Deus Pater (Exalted/40k)

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

[X] The Envoy - Mankind is not alone in the universe, much as some might wish it so, and while the Ecclesiarchy preaches total intolerance of that which is alien you have always known such a stance to be dangerously shortsighted. The xenos must be studied, must be understood, must even at times be treated with as something approaching a peer, and it is in this capacity that you serve the Emperor Above All. To have your service rewarded is an unexpected honour, but one you will strive to repay. (Eclipse)

[X] The Judge
[X] The Healer
[X] The Firebrand

[X] The Firebrand
[X] The Visionary
[X] The Judge

[X] The Soldier - The Astra Militarum is the largest organized fighting force in the galaxy, drawing its recruits from every world and pitting them against every possible foe. You are one amid uncounted billions, a humble soldier fighting on the frontlines of one of the Imperium's innumerable wars, and though you served with skill and pride you always knew you were nothing particularly special. The Emperor, it seems, disagrees. (Dawn)

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Judge - Those with power often feel themselves entitled to disregard the law, to see the enforcers of His Word as their servants instead of their watchdogs. You were determined to prove them wrong, and to that end pursued the corrupt and the venal through a labyrinth of conspiracy and judgement until it led to the very highest of halls. There you would have died, but for His benevolent intervention, and in payment of that debt you will continue your quest until all are held as equals before the law. (Night)

[X] The Envoy - Mankind is not alone in the universe, much as some might wish it so, and while the Ecclesiarchy preaches total intolerance of that which is alien you have always known such a stance to be dangerously shortsighted. The xenos must be studied, must be understood, must even at times be treated with as something approaching a peer, and it is in this capacity that you serve the Emperor Above All. To have your service rewarded is an unexpected honour, but one you will strive to repay. (Eclipse)

Honestly I find @Imrix's arguments pretty compelling. More than anything I really want a PC who's forced to confront the sins of the Imperium and it's collection of allies and thralls. Oh as a setting element the Imperium is fun, don't get me wrong, and there's definitely something to be said for the Catholic Heavy Metal aesthetic. As well as standing dramatically on top of a war machine, giving a speech about the costs of victory and seriously how bitchin' is this ride.

But that's not the same as saying that the Imperium is good, justified, or even necessary. In many ways, I think, the Imperium is a failure state even by the Emperor's own standards (becoming the "Carrion God" was probably never high on the guy's list of priorities) and while the man himself is...complicated and committed his fair share of sins, it's hard to believe that what humanity has become is something he ever really wanted. Thus:

[X] The Rebel - The Imperium has always proclaimed itself protector and steward of the million worlds beneath its heel, but you know better. You have seen what the servants of the Aquila have done to your world, heard what they intend if left unchecked, and you have decided; enough. You are a faithful man, but loyalty to a God does not demand loyalty to those who pervert his name, and in the glory of your Exaltation your words are proven right at last. (Dawn)

The "no, fuck you" option. There's something really really appealing about the character who just digs their heels in in the face of like, literally industrial scale exploitation and oppression and goes "fuck you no, you can't have it". And it'd be nice to have something to prove the lie to "rebels either get glommed by aliens or go all Chaos".

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

Itstrueandheshouldsayit.jpg

Out of all the institutions the Ecclesiarchy is probably the one that's twisted most from the original underpinnings of the Imperium. And I don't say this to approve of GEoM's enforced atheism thing (which, frankly, is super fucking dumb). But rather in the sense that the body which was created to serve as a moral guide to mankind has become stagnant, corrupt, bloated, and ultimately derelict in its duty. There's enough wealth at the upper echelons of the Church to fund countless aid missions, lift hundreds of worlds out of poverty, make life better for uncounted billions but they just...don't.

And that's wrong.

(And also I like the potential of the Firebrand to turn around and jab a finger at the Half-Dead God that made all of this and go "No you fucked up Father.")

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

@Swordomatic is right in that the AdMech gets a lot of play in forum stuff and this is probably the most AdMech-y option. But I'm honestly really really interested in seeing an approach that's less based around "let's call the cogheads all morons and show how We Do It Better" and more something that actually engages with their beliefs. Out of all the associated Adeptus, outside maybe the Astartes, the story of the AdMech is one of lingering scars and deep trauma (they schismed too during the Heresy and this is a universe where those echoes can linger). They're the stewards and guardians of knowledge in a setting that's already lost so much, where new discoveries can bring new horror.

And what I like about this option is that it's the one where the PC is the kinda guy/girl/other who goes "look anyway".

Something that really engages with the history of the Imperium y'know? What it's lost, what it's sacrificed, what it did to others, what it did to itself. It's a story very much about grappling with that kind of ancestral stain and doing your best to persist even in the face of fear.

