Vampirism's Character Development Thread (Word Heavy)

[Vampirism]

Hey Guys

I've been very interested for a while in Inquisitor and have just recently picked up some 54mm models in various stages on conversion and have decided to write up a rather comprehensive background for them. 

First up an Imperial Guard Veteran.

[Vampirism]

Inquisitor Characters

Imperial Guard Veteran

WS   BS   S   T   I   Wp   Sg   Nv   Ld
63   72   62   57   61   53   58   71   55

Equipment:
Heavy Stubber w/ 4 Reloads (3 Regular, 1 Dumdum), Archaic Bolt Pistol (Relic) (No Actual Game Use), Shotgun w/ 10 Shells (8 Regular Shells, 2 Flechette), Armoured Gauntlet, Improvised Weapon (Shotgun Butt), 2 Frag Grenades, MIU Linked Range Finder, Vox Comms, Flak Armour (Legs, Groin), Carapace Armour (Chest, Abdomen)

Archaic Bolt Pistol (Relic):
This boltpistol was bequethed to Freith by his Father and is of great significance to him.  Given its status as a Relic of value to Freith he is wary of using it and carries it more for sentimental and calming value. (Mainly Story Arc)

Special Abilities
Quickload (Heavy Stubber Only), True Grit

Name: Freith Hulbrich

Nickname: Freith

Age: 47

Sex: Male

Socioeconomic / Child: Average Imperial Citizen

Socioeconomic / Adult: Average Imperial Citizen

Birth Date: *Records Unknown (Reasons Why?)

Birth Place: Juntaal IV

Current Residence: *No known permanent location, currently in service of Inquisitor Insert Name

Occupation: Heavy Support / Muscle / Veteran

Title / Rank: Gunnery Sergeant

Hobbies: Maintenance of Weapons, Maintenance of Fitness

Family: One Brother (whereabouts unknown), Parents Deceased (Father murdered, Mother died through natural causes (?)), Ex Wife (whereabouts unknown), Two Children (whereabouts unknown)

Past History

Hometown: Tallendorn

First Memory: Witnessing an Imperial presentation Ceremony for local soldiers

Childhood: Well looked after, given freedom to roam.

Most important childhood even that still affects him: Being bequeathed his Fathers pistol

Why / How: It is the only remaining possession of his parents he still has.

Biggest Role Model: Captain Aertin Daezn

Why: Officer in command of Freith for the last 15 years, unshakable faith in the Imperium and a devout believer in the faith of his men.

Biggest disillusions from childhood: That the Imperium protects.  He has seen enough to know that protection only lasts as long as the Imperiums ulterior interests / motives last.

Backstory
...

Physical Characteristics

Height: 6"3

Weight: 265 lbs

Posture: Rigid / Military

Build: Well Built, Imperial Military Training

Race: Imperium

Skin: Weathered, Caucasian, Partially tanned on the arms due to lack of armour

Hair: Bald, Bearded

Hands: Beaten (Occasional boxer, used to cure boredom amongst the men), Calloused

Scars: Multiple (Many years of Service in the Imperium)

Tattoos: Service Numbers

Right Handed

How does he dress: Efficiently, either giving more protection or allowing more room for weapons

Balanced / Clumsy: Well Balanced, Military Precision

Mannerisms / Movement: Partial Left Handed Spasm, Efficient Movement (no wasted energy)

Describe their walk: Upright Rigid Walk, Imposing

Habits: Mostly silent in non combat situations, few of words even when speaking.

Obsessions: Maintaining his weaponry / Maintaining the weaponry of the group

Health: Currently Combat Healthy and Fit

Hygiene: Male Soldier (will use if available, if unavailable not bothered)

Speech Patterns: Efficient, Crisp, Military

Voice: Deep, Arresting

Intellectual / Mental / Personality / Attributes and Attitudes

Intelligence Level: Military Veteran, Well versed in all common / rare forms of weaponry (Imperial)

Known Langauges: Basic Gothic, Partial High Gothic, Elluse (Inquisitor developed form of communication, similar in form to Glossia)

Short Term Goals: Following orders given by Inquisitor Insert Name

Long Term Goals: Maintaining service to the Imperium, Locating of his Brother, Hunting of his Fathers killer.

Secret Desires: To return to Juntaal, Improve training methods for all Imperium soldiers

Self Confidence: Supreme self confidence in his abilites and those of his group (Imperium Training)

How do they see themselves: He likes to see himself as a moral solider of the Imperium

How do they believe they are perceived by others: Hard, Uncompromising, Loyal

What does he like least about himself: His shortcomings in giving into temptation (Alcohol)

How do they express themselves: Directly, to the point.

