Understanding Warhammer 40K RPG Characters
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. Warhammer 40K RPG: Wrath & Glory creates characters through a combination of Species, Archetype, and Faction loyalties. Unlike other RPGs, the 41st Millennium is a universe where heroism and corruption walk hand in hand, where loyalty to the Emperor is the highest virtue, and where xenos, heretics, and daemons threaten humanity's very existence.
The Trinity of Character Creation
Every servant of the Emperor (or enemy of humanity) is defined by three core elements:
- Species: Human, Astartes, Ork, Aeldari, or other inhabitants of the galaxy
- Archetype: Your role and specialization - Guardsman, Tech-Priest, Psyker, Scum
- Faction: Your allegiance - Imperium, Chaos, Ork Clans, Aeldari Craftworlds
The Imperium of Man
Most player characters serve the God-Emperor of Mankind in some capacity, whether as fanatical believers, pragmatic servants, or reluctant conscripts. The Imperium is a galaxy-spanning fascist theocracy where ignorance is strength, knowledge is dangerous, and mutation is abhorrent.
Character Creation Process
Creating a Wrath & Glory character involves balancing brutal effectiveness with the moral compromises necessary for survival in the 41st Millennium.
Tier Considerations
These characters span different power levels within the 40K universe:
- Tier 1: Scum, Guardsmen, basic civilians - the expendable masses
- Tier 2: Acolytes, Sergeants, specialists - competent operatives
- Tier 3: Inquisitors, Space Marines, elite agents - heroes of the Imperium
- Tier 4: Chapter Masters, Lord Inquisitors - legends who shape sectors
Solo Characters (Individual Operatives)
These characters work well as lone agents or can be combined to form Inquisitorial retinues and Kill-teams.
The Faithful Warrior
Sister Superior Seraphina (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Sister of Battle
Faction: Adepta Sororitas
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Athletics 3, Intimidation 3, Scholar 3, Survival 2, Awareness 2, Leadership 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adepta Sororitas, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Purge the Unclean, Faction - Defend the Faith
Corruption: 0
Background: A veteran Sister who leads from the front lines, her faith literally manifesting as miraculous protection and divine fury.
Magos Explorator Zeth-471 (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Tech-Priest
Faction: Adeptus Mechanicus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 5, Agility 2, Initiative 2, Willpower 4, Intellect 5, Fellowship 2
Skills: Tech 5, Scholar 4, Medicae 3, Investigation 3, Awareness 3, Athletics 2, Ballistic Skill 2, Weapon Skill 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Mechanicus, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Recover Lost STCs, Faction - Preserve Sacred Knowledge
Corruption: 2 (Knowledge is Power)
Background: A seeker of forbidden technology who has replaced 70% of his flesh with blessed machinery.
Veteran Sergeant Kane Mollari (Human, Tier 1)
Archetype: Imperial Guardsman
Faction: Astra Militarum
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 3, Intellect 2, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 4, Athletics 3, Survival 3, Leadership 3, Intimidation 2, Awareness 2, Stealth 2, Weapon Skill 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Human, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Protect My Squad, Faction - Hold the Line
Corruption: 1 (War-Weary)
Background: A grizzled veteran of fifteen years' service who has survived three major campaigns.
Primaris Psyker Lydia Vex (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Sanctioned Psyker
Faction: Astra Militarum
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 2
Skills: Psychic Mastery 4, Scholar 3, Awareness 3, Investigation 3, Medicae 2, Athletics 2, Ballistic Skill 2, Stealth 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Psyker, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Control My Curse, Faction - Serve the Emperor's Will
Corruption: 3 (Warp Exposure)
Background: A witch who survived the Black Ships and Scholastica Psykana training.
Interrogator Cassius Thorne (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Acolyte
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Investigation 4, Awareness 4, Deception 3, Intimidation 3, Scholar 3, Stealth 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Athletics 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Uncover Hidden Truths, Faction - Root Out Heresy
Corruption: 2 (Necessary Compromises)
Background: A former Arbitrator recruited by the Inquisition for his investigative talents.
Brother-Sergeant Maximus (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 3)
Archetype: Tactical Space Marine
Faction: Ultramarines
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Weapon Skill 5, Athletics 4, Leadership 3, Survival 3, Intimidation 3, Awareness 2, Scholar 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Ultramarines, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Honor the Codex Astartes, Faction - Defend Humanity
Corruption: 0
Background: A veteran of the Deathwatch who has returned to his Chapter with extensive experience fighting xenos threats.
Lord-Captain Meridia Vox (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Rogue Trader
Faction: Rogue Trader Dynasty
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 5
Skills: Persuasion 5, Leadership 4, Pilot 4, Scholar 3, Awareness 3, Ballistic Skill 3, Deception 2, Intimidation 2
Keywords: Imperium, Rogue Trader, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Expand the Dynasty, Faction - Profit and Glory
Corruption: 3 (Exposure to Alien Cultures)
Background: Heir to an ancient Warrant of Trade, she explores the galaxy's rim seeking profit and glory.
Ratling Sniper "Halfpint" Hobbs (Ratling, Tier 1)
Archetype: Ratling
Faction: Astra Militarum
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 2, Agility 5, Initiative 4, Willpower 3, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Stealth 4, Survival 3, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Sleight of Hand 3, Deception 2, Investigation 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Ratling, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Survive Another Day, Faction - Serve the Emperor (Reluctantly)
Corruption: 1 (Petty Theft)
Background: A career sniper who has served in six different regiments after his original unit was "misplaced."
Renegade Magos Xerath-9 (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Heretek
Faction: Chaos Cults
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 5, Agility 2, Initiative 3, Willpower 3, Intellect 5, Fellowship 1
Skills: Tech 5, Scholar 4, Medicae 3, Ballistic Skill 3, Athletics 2, Awareness 2, Deception 2, Stealth 2
Keywords: Chaos, Heretek, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Transcend Flesh Completely, Faction - Corrupt Sacred Knowledge
Corruption: 8 (Forbidden Experimentation)
Background: A former Tech-Priest who fell to Chaos after discovering forbidden STCs.
Magus Valerius Kaine (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Chaos Cultist
Faction: Chaos Cults
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Deception 4, Persuasion 4, Scholar 3, Leadership 3, Psychic Mastery 3, Intimidation 3, Awareness 2, Stealth 2
Keywords: Chaos, Psyker, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Ascend to Daemonhood, Faction - Corrupt the Faithful
Corruption: 12 (Chaos Worship)
Background: A former Imperial preacher who fell to Chaos after discovering the "true gods."
