From the introduction: It is the 31st millennium. The Emperor rose from the ashes of Terra, and cast his gaze to the stars. He seeks the unification of humanity, and to ensure their dominance of the milky way galaxy. To this end He has created an immense war machine. He crafted deadly weapons, and recruited immense armies to wield them. More than that, he designed genetically enhanced super soldiers, and brought the many useful mutants under his control, including psykers and their opposite number called blanks. But among these vast armies, only one serves Him personally.