Right, as some of you may vaguely recall from the Spring Conclave Campaign pack thread (http://www.the-conclave.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=683.0), I was doing some musing over the possibility of making up Inquisitrix Katlien Vance from the Contacts pack up into a full character.
(She was one of the few contacts I finished the day with, so... yoink!)
Warning the First: This is one of my character profiles. And it fits the normal pattern of being quite long...
Warning the Second: This is not a final version. Depending on feedback, I may do major re-writes. (Then again, I may not.)
Warning the Third: It is stupid o'clock when I post this. There may be a mistake or two.
Character Biography.
FULL NAME: Katlien Vance
ALIASES: None on record.
TITLE(S): Inquisitrix of the Ordo Hereticus. Formerly Chief Enforcer to Lord Inquisitor Marcus Grolin.
AGE / GENDER / APPEARANCE: 87 Terran Years / Female / Height: 5' 6" / Weight: 145 lbs.
Ultimately, this is the image I'll be working from. (http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/dark-heresy/images/WH_Female-Inquisitor_HRF_IFS.jpg) There are a couple of changes I want to make, but that's loosely it.ATTIRE: Refer to above for work wear. Almost never seen in public in anything considerably different, largely to give the impression of utter dedication to her work.
PERSONALITY/ BELIEFS: Many would take one who had been the enforcer of Lord Grolin to hold puritan views and do so quite correctly, but her beliefs are not necessarily as unsophisticated as that may imply. Handpicked by the relatively lenient Grolin, her views can at least be thought of as compatible with those of the late Inquisitor Lord.
While Katlien is certainly not of a Radical viewpoint, she treats the factions of the Inquisition with a degree of impartiality unusual for a youthful Puritan, for her calling is not to assess the validity of the views they hold, but of the limits they overstep. To her, while the Imperium is duty bound to serve the Inquisition, so is the opposite true, and the Holy Orders cannot truly fulfil that whilst there are those within its ranks who will abuse the office of the Inquisitor.
Depending on whether you are the subject of her attentions, Katlien can come across as either a persistent, driven, thorough and effective individual or as a stubborn, unforgiving, controlling and ruthless bitch.
For the majority of those in the Carthax sector, she appears as the former - an Inquisitrix dedicated to her tasks and ensuring they are completed. But to a vocal minority, she is a self righteous and overbearing figure who forces the Inquisition to work with one hand tied behind their back.
While generally seen as somewhat aloof, this is mostly a persona adopted while in public, to help develop the reputation necessary to fulfil her role. However, nonetheless, the relationships she does form seem to be more on a level of respect rather than camaraderie. (Probably the easiest word to describe them is "professional")
ABILITIES / STRENGTHS / WEAKNESSES: An expert swordswoman, Katlien prefers melee over ranged combat, given that many of her fights break out immediately after a failed "discussion" with the Inquisitor in question. As a further advantage, being in such close proximity makes it far more likely that she will identify any decoy or body double.
Comparatively, her ranged combat skills are relatively unimpressive, although she can certainly be described as competent. Quick-witted and agile, Katlien has proven to more than a few Inquisitors that she is not to be taken lightly in a combat situation.
Outside of combat, although not the most learned of Inquisitors, Katlien is still possessed of a considerable cunning and spectacular capacity for misdirection, with many of her investigations and operations including intricate gambits that ultimately lead to her desired result.
Like most Inquisitors, Katlien naturally takes the initiative, but she has particular drive to be active (rather than reactive) in her approach.
WEAPONS / EQUIPMENT: Katlien's signature weapon is her powered short sword - custom made to her specifications, it is a shortened version of full sized power swords with its moderately reduced lethality offset by its more modest weight and more forgiving balance. She frequently uses it in combination with a second blade - a longer, although unpowered, straight saber often used to parry or make opportunistic counter attacks.
Although she has less favour for ranged combat, she possesses a needle pistol which was presented to her on her eventual "retirement" from the role of Grolin's enforcer. With the relatively wide range of varyingly lethal loads Katlien carries, it is a versatile weapon well suited to the array of tasks she is frequently beset by.
After losing her right eye to shrapnel in a fire-fight with another Inquisitor's retinue, it has been replaced with a sophisticated bionic, later further upgraded to include integral aiming systems.