Dynamic Duos (Two-Character Teams)
These paired characters represent classic 40K partnerships with built-in loyalties and tensions.
The Inquisitor and Acolyte
Inquisitor Lord Vex Korrath (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Inquisitor
Faction: Ordo Hereticus
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 6, Intellect 5, Fellowship 4
Skills: Investigation 6, Intimidation 5, Psychic Mastery 5, Leadership 4, Scholar 4, Awareness 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Deception 3
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ordo Hereticus, Psyker, Human, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Purge Corruption Wherever Found, Faction - Preserve Imperial Truth
Corruption: 5 (Necessary Evils)
Background: A veteran Inquisitor who has purged seventeen worlds and executed twelve planetary governors for heresy.
Death Cult Assassin Morrigan (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Assassin
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 3, Agility 6, Initiative 5, Willpower 3, Intellect 2, Fellowship 2
Skills: Weapon Skill 5, Athletics 4, Stealth 4, Awareness 3, Acrobatics 3, Intimidation 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Survival 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Perfect the Art of Death, Faction - Execute Inquisitor's Will
Corruption: 3 (Bloodlust)
Background: A fanatical killer trained from childhood to serve the Inquisition.
The Commissar and Guard Officer
Lord Commissar Cain (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Commissar
Faction: Officio Prefectus
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Leadership 5, Intimidation 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Scholar 3, Awareness 3, Athletics 3, Survival 2
Keywords: Imperium, Officio Prefectus, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Maintain Morale and Discipline, Faction - Ensure Imperial Victory
Corruption: 1 (Pragmatic Decisions)
Background: A political commissar whose charisma and tactical acumen have made him beloved by the troops.
Colonel Straken (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Imperial Guard Officer
Faction: Astra Militarum
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 4
Skills: Leadership 4, Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Athletics 3, Survival 3, Intimidation 3, Scholar 3, Awareness 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Bring My Soldiers Home, Faction - Victory at Any Cost
Corruption: 2 (Survivor's Guilt)
Background: A grizzled veteran officer whose cybernetic arm and scarred face tell the story of thirty years' service.
The Tech-Priest and Servo-skull
Dominus Rex-Alpha-7 (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Tech-Dominus
Faction: Adeptus Mechanicus
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 6, Agility 2, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 6, Fellowship 2
Skills: Tech 6, Scholar 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Medicae 4, Investigation 3, Awareness 3, Athletics 2, Leadership 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Mechanicus, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Achieve Perfect Union with Machine, Faction - Recover All STCs
Corruption: 4 (Forbidden Knowledge)
Background: A senior Tech-Priest whose body is more machine than flesh.
Servo-skull Designation: Gamma-9 (Construct, Tier 1)
Archetype: Servo-skull
Faction: Adeptus Mechanicus
Attributes: Strength 1, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower —, Intellect 3, Fellowship —
Skills: Tech 4, Investigation 4, Awareness 4, Stealth 3, Scholar 3, Athletics 2, Ballistic Skill 1, Pilot 1
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Mechanicus, Construct, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal — (No personal will), Faction - Preserve Sacred Knowledge
Corruption: 0
Background: A servo-skull crafted from a loyal Tech-Adept who died in service to the Omnissiah.
The Arbitrator Partnership
Judge Dredd-9947 (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Arbitrator
Faction: Adeptus Arbites
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 4, Intimidation 4, Investigation 4, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Scholar 3, Weapon Skill 3, Leadership 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Arbites, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Uphold Imperial Law, Faction - Maintain Order
Corruption: 1 (Harsh Justice)
Background: A veteran Arbitrator who has served twenty years enforcing Imperial law in the underhive.
Proctor Anderson (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Arbitrator
Faction: Adeptus Arbites
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Investigation 4, Awareness 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Stealth 3, Scholar 3, Deception 3, Athletics 3, Intimidation 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Arbites, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Solve the Unsolvable Cases, Faction - Bring Criminals to Justice
Corruption: 2 (Cynicism)
Background: A detective-arbitrator who specializes in complex investigations and undercover work.
The Chaos Champions
Chaos Lord Malachar the Despoiler (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Chaos Space Marine
Faction: Black Legion
Attributes: Strength 6, Toughness 6, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 4
Skills: Weapon Skill 6, Ballistic Skill 5, Leadership 5, Intimidation 5, Athletics 4, Survival 4, Scholar 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Black Legion, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Achieve Daemonhood, Faction - Destroy the False Emperor
Corruption: 20 (Millennia of Chaos Worship)
Background: A fallen Space Marine who has served Chaos for over a thousand years.
Dark Apostle Erebus Prime (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Chaos Cultist
Faction: Word Bearers
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 4, Fellowship 5
Skills: Leadership 5, Persuasion 5, Scholar 4, Psychic Mastery 4, Intimidation 4, Weapon Skill 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Deception 3
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Word Bearers, Psyker, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Spread the Word of Chaos, Faction - Convert the Galaxy
Corruption: 18 (Chaos Preacher)
Background: A Word Bearer Dark Apostle who leads massive crusades to convert Imperial worlds to Chaos worship.
Three-Character Teams
These trios represent specialized Imperial units and Chaos warbands with complementary skills and shared objectives.
The Inquisitorial Retinue
Inquisitor Cassandra Vex (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Inquisitor
Faction: Ordo Xenos
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 5, Intellect 5, Fellowship 4
Skills: Investigation 5, Scholar 5, Awareness 4, Leadership 4, Ballistic Skill 4, Intimidation 3, Deception 3, Psychic Mastery 3
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ordo Xenos, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Understand Alien Threats, Faction - Purge the Xenos
Corruption: 4 (Xenological Studies)
Background: A radical Inquisitor who studies alien technology and psychology to better combat xenos threats.
Crusader Mordian Thane (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Crusader
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 2, Fellowship 3
Skills: Weapon Skill 5, Athletics 4, Intimidation 3, Survival 3, Awareness 3, Ballistic Skill 3, Leadership 2, Scholar 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Protect Inquisitor Vex, Faction - Destroy the Impure
Corruption: 1 (Zealotry)
Background: A fanatical warrior-monk who serves as Inquisitor Vex's personal bodyguard.
