Liara T'Soni can also be a great character to feature. Her knowledge of the Protheans could be crucial in a fanfiction. Maybe she discovers a hidden Prothean weapon that could turn the tide of the war against the Reapers.
Garrus Vakarian is another popular pick. His sharpshooting skills and loyalty to Shepard can be central to a story. You could write about him leading a crucial mission against the Reapers while Shepard is occupied elsewhere, showing his growth as a leader.
Anderson is often a popular choice. He's a well - known human character from the Mass Effect series and his military experience and leadership skills make him a great fit for stories set during the First Contact War. Another popular one is Saren. Even though he becomes a villain later, his skills and his role in the Turian military during the early days can be an interesting aspect to explore.
Aria T'Loak from Mass Effect could also be a great character to feature. Her shrewdness and control over Omega could translate well into the power - struggle - ridden world of Gears of War. She could form alliances or rivalries with the different factions in the Gears of War universe.
One popular theme is rebuilding. After the destruction of the Reaper War, characters often focus on rebuilding their civilizations, whether it's the Citadel races or those on the fringes. Another theme is dealing with trauma. Many survivors have PTSD from the war, and fanfictions explore how they cope. Also, exploration of new technologies discovered during or after the war is common, as races try to use these to better their futures.
Shepard is often a very popular character in such fanfiction. Since Shepard is a well - known and respected figure in the Mass Effect universe, they can play a crucial role in the civil war, either as a mediator or as a combatant on one side. Garrus is also popular. His combat skills and loyalty make him a great asset in any civil war - related story.
Anderson also pops up frequently. He is an important figure in the Mass Effect universe and his experience and wisdom can add depth to a human war fanfiction. He can be a mentor - like figure or a key player in the political and military aspects of the war.
The Space Marines from Warhammer 40k are often popular. Their super - human strength and combat skills would make for an interesting match against the various alien species in Mass Effect. Commander Shepard from Mass Effect is also a common choice. His/her leadership and combat abilities could be a great addition to the often dark and gritty Warhammer 40k universe.
Captain Picard is often a popular choice. His diplomatic skills and leadership would make for interesting interactions in the crossover. Also, Commander Shepard from Mass Effect is a no - brainer. Their different leadership styles could be explored when put together. And Spock could be an interesting addition, with his logical mind contrasting with the more action - oriented characters from Mass Effect.
One idea could be a story focused on a small, rag - tag group of survivors who have to band together to take on a Reaper - controlled outpost. They might not be soldiers, but ordinary people forced into extraordinary circumstances.
Shepard from Mass Effect is often a popular character. Writers might like to put Shepard in the Naruto universe and see how his or her leadership skills play out among the ninja. Also, Naruto himself is obviously a central figure and seeing his reaction to the Mass Effect elements can be really engaging.
Shepard is of course very popular. Writers love to explore different sides of Shepard's personality, especially in non - mission - related scenarios, like Shepard's daily life on the Normandy.