Given the large number of Inquisitors who are either psykers or, more likely, employ psykers on their staff, Katlien has taken precautions against their unnatural powers, and carries one of the rare psychic dampeners.
SERVANTS / ACQUAINTANCES: Although relatively young for an Inquisitor to do so, Katlien has an acolyte - Nyi Laysen, a 31 year-old female. Formerly the acolyte of Inquisitor Kriul (who Katlien "removed" several years ago), Nyi's life was spared by the Inquisitrix, who took the girl to have no part or blame in the heresies of her former master, as well as too great a potential to simply subject to the same fate.
It is known that Katlien extended some support to Inquisitor Marco Skoll at the Tigguo Cobauc election, an act which confused a number of those within the Carthaxian Conclave.
The reasons for an Inquisitor of her repute supporting a relatively new individual within the Conclave are unclear. Some have cited the two Inquisitors sharing some similar views on how the Inquisition must serve the Imperium, but others point at the rocky history between her and members of the Order Perditus, speculating that this may part of an attempt to investigate the Order in depth.
HISTORY: Katlien's most notable rank has been to hold the esteemed position of being chief enforcer to Lord Grolin - to be the "right hand" of the head of the Carthaxian Conclave allowed her particular opportunity to make a name for herself, although some see the years she held the title to be representative of a lack of personal autonomy.
While it is rare that an older Inquisitor will hold such a position (either in the Carthax Sector, or elsewhere) and that the office is generally held by relatively young and pious Inquisitors keen to impress their seniors, this does not inherently make these individuals reliant. To receive such a promotion demands that the sector lord has long been impressed with the performance of the individual.
Katlien has been making an impression on people for the majority of her life. Originally from a family of minor nobility on the planet of Ireses, a Gamma-class ("Civilised") world, Katlien's first profession was as an actress in a number of holo-films, most notably taking the role of Arbitrix Dareia Kollun in the "Hand of the Emperor's Law" series.
Her involvement with the Inquisition started at the age of 24, when one of Inquisitor Perial's (rather numerous) acolytes, Deductor Alexander Pettal, recruited her as part of a sting operation to identify the leading members of a Xeno worshiping cult.
Unfortunately, although this was only intended to be a relatively short arrangement, the operation (while successful in its main intent) left Katlien at risk. Not quite cold hearted enough to leave her to such a fate, Pettal consented to make her part of his entourage, although he expected the actress to have a lifespan measured in weeks either way.
Dramatically exceeding expectations, Katlien's knack for cover identities, staged events and the like meant that three years later, she was directly seconded to Inquisitor Perial's retinue as the latest of his acolytes.
People who knew her say her personality changed dramatically after the loss of her right eye four years after. Less able to adopt false identities, her methods were forced to change - although some anticipated her losing her edge as a result, these thoughts were fast laid aside, and ultimately she achieved promotion to the full rank of Inquisitor at the age of 48.
Having already held the leadership of the Conclave for approximately two decades, Lord Marcus Grolin himself was the sole sponsor of her rank, having been observing her for some time as a potential candidate. Her further promotion to the rank of second to Inquisitor Iulias Atloth (Grolin's chief enforcer at the time) followed almost immediately.
Atloth retired from the role of chief enforcer two years later, leaving Katlien the full responsibilities of the role, a position she would hold for the next 15 years. During this time, she was involved with such high profile events as the Ultialath Absolution, the Hernalon Purgation and the Anapero Assassination, although her involvement in the latter has been removed from a considerable majority of official records.
While she has since passed on the role to later Inquisitors, she has continued to play a strong part in ensuring that Inquisitors in the sector conform to "limits". While few have ever confirmed it, the rumours that she is part of an Ordo which oversees the Inquisition itself are partly true. While officially part of the Ordo Hereticus, she is also part of the secretive Janus cabal, a group of Inquisitors who have taken it as their holy task to ensure that the Inquisition itself remains pure.
QUIRKS/NOTES:- Has a particular fondness for Luxafruit (primarily grown on the world of Bernogia, near the galactic west of the Carthax sector). Most people describe the fruit as a bit too bitter for their tastes.
- Outside of her normal duties, she is rumoured to be the true identity behind the pseudonym Mathis Canthol, one of the sector's best selling novelists.