Sage Thalassa Krin (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Sage
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 5, Fellowship 3
Skills: Scholar 5, Investigation 4, Tech 4, Medicae 4, Awareness 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Athletics 2, Deception 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Catalog All Xenos Species, Faction - Advance Imperial Knowledge
Corruption: 3 (Forbidden Research)
Background: A brilliant xenobiologist who provides scientific analysis of alien specimens and technology.
The Deathwatch Kill-Team
Watch Captain Artemis (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 4)
Archetype: Deathwatch Captain
Faction: Deathwatch
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Ballistic Skill 6, Weapon Skill 6, Leadership 5, Athletics 4, Survival 4, Intimidation 4, Scholar 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Deathwatch, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Eradicate the Tyranid Threat, Faction - Defend Humanity from Xenos
Corruption: 0
Background: A veteran of over two centuries fighting Tyranids, Captain Artemis leads Kill-Teams with tactical brilliance.
Brother Techmarine Vox (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 3)
Archetype: Techmarine
Faction: Deathwatch
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 5, Fellowship 3
Skills: Tech 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Athletics 4, Scholar 4, Medicae 3, Survival 3, Awareness 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Deathwatch, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Understand Xenos Technology, Faction - Support Kill-Team Operations
Corruption: 2 (Xenos Tech Exposure)
Background: A Techmarine seconded to the Deathwatch who specializes in understanding and countering alien technology.
Brother Librarian Tigurius (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 3)
Archetype: Librarian
Faction: Deathwatch
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 5, Fellowship 3
Skills: Psychic Mastery 5, Weapon Skill 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Scholar 4, Leadership 4, Athletics 4, Awareness 3, Intimidation 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Deathwatch, Psyker, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Master Psychic Warfare, Faction - Counter Xenos Psykers
Corruption: 3 (Warp Exposure)
Background: A powerful psyker who has mastered techniques specifically designed to combat alien psychic entities.
The Chaos Warband
Aspiring Champion Kharn the Bloody (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Chaos Space Marine
Faction: World Eaters
Attributes: Strength 6, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 3, Intellect 2, Fellowship 3
Skills: Weapon Skill 6, Athletics 5, Intimidation 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Survival 4, Leadership 3, Awareness 3, Scholar 2
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, World Eaters, Khorne, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Spill Blood for Khorne, Faction - Spread Chaos Through Violence
Corruption: 15 (Khorne Worship)
Background: A World Eater who has embraced Khorne's gifts completely.
Sorcerer Lord Ahriman's Disciple (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Chaos Sorcerer
Faction: Thousand Sons
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 6, Fellowship 3
Skills: Psychic Mastery 6, Scholar 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Investigation 4, Leadership 3, Awareness 3, Deception 3
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Thousand Sons, Tzeentch, Psyker, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Uncover All Knowledge, Faction - Change Everything
Corruption: 18 (Tzeentch Worship)
Background: A former loyalist Librarian who fell to Chaos during the Horus Heresy.
Plague Marine Typhus' Herald (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Plague Marine
Faction: Death Guard
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 7, Agility 2, Initiative 2, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 2
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Weapon Skill 5, Survival 5, Athletics 4, Intimidation 4, Medicae 3, Scholar 3, Awareness 2
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Death Guard, Nurgle, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Spread Nurgle's Gifts, Faction - Corrupt All Life
Corruption: 20 (Nurgle Worship)
Background: A Death Guard who has fully embraced Nurgle's gifts of disease and decay.
Four-Character Teams
Specialized squads and retinues representing the backbone of Imperial military organization and Chaos corruption.
The Imperial Guard Squad
Sergeant Major Harker (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Imperial Guard Veteran
Faction: Catachan Jungle Fighters
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 4
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Weapon Skill 4, Leadership 4, Survival 4, Athletics 3, Intimidation 3, Stealth 3, Awareness 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Catachan, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Bring the Squad Home, Faction - Hold the Line
Corruption: 2 (War-Weary)
Background: A Catachan veteran whose squad has survived impossible odds on dozens of death worlds.
Heavy Weapons Specialist Bragg (Human, Tier 1)
Archetype: Imperial Guardsman
Faction: Catachan Jungle Fighters
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 4, Agility 2, Initiative 2, Willpower 3, Intellect 2, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 4, Athletics 4, Survival 3, Weapon Skill 3, Intimidation 3, Leadership 2, Awareness 2, Stealth 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Catachan, Human, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Protect Sergeant Harker, Faction - Destroy the Enemy
Corruption: 1 (Bloodlust)
Background: A massive Catachan who wields heavy weapons with ease. His heavy bolter "Bella" has claimed more enemy lives than some entire platoons.
Scout Mkoll (Human, Tier 1)
Archetype: Imperial Guardsman
Faction: Tanith First and Only
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 3, Intellect 3, Fellowship 2
Skills: Stealth 5, Survival 4, Ballistic Skill 4, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Investigation 3, Weapon Skill 2, Scholar 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Tanith, Human, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Honor Tanith's Memory, Faction - Scout Enemy Positions
Corruption: 1 (Survivor's Guilt)
Background: The sole survivor of the Tanith First and Only, a master scout whose woodcraft borders on the supernatural.
Medic Dorden (Human, Tier 1)
Archetype: Imperial Guardsman
Faction: Astra Militarum
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Medicae 5, Scholar 4, Awareness 3, Athletics 2, Ballistic Skill 2, Survival 2, Persuasion 2, Investigation 2
Keywords: Imperium, Astra Militarum, Human, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Save Every Life I Can, Faction - Keep the Squad Fighting
Corruption: 0
Background: An elderly medic whose gentle demeanor hides decades of battlefield experience.
The Astartes Strike Force
Captain Titus (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 4)
Archetype: Space Marine Captain
Faction: Ultramarines
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Ballistic Skill 6, Weapon Skill 6, Leadership 5, Athletics 4, Intimidation 4, Scholar 4, Survival 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Ultramarines, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Uphold the Codex Astartes, Faction - Defend the Imperium
Corruption: 0
Background: A veteran captain whose tactical brilliance and personal courage exemplify the Ultramarines' ideals.
Chaplain Cassius (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 3)
Archetype: Space Marine Chaplain
Faction: Ultramarines
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Leadership 5, Intimidation 5, Weapon Skill 5, Scholar 4, Ballistic Skill 4, Athletics 4, Awareness 3, Survival 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Ultramarines, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Preserve Chapter Traditions, Faction - Inspire the Faithful
Corruption: 0
Background: A veteran Chaplain whose skull-helm has witnessed three centuries of war.
