Often players ask what is the best way to get started with narrative. For some, starting to write a backstory and character traits can be a bit daunting, or at least a lot of work to do.
And while Path to Glory provides the rules basis to advance an army, game by game, and feed it story hooks, how exactly do you turn these into a narrative?
Well, fear not.
Paul Conti (@PMCMathHammer) from Radio Free Hammerhal has put together an episode with great examples on how to make a unique character and build a sense of story into it.
And importantly, without taking anything too seriously, and having fun with it.
I’ve had the pleasure to play against Paul and this particular character at both the NOVA Open AoS Grand Narrative in Washington DC, and Holy Havoc in Chicago. In both cases, my army faced off against his Maggotkin of Nurgle, led by Ku’Sass the strongest nurgling ever to exist.
Ku’Sass has existed in battles in the form of an Anvil of Apotheosis Hero monster, and as a custom Warlord warscroll. In all cases, his model has been that of a sassy nurgling standing atop a mound of corrupted earth, occupying the full base size it claims its rules represent.
And boy, have those rules packed a punch.
My nighthaunt forces of Umberspire (and my buddy Will’s Stormscale stormcast) have been on the receiving end of Ku’Sass at last year’s NOVA Open and Holy Havoc, and his deceptive little model hid a monstrous damage dealer that we learned to approach more carefully next time.
With each game and event, the personality of Ku’Sass and his goals became more fleshed out.
Twice now I’ve seen this power-posing little daemon stomp around the battlefield, and Paul telling me he is on a quest to become a Great Unclean One himself… one day. I’d say he’s well on his way, judging by the weight behind his punches.
Listen to Paul explain how the character came about, and how he plans in taking Ku’Sass’ narrative further, with new units to add to the army, and how it builds up its story with a mix of list-building and new hobby projects.
Paul’s plans for the NOVA Open AoS Grand Narrative are slowly coming together, helped by the event’s special rule for this year: a custom warscroll terrain piece. This is helping introduce a whole new character to his army.
What do you think about this approach?
Do you have any questions for the NEO, and how to best create a character to fit a custom warscroll?
Leave your comments below!
You can follow Paul on Twitter @PMCMathHammer or on Youtube.
You can also join the discussion on the Radio Free Hammerhal FB group.
– Nuno M
Narrative Event Organizer Network 