Converting Named Characters

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**cuda1179**

Now, I love conversion. I love making things look different. But when it comes to Named Characters, it's always been a little taboo for me.

However, I've painted myself into a corner. I converted a rather large Marine army using Stormcast bodies and legs. I'd like Gabriel Seth as a Character, but the standard model would look out of place next to the rest of the army.

So what's the general thought on named Characters made from generic bits?

**Gert**

I mean you're making the effort to convert the model. As long as it has the appropriate gear then nobody cares.

**Brickfix**

Correct base size and wargear and you are good to go. I see little difference between named characters and any other units. I doubt anyone sees an issue except maybe in lazy cases such as "this bolt storm aggressor and these too bladeguards are Calgar and his honor guard", and even then I would be fine with it.

Be sure to post a picture of your conversations!

**JNAProductions**

To me, so long as you're using the right size and it's clear what you're going for, it's all good.

Obviously ask your opponents for their input, as you're actually playing them, but people are usually reasonable when a good effort is made.

**Haighus**

Special characters don't always use the same outfits and gear too.

This was Cato Sicarius in 4th edition:

**Lord Damocles**

Sicariariarius also features in the 4th edition codex with Lightning Claw and Plasma Pistol, and in the 5th edition rulebook with Plasma Pistol and Chainsword. And of course in Assault on Black Reach he had a Boltgun and Power Sword.

**RaptorusRex**

I did a Ragnar proxy for my SW successors. Go for it.

**StudentOfEtherium**

when i do this, i try to go for the same silhouette. i have a Kharn primaris conversion which uses some of the vines with skulls from the spirit of durthu as a stand-in for the chains, and that gives him the same vibe as the official model, enough that if someone sees it, they won't mistake it for a different character. that's what i try to go for

**cuda1179**

StudentOfEtherium wrote:
when i do this, i try to go for the same silhouette. i have a Kharn primaris conversion which uses some of the vines with skulls from the spirit of durthu as a stand-in for the chains, and that gives him the same vibe as the official model, enough that if someone sees it, they won't mistake it for a different character. that's what i try to go for

My plan at the moment is to used a Stormcast Prosecutor torso and legs. Trim the ribbons off so it's not 8feet in the air, and use a Khorne Berserker eviscerator, Mk3 marine backpack, head from a Venerable Dreadnought, and some fancy marine shoulder pads.

**The Black Adder**

I think converting named characters is a great idea, its your money and your army.

You have a unique look for your army, so the normal miniature would certainly look out of place. I also think they're a good idea when they haven't been updated for a long time or don't match the modern range, for example eldar phoenix lords and non-primaris marines.

I say go for it. Just try your best to match the wargear and any unique iconography

**vipoid**

If it gives you any confidence, I doubt I'd be able to tell the difference between Space Marine Special Character Number Eleventy-Billion (TM) and a conversion of Space Marine Special Character Number Eleventy-Billion.

**Dysartes**

Brickfix wrote:
Be sure to post a picture of your conversations!

Don't post your conversations without checking with the person you were conversing with first - or at least heavily redacting any personal information.

**Nevelon**

cuda1179 wrote:
StudentOfEtherium wrote:
when i do this, i try to go for the same silhouette. i have a Kharn primaris conversion which uses some of the vines with skulls from the spirit of durthu as a stand-in for the chains, and that gives him the same vibe as the official model, enough that if someone sees it, they won't mistake it for a different character. that's what i try to go for

My plan at the moment is to used a Stormcast Prosecutor torso and legs. Trim the ribbons off so it's not 8feet in the air, and use a Khorne Berserker eviscerator, Mk3 marine backpack, head from a Venerable Dreadnought, and some fancy marine shoulder pads.

Sounds like a good plan. Do post the results.

I’ve done a few counts-as over the years. They used to actively endorse it, back in 5th edition. As long as it’s clear what it represents, you should be OK.

Mandatory “check with your TO for events, and your regular opponents, as their’s are the opinion that maters”

**Brickfix**

Dysartes wrote:
Brickfix wrote:
Be sure to post a picture of your conversations!

Don't post your conversations without checking with the person you were conversing with first - or at least heavily redacting any personal information.

Ha good catch, non-native fooled by autocorrect again

**Wyldhunt**

I'm all for converting up named characters! Really, named characters are just another datasheet that happens to have a 0-1 restriction. Convert away. Do your best to stick to the same basic rules of thumb you would with a non-named conversion. I.e. similar (ideally same) base size (although people fret over base size too much imo), wargear that's clear enough to not be confusing, etc.