Patience Level: Non combat (high), Combat (military training, sometimes low)

Emotion / Logic controlled: Ruled by Logic and that which he can understand.

Most at ease when: Maintaining equipment / weaponry, reading tactical debriefs.

Ill at ease when: Confronted by the unknown, left out of the loop, combat situations with incompetent group members.

Describe their sense of humour: Limited in normal circumstances, generally more open around group members, in particular Insert Name of Female Desperado

Optimist or Pessimist: Unusually optimistic for a solider, High internal locus of control

Introvert or Extrovert: Introvert

Greatest Fear: Inability to protect those he has been ordered to do so, inability to find his brother

Biggest Accomplishment: Surviving to this day

Character's darkest / deepest secret: ?

Likes / Dislikes

Likes: Weaponry, Discipline, Loyalty

Dislikes: Dishonesty, Poorly maintained weaponry, being left out of the loop

Colour: Khaki, Muted Browns, Black, Camo (Mountain)

Clothing: Ammo Belt

Place: Weaponry Room / Armoury of the ship he is currently travelling on.

Food / Drinks: Anything that requires hands to eat / Spirits (limited occasions)

Books: Tactical War Books, Weaponry Maintenance Manuals, Weapon Catalogues

Historical Figure: The Emperor

Subject in school: History / Weapons Training

Animal: Mountain Wolf

Simple Pleasures: Following Orders

Greater Pleasures: Stripping, Maintaining, Improving Weapons

Motto: Est autem gratia imperator (incedo)

Most Prized Possession: Father's Pistol

Why: (Insert Relevant Back Story)

Relationship Skills

Loves (non sexual): His brother

Lusts: Desperado (In Group)

Crushes: None

Girlfriend / Boyfriend: None

Other Lovers: None

Marital Status: Single, Was married now divorced.

How many times married and divorced and with whom?: Married once, Divorced once

First crush: Female Military Trainer (Corporal Ulyit Garnex)

Did it last: 6 months

Why or why not?: Corporal Ulyit was transferred off base (whereabouts currently unknown)

Best Friends: His blood brothers from Battlion II, Squad VI of the Tallendan Elite Mountain Rifles

Friends: Currently unknown (relationship with current group under observation) more then likely on friendly terms with Desperado Insert Name

Hates: Currently unknown as his Fathers killers are still on the run

Dislikes: Unknown

Rivals: Sergeant Seran Neamil, who is currently holding Frieth's old position and has been overheard spreading lies about his former CO

Pets: No organic pets, Currently constructing a Cyber animal with Insert Magos Name as a gift for Insert Inquisitors Name 

What kind of person would he consider to be the perfect partner?: Unknown

Is the character judgemental or others / how so?: Freith in his youth had been known to be judgemental of those who he believed had been out to subvert the beliefs of the imperial guard regiments he had served in.  He had been known to take to confronting them openly and publicly demanding they discard their incorrect beliefs and welcome the beliefs of the unit as a whole or leave.  Once or twice he had to settle these 'discussions' physically.  Managed to avoid reprimands as he has been deemed to be doing the best for the unit / regiment as a whole.

What type of people does he like to associate with?: He prefers / likes to associate with those people who share a like minded belief to do the best for the Imperium.  Also those who share similar / like minded interests in weaponry / weaponry maintenance.

What type of people doesn't he like to associate with?: He prefers to not associate himself with those who challenge his beliefs about the Imperium as he has been known to be quick to anger when being challenged. He believes that people are allowed to have their own beliefs but should be careful about forcing those beliefs on others.

How do they treat members of the opposite sex?: Has no problems interacting / dealing with members of the opposite sex.  Has been known to disagree with a commonly shared male dislike of female opinions / ideas / combat ability.

What do family / friends like most about him?: His ability to be loyal to a fault regardless of how distant he may occasionally seem.  Has been known to mention that he would willingly take a bullet for those he has his faith / trust in.

What do family / friends like least about him?: Freith has been known to bottle up his emotions from time to time.  This can be good in the short term but he has been known to implode or take to self harm when it all gets too much.  This is part of the reason he chooses to box in his spare time, good old stress relief.

Emotional Characteristics

Describe the character's sense of morals: A lot of Freiths morals stem from his Imperial training and as such is a firm believer in the Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer and all of the information in contains. He still carries his weather beaten, repaired edition he was given as a recruit.

Describe the character's etiquette: A normally efficiently dressed man when not in combat his etiquette stems as far as his Imperial training has allowed.  Deference to superiors being a prime example.