QUOTES: "Your folly was to take your authority to be unquestionable and your remit limitless. I am the limit." - Katlien Vance to Inquisitor Janaeson immediately before his death.
WS BS S T I Wp Sg Nv Ld
75 54 52 55 80 72 71 84 78
Katlien is right handed.
Skills: Dodge, Feint, Leader
Traits: Reputation
Weapons: Power Short Sword; Sabre; Needle Pistol with Explosive needles (1 reload Explosive, 1 reload Stun, 1 reload Bloodfire, 3 Tracker needles)
Armour: Flak Armour on all locations except head.
Bionics: Advanced bionic eye with range finder and motion predictor.
Equipment: Psychic dampener, Tracker unit
Power Short Sword: Reach 2; Damage 4D6; PP -20%
Sabre: Reach 3; Damage 2D6-1; PP -5%
Tracker Unit: Allows the user to follow an individual marked with a tracker needle. GM discretion.
Reputation: As a consequence of the years she spent as Lord Grolin's enforcer, Katlien's name is well known by the Inquisitors in the Carthax Sector. And although the exact number varies, some rumours claim that she is the cause of the "disappearances" of up to twenty-one of the sector's less compliant Inquisitors. While most dismiss this as an exaggerated figure, it remains that Katlien is a figure who both has experience and no qualms with removing troublesome Inquisitors.
Other Inquisitors and their acolytes (the GM should be prepared to adjudicate exactly who this covers) treat Katlien as having the both the Fearsome and Threatening traits.
Anyway, a few areas to discuss.
~~~~~
Katlien's acolyte - if you've read the background, the basic principle is that she was the acolyte of an Inquisitor that Katlien... well, let's not beat around the bush... killed.
I'm debating two options there. Either:
1) Katlien decided that she didn't want to have to deal with Nyi holding a major grudge against her for this, and had the acolyte mind-wiped. Obviously, that would be an interesting opportunity to roleplay a mind-wiped character.
2) Katlien decided that mind-wiping had too many risks, and could well just destroy a promising individual. And what we have there is the opportunity to roleplay a rather grudge filled relationship.
Obviously, the roleplay opportunities aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. After all, Interrogators are naturally intelligent individuals with a craving for answers. If you take a mind like that, then rob it of all its memories, it's going to try and piece together who it was - and indeed, why those memories are missing. There would be more than a few suspicions.
Other companions are currently up in the air. I'm considering a drill abbot, as I've not done one in yonks. An assassin of sorts isn't impossible either.
~~~~~
There is likely more equipment to go on her profile. As and when I get ideas, they'll be added.
~~~~~
Not sure about the Reputation trait as I've written it there, but I do want to give the idea that other Inquisitors think twice before messing with her. Better ideas as I get them.
Love it man, solid background and profile.
For the dilemma of her and Nyi I'd say leave Nyi's memories intact. Nothing makes for a more interesting roleplay than characters arguing in the midst of a heated battle, nitpicking at each other and yet getting the job done. Begrudged mutual respect is a wonderful thing
The idea of a mindwipe that perhaps wasn't complete makes me go "oooh, interesting"
Quote from: DapperAnarchist on July 10, 2010, 09:34:45 AM
The idea of a mindwipe that perhaps wasn't complete makes me go "oooh, interesting"
There are bits in the "Inquisitor's Handbook" for Dark Heresy that talk about the after-effects of having been mind-wiped, the ghosts of memory that can tease at the edge of consciousness and can perhaps drive an individual down the same dark paths a second time. It does add a nice narrative tension between the two individuals.
There are of course various degrees of mind scrubbing. It can be anything from complete (well, nearly complete - there are flaws that exist in the system), to much shorter time periods or possibly things specific to certain subjects.
Theoretically, Katlien could have a much more controlled part of Nyi's memory wiped. Perhaps specific to the actual time period of when Katlien hunted Inquisitor Kriul, replacing it with a number of lies about how Kriul actually died, and claiming to have taken Nyi aboard after his death. Of course, the fact that there's a lot of evidence to the contrary might screw that façade up somewhat. Katlien would likely avoid it for that reason.
So, that's why I figure it's a complete wipe and a new identity (possibly with some implanted memories), or nothing at all.
Ugh. I like both ideas. It'd be nice to be able to do one, then reuse the other later on, but at the same time it's that particular relationship I like, and I don't want a grand collection of Inquisitors who killed their acolyte's former master.
