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2013/07/30 21:13:20
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
So, I was curious about this, Do people name their characters and write fluff about their armies? I wish I could but I'm not very creative so I can never think of any names or fluff ideas for my armies.. XD
2013/07/31 01:09:21
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Well luckily I am participating in the animosity campaigns so many of my heroes have names and history. Still cannot write fluff but the army has a history
2013/07/31 11:16:36
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
I do - but I have found less people want to hear it and even less want to read about it (just before a game).
to name just a few:
'HackLimb - Da Last King of Solland' a Savage Orc Warboss (he used to field the axe of the last waaagh - until it was 'lost')
and
'Wazzit' a Forest Goblin Shaman
I find the best time for names is when you don't think about it. It just comes to you, meaning you have lists of names without characters to give them too.
The same happens with ideas for armies - ie using skaven models in a beastmen army, modelled as squirrels with pipe clear tails.
2013/07/31 11:38:44
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Nah, I don't bother with such thingies. They are Goblins, after all, thus they either die in battle or shortly afterwards. No need to bother myself with names then!
I've been playing the same army since I started the game. Every model, regiment, character has a name and a story influenced by the years spent gaming.
For me its all about the narrative, its what separates Fantasy from board games/chess/etc for me.
2013/07/31 19:12:28
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Of course. I wrote a story based around my armies exploits a while ago, adding things into the background as it went along. But then I took a break and my pc crashed and I lost it all. I'm going to get back into it though.
Absolutely!
All of my Daemon characters have a True Name, (or is it really?!), as well as various monikers relating to the backstory I've given them as well as being influenced by particularly epic actions they've pulled off in battle.
I've also given all my units names which are themed to their respective God & also the role they play on the battlefield.
2013/08/01 11:31:08
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
I think there is a balance. If you enjoy writing your fluff, then by all means do it. It's a creative outlet and that can be really healthy, but you have to be prepared for almost no one being interested in reading it.
However, naming and narrative things that have come from your games can bring something to friendly games that I really enjoy.
Back in the day, as a kid, when I played a lot of Fantasy, I had an instance where a Jezzail team managed the feat of firing at a cannon crew from across the table. Hitting it (which was slightly against the odds) randoming to hitting the actual cannon instead of the crew (which was not what I was hoping) and then against all odds first managing to wound it, and then rolling a 3 on a D3 on the amount of wounds, destroying it.
That became instant historical fact in our gaming group, but oddly it was not my Jezzail team that got the fame. Sure, they were known as a crack shot team, but my enemy's cannon crew became known as an incredibly unlucky crew. They were said to be messed up by the warpstone lodged in their cannon and went on an incredibly unlucky streak. In every game, something bad seemed to happen to them.
They got named, and out of spite he kept bringing them to games. They took all of his blame for every loss.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/08/01 11:32:50
2013/08/01 16:30:03
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
I don't name them all, mostly because I play guard and wow that would be a lot of names! I do name the officers and characters though... even the Sergeants get named.
I miss Sgt Jarin Torrin though. Ever sense one battle when his veteran squad tangled with a Choas Deamon and he walked away. Most of his squad was dead but he just kept fighting, passing his morale tests to keep going, over and over and over. I miss him because he's not allowed under the current guard codex. See. His back story had him getting grievously wounded in combat with his unit fighting above and beyond and more importantly, saving the life of the COL in charge. The COL had his personal surgeon fix the SGT up and fit him with lovely bionics. He was also awarded an Honorific Imperials. The awards gave him the same authority to fight as a senior officer and the bionics let him fight off injuries that could kill other men. Both are things no longer allowed :( Neither is his armor, and his power sword and bolter.
THAT is my biggest problem with the current Guard Codex (and to a degree, all the others) the loss of the multitude of war gear options that you could use to customize your units and characters.
2013/08/04 04:53:18
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Yes of course. Like others have said. The fluff is what makes an army an army, and gives life to it's leaders. It is always aay more fun in game when you are actually fighting for your army or kingdom, and afterwards when you can write notable battles and events into it. I also like hearing other peoples lore furing the game. It makes the games way more interesting when both you and the opponent or ally, also has lore to their armies.
2013/08/10 16:39:59
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
I do for my armies, and it makes the games more enjoyable as others have said. Some times I also play the army "in character" and do things that I think my units would really do as opposed to what I would do. Similar to the current White Dwarf where the Bretonnian play says he never voluntarily flees with his knights because that's "dishonourable". My Vampire Lord usually bee-lines for the enemy general so he can drain his life essence in front of his army. Doesn't always work but it makes for enjoyable games.
The best games are always when you play against another player who has his own fluff and army names. Especially if you play regularly and can get some grudges going between units.
