I've always liked the idea of narrative linked games - I honestly think this is the best way to create special characters that one really cares about - imagine if one of my characters had defeated the dark elves in a challenge - instant legend that I must preserve at all costs, and equally, something I can aloud over the dark elves for all time - an excellent narrative hook.
But I agree Grumdril's point around feeling committed and I think that's quite an astute observation.
Ultimately, I think we can (as wise, independently capable adults) negotiate when we want to do something different. I suspect golgfag1 is the only struggling with an oversupply of factions to choose from - the rest of us has ever to make do with one or two.
I find something like this is a huge motivator for painting - something that I guess I need right now. For instance, if I were to commit to an imperial force, it would mean painting the stuff I got for terror of the Lichemaster, so that's two birds with one stone for me.
But, we'd need to work harmoniously together to begin that narrative and allow for an agreeable narrative that could happen under many GMs over an extended period of time. Essentially, we all become joint story tellers and influencers of each other's IP as it were - something that takes surprising levels of trust to do. Are we prepared to allow another GM to create a scenario where the outcome could be the loss of our favourite character?
I am
Food for thought though - interested to see your opinions...