GW and Punny Names.

[MaltonNecromancer]

Having just read the new Necron Codex, is it just me or have GW gone all out for punny names?

From stuff like Trazyn the Infinite ("Tracing the Infinite", a book of poetry) and Imotekh (Imhotep - Tuthankhamun's architect IRL, and more importantly, the titular Mummy from Universal's 1930 film of the same name and the updated Stephen Sommers version), they just seem to be sticking in a whole lot more punny names than they used to; it's a bit like back in 1st ed.

Anyone else spotted this? Or any more examples? Because I'm sure it's not just Necrons, but can't remember the silly Slann fellow named after Noughts and Crosses...

[wittdooley]

All I can think of when I see Draigo in the GK book is Dolph Lundgren

[Lord Azaghul]

I hold up the name Rambo, err Marbo has proof of gw long standing history of coming up with neat, original and cool sounding names :p

[lattd]

Well if you rearrange Marbo :P, there's an inquisitor from rogue trader which was obi who, or something like that, there is quite a few if you look. Cruella Da vile from the old DE codex.

[Subexarch]

Mad Donna Ulanti from Necromunda (the model even had a pionty cone-bra), The afore mentioned Marbo (real name Sly Marbo), and I'm sure there are others but I'll have to ho; in the Wayback machine to remember them. =P

[Badtucker]

Apparently Ghazghkull mag uruk thraka is a pun on Margret thatcher.

[SotonShades]

Ferrus Manus; the man with metal hands...

About half the characters from the Ciaphus Cain series are parodies/puns from british television

[Hive Mind]

Could be worse, at least none of the Necrons are called Maid'en Ty-One.

[Psychosplodge]

Could be worse, at least none of the Necrons are called Maid'en Ty-One.

Only because Red Dwarf got there first...;)

[Lord Azaghul]

Could be worse, at least none of the Necrons are called Maid'en Ty-One.

I'm gonna have to re-read the dex but I'm betting there is busty '7 of 9' in there somewhere :eek:

[Hive Mind]

Only because Red Dwarf got there first...;)

lol.

It's not like they haven't plagiarised before.

[Grailkeeper]

Lion 'el Johnson anyone?

I think puns were in there hayday in the late 90s- early 00's rather than now but they've always been there.


There's the rogue trader reference to the planet Birmingham which is "lingusitically and culturally isolated".

Fantasy includes the birdmen of Catraz and particularly tastelessly Mengil Manhide's Manflayers

The Ciaphas Cain books are full of them- There's there sororitas order from the planet Gavarrone (the Nuns of Gavatronne) The philosopher Eyor Dedonki and Sgt Wynthea Phu (named after A. A. Milne's finest) Those are the ones that spring immediately to mind.

However, the biggest offender BY FAR are the specialist games- Mad' Donna has already been mentioned- There's the lizard man blood bowl team rezephaur frogs, there was the town crier column about mordheim where the obituraries were filled with thinly veiled references to then current celebrity events and a whole host of others to numerous to list here. Those are just a few sample counts on the indictment M'lud.

[Psychosplodge]

lol.

It's not like they haven't plagiarised before.

You may say that,
I couldn't possibly comment...

[Ssyrie]

Every time I would run across Inquisitor "Torquemada" Coteaz, I would always think of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oppHeMlaLVM

:D

[eldargal]

Exactly this, if anything the punning has been reined in over the last decade, which is a bit of a shame in some ways. I do feel some of the BL literature takes itself too seriously in comparison to the codices, but this isn't a criticism so much as a difference in preferences.


Lion 'el Johnson anyone?

I think puns were in there hayday in the late 90s- early 00's rather than now but they've always been there.

[Jambo]

Could be worse, at least none of the Necrons are called Maid'en Ty-One.

lmao im making a character in my army with that name, brilliant:D

[Spider-pope]

Anyone else spotted this? Or any more examples? Because I'm sure it's not just Necrons, but can't remember the silly Slann fellow named after Noughts and Crosses...