Although I'll note on wargear that you probably don't need a one-to-one of the named characters weapons either. If you want to use Seth's rules but like the idea of giving him like, a halberd or some nunchucks or something, I won't be confused. You'll point at him pre-game and say, "This guy uses Seth's rules. He stabs good." And that will be perfectly clear and easy to remember. Just don't model him with like, a sniper rifle and surprise me when that sniper rifle actually has the stats for a heck-off melee weapon.

**Dolnikan**

Please do! I much prefer custom characters over the named characters of whom there is only one in the whole galaxy and seventeen in the club right now. And armies are meant to be yours and look unique.

**cuda1179**

Looks like I got a bit of a reprieve from my problem. The new Sanginor model looks more Stormcast than my made from Stormcast conversions. He'll fit right in.

**NOLA Chris**

I used an 8 inch tall "Discord" figuine from "My Little Pony" as my "Lord of Change"...

so I FULLY suppport your conversion ideas!

**vipoid**

NOLA Chris wrote:
I used an 8 inch tall "Discord" figuine from "My Little Pony" as my "Lord of Change"...

If this is any sort of conversion then I demand pictures!

**ZergSmasher**

I've been thinking about converting a Vulkan He'stan and Adrax Agatone for my Dark Angels so that I can run them as Salamanders without them looking too out of place. I just need to sit down and look through my bits collection and get them built.

**NOLA Chris**

vipoid wrote:
NOLA Chris wrote:
I used an 8 inch tall "Discord" figuine from "My Little Pony" as my "Lord of Change"...

If this is any sort of conversion then I demand pictures!

sadly, just the stock figurine!
(My daughter didn't even notice,
although I asked her)

**Insectum7**

Late to the party (been out of the country), but here's my custom Sicarius, made from a 3rd ed metal Captain release. This guy was a mainstay in my army from 5th through 7th, mostly because Sicarius kept the fantastic 4th ed generic Captain Rights of Battle rule, which gave every friendly Marine the Captains Leadership value of 10, which I found invaluable. I never did decide on a motto to paint on his banner :( maybe someday.

**NOLA Chris**

He looks great!

**Mad Doc Grotsnik**

As with any conversion or proxy? Just ensure it’s visibly distinct and has appropriate weapons.

Provided I can reasonably identify the model from across the board, and be visually reminded of what weapons it’s packing? Go crazy my dude.

**fox-light713**

I have a new plastic ragnar still in box that I plan on swapping out the head and probably his left hand/arm with a pistol. Will probably switch out the tactical rock.

**Flinty**

Here is my Belial escorted by some Deathwing terminators.

Go crazy, it’s your army

**Breton**

Insectum7 wrote:
Late to the party (been out of the country), but here's my custom Sicarius, made from a 3rd ed metal Captain release. This guy was a mainstay in my army from 5th through 7th, mostly because Sicarius kept the fantastic 4th ed generic Captain Rights of Battle rule, which gave every friendly Marine the Captains Leadership value of 10, which I found invaluable. I never did decide on a motto to paint on his banner :( maybe someday.

Might I suggest Sicarius Temper Tyrannis.

**Geifer**

I only got positive reactions for my Failbaddon conversion, before the current model was released and it was a choice between either converting your own or using the small 2nd ed model (in Finecast, no less) next to your modern, larger Marines.

I've generally not seen anyone object to converting a special character either to adjust the look to one's liking or use it as a different character in one's custom chapter, as long as it was reasonably WYSIWYG and people put effort into the conversion.

**Afrodactyl**

As long as the base size, general model size, and wargear are the same (or immediately recognisable as a suitable equivalent) then you're generally good to go when it comes to converting named characters. As long as it's recognizable from across the table as the character it's supposed to be you should be fine.

**Mr Nobody**

fox-light713 wrote:
I have a new plastic ragnar still in box that I plan on swapping out the head and probably his left hand/arm with a pistol. Will probably switch out the tactical rock.

Honestly, if shave off most of the space wolfs runes, it makes for cool generic character. If you don't mind a wolf pelt.

Characters are a dime-a-dozen, so I don't feel too bad ripping them apart. And with their unique and interesting poses, they make for a great platform to create your own special characters.