Iron Hands - Character Name Generator
/I have a confession to make - I’m not actually a mighty font of knowledge when it comes to the fine detail of the Warhammer 40K lore. The last time I knew more than 50% of everything there was to know was back in the late 90s, and a whole lot has been added and expanded upon since those innocent days (the entire Horus Heresy series for one). The Iron hands would, of course, never allow themselves to get this rusty.
Today, I know the broad strokes of the 40K setting. I also know a little bit about a lot of things and, when it comes to developing lore-friendly character name generators, that’s just not enough. I have to do extra research, and that means hours spent poring over the Lexicanum. It’s no substitute for reading all of the background material firsthand of course, but that would be an impossible task, and frankly it would be overkill for my purposes.
That said, there are times when I read up on the background of a particular faction or space marine chapter and find myself wanting more. This was definitely the case whilst I was learning about the Iron Hands. Before I started work on this name generator I knew that the Iron Hands cybernetically enhanced their bodies, and that was about it. Now I know a little more about the psychology behind why they enhance their bodies, and the ritualistic practices surrounding it. I know about their clan culture, and their callous outlook that seems harsh even by the usual standards of the Imperium.
Perhaps it’s because their Lexicanum article was a little lighter on detail than their other First Founding counterparts, or maybe it’s because they’re just so fascinating, but I find myself wanting to know more about the Iron Hands in a way that hasn’t necessarily been true of the other chapters I’ve created name generators for. Their story has the makings of something every bit as complex and engrossing as their more popular kin, and perhaps we all need to give them the respect and attention they deserve.
This name generator is perfect for narrative play in the 41st millennium, whether you're naming your heroes in Warhammer 40,000 or each and every squad member in Kill Team. I hope you like it!
If you use the generator and enjoy it, I’d love it if you’d leave a comment below - let me know what names you’ve come up with! And as always, feel free to share it as you see fit.