We Tested The Maelstrom’s Custom Character Rules
▼ Summary
– The author built a custom Deathwing Champion model using parts from a Deathwing Command Squad and a Grey Knight Terminator to create a one-handed halberd pose.
– For the rules, the character was given the Terminator Armour Specialism and the Tactical Precision ability to enhance his unit, with his halberd counting as a Great weapon of the Unforgiven.
– The model was intentionally built without a ranged weapon, mimicking the classic design and pointing gesture, though the author plans a future conversion for a plasma talon.
– The character was named Zerachiel, Champion of the Deathwing, with a custom title, as part of the author’s personal army lore, not official Warhammer canon.
– The article encourages players to create their own custom characters using the new rules, highlighting a variety of examples and promoting the upcoming “The Maelstrom: Lair of the Tyrant” product.
Creating a unique character for your army is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Warhammer hobby, and the custom character rules provide a fantastic framework for bringing your vision to life. My own project began with a Deathwing Champion, a figure I envisioned leading from the front with a powerful relic weapon. To build him, I combined parts from an old Deathwing Command Squad and a Grey Knight Terminator. The champion’s head came from the command squad, while the one-handed halberd pose was achieved using the haft from a Grey Knight, allowing for a dynamic, sweeping gesture.
For the rules, selecting the Terminator Armour Specialism was essential to match the model’s imposing profile. I then chose the Tactical Precision ability to enhance his role as a unit leader, boosting his brothers as they charge into combat. His weapon was perfectly represented as a Great weapon of the Unforgiven. While many ranged options were available, I decided against equipping him with a gun. The classic Deathwing Champion miniature doesn’t carry one, and I preferred the model pointing toward his next target. For now, his battle-brothers will handle ranged threats, though a future conversion might see a Watcher in the Dark carrying a plasma talon for him, an option indeed available to Dark Angels characters.
The final touch was giving him a name and title, drawn from an old codex name generator. Thus, Zerachiel, Champion of the Deathwing, the Heir of Corswain, was ready to lead. It’s important to remember this is personal army lore, not new official background. The entire point of these rules is to craft your own narratives and commanders for your forces, so feel free to name your champions as you see fit.
Across the hobby, enthusiasts are embracing this creative freedom. We’re seeing a wonderful variety of personalized leaders emerging, from Genestealer Cults psykers mounted on rugged bikes and brutal champions of Khorne’s Jakhal packs to sinister flying Haemonculi and ancient Librarian Dreadnoughts unearthed from the Blood Angels’ vaults. The potential is limitless. We eagerly await seeing what incredible concepts the community devises. To start your own project, be sure to pre-order The Maelstrom: Lair of the Tyrant this Saturday and unleash your imagination.
(Source: Warhammer Community)