That would be Tiq-Taq-To, a lingering trace of when punning at GW was at it's high point, during the late 90's when Nigel Stillman was still writing army books. Those days featured a Lizardman army book where every special character was a pun - Lord Kroak (croak), Lord Mazdamundi (Mappa mundi), Tuini-huini (Teeny weeny) etc. along with several fluff names, including my favourite Cuopacoaco (Cuppa' Cocoa).

The Bretonnian army book also featured half a dozen characters based on real life people and legends - including Warhammers own merry men, Bertrand la Brigand, Hugo la Petit and Gui le Gros.

A particular pun that stood out as a great one was in a short story published years ago in 'Inferno'. 'Paradise Lost' featuring a character named Keanu The Reaver.

The punnage has diminished massively in recent years, which is a shame since the pun is a key aspect of British humour. The Necron names don't really strike me as puns though, more like laziness and lack of imagination especially in the case of Imhotekh

[Thornblood]

I think Torquemunda's name is based on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomás_de_Torquemada but yeah, he is a member of the Spanish Inquisition. Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

I Think there was an Oqui-Qoqui (Okey kokey), Itzi-Bitzi (Itsy Bitsy) Huezigon (Wheres he gone?), Copaqetl (Copper Kettle), Grimloq the Carnosaur (after Grimlock the t-rex transformer) Slann Mage Chilipeper and Slann Mage Ulha'up (Hoola Hoop), in a lizardmen book somewhere... not forgetting the skaven ratling gun.

In 40k however we have Gabriel Angelos (Angel Gabriel), Ciaphas Cain is a pun (after Ciaphas the high preist who had it in for Jesus and Cain brother of Abel), Kharn is the arabic word for betrayer, Konrad Curze is named after Kurtz, the protagonist in Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness', which had a 20th century remake into Apocalypse now. Martin Sheen kills the Kurtz character. Curze is killed by M'shen. Curze is also Night Haunter and a general cross between a tyrannical primarch and batman. Sicarius is latin for assassin. Cassius is the name of four recognised saints a roman historian and a different cassius a roman historian, Almost everything raven guardish is derived from translations from the raven family- Corax, Corvane and Korvydae (from the latin Corvus, meaning raven), Shrike (well a shrike), Corax's final words being 'Nevermore' come from edgar alan poe's poem The Raven. The White Scars Khan after Ghenghis Khan, (Jaghatai was one of Ghenghis' sons), Lysander was a spartan general, Asmodai, Azazel, and Sammael are all fallen angels (ironically), Sanguinius (from sanguine- blood), Prospero- a particularly prosperous planet, the Valhallen guardsmen (from an iceword) is both a pun and somewhat ironic (because its hardly heavenly there).

:D

[Gotthammer]

Blood Bowl - all of it, thought the standout most terrible one is "Bavid Deckham" or somesuch from the novels. But the novels (and Blood Bowl) are awesome so they can get away with it.

[Master Bryss]

Prospero- a particularly prosperous planet,

Not really. Prospero is the magician from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest.' Caliban gets its name from a character from the same play (I haven't read it but I think he's deformed or monstrous in some way...).

[Anggul]

That would be Tiq-Taq-To, a lingering trace of when punning at GW was at it's high point, during the late 90's when Nigel Stillman was still writing army books. Those days featured a Lizardman army book where every special character was a pun - Lord Kroak (croak), Lord Mazdamundi (Mappa mundi), Tuini-huini (Teeny weeny) etc. along with several fluff names, including my favourite Cuopacoaco (Cuppa' Cocoa).

How can you forget Grymloq, named after Grimlock the t-rex transformer?

Also, the Scar-Veteran who rides him is called Kroq-Gar, which might be a reference to Wreck-gar, also a transformer (and a cockney one at that).

[Hive Mind]

Belial, aka Beli Ya'al, is a fallen angel too. Not that any of those DA names are puns...

[Luke Licens]

Well if you rearrange Marbo :P, there's an inquisitor from rogue trader which was obi who...

