Believable Special Characters

[Lady Bastet]

This may help people for fictional characters in 40k stories too provided they try to follow as many of these rules as possible.

1# The Imperium is Brutal- If you have a renegade commander you should realistically explain how they are still alive since the Imperium has a habit of stamping on traitors as brutally as possible. Also the idea of converted renegades being openly welcomed back is quite stupid.

2# One Path One Goal- Rather than creating characters who are Warriors, Scientists, Chaos Hunters, Psykers and Strategists you should really consider creating four separate characters, after all the example I just mentioned sounds like the Emperor.

3# Inquisitors are the Alpha and the Omega- The Inquisition is a very versatile group who could do any number of crazy things. Opposing all Inquisitors would probably get even the greatest Space Marine Chapter Master killed. However on an individual level they allow a greater level of freedom.

4# Playing God is for Gods- Under no circumstances should you declare your commander is something vital to the Warhammer 40,000 universe such as making him the Emperor reincarnated etc. However that does not stop there being rumours that this is the case.

5# Better to start afresh- Black Templars have no Librarians if you like the Templar philosophy but want a Librarian then I advise you start your own Chapter (call them the Black Knights or something) that way your not playing with the background.

6# Keep it simple- Rather than having a long list of rare equipment like existing Special Characters a single “trademark item� can make them stand out from the crowd.

Random Examples-

Palatine Alluna of Our Martyred Lady is an excellent tactician due to the fact that she and her forces were once trapped on a hostile world for several months without backup. Coping with her situation Alluna found ways to better use the troops she already had and keep losses to a minimum.

Captain Severus of the Thunder Birds Chapter found a huge Daemonic Incursion within another Chapter and chose to act right away. In the resulting battle Severus was able to slay a Greater Daemon of Nurgle… Impressed by Severus’s devotion and purity the Ordo Malleus rewarded him with an Anointed Weapon.

[darkreever]

now this is a great deal of help for all of us. glad to see that my characters for my army already adhere to most of the above (chaplain darkreever aside)

[Pheonecia]

Something I always try and remember when I create characters - and I sort of do that for a living - is avoid making them one a dimensional "generic hero, generically fighting to generically save the generic world".

Here are some questions I try and answer when building character:

Why are they really doing what they are doing?
How do they justify it? (everyone justifies it - except perhaps the Tyranids, they are avatars of evolution gone nuts - even the Necron had a justification for turning to C'Tan worship...)
Who do they trust, and why?
Who do they love, and why?
Who do they hate, and why?
How did it all start?
Where are they now?
How might it all end?

These guidelines apply to fiction generally, but I hope someone finds that useful...

[Edainstormbringer]

I found that useful..

I'm begining to create my Blood Angel Commander...
Especially after that i found that there's no Commander of the 3rd Company...
Official one...

Thx both of you... (Y)

[Brother Markus]

i would suggest if you cant think of a charecter, just mix up about three into one guy, logan, lysander, shrike, should work out fine (kidding about the last part)

EDIT: of course, just use their charecterisivs, not their actual fluff

[Lady Bastet]

So now you know how to make an interesting 3 dimensional hero without going way over the top.

This thread is more useful than I had originally imagined.

[darkreever]

and why shouldnt it be. its the greatest way for us to create characters because 1. you actually give us examples and 2. you gave us guidelines we can follow.

more than gw has done in this area so far...

[Pheonecia]

So now you know how to make an interesting 3 dimensional hero without going way over the top.

I'm not sure there is a top to go over in 40k, but classically, the most interesting heroes (and villains) always have a weakness that might prove their undoing. They must overcome some personal challenge to truly become great.

Ask yourself: what weakness does this character have? This can also be used when considering special rules. Few GW special characters can do everything fantastically well.

For example: Pheonecia Yar, a Thorian at heart, is torn between defending the Imperium and what seeking might or might not be the Emperor Reborn. Perhaps worse yet: she might be tempted to allow a truly penitent heretic "just another chance" - and yet she knows that she cannot alow herself the luxury of mercy. It doesn't come to expression on the table, but it makes her a more realistic character.

[Skello]

yeah this could help m8. you think anyone could look over my cyprus story? i mean i know i put "insanely powerful leader" but its VERY short, anyone?

http://forum.librarium-online.com/in...howtopic=27911

[shadowcat]

i've seen SC's that violate the fluff :lol:

Space Marine Commander with Burst Cannon :huh:
Imperial Guard officer in Terminator armour :o
A Necron Lord with Psychic Powers