Describe character's self control: In a non combat situation Freith has quite a high level of self control in most situations.  In his youth he had been known to be rash and headstrong and occasionally this still rears its ugly head, thankfully though not nearly as often.  In combat however he is an efficient killing machine, swiftly obeying orders without question.

How has this character most changed from youth?: A number of indiscretions during his early years with the Imperial Guard involving both too much alcohol and being headstrong caused some to question his ability / commitment.  He has since learned to keep his temper mostly under control, with the exception of sparring in the boxing ring.

How has this character remained the same?: Freith still shares a love for his home planet of Juntaal IV, the rocky, rugged terrain where he plied his trade as an elite mountain rifleman.  Excelling in the areas of survival, camouflage, weapon maintenance and grav chute insertion.  He also still shares the same sharp wit he had as a young adult although he has developed an ability to hold it in times where it is not appropriate, for the most part.

How does this character deal with or react to:

Anger: If the anger is questioning his ability to follow orders Freith rigorously devotes himself to improving in the areas specified.  If it is related to his beliefs or the aggravated questioning of his team mates he has been known to end those conversations with a quick right jab on the jaw.  However occasionally when not being deliberately physical his intelligence has been known to end conversations by disproving those who question him to the point of embarrassment.

Sadness: Having been almost trained emotionless due to his Imperial training Freith feels little of the emotion known as sadness.  Instead of feeling sadness he merely accepts the fact that that event was bound to happen regardless.  This emotionless however does lead to Freith constantly trying to improve himself as to make up for a lack of sadness he merely works harder to improve himself, so that he can do more.

Conflict / Danger: In either of these situations his training kicks in (especially in a combat scenario). However if either of these situations arise in a non combat setting he is set on making sure everyone else is safe before he worries about himself. 

Rejection: Similar in a stance to sadness Freith merely sees this as a reason for self improvement and training.  Rejection from superiors however has on occasion led to a fairly heavy session at the local watering hole, followed by immediate disgust for himself and then more training.

Fear: Extensive training to negate the affects of fear have had some affect on Freith, not so much in the fact that he doesn't suffer from fear but more so that he accepts the fact he is merely mortal and he will fear certain things, he just doesn't allow it to affect him.

Change: Being a soldier in the Imperial Guard leaves very little in the way for disliking change, and due to having been moved from posting to posting he dutifully accepts the fact his skills are needed elsewhere.

Loss: Similar to change Freith has seen many friends, comrades, rivals die to the forces of Chaos and whilst he still feels a twinge of loss he realises that it is no point mourning the dead till the assignment is over.  Once an assignment is over however he will offer a tribute to those who have fallen in battle, usually praying for their souls at the nearest Ecclesiarchy maintained shrine.

Sex / Flirting: In his young years Freith didn't think much of relationships and devoted himself towards his career in the Imperial Guard.  He once married during an offworld posting but since divorced his partner reluctantly due to his current posting with Insert Inquisitors Name

Pain: Freith over his years of service in the Imperial Guard has developed a abnormally high tolerance of pain, and unlike many of his Imperial Guard brothers a will to keep going no matter the odds. This has been seen on occasions to be a moral booster for his squad / unit / regiment and is also the main reason he is the current Battalion boxing champion after lasting twenty three rounds in the most recent championship.  Freith uses pain as a motivator, he almost feels a sense of clarity when he is pain and his thinking becomes clearer and sharper when he is under fire or in combat.

Stress: A hardened war veteran Freith is not uncommon to the feelings of stress and has been rigorously been put through Imperial Guard stress tests to maintain peak fitness / mental acuity.

Peer Pressure:  A welcome trait amongst the members of the Imperial Guard on Juntaal IV is a almost fervent dedication to being the best they can be and as such the peer pressure from other members of his former battalion brothers was used as a motivator. 

Guilt: One of Freiths few shortcomings as a dedicated and decorated soldier of the Imperial Guard is the guilt he feels for not being better then he currently is.  Any time someone gets hurt, injured, killed etc when he knows he could have done something to have stopped it he feels a pang of guilt.  Once almost crippling when he was a child his guilt is now accepted willingly and openly as a way to point out flaws, and to make him feel human.

Being Wrong: Having been given little freedom for open thought and objective opinion Freith rarely found himself being wrong.  Since entering the service of Insert Inquisitor Name he has been continually relied upon to provide a tactical appraisal of situations, where his veteran experience can be made the most of.  Rarely makes a decision without first devouring as much knowledge about the task as possible.

