Summary
Chapter Generator is a Warhammer 40k-inspired procedural tool that randomly creates Space Marine chapter names and colour schemes. With a single click, users can generate a unique chapter, perfect for hobbyists looking for inspiration.
Why I Built This
As a Warhammer 40k hobbyist, I enjoy creating custom Space Marine chapters, especially for my Chaos Deathwatch. But coming up with unique names and colour schemes can be challenging. I wanted a tool that would help spark creativity by quickly generating a random name and colour scheme.
One of the biggest hobby challenges for me personally is that I have aphantasia, which means I can’t visualize things in my mind. When I try to come up with a new Space Marine chapter, I struggle to imagine how different colours might work together on the model. Instead of picturing a scheme in my head, I have to physically test combinations or rely on examples, which makes the process slow and sometimes frustrating.
With Chapter Generator, I can quickly generate different possibilities, experiment with colour schemes I might not have considered, and refine my choices based on what I see rather than what I imagine. This tool isn’t just for me. It’s for anyone who struggles with colour selection, whether due to aphantasia or just decision fatigue. It makes it easier to start painting or developing lore around a new chapter without getting stuck trying to come up with the perfect scheme.
Features
- Generate a random Space Marine chapter name and colour scheme
- Simple, one-click generation for quick inspiration
- Mobile-friendly design for hobbyists on the go
- Code based scheme lookup for sharing ideas
- ‘Free Paint’ tool to explore and refine custom colour schemes manually
- REST API for scheme generation
Gallery
Technologies Used
Next.js, React, Tailwind CSS, Zustand, REST API, DaisyUI
Links
Generates a random space marine chapter name and colour scheme for use in wh40k.
Try It Now
Future Improvements
- Expand the generator to include chapter lore and combat doctrine
- Add metallics to free paint section
- Add hexcodes for additional paint ranges
Development Timeline
First Prototype
2024-12-16
My initial proof of concept. I wanted to display a card with a heraldry-style image, a randomly generated name, and three random colors. At this stage, I focused on Chaos Space Marine warbands.
SVG Image Integration
2024-12-18
This was a major milestone. I found a lineart image of a Primaris Space Marine courtesy of 40kResources and converted it into an SVG that could be styled programmatically.
Updated Card Layout
2024-12-18
After getting SVGs working, I redesigned the color card layout and moved the color bars to the bottom for a cleaner look.
Home Page Background
2024-12-19
I added an SVG-based background to the homepage to give it more visual identity.
Random Metallic
2024-12-21
I added support for randomly generated metallic colors to the API, which are now included in the color card display.
Scheme Lookup
2024-12-23
The API was updated to support slug-based scheme sharing, and a "look up" button was added to the homepage.