The Conclave

The Ordos Majoris - Hobby, Painting and Modelling => The Dark Millennium => Topic started by: Alta on August 13, 2010, 10:10:12 PM

Title: A Few more questions...
Post by: Alta on August 13, 2010, 10:10:12 PM
I was writing up the backgound story for my first Inquisitor character and I got really stuck when I got to the point "His father earned a living as a ...". I have no idea what jobs would be around in the 41st Millenium.
Does anyone have any ideas or know?
(I'm actually looking for some sort of rural job, but an urban one could work too) (also male or female jobs, as I might write about his mum's background)
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Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: DapperAnarchist on August 13, 2010, 10:19:57 PM
The Imperium makes extensive use of menial labour - don't think modern Western society, more like current Third World or 1300's Europe. Is he supposed to be rich or poor? He could be a Groxhand, or a menial harvester. Wealthier, he could be a bailiff, or a local lawman of some sort. At the top, he could be the child of a local lord, which would put him in the leisured or military class. Course, there would bars and restaurants of various kinds, so there would be a service industry. What you probably wouldn't get is something like Galaxybucks - the Galaxy's Favourite Provider of Recaff, or insurance companies, financial services, anything like that - the Imperium is not a capitalistic society, and so lacks this idea of investment or economic expansion of a brand.

oh, and - Welcome to the Conclave!
Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: Dexter on August 13, 2010, 10:29:28 PM
Also take into mind the different types of worlds that exist in the Imperium.  If he was raised on a Forge World, his father was almost certainly a factory laborer or supervisor.  On an agri-world, his father would likely be a farmer of sorts, working with livestock or operating farming machinery.  Another possibility is one that I never see touched on much in any 40k literature.  Every Imperial world (as I understand it) is engaged with importing and exporting goods.  Hives import massive quantities of food.  Forge worlds export nearly every weapon they make, and import the raw resources to continue functioning.  There is hardly a self-sufficient planet in the Imperium, meaning that every Imperial world has a space port.  And that means every Imperial world has to have dock workers.  If you are looking for a humble, everyman way to cast your Inquisitor's father, making him a dock worker is a good way to go.
Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: Morcus on August 14, 2010, 07:25:39 PM
I would think financial industry would be very important in the 41st millenium, though granted not every where. Moving a space ship must cost a huge amount of money so there'd surly be alot of people backing and insuring things like that. I've always got the impression that the Imperium is a fairly Litigious society and that there would be a huge amount of people employed in the Legal sector. All of the above is based on my interpretation and I'm not saying its right, You sort of have to make up your own mind.

Is his parents proffession important or is it just about having a 'complete' background? What kind of character is his father? Where do you want him to fall within the class system? If you wanted him to be Rural and Middle Class (Just as an example) You could make him some kind of Overseer, or a doctor. If working Class he could be a Farm Hand or a builder.

Class and background are where you should be thinking.
Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: Shannow on August 14, 2010, 07:58:30 PM
I personally think you can come up with anything to be a job really (within reason), but given the mass, complex and diverse population within the imperium as well as the large amount of red tape and paperwork that is involved everywhere, it is not hard to imagine that some lowly person may have the job of making sure the screws being used on a construction line are the right ones.... boring but entirely believable! And of course you can do the opposite end as well with people being massively well paid just to do something fairly pointless (nothing springs to my travel tired mind...)

Rob
Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: Heroka Vendile on August 14, 2010, 10:11:14 PM
Quote from: DapperAnarchist on August 13, 2010, 10:19:57 PMthe Imperium is not a capitalistic society, and so lacks this idea of investment or economic expansion of a brand.

The imperial organisations might not be, but the imperium at large most certainly is capitalist. The Administratum on the whole does not concern itself with how a planets economy works, only that the appropriate volume of tithes are collected on schedule. This leaves scope for all sorts of different economic models to be in use from planet to planet - sure there will be some consistency across well developed sectors featuring upper-end technology on most planets - but world-to-world there can easily be vast differences.
eg on one feudal world every single citizen may well be considered the property of the King, and only he profits from selling excess produce to other planets - while on a Hive world there will be thousands of individuals doing business and trading stock and supplies on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: Alta on August 23, 2010, 10:54:37 PM
Thanks for the welcome.
I decided to go with a simple farmer, and to make things simpler, I made his mother die when he was young. The actual profession wasn't vitally important, it was just to give him a complete background.
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Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Alta on August 25, 2010, 08:12:24 PM
I didn't want to take up board room by making another thread, so I thought I'd ask it here...