I believe you're reffering to the original Inquisitor: Obiwan Sherlock Clousseau

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2010/04/most-awesome-40k-character-of-all-time.html

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrlpZgjPWkI/S7T-KVSUiAI/AAAAAAAAApw/rIaBPIaq7Q4/s1600/obiwan+sherlock+3.JPG

[Wildeybeast]

Not really. Prospero is the magician from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest.' Caliban gets its name from a character from the same play (I haven't read it but I think he's deformed or monstrous in some way...).

He is indeed deformed but I think the reference on Caliban is more due to his treacherous nature. Prior to events of the play, he is taken in and looked after by Prospero, only to repay the kindness by attempting to rape Prospero's daughter Miranda, for which he is cast out and cursed. GW actually trying to bring in high culture with their Shakespeare references.

[fuzzbuket]

birmingham is mentioned in the 5th ed GK dex as
'888.41M a black day on birmingham'
' a desolate planet'

EDIT: luke beat me to it :L


Well if you rearrange Marbo :P, there's an inquisitor from rogue trader which was obi who, or something like that, there is quite a few if you look. Cruella Da vile from the old DE codex.



obi- wan sherlock collessueo? THE GRAEATEST ORDOS XENOS INQUISITOR EVER?

jawaballs did a thing on him a while ago i think :L

[MaltonNecromancer]

I'd forgotten Lion'el Johnson. That's still the funniest one. Frankly, the more thinly-velied homoerotic references in 40K, the better :)

[Hotsauceman]

Quick question. At what point does a reference become a pun.
Alot of these names Like Imoteck the stormlord sound like references not puns

[Psychosplodge]

Quick question. At what point does a reference become a pun.
Alot of these names Like Imoteck the stormlord sound like references not puns
I would suggest it's a pun where the spelling is different but the sounds are the same, and it's reference when it's it's a derivative of an existing character, though there's nothing to stop it being both at once.

[eldargal]

Imotekh: Imhotep + Tech = pun. Otehrs like Lelith, Belial, Lion el Jonson etc are references.



I'm still hoping we will see a Sappho reference in the proper SoB codex,:rolleyes:

I'd forgotten Lion'el Johnson. That's still the funniest one. Frankly, the more thinly-velied homoerotic references in 40K, the better :)

[Belial69]

In the pic section of the necron dex, the blue glowie ones are from the thokt ( say it as it's spelt) dynasty. I'm sure it's pronuonced differently but hey, lol.

[Thornblood]

Eldargal, i didn't know you was that way inclined! (This is a joke before I get flamed).

Ultramarines. Maybe more of a reference, but the 's' makes it a pun?? Ultramarine is a standard artists colour (GW Ultramarine blue, maybe very slightly darker). GW simply named their chapter after the colour they were painted. Quite a good one as it already included the word marine.

No one would take me up on a chapter of Cerulions :(

[Unzuul the Lascivious]

The Necron Dynasty Thokt may reference the Egyptian God Thoth, who was considered the heart of the Egyptian pantheon of Gods (Egyptians considered the heart to be the centre of one's intelligence or the mind). One of Thoth's roles was to maintain the universe.
There are loads of Egyptian references when you look for them. I really like that this is the case for the new Necrons, although I do feel that perhaps it is pretty lazy just to keep referencing the past of humanity all the time. It seems a large chunk of stuff GW do is related either to historical past (Tau Empire is literally just the history of China) or just nicked off of Tolkein (Dwarves and Elves). In still love them though

[Wildeybeast]

It seems a large chunk of stuff GW do is related either to historical past (Tau Empire is literally just the history of China)

Really? I'm not an expert on Chinese history, but I don't recall a period of harmonious cooperation where every citizen was equally valued regardless of their role and they all worked together for the greater good of not just their own society but all the world. Though I do recall a period where such ideas were used as a cover for cultural censorship and the brutal repression of human rights...