[X] The Officer - You are master of a ship, a Captain of the Imperial Navy, oftentimes the only contact the far-flung worlds of humanity will have with the wider Imperium for years at a time. You have served as their protector and their voice, and when the darkness came for those in your charge you stood and fought... and, blazing with the light of the divine, found victory in the face of terrible odds. Now, you have a new mission, a higher duty, and you will see it fulfilled. (Eclipse)

i like big boats and i cannot lie

Nah, there's just something viscerally appealing about the guy who was out there in the dark, this little flickering lantern in the ocean of night. Doing his best to do right by his crew, right by these worlds, a favored son of the Imperium who just...had to watch. As again and again and again and again the Imperium inflicted atrocities upon itself, as worlds starved and went cold from neglect, as Admirals and Governors gathered glory and wealth to themselves while the frontier suffered and floundered.

Same echoes as the Rebel really, the kind of character who just went "enough".

Plus starting out with a ship is a super solid location thing and a great vector for a more globetrotting adventure which I'd love.

[X] The Rebel
[X] The Firebrand
[X] The Visionary
[X] The Officer

[X] The Rebel
[X] The Firebrand
[X] The Visionary
[X] The Officer

I will burn in hell for choosing those with Titan as avatar, but damm those sounds most interesting

[X] The Visionary

The Quest for knowledge, to reclaim what once was lost and to search for answers, either in the buried vaults of Mars or alien worlds, is simply a premise that tickles me in my bones.
As one of the founding institutions of the modern Imperium it is deeply intertwined with it, somehow touches it on nearly every level and yet the Cult Mechanicus remains seperate, kind of like a water/oil emulsion. I am simply interested in the kind of story that is possible in this environment.

[X] The Firebrand

When the child of your god turns up and tells you "You're wrong and you should feel bad.", cue epic fireworks. Perhaps literally.

[X] The Mutant

From the deepest dregs of humanity comes perhaps its greatest chance at redemption and rebirth in countless centuries. There is something viscerally appealing to me about this, the irony when salvation is offered by one of the impure, one of the untouchables.

[X] The Officer

What can I say, I like spaceships. Also galaxytrotting.

[X] The Firebrand

[X] The Rebel
[X] The Firebrand
[X] The Mutant
[X] The Officer
[X] The Envoy

The thing I've always disliked about 40K is that in the end, everything is still shit. Nothing anyone does will change that any appreciable amount, and everything is terrible for everyone forever, and when they die it's even worse. However, the crossover here seems perfect for addressing that, which means that all of the interesting ideas buried under the grimdark can actually be meaningfully engaged with in ways that might actually matter, which is great. As for the options...well, it may be the fact that the only 40K fic I really liked is Deadcrystal's Be All My Sins, but doing stuff as an outsider in the Imperium just seems more interesting, so those are the options I'm aiming for.

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

[X] The Judge - Those with power often feel themselves entitled to disregard the law, to see the enforcers of His Word as their servants instead of their watchdogs. You were determined to prove them wrong, and to that end pursued the corrupt and the venal through a labyrinth of conspiracy and judgement until it led to the very highest of halls. There you would have died, but for His benevolent intervention, and in payment of that debt you will continue your quest until all are held as equals before the law. (Night)

[X] The Envoy - Mankind is not alone in the universe, much as some might wish it so, and while the Ecclesiarchy preaches total intolerance of that which is alien you have always known such a stance to be dangerously shortsighted. The xenos must be studied, must be understood, must even at times be treated with as something approaching a peer, and it is in this capacity that you serve the Emperor Above All. To have your service rewarded is an unexpected honour, but one you will strive to repay. (Eclipse)

[X] The Soldier - The Astra Militarum is the largest organized fighting force in the galaxy, drawing its recruits from every world and pitting them against every possible foe. You are one amid uncounted billions, a humble soldier fighting on the frontlines of one of the Imperium's innumerable wars, and though you served with skill and pride you always knew you were nothing particularly special. The Emperor, it seems, disagrees. (Dawn)

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

[X] The Envoy - Mankind is not alone in the universe, much as some might wish it so, and while the Ecclesiarchy preaches total intolerance of that which is alien you have always known such a stance to be dangerously shortsighted. The xenos must be studied, must be understood, must even at times be treated with as something approaching a peer, and it is in this capacity that you serve the Emperor Above All. To have your service rewarded is an unexpected honour, but one you will strive to repay. (Eclipse)

Inserted tally

[X] The Firebrand
[X] The Envoy
[X] The Rebel
[X] The Judge

New

[X] The Rebel
[X] The Firebrand
[X] The Visionary
[X] The Officer

[X] The Rebel - The Imperium has always proclaimed itself protector and steward of the million worlds beneath its heel, but you know better. You have seen what the servants of the Aquila have done to your world, heard what they intend if left unchecked, and you have decided; enough. You are a faithful man, but loyalty to a God does not demand loyalty to those who pervert his name, and in the glory of your Exaltation your words are proven right at last. (Dawn)