Knowing nothing about the Imperial Guard myself, does anyone know if it is possible to leave the Imperial Guard voluntarily? Or would someon have to leave it by either retirement / deserting?
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Title: Re: Professions of the 41st Millenium
Post by: Dexter on August 25, 2010, 08:25:27 PM
Well, induction into the guard usually isn't voluntary.  To my knowledge most worlds have a draft or lottery in place to pay the tithe, and on some worlds everyone must serve in the Guard (Cadia, for example).  I don't think there are many, if any, worlds where enlistment is 100% voluntary.
I have read about "former" guardsmen in various sources throughout GW fiction, so I know it's possible to leave the Guard legally and continue to pursue a "normal" career.  My guess would be in most regiments, members of the Guard serve for a pre-determined amount of time.  That time could be stretched indefinitely if the guardsmen were fighting in a long campaign.  After that time, I would imagine the guardsmen would be given the Imperial equivalent of an honorable discharge, and returned to their world.
I also imagine that the Guard does not have use for individuals past a certain age.  Their brand of war requires a fair bit of physical strength and endurance that you won't find in the elderly.  I'm guessing that when someone reaches their mid-40s, the Guard won't have much use for them on the battlefield. 
It's safe to assume that there is no other way to leave the Guard other than a discharge, or desertion (which would put a bounty on your head).
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: DapperAnarchist on August 25, 2010, 08:30:28 PM
You get into the Guard either by a population-wide draft (often excluding the nobilty, those who can buy out, etc, with numbers made up by the poor) or by a draft of the elite of the PDF. You get out in a number of ways - death, promotion to a point where you can retire (usually staff officer level), desertion, incapacitation, or winning a campaign of conquest, where you get to keep a chunk of the land you fought for.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: MarcoSkoll on August 25, 2010, 08:46:40 PM
Pretty much as above said. Being inducted is usually involuntary - although not always, of course. Some individuals may be brainwashed enough to believe the "Become a hero of the Imperium" stuff and actually offer to join.

Still, leaving the guard is usually also decided for you. If you need someone who's left the guard and who isn't being chased down by the Munitorum for desertion, they'll probably either be a veteran of many years who's served their time (but wasn't that important - see below), or they'll probably be missing a number of body parts - which may have been replaced with poor bionics, if they're lucky.

As far as what DapperAnarchist says about promotion - maybe. I imagine that, often, if the Imperium gets their hands on someone really good, said individual is going to get rejuvenat and kept in the service for centuries.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: DapperAnarchist on August 25, 2010, 09:14:16 PM
Well, I meant if you end up like Captain Darling, secretary to the General, you might be able to retire to civilian life in the Administratum or something after that particular war is over. The usual "War is great! Everyone should be involved in war! Oh, you're my secretary and I actually know you? Well, off you go to civvy town once I don't need you" stuff.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Morcus on August 25, 2010, 09:27:25 PM
I would image most of the officers would be volunteers, thus you'd be unlikly that you'd become an officer if you were conscripted, and if you did you'd more than likely want to remain.

I was under the impression that sometimes Units reduced to small numbers were just disbanded and sent home rather than the usual mix and match units being made from the remnants.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Alta on August 25, 2010, 10:03:21 PM
My character joined voluntarily.
Hmm... this is going to make it rather difficult...
What about if the regiment suffered such heavy losses that it had to be disbanded... Do you think he would be able to leave then?
Otherwise he could desert, but then I'd have to incorporate him running from the law,  and he's meant to be a very law abiding citizen...
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: DapperAnarchist on August 25, 2010, 10:20:42 PM
Well, what is he doing now? Who is he working with? Could he still be under the theoretical jurisdiction of the Guard, but working alongside someone else - an Inquisitor, the Arbites, the Administratum, the Ministorum, something like that?

Disbanding a regiment... It probably appears here and there in the background, but not that often. More often you hear of Veteran units, or combined Regiments.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Jamas Orian on August 25, 2010, 11:03:52 PM
As I was aware, regiments that are massively under strength are usually absorbed into others.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Flinty on August 26, 2010, 08:40:28 AM
Agreed, I have read a couple of sources where understrength units are combined into a retitled regiment.

I think there is probably little if any chance of a vetran being shipped home. Most, if not all, IG units are posted away from thier home planet due to Imperial paranoia about uprisings and revolts (and the fact troops will be more happy to slaughter foreginers rather than thier own). Spending cash, never mind the logistics, to send individuals across segments, possibly even across the galaxy in some cases is never going to happen.

I imagine that on discharge, vetrans are maybe given a small cash bounty or something like a chit redemmable for a plot of land on the nearest colony world and left to thier own devices. I expect they may get preferential advancement in the local civilian law enforcement or in the PDF as senior NCO's in the garrison quartermaster or training contingents. Some may find employment as bodyguards or in security on either side of the law, with a very few selected for work with the Inquisition.