Being Criticised: If being criticised for making a bad tactical decision Freith willing accepts all punishment to be dealt his way, especially if those taking orders from him get hurt. His ability to deal with criticism however has improved through the years and no longer finds himself suffering the affects in later days, he finds a then and now approach to accepting criticism and moving on a far more effective approach.

Praise: He has always and for the foreseeable future will always accept praise with a humility and graciousness belittling his size and imposing presence.  His is quick to direct the praise to his team mates especially those who he believes excelled against odds which under normal conditions would be expected to fail.

Love: Uncertain as to what love is Freith finds himself accepting his bodily temptations as a manifestation of love. His marriage albeit short lived was the closest he had felt to loving someone.  And in another lifetime without his service to the Imperial Guard it may have actually been love. However with his fervent dedication to the service of the Imperium as a priority he finds himself in the position of usually passing the idea of love for the fear of complications. 

Being hated: Having been to war and experiencing the horrors that the Warp can throw at the Imperium he has little time for those who hate him.  It is almost a lack of concern.  If those who he serves to protect do not understand what he stands for then there is no point worrying about it.

Humiliation: Like sadness and being criticised Freith uses humiliation as a form of motivation. Humiliation he has found, especially in his younger years can also be used as a bonding tool for new squad members provided it is not too demoralising.

What does this character think / feel about?:

Marriage: Having been married once, Freith is not against the idea of it.  And providing his service to the Imperium allows it he would once again like to be married. His only qualm about marriage is that he did find it a distraction from doing his duty to the Imperium to the best of his abilities.

Children: Freith fathered two children whilst on an off world posting to the Outer Rim world of Gern'uil Va II. The current whereabouts and any relevant information regarding his children and his ex wife are unknown. The lack of an updated Imperial record is disconcerting.

Sex: Is one of the few temptations that Freith allows himself delve into.  Since his first deployment with the Tallendorn Rapid Response to an outlying village Frieth allows himself to answer his bodily cravings by visiting the local pleasure facilities once all his duties had been completed. He previously found that if he avoided the cravings he found himself more and more distracted which was unacceptable.  He does however conduct himself in a professional manner and pays his dues and avoids entering into emotional relationships as much as possible.

Love: As previously mentioned in the dossier Freith finds love an inconvenience in his current state and believes it provides too many complications. He has not however ruled out the idea of love during his lifetime.  To elaborate on an earlier point his marriage was one of mutual convenience, benefit and understanding.

Homosexuality: Like the his opinions on others beliefs he does not have an issue with homosexuality.  Frieth feels that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions as long as they don't fall outside the 'boundaries' (loosely based depending on which planet you reside) of the Imperium. 

The opposite sex: Like many wise and not so wise men before him he finds women complex.  Both useful and distracting yet in all parts necessary.  Freith has also found in his travels that women can provide something most men especially enlisted ones can't, subtlety and tact.  Traits which whilst useful are usually shunned for the reliability of a solid slug weapon.

Politics: Not one to normally enable the politics of the Imperium, Freith occasionally finds himself agreeing with the politics of his Heavy Stubber.  "If it doubts the Emperor, shoot it".  However if the needs arises Freith does have a working knowledge of the politics especially those that run in most Imperial Guard units.  He is also a staunch supporter of those in the Imperium who are out to maintain / improve the Imperiums stance in the Warp.

Religion: Freiths belief in religion extends to his belief in the Emperor himself, and that the Emperor and more importantly the Emperors children will provide the foundations for the Imperium to flourish.  He is an arms length supporter of the Ecclesiarchy and Ministorum and by association the Schola Progenium, and occasionally finds himself supporting their mission of bringing the Emperors message to those who have not be exposed.

Science / Technology:  A firm and openly accepting supporter of technology Freith constantly finds himself on the cutting edge of technology, especially new technology whilst in Insert Inquisitors name service.  Freith also where time and service allows him has been known to moonlight as a gun for hire for Adeptus Mechanicus scavenger teams in search of new technology or upgrades.

Drugs and Alcohol:  Freith is no stranger to the benefits of alcohol, especially as a relaxant.  He has however avoided the drugs that are readily available throughout both the Core and Outer Rim planets.  The Tallendorn Imperial Guard units are rather prohibitive in the use of hallucinogenics or other forms of drugs.  Like sex and alcohol however he is finding the temptation from Insert Desperados / Rogue Trader names to try them harder to resist as his body catches up with him.

Killing / Murder: Freiths perceptions on killing and murder have changed a number of times over the years, usually whenever he is moved to a new unit.  In order to fit in and provide minimal disruption he finds it easiest when in the service of the Imperial Guard to take on a machiavellian perception where 'the ends always justify the means'.  Since moving under the command of Insert Inquisitors Name his perception has changed to one more closely in line with his own beliefs. That is that killing and murder should be a last resort, once communications have broken down.

