Nor is this likely done out of sheer favouritism (see the works of Karen Traviss for an actual example of that) as his stories seem to be there to explore the universe rather than simply stamp down his views. The narrative follows a few plotlines – gathering a ragtag army, shoring up Terra’s defences and attempting to repel an insidious menace that seems impervious to all weapons – and they all seamlessly fuse into a dramatic finale. Would the Emperor give voice to his feelings for his son, to a high-ranking Mechanicum adept who would see it as a flaw in the Omnissiah? Now the greatest threats to mankind’s existence are using the webway to besiege Terra, and humanity faces utter annihilation.

History Original Origin Note: This section discusses material that was once considered canon but whose canonicity may now be questionable. This city is the focal point of the conflict, the last line of defense the Imperials have to hold before the forces of Chaos would be able to overwhelm them and push into the throne room itself.For example, The Emperor cites the Crusades as one of the reasons religion is evil, as if there wouldn't be crusades without religion, even though he's literally just about to launch THE GREAT CRUSADE. While little is commented upon when it comes to his personal origins or even his true nature, we see enough to know more of his methods, ideas and mental state than ever before.

That COULD be because he sees them only as a series of tools, or it could be, because that is how he first thought of them during their gestation and their estranged childhoods. The decision to keep and deploy Angron looks stupid from a purely logical point of view, but then, there is no explanation why the Emperor would keep Angron around, unless it was out of paternal affection. It's not one for leading a bloody charge though, and instead stalks around the Imperial defenses, picking them apart little by little.

It's also during this flashback scene that a certain aspect of the Emperor really starts getting fleshed out. The problem is that, like there, he took it to a point where the story outright ignores many of their strengths and failed to ever balance out this problem, meaning we're left with a very singular, very narrow, depiction of a force who are just outright failures within the setting.