[Psychosplodge]

Really? I'm not an expert on Chinese history, but I don't recall a period of harmonious cooperation where every citizen was equally valued regardless of their role and they all worked together for the greater good of not just their own society but all the world. Though I do recall a period where such ideas were used as a cover for cultural censorship and the brutal repression of human rights...
And the Tau's "Join us or die" is different to this how?

[MaltonNecromancer]

I'm still hoping we will see a Sappho reference in the proper SoB codex,

I can't see them being that subtle about subtext when it comes to girl-on-girl, if I'm honest.

[Wildeybeast]

And the Tau's "Join us or die" is different to this how?

It's a completely different ideology and way of implementing it. For a start, modern China has shown no real interest in compelling other nations/cultures to join it. If anything, they have been one of the most isolationist nations of the modern era, with only the likes of N Korea being more introverted.
Secondly, you say it like the Tau are annihilating anyone who doesn't agree with them, when in reality they are only fight until military resistance is overcome, they see no value in attacking civilians and genuinely want to incorporate all people into the Tau empire and regret any military action they have to take. They would much rather leave inclusion in the Empire to the diplomats and merchants of the water caste, which is always their first option. And again, China has shown little interest in taking over other nations (with a few notable exceptions and those have been ones that they regarding as traditionally 'belonging' to China).
Thirdly, China has sytematically repressed freedom of thought and cultural expression, both in its own lands and those they have occupied, whereas the Tau are generally quite happy to let people carry on with their customs and beliefs, so long as they work towards the greater good. For example, the Kroot are allowed to eat their defeated foes, despite the Tau revulsion to it, with the Tau hoping that their cultural influence will eventually 'educate' the Kroot. Human worlds are simply given Tau technology and allowed to bascially manage themselves, so long as they contribute to the Empire.

I agree that the design of the Tau has taken some influences from China, but they also have Japanese influence, along with a bunch of other stuff. I was simply trying to point out that making sweeping statements about any GW army being a straight rip off of any real life civilization fails to recognise that they are a mixture of influences and even sometimes a bit of stuff GW has thought of themselves.

[Hotsauceman]

It's a completely different ideology and way of implementing it. For a start, modern China has shown no real interest in compelling other nations/cultures to join it. If anything, they have been one of the most isolationist nations of the modern era, with only the likes of N Korea being more introverted.
Secondly, you say it like the Tau are annihilating anyone who doesn't agree with them, when in reality they are only fight until military resistance is overcome, they see no value in attacking civilians and genuinely want to incorporate all people into the Tau empire and regret any military action they have to take. They would much rather leave inclusion in the Empire to the diplomats and merchants of the water caste, which is always their first option. And again, China has shown little interest in taking over other nations (with a few notable exceptions and those have been ones that they regarding as traditionally 'belonging' to China).
Thirdly, China has sytematically repressed freedom of thought and cultural expression, both in its own lands and those they have occupied, whereas the Tau are generally quite happy to let people carry on with their customs and beliefs, so long as they work towards the greater good. For example, the Kroot are allowed to eat their defeated foes, despite the Tau revulsion to it, with the Tau hoping that their cultural influence will eventually 'educate' the Kroot. Human worlds are simply given Tau technology and allowed to bascially manage themselves, so long as they contribute to the Empire.
I read savages scars. They are very warlike. They at one point wish to send an ambassador with the message
"Join us or die"

[Lexington]

The 3rd Edition rulebook was rife with this stuff -off the top of my head, there was Techpriest Wilhelm Gaytes, who helped uncover what amounted to an early-era PC, a joking artistic representation of the Three Wise Monkeys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_wise_monkeys), and lots of hilarious, Emperor-centric inversions of joyful phrases ("Worship the Emperor today, for tomorrow we may die."). It's a joy. :D

Pretty sure the 'Ghazkhull = Thatcher' thing is an internet myth, tho.

[Thornblood]

Pretty sure the 'Ghazkhull = Thatcher' thing is an internet myth, tho.

Never heard of that one before. Am now going to be calling my special character Ghazaghull Mag Uruk Thatcher. He empowers and motivates the working class. (I am completely down with the fact that this was never intentional, however I am going to enjoy it).