I see no problem with officers being recruited from the most able - the Imperium is a meritocracy - the best man for the job and those with responsibility carry the threat of the ultimate penalty if it ends up fubar.

As for volunteers, there must be a few, but I imagine they may get a rough ride from thier fellow forced conscripts...
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Swarbie on August 26, 2010, 11:13:16 AM
Quote from: Flinty on August 26, 2010, 08:40:28 AM
As for volunteers, there must be a few, but I imagine they may get a rough ride from thier fellow forced conscripts...

Recruitment officer: Yes sir, the Imperial Guard will give you - for FREE - the most destructive man-portable laser weaponry in the Imperium, the most cost-effective body armor in the galaxy and the training to hold your position against a charging carnifex. Sign here, sir . . . 

Conscripts: IDIOT!
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Morcus on August 26, 2010, 08:58:48 PM
The Imperium is as far from a Meritocracy as you can get.

The Imperial guard relies almost entirely on its command structures and disiplin so I'd imagine most officers would have started training long before they'd be elligible for conscription, Its also beneficial if yor officers aren't too Cosy with your grunts to maintain the distinction between the two groups. There are a lot of references in fluff and stories to Officers being drawn from the Nobility of planets.

There are alot of referenses to IG members getting home after they've completed their time. It would depend on how far they were and how many men there were to go home but I would think it would happen.

You normally get people who choose to join predominantly conscripted armed forces when they'd normally be exempt, how they'd be treat I imagine would be based on the Regiment as a wholes view on the worthiness of what they were doing.

Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Alta on August 26, 2010, 09:24:13 PM
Hmm... I think I'll finish writing up his background fluff then you can decide whether they fit the fluff...

One more question though... On transport ships (any kind) would the conventional method of transport be suspended animation? Or would the warp travel be quick enough to not need the suspended animation?
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Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Shannow on August 26, 2010, 09:52:48 PM
Suspended animation? Y'know Bob, I'm really not into bondage...

In all the fluff I've read I've never heard reference to it being required during warp travel, so I'd guess not. Not to say you can't include it, I'm sure it wouldn't be hard to come up with a scenario where its required.

Rob
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: DapperAnarchist on August 26, 2010, 10:14:24 PM
I've not heard of it either, but for the 'human cargo' of the Guard, or mass transit vessels carrying pilgrims and colonists, why not? I know one story mentions that Penal Legion troops are drugged extensively in transit, and run a risk of amnesia.

Shannow, you are a very dirty boy.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Morcus on August 27, 2010, 12:50:16 AM
Eversor assasins are Kept in Stasis so that they regard all thier missions as happening in a continuous kill Frenzy, And I'm sure I've read of people smuggling them selves by bring sealed in Stasis in a Container that can with stand a vacuum and loaded as Cargo.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Koval on August 27, 2010, 07:52:28 AM
Quote from: Morcus on August 27, 2010, 12:50:16 AM
Eversor assasins are Kept in Stasis so that they regard all thier missions as happening in a continuous kill Frenzy
Non sequitur. Eversor Assassins are just kept that way anyway.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Morcus on August 27, 2010, 06:38:46 PM
I know that, the point is that its very possible.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Koval on August 27, 2010, 07:09:45 PM
Not the point -- suspended animation while in the Warp just generally doesn't happen on a greater scale. For a start, people still need to operate the ship, and they can't very well do that when they're in sus-an.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Morcus on August 27, 2010, 07:24:35 PM
I fully undertand that and thought it was heavilly enough implied in my post before my last one, I was merely sugesting that it was one method for Passengers to travel through space. The original question was with regards to people being Transported which wouldn't include Crew though I seriously doubt it would be the main method of transporting people because I would seem like alot of work for little reward is done on a large scale.

I can't actually recall any infomation either way regarding the mass transit of IG, I've seen references on transport of small numbers of troops and of marines and such, all of which trained on the journey.
Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Alta on August 27, 2010, 10:26:31 PM

Ok, I've finished his background. If possible, please could you check through his fluff and see if it is valid?

Here is the thread: http://www.the-conclave.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=1019.0

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Title: Re: A Couple of Questions...
Post by: Flinty on August 31, 2010, 09:49:33 AM
I think the Lexicanum (?) mentions that Guard Regiments often use the time in transport to the theatre for training and/or mission familairisation.