2013/08/11 02:24:54
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Merellin wrote: So, I was curious about this, Do people name their characters and write fluff about their armies? I wish I could but I'm not very creative so I can never think of any names or fluff ideas for my armies.. XD
If its something you want to do but you are struggling use the games to build the story. Then a name will probably come to you.
Look at the scenarios and turns. Look at how well a unit does...or doesn't do through the games. Build on that with notes from your games and you will have a great building block for a story and it will get easier.
What army/s do you play?
Dissent is not disloyalty.
Everyone is a genius, but if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree it will spend its whole life thinking it is stupid.
2013/08/15 09:53:13
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
It's one of my favourite parts! It's so much cooler in my gaming group when the heroic Captain Cutter of the Empire stands valiantly against the Chaos Lord Dargoth the Unspoken, scion of Darkness, it's wayy cooler than 'My empire captain accepts the challenge of your Chaos Lord, I'm prob gonna die'.
I've even written some back story for the aforementioned Dargoth: (warning, it's a bit of a read)
Spoiler:
The Unending. The Immortal Flame. Dargoth the Unspoken is a name whispered across the old world in hushed tones; a name that makes the oldest Dwarf shuffle uncomfortably; a name that haunts the dreams of the slaan while they meditate. He is the spawn of man's deepest nightmares, death only delays his silent fury and he cannot truly die. Clad in his sealed armour and wielding a wicked blade that destroys not the body, but the soul, he advances steadily across the world, his every inevitable victory calling more to his cause as he brings the touch of chaos to all who stand before him.
Dargoth was not always this way. In the storm of chaos where Archaon brought the world to its knees, he was merely a champion amongst thousands. He was there to witness his lord defeat at the hands of Valten, and was himself brought low that same day; but it was not to be his end. Caught in a hurricane of fire conjured by the Bright Wizards of the Empire, he called out to his lord, Tzeentch, to spare his life so that he may continue to do his will. Whether Tzeentch heard the cries of his champion and felt pity, or that he knew the dark fate he would earn is not known. But the flames that caged the-one-who-would-be-Dargoth suddenly started to drain. Even as his charred form fell to its knees, his armour began to take on the hue of the flames that were his death. With a dreaded hiss, his armour sealed, and flickering balefire filled the visor of his helm.
Desperately, the Bright Wizards sought to kill him once more, but the dark light of his patron's protection shielded him from their sorcerous fire. Grasping a vicious glaive that jutted from the scarred earth, the reborn warrior silently advanced on his assailants. With morbid silence he cut each of them down, the merest scratch of his desecrated blade draining the strength of the wizards and causing them to mutate rapidly. Whimpering, and trying to escape, the final wizard knew he had no hope of survival. The champion picked up the flailing wizard as a child may pick up a toy. Squirming desperately, the wizard made his final mistake. He glanced, only for a split-second, into the dark light in the eyes of his adversary's helmet. In that instant, all life drained from his beaten form until nought but bones remained. Wordlessly, he gathered up the mewling remains of the once powerful wizards, and in an instant the mutating power of chaos melded them into one, great shield. All around this new warrior the battle had ceased to witness his ascension. As one, the warriors of chaos bowed before this new champion, obviously blessed by the Changer of the Ways.
He stood before the combined arms of the humans, elves and dwarfs. Without him speaking, the elves broke into a sweat, the dwarfs shuffled uncomfortable in their armour and the humans let out a slight whimper as his name echoed through their minds: Dargoth. And with that final message, Dargoth suddenly disappeared, but all could remember his fiery gaze burning into their minds.
No reports of Dargoth were ever heard, only of reports Orc tribes migrating across vast areas of land, almost as if escaping. The Empire cities would suddenly lose contact with wayward towns and villages, and upon investigation nothing was found. But those with the witch-sight could see the truth. Hidden from unseeing eyes was a great void where life once inhabited, and a weakening of the veil between the material world and the dreaded Realm of Chaos. Although they would never admit it, but the dwarfs also lost contact, and a new stench of death floated up from the caverns of their mighty mountain holds. In the far of land of Lustria, the slaan could feel the power of chaos renew over their jungle home, and upon investigation of areas where the taint was strongest, acres of jungle were barren, spawning pools dried up and the power of chaos was heavy in the air. The elves too suffered similar experiences. And all those present for Dargoth's renewal could hear him in the backs of their minds, claw and scratching their way to the surface. The dreams of man are haunted by the two, burning eyes of blue in their fitful sleep.
It is true that Dargoth is the cause of all the destruction. He can walk the realm of chaos, his sealed armour and favour of Tzeentch guarding him. Should he ever be struck, foul gas erupts from his punctured armour and re-seals it. To stand before him is to invite destruction, and looking into his eyes warrants a fate worse than death as your soul is consumed to serve as playthings for the gibbering servants of Tzeentch.