Apothecary Gaius (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 3)
Archetype: Space Marine Apothecary
Faction: Ultramarines
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 5, Fellowship 3
Skills: Medicae 6, Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Scholar 4, Athletics 4, Investigation 3, Leadership 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Ultramarines, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Preserve Gene-Seed Legacy, Faction - Heal the Emperor's Angels
Corruption: 1 (Medical Pragmatism)
Background: A Space Marine medic whose narthecium has saved dozens of battle-brothers.
Devastator Sergeant Chronus (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 3)
Archetype: Space Marine Devastator
Faction: Ultramarines
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 6, Weapon Skill 4, Athletics 4, Leadership 4, Tech 3, Survival 3, Awareness 3, Intimidation 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Ultramarines, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Master All Heavy Weapons, Faction - Destroy Enemy Armor
Corruption: 0
Background: A heavy weapons specialist whose lascannon has destroyed countless enemy vehicles.
The Ordo Malleus Team
Inquisitor Torquemada Coteaz (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Inquisitor Lord
Faction: Ordo Malleus
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 6, Intellect 5, Fellowship 4
Skills: Investigation 6, Intimidation 6, Psychic Mastery 5, Leadership 5, Scholar 5, Awareness 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Weapon Skill 3
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ordo Malleus, Psyker, Human, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Banish All Daemons, Faction - Protect Reality from Chaos
Corruption: 6 (Daemon Exposure)
Background: A legendary Inquisitor whose daemon hammer has banished Greater Daemons back to the warp.
Grey Knight Justicar Thawn (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 4)
Archetype: Grey Knight
Faction: Grey Knights
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Weapon Skill 6, Psychic Mastery 5, Ballistic Skill 5, Athletics 4, Leadership 4, Scholar 4, Intimidation 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Grey Knights, Psyker, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Perfect Anti-Daemon Warfare, Faction - Guard Against Chaos
Corruption: 0
Background: A Grey Knight whose force weapon and psychic powers are specifically crafted to combat daemonic entities.
Daemonhost Cherubael (Daemon, Tier 3)
Archetype: Bound Daemon
Faction: Inquisition (Bound)
Attributes: Strength 6, Toughness 6, Agility 5, Initiative 6, Willpower 4, Intellect 5, Fellowship 2
Skills: Weapon Skill 6, Intimidation 6, Psychic Mastery 5, Athletics 5, Awareness 5, Scholar 4, Stealth 3, Survival 3
Keywords: Daemon, Bound, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Break Free from Binding, Faction - Serve Until Freedom
Corruption: 25 (Daemon)
Background: A powerful daemon bound into service by forbidden Inquisitorial techniques.
Chiurgeon Vyatt (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Biomancer
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 5, Fellowship 3
Skills: Medicae 6, Psychic Mastery 4, Scholar 4, Investigation 4, Awareness 3, Tech 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Athletics 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Psyker, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Perfect Biological Sciences, Faction - Heal the Team
Corruption: 4 (Forbidden Experiments)
Background: A biomancer whose psychic healing abilities can mend wounds that would kill normal men.
The Chaos Cult Cell
Cult Magus Korvanis (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Chaos Sorcerer
Faction: Thousand Sons
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 6, Fellowship 4
Skills: Psychic Mastery 6, Scholar 5, Deception 5, Leadership 4, Persuasion 4, Investigation 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Chaos, Tzeentch, Psyker, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Achieve Apotheosis, Faction - Corrupt Imperial World
Corruption: 16 (Tzeentch Worship)
Background: A hidden sorcerer who leads a Tzeentch cult within an Imperial hive city.
Dark Apostle Vex (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Chaos Preacher
Faction: Word Bearers
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 6
Skills: Persuasion 6, Leadership 5, Scholar 4, Intimidation 4, Deception 4, Psychic Mastery 3, Ballistic Skill 3, Weapon Skill 3
Keywords: Chaos, Word Bearers, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Convert the Masses, Faction - Spread Chaos Worship
Corruption: 18 (Chaos Preacher)
Background: A charismatic preacher whose sermons can turn loyal Imperial citizens into fanatic Chaos cultists.
Renegade Psyker Mordian (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Unsanctioned Psyker
Faction: Chaos Cults
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Psychic Mastery 5, Stealth 4, Awareness 4, Athletics 3, Deception 3, Scholar 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Survival 2
Keywords: Chaos, Psyker, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Embrace True Power, Faction - Destroy Imperial Psykers
Corruption: 12 (Unsanctioned Powers)
Background: A former sanctioned psyker who escaped Imperial control and embraced Chaos.
Traitor Guardsman Vex (Human, Tier 1)
Archetype: Chaos Cultist
Faction: Lost and the Damned
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 3, Intellect 2, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 3, Athletics 3, Stealth 3, Survival 3, Intimidation 2, Awareness 2, Deception 2
Keywords: Chaos, Lost and Damned, Human, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Survive and Prosper, Faction - Overthrow Imperial Rule
Corruption: 8 (Chaos Corruption)
Background: A former Imperial Guardsman who turned to Chaos after witnessing the horrors of war.
Five-Character Teams
Larger groups representing full combat squads, Inquisitorial retinues, and Chaos warbands with diverse specializations.
The Scions Tempestus Squad
Tempestor Prime Kasrkin (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Tempestus Scion
Faction: Militarum Tempestus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Ballistic Skill 6, Leadership 5, Weapon Skill 4, Athletics 4, Stealth 4, Survival 3, Intimidation 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Imperium, Militarum Tempestus, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Complete Impossible Missions, Faction - Serve the Emperor's Will
Corruption: 1 (Duty Above All)
Background: An elite storm trooper who leads the most dangerous deep strike missions.
Scion Gunner Krueger (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Tempestus Scion
Faction: Militarum Tempestus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 3, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Athletics 4, Weapon Skill 3, Stealth 3, Survival 3, Tech 3, Awareness 2, Intimidation 2
Keywords: Imperium, Militarum Tempestus, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Master All Special Weapons, Faction - Eliminate Priority Targets
Corruption: 0
Background: A specialist in exotic weaponry whose plasma gun has eliminated countless high-value targets.
