Painted to Die
I rather enjoyed painting my first Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team. The minis are nice to look at. It’s probably because of the wet and muddy state they’re in, but more because of the masks–something about hidden faces, and the silent zealotry of the Death Korgs of Krieg.
I played them in a couple of Kill Team games with Khalid against his Ork Kommandos. It was fun! He won a couple of them. It’s hard to compete with the speed of a young mind! That, or I’m getting old.
The number of units in a kill team lends well to creating your own custom lore for the team and its units, so since I’m infatuated with the lore part of the hobby, I used the Kill Team: Octarius book to create the team’s background.
| Name | Trymon’s Phantoms |
| Faction | Death Korgs of Kreig |
| Background | … |
| Quirk | … |
| Base | … |
| Purpose | … |
And with a little bit of ChatGPT, I co-created a short backstory for each unit that fits with Warhammer 40K narratives I’ve recently enjoyed.
Trymon, Sergeant Veteran
“The Emperor needs your sacrifice. We shall join when the Emperor needs ours.” His daughter’s words echo in his mind in the beginning and end of every battle Trymon survives. “Such naivität,” he always thinks. The God-Emperor doesn’t need our sacrifice—we’re the ones who need it. It’s been decades fighting for the Emperor, for the Imperium, for his sacrifice, for… his… daughter?
Trymon, once an ambitious youth from the doomed city of Skarion on Krieg, was conscripted into the Death Korps of Krieg at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his natural leadership and unwavering loyalty. Known for his tactical prowess, Trymon led a daring raid on an Ork encampment, where he saved Pajk from certain death. Trymon bears a scar across his face, a constant reminder of the raid. What secret does Trymon carry that haunts him to this day?
Pajk, Confidant Veteran
Nobody knows why he opposes Trymon in almost every plan, but Pajk always ends up following all of Trymon’s orders. It might be that he’s playing devil’s advocate, but he absolutely doesn’t tolerate any objection from others towards whatever Trymon says.
Pajk, hailing from the same city as Trymon, always had a natural talent for sensing the emotions and motivations of others. This skill helped him survive the brutal training of the Death Korps and develop a bond with Trymon. As Trymon’s confidant, Pajk is always by his side, offering counsel and support. Pajk is also known to share an unusual hobby with Vanchok: collecting stamps from fallen worlds. How did Pajk discover his unique skill?
Garric, Comms Veteran
Garric always communicates battle information with a voice so memorable and words so effective in any situation. Yet few people remember his voice in real life outside of vox, and no one seems to remember any meaningful conversation with him. Except for Vern.
Garric, a master of communication and encryption, was born on the Krieg moonbase. He is responsible for maintaining contact between the squad and command. Garric and Vern have been close friends since childhood when they met during a training exercise. Garric secretly aspired to become a sniper like Vern, but his expertise in communications led him down a different path. What message does Garric carry that could change the fate of his squad?
Vanchok, Hardened Veteran
At the end of every battle, it’s the same ritual with Vanchok. He sits down, facing away from everybody, gets treated for his injuries if any, and then beats himself. He then walks towards Trymon, looks him in the mask, and then walks away.
Vanchok, a survivor of countless battles, earned his reputation as a hardened veteran through sheer determination and resilience. He and Kulth were once captured by the enemy, but Vanchok’s resourcefulness helped them escape. Although outwardly stoic, Vanchok has a secret passion for collecting stamps from fallen worlds, a hobby he shares with Pajk. What event in Vanchok’s past hardened him into the soldier he is today?
Kulth, Zealot Veteran
Outside of battle, Kulth is ever forgetful. But Trymon always ensures his presence during battle planning. While the plans are being drawn, he just sits there, murmuring words. During battle, however, he perfectly and timely reminds each operative both of their part in the plan and their duties to the Emperor.
Kulth, a deeply religious member of the squad, draws strength from his faith in the Emperor. His zealotry is both a source of inspiration and concern for his comrades. After being captured with Vanchok, his faith only grew stronger. Kulth and Starnerr share a bond, having served together in the same trench during a brutal siege. Why is Kulth so devoted to the Emperor, and what drives his fanaticism?
