Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and have been playing the game 4 months now. One thing bugs me, and I have to ask.

Why does a Guardsman not get the Jaded talent? All the characters around me, no "soldiers" and by no means as much in the thick of the fight as my guardsman, can all choose to be jaded. I on the other hand get to roll fear checks everytime I chop someone to pieces, to put it mildly. In the book a veteran is described as fearless and experienced. In the official errata I found that at Sergeant level I should be able to choose the Resistance talent, giving me a +10 on fear checks.

But still, it doesn't sit well with me. Anyone care to share their vision on this subject?

I woldn't say normal combat would result in a fear check. It should only happen under greusome encounters - the supernatural (animated corpeses or demons) or extreme violence. For the latter the book gives examples of a bad murder scene - which we take to mean something along the lines of Seven or a gore-porn movie like Saw or Hostel. In our game it has occurred when we entered a mad doctor's lair who was performing all sorts of nasty experiments on conscious victims and was augmented in several disturbing ways.

Why are you chopping people to pieces? I know 40k is all about blood and gore, but I think the point of dark heresy is to avoid corruption and insanity on the path to become an Inquisitor. Guardsman are not space marines, nor should they be played as such. Read '15 hours', it gives good perspective on why guardsman don't get jaded.

Anyone that only fights because theres a guy with a bolt pistol ready to execute them, they aren't fearless, there is just a greater fear driving them onward.

Emprah_Horus said:

Excellent point and seconded as well. If you feel the Guardsman deserves the Jaded talent, then the rules do allow you to award it as an Elite Advance.

If you read Jaded with a strict interpretation, the only thing it makes you immune to is the Insanity gain.

Any other effect such as running away, being shaken and taking a -10 to the encounter, etc still apply.

Emprah_Horus said:

Point well taken, but if the gamemaster puts you in a situation where a chain sword and an autogun are the only way out for a few 'in-game-days' on end survival instinct takes hold. Maybe that is a shortcut to madness.

As to guardsmen not being marines, very true, to an extent. I think that's all about how you want to play your character and what situations he encounters during his missions for the inquisition. These situations are beyond his control, he has but to obey the inquisition and deal with what he encounters. If that makes him a bit of a mini-marine, so be it. You can be a fighting man and still keep your head together, doesn't mean you are suicidal.

But as to my point about jaded, an elite advance might be a solution, but it is for the gamemaster to decide. I don't think he knew about that option. Beginners.

'15 hours', is this a novel??

Thanks for your replies!

Icarium said:

Yes, its a fairly quick read too, but its a good insight into your average guardsman. Also gives minor insight into adepts (and possibly a reason they get jaded)