Scion Medic Valeria (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Tempestus Scion
Faction: Militarum Tempestus
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Medicae 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Athletics 3, Stealth 3, Awareness 3, Scholar 3, Weapon Skill 2, Survival 2
Keywords: Imperium, Militarum Tempestus, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Save Every Scion I Can, Faction - Keep the Squad Operational
Corruption: 0
Background: A combat medic whose skills have saved dozens of Scion lives during the most dangerous operations.
Scion Vox Operator Cipher (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Tempestus Scion
Faction: Militarum Tempestus
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Tech 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Scholar 4, Awareness 4, Athletics 3, Stealth 3, Investigation 2, Leadership 2
Keywords: Imperium, Militarum Tempestus, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Maintain Perfect Communications, Faction - Coordinate Strike Operations
Corruption: 1 (Information Overload)
Background: A communications specialist whose encrypted channels have coordinated countless successful operations.
Scion Demolitions Bane (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Tempestus Scion
Faction: Militarum Tempestus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 3, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Tech 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Athletics 4, Weapon Skill 3, Stealth 3, Survival 3, Awareness 2, Scholar 2
Keywords: Imperium, Militarum Tempestus, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Perfect the Art of Destruction, Faction - Breach Any Defense
Corruption: 1 (Pyromaniac Tendencies)
Background: An explosives expert whose shaped charges and incendiary devices have opened countless locked doors.
The Acolyte Cell
Interrogator Marcus Thorne (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Interrogator
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 5, Fellowship 4
Skills: Investigation 5, Intimidation 5, Scholar 4, Leadership 4, Awareness 4, Deception 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Psychic Mastery 3
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Psyker, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Become a Full Inquisitor, Faction - Root Out Heresy
Corruption: 3 (Necessary Methods)
Background: A promising acolyte whose psychic abilities and investigative skills have marked him for advancement.
Sister Hospitaller Serenity (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Sister Hospitaller
Faction: Adepta Sororitas
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 3, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 5, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Medicae 6, Scholar 4, Awareness 3, Athletics 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Persuasion 2, Investigation 2, Leadership 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adepta Sororitas, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Heal the Emperor's Servants, Faction - Preserve Sacred Life
Corruption: 0
Background: A Sister Hospitaller whose healing skills are legendary throughout the sector.
Arbitrator Judge Blackwood (Human, Tier 2)
Archetype: Arbitrator
Faction: Adeptus Arbites
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 3, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 4, Investigation 4, Intimidation 4, Weapon Skill 4, Athletics 3, Awareness 3, Scholar 3, Leadership 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Arbites, Human, Tier 2
Objectives: Personal - Uphold Imperial Law, Faction - Bring Order from Chaos
Corruption: 1 (Harsh Justice)
Background: A veteran Arbitrator whose twenty years of service have hardened him into an implacable enforcer.
Gun-Servitor Designation: Theta-7 (Human Construct, Tier 1)
Archetype: Gun-Servitor
Faction: Adeptus Mechanicus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 5, Agility 2, Initiative 2, Willpower —, Intellect 2, Fellowship —
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Weapon Skill 3, Athletics 3, Survival 3, Awareness 2, Tech 2, Intimidation 1, Scholar 1
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Mechanicus, Servitor, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal — (No personal will), Faction - Eliminate Designated Targets
Corruption: 0
Background: A lobotomized criminal converted into a living weapon platform.
Ratling Cook "Snippy" McGillicuddy (Ratling, Tier 1)
Archetype: Ratling
Faction: Inquisition
Attributes: Strength 2, Toughness 2, Agility 5, Initiative 4, Willpower 3, Intellect 3, Fellowship 4
Skills: Ballistic Skill 5, Stealth 5, Awareness 4, Athletics 3, Survival 3, Deception 3, Sleight of Hand 3, Investigation 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ratling, Tier 1
Objectives: Personal - Keep Everyone Fed, Faction - Provide Sniper Support
Corruption: 1 (Petty Theft)
Background: A former regimental cook whose marksmanship and culinary skills make him doubly valuable.
The Rogue Trader Expedition
Rogue Trader Quintanus Serrus (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Rogue Trader
Faction: Serrus Dynasty
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 6
Skills: Persuasion 6, Leadership 5, Pilot 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Scholar 4, Deception 4, Intimidation 3, Awareness 3
Keywords: Imperium, Rogue Trader, Human, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Expand the Dynasty's Glory, Faction - Profit and Discovery
Corruption: 4 (Alien Contact)
Background: A charismatic dynasty heir whose expeditions beyond the galaxy's edge have brought both wealth and danger.
Arch-Militant Colonel Tobias (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Arch-Militant
Faction: Serrus Dynasty
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 4, Willpower 4, Intellect 3, Fellowship 3
Skills: Ballistic Skill 6, Weapon Skill 6, Leadership 5, Athletics 4, Intimidation 4, Survival 4, Awareness 3, Scholar 3
Keywords: Imperium, Rogue Trader, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Protect Lord Serrus, Faction - Secure Trade Routes
Corruption: 2 (Pragmatic Violence)
Background: A former Imperial Guard colonel whose tactical genius protects Rogue Trader expeditions.
Explorator Magos Xenarch-Phi (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Explorator
Faction: Adeptus Mechanicus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 6, Agility 2, Initiative 3, Willpower 4, Intellect 6, Fellowship 2
Skills: Tech 6, Scholar 5, Investigation 4, Medicae 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Awareness 3, Athletics 2, Weapon Skill 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Mechanicus, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Recover Lost STCs, Faction - Advance Sacred Knowledge
Corruption: 6 (Forbidden Technology)
Background: An Explorator whose quest for archeotech has led him to study questionable devices.
Astropath Transcendent Vera Lux (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Astropath
Faction: Adeptus Astra Telepathica
Attributes: Strength 1, Toughness 2, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 6, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Psychic Mastery 6, Scholar 4, Awareness 4, Investigation 3, Ballistic Skill 2, Athletics 2, Deception 2, Persuasion 2
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, Psyker, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Serve the Emperor's Will, Faction - Maintain Psychic Communications
Corruption: 5 (Warp Exposure)
Background: A powerful astropath whose telepathic abilities span multiple star systems.
Void-Master Captain Hadrian Vex (Human, Tier 3)
Archetype: Void-Master
Faction: Imperial Navy
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 3, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 3
Skills: Pilot 6, Tech 5, Athletics 4, Awareness 4, Leadership 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Scholar 3, Survival 3
Keywords: Imperium, Imperial Navy, Human, Tier 3
Objectives: Personal - Master Every Ship Type, Faction - Expand Naval Knowledge
Corruption: 3 (Void Madness)
Background: A void-born ship captain whose piloting skills are legendary even among the Imperial Navy.