Starnerr, Spotter Veteran
Trymon relies on Starnerr in spotting and reporting what matters inside and outside of battle. “They want to sleep 20 minutes more, but they fight the urge, sergeant.” “I shall give them 10 extra minutes.” “There is dust on your left pauldron, sergeant.”
Starnerr, a keen-eyed spotter, was born on the war-torn world of Ersatz. His ability to discern patterns and predict enemy movements made him invaluable to the squad. Starnerr served alongside Kulth in the trenches, and the two developed a close bond. Starnerr is also known for his encyclopedic knowledge of explosives, which he shares with Keist. What drives Starnerr to excel at his role?
Vern, Sniper Veteran
“Eyes on target, fa… Garric,” said Vern. “…” “Garric?” “Await command,” said Garric.
Vern, an expert marksman from Krieg’s capital city, has eliminated countless high-value targets during his service. He and Garric have been friends since childhood, and Vern often confides in him. Vern’s family has a long history of military service, and he feels the weight of their legacy on his shoulders. Who is the one target Vern could not eliminate, and why?
Kraust, Bruiser Veteran
Bloodied and injured after every battle he survives, the rage he exhibits when crushing skulls and bones is horrifying. But there has never been rage within Kraust. Ever. Kraust The Calm.
Kraust, a fearsome hand-to-hand combatant, is known for his brute strength and unrelenting ferocity. He and Kyuras, the medic, have a unique bond, as Kraust once saved Kyuras from a deadly ambush. Kraust, however, was severely injured in the process and now carries a prosthetic limb, a grim reminder of the event. Despite his fierce exterior, Kraust has a soft spot for animals, particularly the small, resilient rodents native to Krieg. What secret does Kraust keep that, if revealed, could change how his comrades view him?
Kyuras, Medic Veteran
Countless lives saved and commendations received can’t erase Kyuras’s reputation for mercy-killing his patients. Perhaps that’s what makes his patients persevere and recover quickly—everybody in the Death Korgs of Krieg wants to die in glorious battle rather than by an injection from Kyuras of Last Exhales.
Kyuras, a skilled medic, has saved countless lives on the battlefield. He is deeply grateful to Kraust for saving him from the ambush, and the two have developed a strong bond. Kyuras has an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure, a trait he attributes to his time spent training in the mountains of Krieg. He and Bozanko share a mutual respect for their respective roles. What is the true source of Kyuras’s unwavering calm, and how does it influence his actions on the battlefield?
Keist, Demolition Veteran
It’s a mystery why Keist is so sensitive to any sound or noise outside of battle. Loud chewing or even a hiss out of place irritates him. Nobody shushes others as much as he does. He’s reportedly even been heard shushing himself.
Keist, an expert in demolition, is responsible for sabotaging enemy fortifications and clearing paths for his squad. His love for explosives is matched only by Starnerr’s knowledge of them. Keist and Horrst have a friendly rivalry, often challenging each other to outdo one another in the field. Keist is known for his seemingly endless supply of jokes, which he uses to lift the spirits of his comrades. What is the origin of Keist’s fascination with explosives, and how does it tie into his mysterious past?
Varpok, Gunner Veteran
Every grenade Varpok uses is painted, and each one is painted differently, usually in shades of red. Before he launches a grenade, he seems to talk to it.
Varpok, a seasoned gunner, provides heavy firepower and suppressive fire for his squad. He and Rausch were once part of a gunnery crew that held off an overwhelming enemy force, forging a strong bond between them. Varpok is known for his extraordinary discipline, never taking unnecessary risks or deviating from his orders. He and Mahler share a ritual of polishing their weapons before each mission. What event in Varpok’s past instilled such unwavering discipline in him?
Rausch, Gunner Veteran
Rausch seems surprisingly young for a veteran. His mannerisms, his voice—he’s probably the youngest veteran in the kill team. Nevertheless, Trymon treats him like any other veteran.
