Dawn of the Restless Dead by Jonathan Green

1. The Importance of Narrative

Jonathan Green’s Dawn of the Restless Dead serves as a vibrant blend of storytelling and gaming inspiration for Warhammer Fantasy Battle (WFB) enthusiasts. It reflects Green's dual role as a storyteller and game designer, showcasing how narrative "colour text" enhances the gaming experience. Through his discussion of the creative process, character development, and scenario building, Green provides readers with an insightful guide for integrating compelling lore into tabletop gaming.

2. The Role of "Colour Text"

Green introduces readers to the concept of "colour text," emphasizing its purpose as a storytelling tool to enrich the lore of factions within WFB. He discusses how the narrative can illustrate cultural aspects, motivations, and unique traits of different armies. For instance, the tension between the Wood Elves' natural magic and the Necromancer's dark arts offers players a deeper understanding of the thematic contrasts within the Warhammer world.

3. Inspiration from Jervis Johnson’s Philosophy

Building on Jervis Johnson’s philosophy from White Dwarf 196, Green emphasizes the importance of creating special characters with a background and personality. Johnson argued that personalizing your characters deepens the connection players feel with their armies and enhances the narrative stakes of each game. Green’s application of this principle is evident in his creation of Medb and Laskar. These characters are not mere stat lines; they are dynamic, storied figures whose enmity is rooted in a fictional history, making every battle between them feel significant.

4. Inspiration from Miniatures and Battles

Green credits specific sources, such as David Cain’s tournament-winning Wood Elf army, for sparking his imagination. He highlights how observing well-painted miniatures and engaging in iconic battles can ignite creativity, a sentiment that resonates with many hobbyists. This acknowledgment of external inspiration bridges the gap between narrative creation and practical gameplay.

5. Accessibility and Scalability

Green’s focus on 1000-point armies shows how character creation works at any scale. For beginners, crafting a hero provides a manageable introduction to narrative gaming, while veterans can expand these stories into larger campaigns. This makes the hobby accessible to all players.

6. Detailed Character Creation

One of the article’s strengths is its focus on character development. This reflects Johnson’s advice to work within the rules while personalizing your armies.  Medb and Laskar are not just stat blocks but are imbued with rich backstories, motivations, and unique traits. Medb’s connection to the Cairn Glades, her Unicorn Silverhorn, and her role as a protector all lend depth to her character. Similarly, Laskar’s role as a Necromancer Lord positions him as a formidable antagonist, ripe for tabletop storytelling.

7. Fleshing Out Supporting Characters

Green also emphasizes the importance of supporting characters, such as Gwion Suresight. By detailing Gwion’s legendary feats, such as slaying Flamefang the Red Dragon, Green adds layers of heroism and relatability to the Wood Elf army. This approach invites players to create their own champions with equally compelling narratives.

8. Balancing Narrative with Gameplay

The article balances storytelling with the practicalities of gameplay. Green discusses the importance of adhering to army book rules when designing characters and armies. For example, he explains how he restricted his armies to 1,000 points, allowing him to experiment with balanced forces while maintaining thematic consistency.

9. Inspiration for Readers

Green’s work is as much a guide as it is an invitation to hobbyists to personalize their WFB experience. His suggestion to create unique special characters, as noted in Jervis Johnson’s White Dwarf article, encourages players to blend their imagination with the game's mechanics. This fosters a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.

10. The Joy of Hobbying

Green emphasizes the sheer enjoyment of crafting a thematic army. For him, designing Medb and Laskar wasn’t just about stats—it was about storytelling, modeling, and painting. His passion for the Wood Elves’ aesthetic highlights how investing in character development enhances all aspects of the hobby.

11. Replayability Through Character Narratives

Green demonstrates how unique characters foster replayability. Medb and Laskar’s rivalry creates an ongoing saga, with each battle adding a new chapter. Johnson also championed this idea, suggesting personalized characters encourage players to revisit armies and evolve narratives over time.

12. Expanding the Hobby Beyond Gameplay

Green reframes WFB as more than just a game. Creating characters, writing stories, and painting models become acts of world-building. This echoes Johnson’s belief that personalizing characters enhances the entire hobby experience, not just the gameplay and that the true magic of Warhammer lies in bringing them to life on the battlefield.