Quote from: mrstevetic on July 10, 2010, 05:39:06 AMBegrudged mutual respect is a wonderful thing
Ultimately, it would be a one way grudge (although the arguments would certainly be two way). Katlien has no grudge against Nyi - and indeed, that's why she hasn't killed her. However, Nyi would have more than a few reasons to dislike Katlien.
Some more thoughts.
If I were doing the drill abbot, I'm thinking NOT a close combat oriented character, as seems to be common for the Ecclesiarchy.
If you've ever seen Saving Private Ryan you may recall the sniper, Pvt. Jackson. For those that haven't seen the film, he recites various religious passages while sniping. (There's something of a compilation here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOpNFK14490) - if you can handle Barry Pepper's imperfect portrayal of sniping.*)
*Not really the place to discuss it, but watching as someone who does understand the basic principles of marksmanship, it's clear that he doesn't know what he's doing. Yes, he's only an actor (and it's a common problem in film), but that doesn't make it any less distracting.
Now, obviously, the Imperium is much more religious than the WWII US military, and there are already enough litanies and prayers that exist for the soldier (refer to the Uplifting Primer) - but I certainly think it's justifiable to sort of apply the principles here. Just make it someone a bit more religious.
So, I was thinking along the lines of an ex-Guard sniper who has become a Drill Abbot (after all, someone has to teach marksmanship at the Schola Progenium), and going from there. How I'd represent that rules-wise, I don't necessarily know, but I am now thinking.
~~~~~
Also, I know my backgrounds are usually fairly wordy, but it would be nice to actually hear some constructive criticism and feedback. The most I've heard so far is mrstevetic saying "solid background and profile", which doesn't really give me much to go on.
The first thing I'd like to say is that I like the layout you've written it in, certainly compared to some of your earlier posts this was a breeze, and a pleasant one at that to read :)
My favourite aspect of the whole background is
Quote from: MarcoSkoll on July 10, 2010, 03:26:49 AM
QUIRKS/NOTES:
- Has a particular fondness for Luxafruit (primarily grown on the world of Bernogia, near the galactic west of the Carthax sector). Most people describe the fruit as a bit too bitter for their tastes.
- Outside of her normal duties, she is rumoured to be the true identity behind the pseudonym Mathis Canthol, one of the sector's best selling novelists.
More so than any other character background I've read this gives such great depth to the character in two simple sentences and leaves much to the imagination regarding specifics in so far as what novels she writes and such.
Though generally, the style of writing you have adopted definitely leans towards giving the Inquisitrix real life, rather than just a list of abilities and reasons, it reads very much like a preface to a biography if you understand where I'm coming from?
Alos really like the idea of the ex-guard sniper/drill abbot, in so far as background goes, perhaps a point in a campaign where he had an exceptional reinforcement of faith like an epiphany? No idea rule wise though sorry.
Hope that is the sort of feedback you were looking for...I was sure I had already posted but must have just forgotten too
Rob
Quote from: Shannow on July 11, 2010, 02:43:09 PMThe first thing I'd like to say is that I like the layout you've written it in, certainly compared to some of your earlier posts this was a breeze, and a pleasant one at that to read
Huh. It's not all that different to my other character backgrounds. I've put the actual game profile after the background (largely in the hopes people will read it in that order and have said background in mind when looking at the profile).
QuoteMore so than any other character background I've read this gives such great depth to the character in two simple sentences
Well, I'm trying to work on the "Quirks" section of my backgrounds more. I find that giving a character a few defining oddities can make their personality seem less scripted.
Katlien has only got a couple of quirks to start with, but characters usually tend to start developing more quirks as I actually start using them (in game, or in fiction). For example, Inquisitor Skoll's habit for obscure analogies (often referring to animals that no-one else knows) was developed with RPing.
I haven't really decided what kind of novels Mathis Canthol writes yet, although you can expect it will be decided eventually.
QuoteThough generally, the style of writing you have adopted definitely leans towards giving the Inquisitrix real life, rather than just a list of abilities and reasons, it reads very much like a preface to a biography if you understand where I'm coming from?
Well, that's quite a compliment. Yeah, I can see where you're coming from - it's not exactly intentional, but it's certainly not a bad thing.
