I think this thread is straightforward enough- how do you know Warhammer 40,000, the fictional universe that Eternal Crusade is set within? For me, I was introduced to the setting by Dawn of War 2. I've since played Dawn of War 1 as well as Space Marine, and I've read a few books too. How about the others here?

I was introduced to it through dawn of war 1, it was pure epic for me, and i was glad it was the first one, the further i looked into it for more games, little by little did i realize that the game was not a simple story of strategy gaming, it was so much deeper.

I plan to expand into the book collection/reading everything warhammer 40k related as finances allow.

In the early 90's 12 year old me stumbled across a White Dwarf magazine while looking for Battletech books. I've been hooked ever since.

I started out with WHFB Undead/Vampire Counts end of the 90's. Was intrigued by 40k, especially the setting, but they didn't really have a codex that interested me. Then in 1999 came the WD #230 and I was sold on Necrons. Switched over to 40k and never looked back. Blessed be Rick Priestly and his Chapter Approved!

Started way back from Chaos Gate, damn that game was good.
Proceeded to play every game from there since, and read tons of books and literature.

I guess the Dawn of War series. Then Space Marine came out...fell in love. Then I discovered the Horus Heresy books...then the 40k books. Pretty much become an obsession now! Only thing I lack is TT models since I just don't have the patience/time for it

13 yo me (10 years ago) stumbled across a box of miniature. Bought it and i am still buying some to this day. Love gluing/painting them

Sounds exactly like my own progression, except I've only read the first Horus Heresy book. I've read the first Space Wolf omnibus and the Word Bearers omnibus though, I highly recommend both of them. The Word Bearers one might be a bit hard to read if you're squeamish, but then again you're clearly a Warhammer fan so you won't see anything wrong with it.

I've read all the Horus Heresy up to the latest one now . As for 40k books I've almost finished Ultramarines Omnibus (both), finished Blood Angel Omnibus (both) and finished Space Wolves Omnibus (both). I'd like to kick off DA trilogy, but the third book isn't out yet. So I may give Word Bearers a shot.

EDIT: The plan is to then move onto the Night Lords omnibus at some point and eventually start the Space Marines Battles series.

I started collecting mini's when I was 13 in 1987 which led into me playing Fantasy Battle, Blood Bowl, Dark Future, Space Hulk and Warhammer Fanstay Role Play. (actually my first GW game was Chainsaw Warrior )

I was a lot more into the fantasy in my youth ( I used to love LARPing) but as I have gotten older ( 40 this year ) I have moved into 40k although this is more centred around reading and Pc gaming rather than the table top.

However my son is now 6 and he has had his first trip to the GW store so hopefully we will play the TT together in future years. I am currently renovating an original Space Hulk board game to introduce him to the setting.