Next, select a general archetype for the character. These archetypes are designed to be relatively broad and cover a range of concepts, and it shouldn’t be difficult to find an archetype that fits the concept you devised during step one. But if you still can’t find something that fits, either change the theme of an archetype that has the right options or create a new archetype that matches what you are looking for. In both cases, make sure the gamemaster approves your choices.

In summary, each archetype provides:

• Trait: An archetype provides a single trait, representing the character’s role or status, which will be the archetype’s name. You may change or expand this if you wish, to something unique and befitting your concept, but the trait provided by your chosen archetype should serve as the basis for whatever you create.
• Skills: One skill is marked as primary, and one is marked as secondary. These skills will be increased in the next step.
• Focuses: The character receives two focuses for their primary or secondary skill. Suggestions for these are provided, but you may choose your own if you desire.
• Talents: The character receives a single talent. Suggestions for this are provided, but you may choose your own if you wish.

The archetypes also provide suggestions and ideas for what characters of that type will likely spend time doing and what they might believe. None of these suggestions are mandatory, but they can help when it comes to choosing the character’s drives and ambitions later.

Example: Claire looks through the suggested archetypes for a Bene Gesserit but decides to pick Commander as Kara’s archetype instead. She likes the idea of Kara as a social character with fighting skills.

Archetypes at a Glance

The archetypes are created to offer every combination of primary and secondary skill. If you already have a combination in mind for your concept, or want to add a different theme to a particular combination, the following table will help you find it.

Remember that some combinations might lend themselves to other styles of archetypes. While we have listed the combination of Communicate/Understand as a Courtier, they might just as easily apply to an Entertainer or Merchant instead.

This is just a selection of the of archetypes available to characters in Dune: Adventures in the Imperium. Check out the Dune: Adventures in the Imperium Core Rulebook and Dune: Adventures in the Imperium Gamemaster's Toolkit for dozens more archetypes.

Battle Archetypes Warmasters

One enemy at a time, is that it?

- Gurney Halleck

These archetypes all follow the code of war in some form. Some may consider martial skills to be a pathway to excellence; others might never use a weapon, focusing their mind on strategy and tactics instead. But all know what it is to fight and are lethal in one way or another.

• Duelist

Communicate Archetypes Socialites

Reputation can be a beautiful weapon. It often spills less blood.

 - Bashar Miles Teg

These archetypes are the social characters, at their best when surrounded by others. They might be manipulative courtiers or inspirational leaders. Whatever their angle, they are adept at getting their own way and manipulating others.

• Courtier

Discipline Archetypes Disciples

One observes the survivors and learns from them.

 - Bene Gesserit Teaching

These archetypes seek to master an internal stillness where they function with perfect grace and clarity. They are exceptionally focused and dedicated, having honed their skills through practice and intense training.

• Protector

Move Archetypes Adepts

No wind ever ran as he runs. He’s a blur atop the dunes.

- Lady Ghanima Atreides

These archetypes are physical creatures who hate to stay in one place. They like to apply their skills to the real world. They are hard to keep up with, and almost impossible to catch.

• Scout

Understand Archetypes Academics

Belief can be manipulated. Only knowledge is dangerous.

- Scytale, Face Dancer

These archetypes use their wits and powers of observation to understand the world around them. They like to use their minds but often employ their skills outward rather than inward, seeking knowledge as a way to comprehend what surrounds them.

• Scholar