QuoteAlso really like the idea of the ex-guard sniper/drill abbot, in so far as background goes, perhaps a point in a campaign where he had an exceptional reinforcement of faith like an epiphany?
I'm thinking that he'll probably have been reasonably pious to start off with, but I do quite like that idea.
I guess it could go several ways - he keeps witnessing near miracles, so something like the Plain Dumb Luck ability could work.
Part of that is going to have to include how he became a drill abbot... I haven't decided whether he would have been retired because his regiment was disbanded (because, ultimately, regiments do get disbanded in the Imperium), or because of injury.
The latter is because I think I may need more bionic characters - but I suppose there's no reason why that can't happen either way.
QuoteHope that is the sort of feedback you were looking for...I was sure I had already posted but must have just forgotten too
Yup, that's good.
How about she writes Bildungsroman which, though they stick to the plot of the standard Imperial form (young pious person joins crusade/army/administratum/etc and grows to have a fuller understanding of their duty), have been criticised for their lack of respect for the characters' superiors? This would make perfect sense coming from an Inquisitor, who knows exactly who these people are and what they are like...
Having thought about it since yesterday (well, it's past midnight now, so technically not yesterday, but you know what I mean)... yes, that sounds like a good genre of novels. Obviously, for something to become a major seller in the Imperium, it would have to be "Imperial approved", and I can see that sort of thing fitting within Imperial propaganda.
~~~~~
However, what I have realised is that I've totally messed up that character sheet. There's no quote based off a Pink Floyd lyric, and that's just not up to scratch.
Always good to see another pink floyd fan! Perhaps call one of her books 'The Man and the Journey'?
Genius! ;D
Glad you approve, have always appreciated your other references:)
On a more thread based comment, I am assuming your going to stick with sculpting, if so have you begun the process but if not what base models have you considered? I look forward to seeing her begin forming greatly, the picture is fantastic!
I'll be doing more sculpting. I'm no stranger to converting up models, but I really do rather enjoy sculpting (up until my eyes start to ache from staring at fine details for hours on end), so there isn't much reason for me to work from a base model. Sure, it would save me work, but I enjoy that work. Okay, the details are probably better than I can manage, but I'm happy enough with my results (unless I start rushing) - and not practising is hardly going to improve my talents.
If I see something really nice, then maybe, but it's rare I see something that makes me think "I have to have that model" rather than just drawing inspiration from it.
My general Character-before-Model approach means I prefer to be sure of the character before I get started on working in a model (although I'm not averse to making some changes when modelling), so no, I've not yet started.
Also, I prefer to do a few models at a time, so I've got a couple more character sheets (you may see some of them in the not too distant future) which I'm planning to sort out so I've got "a full batch" - not that "a full batch" is a particularly precisely defined number. What the other models are likely to come down to is that Maya Avens needs a model now I've sorted her design and I've got to round off the reworking of Marco's warband (well, at least the main combat characters).
I've got some other models I'd like to sort out, but I want to develop their characters up a bit more before I do that. (Eventually, I will get around to doing a Rogue Trader called Hotblack Desiato.)
Well that's certainly a hell of a lot for us to look forward to! and Hotblack Desiato is a fantastic name for a Rogue trader, very piratey to my mind. I also look forward to seeing how you flesh out Nyi too.
Rob
Will Mr. Desiato be somehow not entirely alive?
Possibly, although I'm not necessarily sure I'm going to do much more than borrow the name. It's weird to think that it's originally from an Islington estate agency.
... Give him some kind of Sonic weapon. Perhaps not a Noise Marine thing, but something...
Well, the Hotblack in the Hitchhiker's Guide doesn't talk because he's spending a year legally dead for tax reasons. So perhaps it's entirely more fitting to focus on that for a Rogue Trader - the sort of scurrilous fellow weaseling out of his debts, perhaps faking his death to escape from those who would rather like to bring him to account...
He's also a rock star in a band who are considered a weapon of planetary level destruction, and perform from an orbiting spacecraft. Sonic weapons, I repeat. :D
Actually, I was thinking about that - a Rogue Trader who has faked his own death. And given it's a Rogue Trader, money is quite likely to be involved.
...and yes, a sonic weapon would be a nice touch. I wonder if it interferes with any telepathy in the area.