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Episode 90

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Published on:

11th Aug 2026

Horus Heresy: THE FIRST HERETIC, a Word Bearers Novel | BOOK CLUB

Vote for the next book on our Discord: https://discord.gg/2dX5JqfNQ6

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This episode is BONUS CONTENT; discussions and series intended to be more casual in tone, complementing our other episodes. This episode features our BOOK CLUB pick for July - Warhammer the Horus Heresy: "The First Heretic", by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, performed on audio by Gareth Armstrong. There will be spoilers.

"The First Heretic" covers the slow turn to the worship of Chaos, not just for the Word Bearers legionaries but of their primarch Lorgar Aurelian. A chain of events leading to possession and turning the ear of other legions all begins with the razing of Monarchia, a punishment by The Emperor for the Word Bearers' disallowed religious worship of his image.

August's book club will be another title by Aaron Dembski-Bowden, "The Emperor's Gift", a Grey Knights novel following the young knight Hyperion around the time of the First War for Armageddon.

For a playlist of our previous Book Club episodes, see: https://feeds.captivate.fm/ttpfieldmanual/book-club/

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro and book details

06:31 General plot, and the protagonist Argel Tal

19:20 The middle of the book; Cadia, and journey into the Warp

28:19 We Feel Bad for Lorgar; the Dropsite Massacre, and Night Lords??

37:54 Other characters and comments

45:46 Discord, where to go next in the saga, and our next book club

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Website/links: https://ttpfieldmanual.captivate.fm

TTP Field Manual is brought to you by Joshy and Jonny, best friends and tabletop gaming fans from their local group, Trust the Process Hobbies. We use this podcast as a platform to share our ramblings about the hobby (though we cannot shut up about Warhammer).

By day, Joshy is a therapist; by night, an RPG aficionado raised on Final Fantasy and years of crafting his own Dungeons & Dragons worlds. Jonny, a technician, spends his downtime conquering more video games than Joshy can keep track of.

Our occasional guest Zakky has a passion for buying things he then has to build.

Thanks for listening!

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About the Podcast

TTP Field Manual
Joshy and Jonny are here to Play Games, Read Books, Roll Dice, and Trust the Process
Our Community Discord: https://discord.gg/Q6CTSrcbPT
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TTPFieldManual
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ttpfieldmanual

From the grimdark depths of Warhammer to the weird corners of indie skirmish games, we’re here to help you explore, expand, and enjoy 'hobby'—wherever it takes us. Expect insights, unfiltered opinions, and an approachable take on miniature wargaming, model releases, lore deep-dives, rambles, and the occasional video game or book chat.

Join us as we light the way for gamers, hobbyists, and lore fanatics through the ever-expanding worlds of tabletop gaming, with new episodes weekly. Whether you're a battle-hardened gamer or eyeing your first box set, you're in good company.

About your hosts

Joshua Bryant

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By day, Joshy is a therapist; by night, he's an RPG aficionado who grew up on (not-so) Final Fantasies and crafting his own Dungeons & Dragons worlds.

Josh loves sci-fantasy, and so is quite at home with Warhammer! He plays Necrons, Adepta Sororitas, and Aeldari. His playstyle is reserved and cagey, preferring to outmaneuver his opponents before delivering the killing blow. His painting approach is a blend of fast painting styles and technical effects. He's the resident lore expert and wishes he could apply his encyclopaedic brain to other areas of life.

Jonathan Langtree

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Jonny, a technician, spends his downtime conquering more video games than Joshy can keep track of.

Jonny is a big fan of magic in his games and putting together vicious combos. He's the de facto Champion of Chaos when it comes to Warhammer, playing Chaos Knights, Thousand Sons, and Chaos Space Marines. He loves synergistic army lists and is always putting together new ideas. His painting approach is classic 'Eavy Metal.