[Night System]

Pretty sure the 'Ghazkhull = Thatcher' thing is an internet myth, tho.

Mag Uruk Thraka does sound a lot like Margaret Thatcher, the book in which he was first mentioned was Waaargh: Orks which came out in her final year of power.

Also Thatchers nickname was the Iron Lady. Guess who wears Mega Armour :P
Games Workshop have always added little references here and there throughout the 40k back-story, i don't see why this wouldn't be.

[Lerra]

In the Necron codex, the HQ that teleports around is called Obyron. My roommates are convinced it's a reference to Chief O'Brian.

[Lord Anubis]

Can't believe no one has brought up the most amazing Dark Eldar character ever... Kruellagh the Vile.

[Hotsauceman]

How has anyone not brought up Vorhee's From caves of ice? He is nameds after a horror villian :)

[Belial69]

Obyron (sp?) was king of the faeries in Shakespear's A Midsummer Night's Dream.

[Belial69]

Pretty sure it was Oberon in MSND tho.

[eldargal]

No mention of her or her kabal in the new book, she is presumed retconned out of existence.

Can't believe no one has brought up the most amazing Dark Eldar character ever... Kruellagh the Vile.

[Lord Anubis]

No mention of her or her kabal in the new book, she is presumed retconned out of existence.


Errr, yes. Just like about half the other characters with punny names mentioned in this thread...

Thanks for making a point of saying it, though, just in case anyone was confused.

;)

[Lexington]

Games Workshop have always added little references here and there throughout the 40k back-story, i don't see why this wouldn't be.
Just doesn't fit right, to my mind, with the style of reference GW uses. Usually, you've either got a Stillman-style pun, or something that's used for a thematic echo/emphasis, like the Conrad material that runs through the Night Lords' background. Besides that, it's only part of the name, rather than the whole thing. Could be wrong, of course, but I've always figured this one for fan speculation that's been taken as fact.

[eldargal]

I think those still in the background outnumber those retconned considerably.


Errr, yes. Just like about half the other characters with punny names mentioned in this thread...

Thanks for making a point of saying it, though, just in case anyone was confused.

;)

[miteyheroes]

The old WFB Dogs of War book is the most puntastic thing that GW has ever produced. I love it utterly.

It had rules for Lucrezzia Belladonna, Al Muktar, Sheikh Shufti, Asarnil, Birdmen of Catrazza, Pirazzo, Roughneck Ricco, Long Drong Slayer, Tichi-Huchi, Oglah Khan and many others. And the fluff of Tilea was filled with terrible terrible puns- Remas, Marco Colombo, Borgio...

[Thornblood]

Hang on, I dont get Asarnil. Whats the pun in Asarnil?
I enjoyed teh songs in the Dogs of War book. The Happy Plunderer (Wanderer) and Volands Venetors (to the tune of my old mans a dustman).

All White Scar captains being called Khan? Does that count?

There was an Imperial Fists Short Story in one of the marine anthologies called But Dust In The Wind.

Can I also flag up the orkish Ragnarork, aporkalypse, cyborks and cyboars.

[lattd]

Asarnil is most likely a pun on the football team Arsenal.

[Thornblood]

Oh yeah, or just possibly the word Arsenal, meaning a shed-load of weapons.

Thanks alot. I feel somewhat stupid now. :P

[miteyheroes]

Hang on, I dont get Asarnil. Whats the pun in Asarnil?

Can I also flag up the orkish Ragnarork, aporkalypse, cyborks and cyboars.

The Arsenal reference may not have been intentional, but certainly my friends all responded by calling him Tott Nham or similar...

Orks have so many great puns. Orkimedes! Hehehe.

[Drunkencorgimaster]

Anyone remember Terror of the Lichemaster's Mikael Jacsen? He was a skeleton with a flaming head who did damage through the horrible screeching noises he made. This was about the time Jacko lit his head on fire during a Pepsi commercial/advert.