post-Siege, flashbacks to pre-Heresy)
Begins as Caliban crumbles, post-Heresy. Then moves though time as he is kept in stasis and interrogated in the time from then until the "modern" 40k point.
In the scene of Luther's council on Caliban, the Dark Angels are apparently hours or days awayfrom arrival at the edge of the Caliban system.
Farith Redloss is slain by Fallen 30 years before Chapter 2.
Luther is 21 at the coming of the Horn of Ruin to Dordred Heath.
Luther begins his quest at age 14.
There's a rebellion on Zaramund during the Great Crusade, after Luther is banished back to Caliban. Angels of Caliban indicates this is in 970. After putting this down, Luther meets with Typhon and Erebus and they pledge illicit support to one another. Luther doesn't see Typhon again after this for more than 4 decades (likely when he meets him here during the Heresy). Some 30 years after Zaramund, Luther learns of Horus turning on the Emperor.
When Luther meets Typhon at Zaramund during the Heresy, Corswain is in pursuit. At this point, Horus is gathering forces for Terra and Typhon plans to reunite with Mortarion, so this is late in the Heresy. Angels of Caliban indicates this takes place in 31,012.
Primarch discovery:
Alpharius was discovered first, before the Crusade began (Alpharius: Head of the Hydra)
Horus was publically stated to be the first found, soon after the Crusade began. Head of the Hydra gives the date as 3 years into the Crusade, so 30,801. Confirmed in the official timeline. (Alpharius: Head of the Hydra)
Leman Russ was discovered before Ferrus Manus, the second primarch, unknown date. According to Horus Rising, was likely not discovered until at least 829. Official timeline places this in 819. (HH Book II: Massacre, Horus Rising, Wolfsbane)
UNKNOWN PRIMARCH. Official timeline places this in 821.
Ferrus Manus was discovered within "a short span of years" of 807. Seems to have been discovered not long after Russ, as he is known by the end of the Wheel of Fire campaign, the Wolves' first major action under Russ. Official timeline places this in 824. (HH Book II: Massacre, Two Metaphysical Blades)
Fulgrim is discovered sometime before 835 (840 was when the Pride of the Emperor was constructed, and Rogal Dorn was found by 835) and during the fourth decade of the III Legion's existence (after the geneseed catastrophe), therefore 830-835. Official timeline places this in 830. (Fulgrim + HH Book I: Betrayal)
Vulkan was discovered sometime in the fourth decade of the Great Crusade and before Rogal Dorn, so 830-835, though he did spend some time with the Emperor before reuniting with his legion. Official timeline places this in 832. (HH Book II: Massacre)
Rogal Dorn fought with the Imperial Fists in the Great Crusade for 160 years, and was discovered by 835 at least. Dorn was the 7th primarch discovered. Official timeline places this in 835. (The Lightning Tower + HH Book III: Extermination + Praetorian of Dorn)
Roboute Guilliman was discovered in 832 and met physically in 837. (HH Book V: Tempest)
Magnus was discovered before Lorgar. (The First Heretic) and Perturabo (Angel Exterminatus). Confirmed to be 840 (Magnus: Master of Prospero).
Sanguinius was discovered in 843. (HH Book VIII: Malevolence)
Lion El'Jonson must be sometime between 843-849. Official timeline places this in 846.
Perturabo took control of the Iron Warriors in 849. (HH Book III: Extermination + Magnus: Master of Prospero)
Mortarion took control of the Death Guard after at least 80 years of the Crusade. He was on Terra being taught 70 years before the Heresy, around 937. By this point both Angron and Curze had been found. It may be he was there being taught for a long time before being reunited with his legion. It may also be that he was not contacted as soon as he was discovered, due to warp hold-ups or the Emperor wanting to observe. Jaghatai Khan's Primarchs book suggests he wasn't kept on Terra for that long, so unclear. Lantern's Light tells us he was discovered "just over half a century" after Horus, and at least 1 Barbaran year before Lorgar. Official timeline places his discovery in 854. (Lantern's Light + Daemonology + HH Book I: Betrayal + Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris)
Lorgar was discovered in 857 (HH Book V: Tempest)
Omegon was secretly found by Alpharius 6 years into the second rangdan war, in 868. (Alpharius: Head of the Hydra)
Jaghatai Khan was discovered in 878. (Jaghatai Khan: Warhawk of Chogoris). CONFLICT: HH Book VIII: Malevolence gives a different account, and gives the date as 865. Same in the official timeline.
Konrad Curze was discovered after Lorgar. Konrad is discovered at least 100 years before the end of the Thramas Crusade. The Emperor came to Nostramo nearly 100 years after the Great Crusade began. So probably around 895. Official timeline places this in 896. (Prince of Crows + HH Book II: Massacre)
Angron was found 100 years before the Heresy, so approximately 905. Official timeline places this in 899. (Betrayer)
Corax was one of the last primarchs found, most of his brothers had already been discovered, and the two unknown primarchs had possibly already been dealt with. (Deliverance Lost). The Raven Guard were without Corax for over a century, and the Mor Deythan fought with him for 8 decades before the Heresy, suggesting he was reunited with them around 920-925. Official timeline places this in 922.
UNKNOWN PRIMARCH (conflict: order posted online shows this after Corax, and official timeline places this in 927, but Deliverance Lost indicates Corax was found after the two unknown primarchs were dealt with. Could be that Corax was discovered first, but not contacted until afterwards)
Alpharius/Omegon publically took command in year 981. (HH Book II: Massacre)