===Formation===

[[Image:NightLordsPad2.jpg|thumb|right|100px|Night Lords' Heresy shoulder symbol{{Fn|17c}}]]

Originally known as the '''VIIIth Legion''', the Night Lords first recruits were from the stinking ancient prisons of [[Terra]]. Here the children of prisoners were raised in the dark and among death. These pale "Night's Children" made perfect Astartes recruits. The Legion saw its first use when the [[Emperor]] deployed them against the Terran [[Saragorn Enclave]], who despite having surrendered to the [[Imperium]] during the [[Unification War]]s, still continued banned psy-breeding experiments. The Emperor's retribution on the Enclave was viciously carried out by the VIIIth Legion.{{Fn|17a}}

===The Lord of the Night===

After his discovery by the [[Emperor]], Konrad Curze underwent a period of training under the tutelage of [[Fulgrim]], primarch of the [[Emperor's Children]], who introduced him to not only wider military strategems, but also Imperial culture, specifically that of [[Terra]] itself. Following this period, Curze was placed at the head of his legion, who are known to have adapted to his philosophies quickly and with diligence, as well as intelligently transforming the primarch's beliefs into military tactics. Curze's experiences upon Nostramo in his self-appointed role as the '''Night Haunter''' had instilled in him the philosophy of terror, whereby he had inspired obedience to the law by fear of extreme punishment. This societal philosophy translated into the military tactics of swift, sudden and decisive strikes often carried out to excess, as well as making sure the enemy knew who had hit them. The Night Lords therefore developed a practice of regularly using excessive force to defeat their enemies, as well as publicizing these actions so that other potential transgressors would be well aware of what could happen to them should they break faith with the [[Imperium]].{{Fn|1}}