I assume that means they must be travelling on some of the larger Naval transport vessels, but presumably, more local (intersystem, adjacent sectors?) travel by single regiments or smaller units could be done by comandeered or chartered merchant vessel, some of which may have hold space for training, but others maybe just accomodation and mess deck...bit like the opening of Aliens, without the sus am (oooh, stupid abbreviation) pods.
Title: Re: A Few more questions...
Post by: Alta on January 15, 2011, 09:28:33 AM

A few more fluff questions:

What would the life of a conscript be like before he is actually enrolled into the guard?

What does pilot training (e.g Thunderbolts, Lightnings, Valkyries) usually involve?
Also, what would the pilots normally be fighting?

Are female Lord Inquisitors known as Lady Inquisitors?

What is the Conclave? (not this site, I'm referring to the one mentioned in Xenology)

Title: Re: A Few more questions...
Post by: MarcoSkoll on January 15, 2011, 10:03:13 AM
Quote from: Alta on January 15, 2011, 09:28:33 AMWhat would the life of a conscript be like before he is actually enrolled into the guard?
Like any other civilian in the Imperium. This question is really "What is civilian life like in the Imperium", which is far too wide a question to answer here.

QuoteWhat does pilot training (e.g Thunderbolts, Lightnings, Valkyries) usually involve?
Also, what would the pilots normally be fighting?
a) Refer to contemporary pilot training.
b) Enemy air assets. :P
While largely ignored in 40k, aerial combat is as important in the future as it is today, and almost without exception, any race has aerial vehicles. (The main exception being Tyranids, which have huge space dragons instead.) I suggest starting here: http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Category:Flyers

QuoteAre female Lord Inquisitors known as Lady Inquisitors?
More commonly "Lady Inquisitrix", I would imagine. Although it depends on personal taste - more feminist Inquisitors may refuse the title of Inquisitrix.

QuoteWhat is the Conclave? (not this site, I'm referring to the one mentioned in Xenology)
When talking about a Inquisitorial Conclave, it is in a similar sense to "Council" and tends to refer to sort of the Inquisition's "head office" in that sector - although it may also refer to a specific meeting/gathering of Inquisitors.
Title: Re: A Few more questions...
Post by: Kaled on January 15, 2011, 10:40:24 AM
Quote from: Alta on January 15, 2011, 09:28:33 AM
What would the life of a conscript be like before he is actually enrolled into the guard?
That will depend entirely on where he was conscripted from?  Is he an agri-world farm boy or a hive ganger?

QuoteWhat does pilot training (e.g Thunderbolts, Lightnings, Valkyries) usually involve?
Presumably it's similar to pilot training these days - lectures, simulators, flights in a training aircraft etc

QuoteAlso, what would the pilots normally be fighting?
Have a look at the Aeronautica Imperialis section of the Forge World site - that should give you a few ideas;
http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Aeronautica-Imperialis

QuoteAre female Lord Inquisitors known as Lady Inquisitors?
If they want - Inquisitor Lords are also known as Lord Inquisitors, High Inquisitors and probably other things too.  Inquisitrix is sometimes used for a female Inquisitor.  So she could be a Lady Inquisitor, Lady Inquisitrix, High Inquisitrix or some other variation depending on her exact position and personal preference.

QuoteWhat is the Conclave? (not this site, I'm referring to the one mentioned in Xenology)
From Lexicanum;
'Inquisitorial Conclaves can take two forms. The first is a gatherings called by an Inquisitor (if called by an Inquisitor Lord it is termed a "High Conclave") to discuss a particular subject. There are also more permanent regional Conclaves; these are federations of Inquisitors who watch over a particular area of Imperial space. The larger of these regional Conclaves may have resources such as ships, armies, fortresses, and libraries for the use of their members. Not all sectors of Imperial space are covered by a Conclave, and some areas are devoid of a permanent Inquisitorial presence. The head of each regional Conclave is normally an Inquisitor Lord, and is nominally appointed by the High Lords on Terra There are also Conclaves operating at the Segmentum level, again headed by an Inquisitor Lord.'


EDIT: Ooops, somehow I hadn't noticed Marco had already answered this - ah well...
Title: Re: A Few more questions...
Post by: DapperAnarchist on January 15, 2011, 12:15:32 PM
I believe the "Conclave" in Xenology is not just a meeting of Inquisitors or a local council, but a cabal within the Ordo Xenos focussed on maintaining a conservative, puritan approach to aliens, while perhaps being a bit hypocritical itself. Maybe. Most of the information comes from Raleigh, and so is a bit suspect, to say the least.
Title: Re: A Few more questions...
Post by: GAZKUL on January 30, 2011, 01:08:50 PM
if you're interested in Aerial combat i'll lend you Dan Abnett's Double Eagle, it provides a pretty thorough background to life as a pilot as well as having a good story.