Von Chogg
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/08/15 19:42:45
LunaHound wrote:Eldrad was responsible for 911 *disclaimer, because Eldrad is known to be a dick, making dick moves that takes eons to fruit.
tremere47 wrote: fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate, leads to triple riptide spam
2013/08/15 19:53:11
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Wow, that's a great story! I like naming my heroes and warlords, too. However I usually find it quite difficult to come up with a name that sounds good.
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2013/08/16 07:30:07
2013/08/15 20:01:13
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
FlamestormA wrote: Wow, that's a great story!
I like naming my heroes and warlords, too. However I usually find it quite difficult to come up with a name that sounds good.
Thanks! For names I just shamelessly rip of names and places from a novel I wrote and the way I get names is I 'fantasize' the names of people I know, or consult latin, or other fantasy sources
Von Chogg
LunaHound wrote:Eldrad was responsible for 911 *disclaimer, because Eldrad is known to be a dick, making dick moves that takes eons to fruit.
tremere47 wrote: fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate, leads to triple riptide spam
2013/08/15 20:10:18
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
FlamestormA wrote: Wow, that's a great story!
I like naming my heroes and warlords, too. However I usually find it quite difficult to come up with a name that sounds good.
Thanks! For names I just shamelessly rip of names and places from a novel I wrote and the way I get names is I 'fantasize' the names of people I know, or consult latin, or other fantasy sources
Von Chogg
I'd love to read that novel . What's it called?
Using Latin and Greek names sounds like a good idea – should work great for Space Marines.
2013/08/16 00:30:18
Subject: Re:Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
FlamestormA wrote: Wow, that's a great story!
I like naming my heroes and warlords, too. However I usually find it quite difficult to come up with a name that sounds good.
Thanks! For names I just shamelessly rip of names and places from a novel I wrote and the way I get names is I 'fantasize' the names of people I know, or consult latin, or other fantasy sources
Von Chogg
I'd love to read that novel . What's it called?
Using Latin and Greek names sounds like a good idea – should work great for Space Marines.
Haha! I'll send you a PM of the link to it
But names can be easier if you think what each race is based on:
Tomb Kings - Ancient Egypt
Bretonnia - Medieval France
Empire - Medieval Germany with guns
Beastmen - whatever sounds your dog made in the morning
Chaos - Vikings and Norse
Daemons - well, demons from mythology are a good start just add more 'k and t'
Skaven - Stereotypical rat noises made into names... And other onomatopoeia works
Vampire counts - Think Dracula era and roll with it
Orcs and Goblins - Whatever your green heart desires. I find bashing together 2 ill-sounding words works (eg gutrippa, 'eadsmasha)
Lizardmen - Ancient Myyans (sp?) mixed with lizard
Elves - look to Tolkien... and other elven sources
Ogres - ???
Dwarves - same as elves, but with rougher sounds
Hope it helps somewhat!
Von Chogg
LunaHound wrote:Eldrad was responsible for 911 *disclaimer, because Eldrad is known to be a dick, making dick moves that takes eons to fruit.
tremere47 wrote: fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate, leads to triple riptide spam
2013/08/17 04:02:02
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Certain units or heroes/lords will earn a nick name over time and that is about it.
Fluffy armies and history is fine but please for the love of god keep it to yourself I just want to play with my toy soldiers not listen to 20 minutes of back story for the champ of your bunker. (it happened once with 40k and has made me view all SMs players as slightly crazy)
Damn I cant wait to the GW legal team codex comes out now there is a dex that will conquer all.
2013/08/17 10:46:58
Subject: Do you name your army leaders and write fluff arround your army?
Jubear wrote: Certain units or heroes/lords will earn a nick name over time and that is about it.
Fluffy armies and history is fine but please for the love of god keep it to yourself I just want to play with my toy soldiers not listen to 20 minutes of back story for the champ of your bunker. (it happened once with 40k and has made me view all SMs players as slightly crazy)
Oh, I don't go on pre-game rants about my characters. Within my group we know each other's backstory, and I just reference by characters by name rather than 'tomb prince A has x and tomb prince B has y. I just use it to enrich my hobby and it can make in game moments so much cooler or dramatic. Although some characters earn their story in game. Like Nibblez the warplock engineer... Who would without fail kill himself with warp lightning every day, but never be killed by the enemy
Von Chogg
LunaHound wrote:Eldrad was responsible for 911 *disclaimer, because Eldrad is known to be a dick, making dick moves that takes eons to fruit.
tremere47 wrote: fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate, leads to triple riptide spam