From the introduction: It is the close of the 41st Millenium, and the Imperium of Mankind is in dire straights. The Enemies of Mankind press at the borders, straining the ancient institutions of Imperial governance to their absolute limits. The foul Orks gather in ever larger warbands; the Forces of Chaos have broken the Cadian Gate; The Eldar are, as usual, enigmatic and up to something. Heresy is rife in this dark era, and things look bleaker than usual.