How does the character view life?: Freith views his life like the edge of a cutting tool.  Useful and sharp.  He believes that currently he can best fulfill his life in the service of the Imperium. 

How does the character view death?: Death for Freith is an inevitable like entities in the universe.  He accepts the fact that he will one day die, whether that be willingly or not.  Like many of his brothers he views death as merely a release rather than a damnation, this gives them hope and determination in the face of chaos denizens.

How does the character view society?: Frieth has the view of Imperium society that it is akin to a living breathing organism all on its own.  A well placed word, one well placed shot, one well laid plan can change entire societal ideals and morals.  Likewise however they can also be used to inspire, motivate, enlighten. The Imperial society is the rock solid foundation for which he will give his life willingly.

How does the character imagine his / her own death?: Freith does not allow himself to envision his own death this is due to the fact he believes it is a defeatist attitude and counter productive.  However when pushed for an answer he reluctantly prefers the idea of a death in the arms of a 'loved' one as opposed to the cold lonely death of a solider on a foreign battlefield.

What does the character want out of life?: To do his duty as all good Imperial Guard should, and if that allows him to develop a personal relationship or allow himself to feel love then he should be so lucky.

What does the character consider 'success' to be?: Freith believes that success is merely a perception of the mind and that any mission can be done better and more efficiently.  Success is too complete a term for Freith who thinks that success should only be applied to the Imperium when the universe is rid of all chaos.  He finds accomplishment a better term.

What would the character like to change in his / her life?: Freith has allowed himself fleeting ideas of a life that consisted of being a Desperado as opposed to a diligent solider of the Imperium.  If only for the freedom / devil may care attitude that so seems to stereotypically be applied to them. Insert Desperados Name attitude, personality and sense of humour may have something to do with that though.

What motivates this character?: Accomplishment and dedication to the beliefs and success of the  Imperium as a whole. Also personal motivators such as finding his brother, finding his father's killer and one day meeting his children / ex wife.

© Fyuvix (This is because I have shamelessly stolen most of the questions / if not all from Fyuvix)

*EDIT* To anyone who actually read through all that I commend you.  Please feel free to provide C&C.  On the areas that seem a little sparse or poorly worded rest assured I am working on expanding those areas.  I am also finding it easiest to work on the crew members first and then to get round to the Inquisitor last as I can get a better feel for the group.

Next up a Desperado

[Dolnikan]

First of all, congratulations on the background, it is very extensive.

Ruleswise he seems a bit overequipped, a heavy stubber is a powerful weapon, as is a combat shotgun and added to that a bolt pistol. This character lugs around a lot of very powerful weaponry, a bit too much to my taste, he carries more and better equipement than some entire warbands.

The background seems good although a more storylike background could be a bit more readable. He also seems completely devoted without anything besides his work, perhaps he likes some kind of stories or he always sings certain songs, something to make him stand apart from other people besides his combat skills.

[Vampirism]

Thanks for the rapid reply

I had already decided to change just after I had posted him, cause looking at everything in total it was a bit OTT.  I should reiterate the Bolt Pistol was a *extreme last resort option* in my mind.  I have since changed it however to reflect more of a sentimental / story arc value then of any actual use in game.  I have removed one weapon and reduce the number of available reloads including removing the demolition charge.  Hopefully this should make him a little less OP on the table top.

*EDIT*

The background seems good although a more storylike background could be a bit more readable. He also seems completely devoted without anything besides his work, perhaps he likes some kind of stories or he always sings certain songs, something to make him stand apart from other people besides his combat skills.

I should point out these guys will be very WIP.  As such I will be developing the actual categories as posted along with a back story, so as to provide a totally comprehensive background to the character.  When I feel like I have got the categories covered i'll post the back story directly relating to them

Cheers for the input so far though.

V

[Dolnikan]

I like the way you deal with the bolt pistol, it is less a weapon(probably not even working anymore) but a real plot hook for the character, and it adds a bit of depth to him. I do however wonder about how the model will lug around both a heavy stubber and a combat shotgun without looking overencumbered by the big weapons.

[Zakkeg]

It seems my fellow Conclavers have been remiss. Ahem:

Welcome to the Conclave!

Now that's out of the way, interesting character you've got here. I must say though, that wall of text you've got there is a bit... daunting. Some might go so far as to say unnecessary -  I question whether we really need to know what his favourite animal is, for example.

That said, there's nowt wrong with a little enthusiasm. Always good to have some new blood around here; we do hope you'll stay on a while!