YMMV / The Shadow Campaigns

• Alternative Character Interpretation: Janus! Everybody seems convinced that his campaign is not just for the good of Vordan, but just what his secret motivation is, how much more important than his dedication to Vordan it is, and whether he's manipulating other characters or is simply coasting on his natural charisma is all up to debate.
• Creepy Awesome: Janus again! The man is a military genius, and watching him turn a total defeat into a resounding victory is awesome, but he often waltzes straight into being creepy, especially with his bouts of mania and sudden rages.
• Ho Yay: Marcus is the only person Janus ever confides in, and Marcus respects and trusts Janus absolutely. When they're alone together, there are times when Marcus has more chemistry with Janus than he does with his actual love interest, and their argument at the end of Guns of Empire has them behiving like the former is trying to confront a loved one about their addiction, with Janus acting like a scorned boyfriend. Not surprisingly, they seem to be the most popular pairing in fanfics.
• Genius Bonus: People who can see the similarities between Janus and Napoleon can predict the outcome of his venture into Murnsk (the Russia stand-in) fairly accurately. To be fair, Janus knew that winter warfare in Murnsk was brutal, which was why he invaded in April. He didn't expect that the Black Priests would have a demon who could call up snowstorms in May.
• Stoic Woobie: Marcus. Lost his family, got himself exiled to the middle of nowhere, his best friend ended up marching to his death, his first true love in years turned out to be a ruthless demonhost, got put into a rank he feels uncomfortable with, fell in love with a woman far above his station... and he weathers it all with nothing but total loyalty to Janus and Raesinia and some melancholy.

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