Six-Character Teams
Epic-scale groups representing full companies, war councils, and major operations across the galaxy.
The High Inquisitor's Conclave
High Inquisitor Lord Karamazov (Human, Tier 5)
Archetype: High Inquisitor
Faction: Ordo Hereticus
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 5, Agility 3, Initiative 5, Willpower 7, Intellect 6, Fellowship 5
Skills: Investigation 7, Intimidation 7, Leadership 6, Scholar 6, Psychic Mastery 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Weapon Skill 4, Awareness 4
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ordo Hereticus, Psyker, Human, Tier 5
Objectives: Personal - Purge All Heresy, Faction - Preserve Imperial Purity
Corruption: 8 (Necessary Extremes)
Background: A legendary Inquisitor whose throne mechanicus and multi-melta have purged entire worlds.
Inquisitor Eisenhorn (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Inquisitor
Faction: Ordo Xenos
Attributes: Strength 3, Toughness 4, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 6, Intellect 5, Fellowship 4
Skills: Investigation 6, Scholar 5, Psychic Mastery 5, Leadership 4, Awareness 4, Deception 4, Ballistic Skill 3, Weapon Skill 3
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ordo Xenos, Psyker, Human, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Understand Alien Threats, Faction - Protect Humanity
Corruption: 12 (Radical Methods)
Background: A controversial Inquisitor whose willingness to use xenos artifacts has put him at odds with Puritan factions.
Inquisitor Ravenor (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Inquisitor
Faction: Ordo Malleus
Attributes: Strength 1, Toughness 2, Agility 1, Initiative 4, Willpower 7, Intellect 6, Fellowship 4
Skills: Psychic Mastery 7, Investigation 6, Scholar 6, Awareness 5, Leadership 4, Deception 4, Tech 3, Ballistic Skill 2
Keywords: Imperium, Inquisition, Ordo Malleus, Psyker, Human, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Transcend Physical Limitations, Faction - Combat Daemonic Threats
Corruption: 6 (Daemon Exposure)
Background: A powerful psyker whose body was destroyed but whose mind survives in a life-support chair.
Captain-General Kitten (Adeptus Custodes, Tier 5)
Archetype: Custodian Guard
Faction: Adeptus Custodes
Attributes: Strength 7, Toughness 7, Agility 5, Initiative 5, Willpower 6, Intellect 4, Fellowship 4
Skills: Weapon Skill 7, Ballistic Skill 6, Athletics 6, Leadership 5, Intimidation 5, Scholar 4, Awareness 4, Survival 4
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Custodes, Human, Tier 5
Objectives: Personal - Protect the Emperor, Faction - Guard Terra
Corruption: 0
Background: One of the Emperor's personal guardians whose genetic perfection makes him nearly invincible.
Grand Master Voldus (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 5)
Archetype: Grey Knight Grand Master
Faction: Grey Knights
Attributes: Strength 6, Toughness 6, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 7, Intellect 5, Fellowship 4
Skills: Weapon Skill 7, Psychic Mastery 6, Ballistic Skill 6, Leadership 6, Athletics 5, Scholar 5, Intimidation 4, Awareness 4
Keywords: Imperium, Adeptus Astartes, Grey Knights, Psyker, Tier 5
Objectives: Personal - Perfect Anti-Daemon Arts, Faction - Guard Against Chaos
Corruption: 0
Background: The supreme commander of the Grey Knights whose mastery of both blade and psychic arts is unmatched.
Canoness Superior Celestine (Human, Tier 4)
Archetype: Living Saint
Faction: Adepta Sororitas
Attributes: Strength 4, Toughness 4, Agility 5, Initiative 6, Willpower 7, Intellect 4, Fellowship 6
Skills: Weapon Skill 6, Leadership 6, Intimidation 5, Athletics 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Scholar 4, Awareness 4, Persuasion 4
Keywords: Imperium, Adepta Sororitas, Living Saint, Human, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Inspire the Faithful, Faction - Embody Divine Will
Corruption: 0
Background: A martyred Sister of Battle returned to life by the Emperor's will.
The Chaos Gods' Champions
Daemon Prince Angron (Daemon, Tier 6)
Archetype: Daemon Prince
Faction: World Eaters
Attributes: Strength 10, Toughness 9, Agility 6, Initiative 6, Willpower 8, Intellect 3, Fellowship 5
Skills: Weapon Skill 9, Intimidation 8, Athletics 7, Leadership 6, Ballistic Skill 5, Survival 5, Awareness 4, Scholar 3
Keywords: Chaos, Daemon, World Eaters, Khorne, Tier 6
Objectives: Personal - Eternal Slaughter, Faction - Blood for the Blood God
Corruption: 30 (Daemon Prince)
Background: A former Primarch who fell to Khorne and became a Daemon Prince.
Thousand Sons Sorcerer Ahriman (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 5)
Archetype: Chaos Sorcerer Lord
Faction: Thousand Sons
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 8, Intellect 8, Fellowship 4
Skills: Psychic Mastery 8, Scholar 7, Investigation 6, Ballistic Skill 5, Weapon Skill 5, Leadership 5, Awareness 4, Deception 4
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Thousand Sons, Tzeentch, Psyker, Tier 5
Objectives: Personal - Undo the Rubric, Faction - Change Everything
Corruption: 25 (Tzeentch's Champion)
Background: The greatest sorcerer of the Thousand Sons whose quest for knowledge damned his Legion.
Death Guard Daemon Prince Mortarion (Daemon, Tier 6)
Archetype: Daemon Prince
Faction: Death Guard
Attributes: Strength 8, Toughness 10, Agility 3, Initiative 4, Willpower 7, Intellect 6, Fellowship 4
Skills: Weapon Skill 8, Ballistic Skill 7, Intimidation 7, Survival 7, Athletics 6, Leadership 6, Scholar 5, Awareness 4
Keywords: Chaos, Daemon, Death Guard, Nurgle, Tier 6
Objectives: Personal - Spread Nurgle's Garden, Faction - Corrupt All Life
Corruption: 30 (Daemon Prince)
Background: A former Primarch who became Nurgle's greatest champion.