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

[X] The Envoy - Mankind is not alone in the universe, much as some might wish it so, and while the Ecclesiarchy preaches total intolerance of that which is alien you have always known such a stance to be dangerously shortsighted. The xenos must be studied, must be understood, must even at times be treated with as something approaching a peer, and it is in this capacity that you serve the Emperor Above All. To have your service rewarded is an unexpected honour, but one you will strive to repay. (Eclipse)

[X] The Envoy - Mankind is not alone in the universe, much as some might wish it so, and while the Ecclesiarchy preaches total intolerance of that which is alien you have always known such a stance to be dangerously shortsighted. The xenos must be studied, must be understood, must even at times be treated with as something approaching a peer, and it is in this capacity that you serve the Emperor Above All. To have your service rewarded is an unexpected honour, but one you will strive to repay. (Eclipse)

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

[X] The Officer - You are master of a ship, a Captain of the Imperial Navy, oftentimes the only contact the far-flung worlds of humanity will have with the wider Imperium for years at a time. You have served as their protector and their voice, and when the darkness came for those in your charge you stood and fought... and, blazing with the light of the divine, found victory in the face of terrible odds. Now, you have a new mission, a higher duty, and you will see it fulfilled. (Eclipse)

[X] The Soldier - The Astra Militarum is the largest organized fighting force in the galaxy, drawing its recruits from every world and pitting them against every possible foe. You are one amid uncounted billions, a humble soldier fighting on the frontlines of one of the Imperium's innumerable wars, and though you served with skill and pride you always knew you were nothing particularly special. The Emperor, it seems, disagrees. (Dawn)

[X] The Firebrand - The Ecclesiarchy is a putrid corpse, rotted from within by the venal corruption of those who should know better. They have gathered wealth and power and proclaimed their politics sanctioned by the Emperor himself… as though the Saviour of Man would ever debase himself with such base corruption. You spoke out against it, fully expecting to be struck down for your words, only to find that the oldest saying is true indeed; the Emperor protects the virtuous. (Zenith)

[X] The Shepherd - You have served the Church all your life, bringing the light of faith to the downtrodden and those unfairly deprived. You have advised them, comforted them, given them the strength to go on in the face of the galaxy's cruelty and indifference. And now, just when it appeared that the stars would see your flock scattered and your words made a lie, the hand of god has come down and anointed you as one of His chosen. Your flock, it seems, has just grown significantly. (Zenith)

[X] The Judge - Those with power often feel themselves entitled to disregard the law, to see the enforcers of His Word as their servants instead of their watchdogs. You were determined to prove them wrong, and to that end pursued the corrupt and the venal through a labyrinth of conspiracy and judgement until it led to the very highest of halls. There you would have died, but for His benevolent intervention, and in payment of that debt you will continue your quest until all are held as equals before the law. (Night)

[x] The Soldier
(Spaaaace Mariiiine)
[x] The Firebrand
(Spaaaace Woooolf)
[x] The Visionary
(Heretic techmariine)
[x] The Judge
(Grey Kniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight/Inquisitoooor)

And yes, I'm half-meming with my choices- honestly anything would be cool tbh

The vote will remain open for another two hours.

[X] The Soldier - The Astra Militarum is the largest organized fighting force in the galaxy, drawing its recruits from every world and pitting them against every possible foe. You are one amid uncounted billions, a humble soldier fighting on the frontlines of one of the Imperium's innumerable wars, and though you served with skill and pride you always knew you were nothing particularly special. The Emperor, it seems, disagrees. (Dawn)

[X] The Healer - You only ever wanted to help people. That's why you trained as a medicus, why you studied the secrets of plague and the mysteries of the gene. You dreamt of a world where humanity need not fear the ravages of mortality, and in the now you focused on healing those who did. As contagion broke out across the world and you struggled desperately to stem the tide, your Emperor chose to share with you some small measure of his miraculous insight, and your dream became the hope of reality (Twilight).

[X] The Visionary - Humanity has lost so much, and what little remains is guarded jealously by those who enjoy the power it brings. You would see the birthright of mankind restored, and to this end set yourself to studying the dark secrets of history in defiance of the Mechanicus and their enforcers. Such hubris would have been the end of you, but for the benevolence of one who once dreamed as you did, and who saw fit to bless your insane mission with His divine favour. (Twilight)

[X] The Judge - Those with power often feel themselves entitled to disregard the law, to see the enforcers of His Word as their servants instead of their watchdogs. You were determined to prove them wrong, and to that end pursued the corrupt and the venal through a labyrinth of conspiracy and judgement until it led to the very highest of halls. There you would have died, but for His benevolent intervention, and in payment of that debt you will continue your quest until all are held as equals before the law. (Night)

Inserted tally

Vote Called.

Firebrand wins. Looks like you're throwing down with the Ecclesiarchy. Whether this means 'angry theological arguments' or 'brawls on the temple floor' has yet to be confirmed.