Rausch, another skilled gunner, is known for his exceptional accuracy and calm demeanor under fire. His bond with Varpok was solidified when they fought side by side in a desperate last stand. Rausch and Guanat share a connection, having both lost family members to the same tragic event. This shared loss has made them even more dedicated to their roles. What is the story behind the tragedy that binds Rausch and Guanat?
Guanat, Gunner Veteran
A model soldier, Guanat is always neat, cleaned, and ready, counting time in the seconds. But he loses all sense of time and priority after a battle, melting corpses in the battlefield.
Guanat, a gunner with a keen eye and unwavering focus, is driven by a personal vendetta against the enemies of the Imperium. He lost family members in the same tragedy that affected Rausch, forging a connection between them. Guanat and Adnan are often seen discussing tactics and strategy, a testament to their dedication to their craft. What hidden talent does Guanat possess that sets him apart from the other gunners?
Adnan, Gunner Veteran
Adnan is clinically blind. No one knows why he’s still alive. But he can easily identify friend from foe. He can’t see or smell with his breather, so it’s anybody’s guess how Adnan could direct his scorching flames so effectively and precisely at enemies of the imperium and no other.
Adnan, a meticulous gunner, prides himself on his strict adherence to the doctrines of the Death Korps. He often engages in tactical discussions with Guanat, exploring innovative ways to bring destruction to their foes. Adnan and Valbek are distant cousins, a fact they discovered only after joining the Death Korps. How does this family connection impact their relationship on the battlefield?
Bozanko, Trooper Veteran
As a ritual, Bozanko shoots the ground between his legs before each mission, then muttering something. It’s rumoured he got assigned to the kill team because he always managed to headshot his target if it’s Chaos-tainted.
Bozanko, a reliable and experienced trooper, is known for his unwavering loyalty to the Emperor and his comrades. He has a deep respect for Kyuras’s medical skills and often assists him in treating the wounded. Bozanko and Horrst have a shared history, having fought side by side during a grueling campaign against a Chaos cult. Bozanko is also a talented cook, often preparing meals for the squad during downtime. What event in Bozanko’s life led him to develop his culinary skills, and how does this talent help him bond with his comrades?
Horrst, Trooper Veteran
Horrst was unusually extroverted and had so many friends before joining, so it’s strange how reserved he is now. Even during battle, it’s almost that he’s mute, quietly following orders to the tee.
Horrst, a steadfast trooper, is known for his fearlessness in the face of adversity. He and Bozanko fought together against the Chaos cult, forming a strong bond through their shared experiences. Horrst’s friendly rivalry with Keist often pushes him to achieve feats of courage and skill in battle. Horrst is known for his talent in playing the harmonica, providing moments of respite for the squad during the darkest times. What inspired Horrst to learn the harmonica, and how does it connect him to his past?
Mahler, Trooper Veteran
In almost every battle, Mahler gets shot or battered. But he keeps surviving. He also tends to collect the blood he bleeds in small bottles.
Mahler, a disciplined trooper, is renowned for his unwavering commitment to the mission at hand. He shares a ritual with Varpok, polishing their weapons together before each operation. Mahler and Valbek have a silent understanding, as they both hail from the same Kriegian city and have seen the horrors of war firsthand. Mahler has a habit of carving intricate patterns into his equipment, a personal touch that stands out among the Death Korps. What do these patterns signify, and what do they reveal about Mahler’s past?
Valbek, Trooper Veteran
Polite, mannered, and ostensibly mature, Valbek seems to be beyond his years, despite his teenage voice and mannerisms. And in every absence of Trymon, he rises to be the caretaker of the team and often clashing with Pajk.
Valbek, a resourceful trooper, is adept at using his surroundings to his advantage in combat. He shares a common background with Mahler, and their shared experiences have forged a deep understanding between them. Valbek and Adnan, as distant cousins, have a family connection that adds another layer to their bond. Valbek is known for his fascination with flora and fauna, often studying them during downtime. How does Valbek’s interest in nature tie into his background, and what lessons has he learned from it that aid him in battle?
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