Emperor's Children Noise Marine Lucius (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 4)
Archetype: Chaos Space Marine
Faction: Emperor's Children
Attributes: Strength 5, Toughness 5, Agility 6, Initiative 6, Willpower 4, Intellect 4, Fellowship 5
Skills: Weapon Skill 7, Ballistic Skill 6, Athletics 6, Intimidation 5, Leadership 4, Awareness 4, Deception 4, Persuasion 4
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Emperor's Children, Slaanesh, Tier 4
Objectives: Personal - Perfect the Art of War, Faction - Pursue Ultimate Sensation
Corruption: 22 (Slaanesh Worship)
Background: The Eternal, a champion of Slaanesh who cannot truly die.
Warmaster Abaddon the Despoiler (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 6)
Archetype: Chaos Lord
Faction: Black Legion
Attributes: Strength 7, Toughness 7, Agility 5, Initiative 6, Willpower 7, Intellect 5, Fellowship 6
Skills: Weapon Skill 8, Leadership 7, Ballistic Skill 6, Intimidation 6, Athletics 6, Scholar 5, Awareness 5, Survival 5
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Black Legion, Tier 6
Objectives: Personal - Destroy the False Emperor, Faction - Lead the Long War
Corruption: 28 (Warmaster of Chaos)
Background: The Warmaster of Chaos whose Black Crusades have brought terror to the Imperium.
Dark Apostle Erebus (Adeptus Astartes, Tier 5)
Archetype: Dark Apostle
Faction: Word Bearers
Attributes: Strength 6, Toughness 6, Agility 4, Initiative 5, Willpower 7, Intellect 6, Fellowship 7
Skills: Leadership 7, Persuasion 7, Scholar 6, Psychic Mastery 5, Weapon Skill 5, Ballistic Skill 4, Intimidation 4, Deception 4
Keywords: Chaos, Heretic Astartes, Word Bearers, Psyker, Tier 5
Objectives: Personal - Convert the Galaxy, Faction - Spread Chaos Worship
Corruption: 26 (First Heretic)
Background: The First Chaplain who corrupted Horus and sparked the Horus Heresy.
How to Use These Characters in Your Games
For Game Masters
These Warhammer 40K characters serve multiple crucial purposes in your grimdark campaigns:
- Tier Scaling: Characters span from expendable Tier 1 operatives to legendary Tier 4+ heroes
- Faction Dynamics: Built-in conflicts between Imperial loyalists, Chaos cultists, and alien threats
- Corruption Mechanics: Characters demonstrate how exposure to Chaos gradually corrupts even the faithful
- Authority Structures: Imperial hierarchy provides clear command chains and political tensions
- Mission Frameworks: Character backgrounds suggest investigations, purges, and military operations
Campaign Integration
Warhammer 40K campaigns thrive on the tension between duty and corruption, faith and doubt:
- Corruption as Character Development: Track how exposure to Chaos changes characters over time
- Faction Loyalty: Character allegiances create natural conflicts and alliance opportunities
- The Emperor's Will: All Imperial characters serve the same distant master through different interpretations
- Knowledge and Ignorance: Information itself can be corrupting in the 41st Millennium
Corruption and Character Development
In the 41st Millennium, corruption is not just a game mechanic but the central theme of character development. Even the most faithful servants of the Emperor can fall to Chaos if they are not vigilant.
Sources of Corruption
Characters gain corruption through various sources:
- Warp Exposure: Psykers and those who travel through the warp
- Forbidden Knowledge: Learning things mankind was not meant to know
- Moral Compromises: Doing evil for the "greater good"
- Chaos Influence: Direct contact with daemons, heretics, or corrupted artifacts
Corruption and Roleplay
Corruption points create natural character development arcs:
- 0-5 Corruption: Faithful but pragmatic servants of the Emperor
- 6-10 Corruption: Hardened veterans who have seen too much
- 11-20 Corruption: Individuals walking the edge between loyalty and heresy
- 21+ Corruption: Lost souls serving the Dark Gods willingly or unwillingly
Understanding Faction Dynamics
The 41st Millennium is defined by the eternal struggle between Order and Chaos, with dozens of factions pursuing their own agendas within this cosmic conflict.
Imperial Factions
Even within the Imperium, different organizations often conflict:
- Adeptus Mechanicus: Seek technological knowledge, sometimes at the cost of humanity
- Inquisition: Root out threats to Imperial purity through any means necessary
- Astra Militarum: Hold the line against impossible odds with faith and firepower
- Adeptus Astartes: Elite posthuman warriors with their own codes and priorities
- Adepta Sororitas: Fanatical defenders of the faith who brook no compromise
- Imperial Navy: Control space lanes and orbital bombardments
- Adeptus Arbites: Enforce Imperial law with brutal efficiency
Chaos Dynamics
Chaos factions are united in their hatred of the Imperium but constantly war among themselves:
- Khorne: Blood, skulls, and endless warfare
- Tzeentch: Change, scheming, and forbidden knowledge
- Nurgle: Disease, decay, and twisted love
- Slaanesh: Excess, perfection, and dark pleasures
- Chaos Undivided: Balance all four powers or serve none exclusively
Grimdark Storytelling Techniques
The Noblebright Trap
In Warhammer 40K, traditional heroism often leads to corruption or death:
- Pyrrhic Victories: Success comes at tremendous cost
- Moral Ambiguity: Right and wrong are often indistinguishable
- Sacrificial Choices: Save the few or the many?
- The Greater Evil: Sometimes serving Chaos prevents worse outcomes
Cosmic Horror Elements
The 40K universe operates on cosmic horror principles:
- Insignificance: Individual lives matter little in galactic conflicts
- Forbidden Knowledge: Learning the truth can drive characters insane
- Unknowable Entities: Chaos Gods operate beyond human comprehension
- Inevitable Doom: The Imperium is slowly dying despite all efforts
Faith and Fanaticism
Religion in 40K is both salvation and damnation:
- Imperial Creed: Faith literally manifests as protective power
- Blind Devotion: Unquestioning faith can lead to atrocities
- Martyrdom Complex: Dying for the Emperor is the highest honor
- Heretical Temptation: Even faithful servants can be corrupted
Practical Applications
Starting a 40K Campaign
Use these characters to launch different types of grimdark campaigns:
- Inquisition Campaigns: Root out heresy with Acolyte teams
- Military Campaigns: Command Imperial Guard regiments against impossible odds
- Space Marine Campaigns: Elite strike teams facing alien and Chaos threats
- Chaos Campaigns: Corrupt the Imperium from within or wage open war
Convention and One-Shot Games
Pre-generated 40K characters excel in short-form play:
- Immediate Atmosphere: Players instantly understand the grimdark setting
- Built-in Tensions: Character backgrounds create natural conflicts
- Clear Objectives: Imperial duty or Chaos corruption drive immediate action
- Expendable Heroes: Character death is expected and meaningful
Teaching the System
Help new players understand Wrath & Glory mechanics:
- Tier Examples: Show how power levels affect gameplay
- Corruption Demonstration: Track how moral choices have mechanical consequences
- Faction Relationships: Demonstrate Imperial hierarchy and Chaos corruption
- Keyword System: Show how character tags affect dice pools and interactions
Equipment and Augmetic Enhancement
In the 41st Millennium, technology is both sacred and dangerous. Understanding equipment helps define character capabilities and backgrounds.
