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Hey everybody, I was going to start creating my own backstory for a planned Ultramarine army and I realized that I didn't really know how Ultramarines acted and what in the way they interact with things makes them unique. So I figured I'd do some more research, but there are so many Warhammer novels and background stories that I don't really know where to start. So, in your opinion, which author do you guys think really nails their behavior and attitudes and whatnot? Any feedback and maybe some book suggestions are very much appreciated. Thanks!

Stoic, some what haughty in an “I know whats best because I'm the best“, benevolent.

They had a reputation for being sticklers for the rules, but then thier Primarch came back and started to re-write the book, so Id say they are probably a bit more sticklers for remaining true to thier ideals and moral philosophies.

If we take a cue from thier primarch, at thier best they are noble warrior kings with an ability to govern, build and cultivate the birmal human socities under thier guardianship because they retain closer human connections to thier worlds. (one family producing an uncle and beohew space marine pair IIRC, amd it being open knowledge, Sicarius being a well known noble son of his homeworld kind of thing)

At their worst Machiavellian and calculated in ordernto achieve thier goals and objectives.

On the while more good than they are bad, but the bad gives them flavor.

Dan Abnett nails them for me. "Know no Fear" really highlights their strengths and shows why they became the template for the Astartes post-heresy.

Guy Haley does a good job too but a bit bland in places.

The 2 Ultramarines Omnibuses (6 books) were written by Graham McNeill, and I enjoyed those.

Graham McNeill nails it for me.