Imperial Equipment Philosophy
The Imperium's relationship with technology is defined by religious dogma:
- Machine Spirits: All technology contains sacred spirits that must be appeased
- STCs: Standard Template Constructs are the holiest relics of human technology
- Forbidden Knowledge: Innovation is heresy; only rediscovery is acceptable
- Ritual Maintenance: Sacred rites keep ancient technology functioning
Augmetic Enhancement
Cybernetic augmentation is common among certain Imperial factions:
- Adeptus Mechanicus: Replace flesh with blessed machinery
- Imperial Guard: Battlefield prosthetics for wounded veterans
- Inquisition: Specialized augmetics for specific mission requirements
- Space Marines: Extensive organ implants create posthuman capabilities
Chaos Corruption of Technology
Chaos can corrupt both flesh and machine:
- Daemon Weapons: Sentient weapons containing bound daemons
- Scrap Code: Viral programs that corrupt machine spirits
- Dark Mechanicum: Hereteks who merge daemon and machine
- Warp Taint: Technology exposed to Chaos becomes unreliable and dangerous
Psychic Powers and the Warp
Psykers are both the Imperium's greatest weapon and its most dangerous liability. Understanding psychic powers is crucial for 40K campaigns.
Imperial Sanctioning
The Imperium's approach to psykers is systematic and brutal:
- Black Ships: Collect psykers from across the galaxy
- Scholastica Psykana: Train and indoctrinate sanctioned psykers
- Soul Binding: Powerful psykers are bound to the Emperor's will
- Execution: The weak and corrupted are culled without mercy
Perils of the Warp
Using psychic powers always carries the risk of daemonic possession:
- Warp Phenomena: Uncontrolled psychic energy manifests in reality
- Daemon Incursion: Powerful psykers can tear holes in reality
- Possession: Daemons seek to inhabit psyker bodies
- Corruption: Warp exposure gradually corrupts the soul
Further Resources and Exploration
Related Topics to Explore
- The Horus Heresy: The foundational betrayal that shaped the 41st Millennium
- Xenos Threats: Orks, Eldar, Tau, Tyranids, and Necrons
- Imperial History: Ten thousand years of decline and fanaticism
- Chaos Philosophy: The four gods and their competing visions
- Technology and Faith: The Machine Cult and forbidden knowledge
- Galactic Geography: Segmentums, sectors, and systems
Character Interaction Possibilities
Consider how characters from different factions might interact:
- Inquisition Authority: Inquisitors can command any Imperial faction
- Tech-Priest Expertise: Machine cultists are essential but distrusted
- Space Marine Autonomy: Astartes answer to their own chain of command
- Chaos Infiltration: Cultists can be found in any Imperial organization
Campaign Development
Build long-term campaigns around 40K themes:
- Corruption Arcs: Track characters' fall to or resistance against Chaos
- Authority Conflicts: Different Imperial factions pursuing conflicting goals
- Knowledge vs. Ignorance: The dangerous pursuit of truth in a universe of lies
- Faith vs. Pragmatism: Choosing between ideological purity and practical survival
Adventure Hooks and Mission Types
These character backgrounds suggest numerous adventure possibilities across the spectrum of 40K gameplay.
Investigation Missions
- Heretical Cults: Root out Chaos worship in Imperial hive cities
- Genestealer Infestations: Discover alien infiltration before it's too late
- Corruption Scandals: Investigate high-ranking Imperial officials
- Lost Technology: Recover STCs and archeotech from dangerous locations
Military Campaigns
- Planetary Defense: Hold strategic positions against overwhelming odds
- Xenos Purges: Eliminate alien settlements and civilizations
- Chaos Incursions: Respond to daemonic invasions and traitor uprisings
- Imperial Crusades: Reclaim lost worlds for the Emperor
Exploration Missions
- Rogue Trader Expeditions: Explore beyond the galaxy's edge for profit
- Space Hulk Investigations: Board ancient derelicts in search of artifacts
- Unexplored Systems: Make first contact with unknown civilizations
- Warp Storm Aftermath: Investigate worlds cut off from the Imperium
Conclusion
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. These 100+ Warhammer 40K characters represent the endless struggle between Order and Chaos, faith and corruption, humanity and the alien. From the lowliest Imperial Guardsman to the mightiest Space Marine, from corrupted heretics to daemon princes, each character embodies the grimdark themes that make the 41st Millennium so compelling.
The universe of Warhammer 40K is one where heroism is measured not in victories but in the nobility of sacrifice, where knowledge is dangerous and ignorance is strength, where the price of survival is often one's humanity itself. These pre-generated characters provide the foundation for exploring these themes while delivering the visceral combat and cosmic horror that defines the setting.
Whether you're a Game Master looking for quick NPCs and antagonists, a player seeking inspiration for your next character, or a group wanting to dive immediately into the Emperor's service (or betrayal), these characters provide everything needed to begin your own journey through the galaxy's darkness.
Remember: in the Warhammer 40K universe, there are no true heroes, only those who fight the darkness long enough to matter. Every victory is temporary, every peace is an illusion, and every character carries within them the seeds of their own damnation. Use these characters not just as mechanical constructs, but as vehicles for exploring what it means to maintain humanity in an inhuman universe.
The characters presented here span the entire moral spectrum from incorruptible faith to utter damnation, showing how even the most loyal servants can fall to Chaos while even the most corrupted souls might find redemption through sacrifice. Take them, modify them, combine them across faction lines, and most importantly—use them to tell stories worthy of the Emperor's sacrifice.
For the Emperor. For the Imperium. For humanity.
The Emperor Protects.