FFG 40k RPGs Update thread

[N0-1_H3r3]

I just hope they are given a bit more to them than just being adversaries dealt with by gunfire. It is easy to say the Eldar are mysterious and capricious, but that is telling. Showing is better, and for that to occur, there should be a higher level of interaction beyond just "kill the xenos".

I've made an effort in this regard, though whether or not it succeeded is, well, for you guys to decide.

Showing is, alas, one of those things that's easier to depict in an adventure (where it becomes a part of the ongoing narrative) than a sourcebook (where you're providing tools and inspiration more than anything else). Hopefully I've done the matter justice to some extent.

As for the wealth of possibilities inherent within the Corsair concept, I've made an effort in that regard as well.

[Eumerin]

Corsairs could literally be taken in any direction. They could be fairly closely aligned to a Craftworld (not even necessarily Kaelor) and be working like contracted privateers or "deniable assets". They could be total free agents charting their own destiny. Some could be a darker vein and be closer to the Dark Eldar.

Having seen the book, I can provide some information on this. There are two groups of Corsairs described in the supplement. One of them frequently works alongside troops from the craftworld, but also makes it clear at other times that they're independent. That same group of corsairs also alternately helps or hinders humans in the region, and can be hired out by a careful rogue trader.

The other group of Corsairs is much more independently aggressive and could probably be passed off as Dark Eldar... except that there's enough information available within the book to make it clear that they're not. The book describes them as having a "Kill all Humans!" attitude... although

much later on it presents one that isn't necessarily quite that hard-line.

I just hope they are given a bit more to them than just being adversaries dealt with by gunfire. It is easy to say the Eldar are mysterious and capricious, but that is telling. Showing is better, and for that to occur, there should be a higher level of interaction beyond just "kill the xenos".

As always, this is largely going to depend on your GM. There's actually surprisingly little for those who just want pointy-eared cannon-fodder. You've got ship stats for the two groups of Corsairs, and some notable individuals. But unless I missed something, stats for Eldar rank and file need to come from another source.

[Iracundus]

As always, this is largely going to depend on your GM. There's actually surprisingly little for those who just want pointy-eared cannon-fodder. You've got ship stats for the two groups of Corsairs, and some notable individuals. But unless I missed something, stats for Eldar rank and file need to come from another source.

From other previous Fantasy Flight games, there have been stats already provided for Dire Avengers, Dire Avenger Exarch, Rangers, Warlocks, a Farseer, Wraithguard, and Guardians. For cannon fodder purposes, more than enough has been provided prior to this latest release.

It's just that so far previously the Eldar have been used either as a source of loot (from their ruins) or as just basic goon or boss fight antagonists, with actual interaction in the adventures pretty limited to the Eldar making demands or just statements of hostility, the humans refusing, and then fighting.

[Eumerin]

It's just that so far previously the Eldar have been used either as a source of loot (from their ruins) or as just basic goon or boss fight antagonists, with actual interaction in the adventures pretty limited to the Eldar making demands or just statements of hostility, the humans refusing, and then fighting.

The attached adventure includes a lone Eldar that... well... let's just say that killing her out of hand is probably a very bad mistake on the Explorers' part.

Additionally, the section on the Eldar includes a list of challenges that need to be completed in order to hire out the first group of Eldar Corsairs that I mentioned. There are also hints that seem to suggest that the local Eldar craftworld is reacting to something meta-plot related.


I think my biggest complaint about the handling of the Eldar to date is that the information really needs to be listed in a single location. Instead it's scattered in Dark Heresy and Rogue Trader releases (curiously, there isn't even a hint of an Eldar presence in the Jericho Reach in the Deathwatch rulebook - which in itself is *extremely* suspicious imo...).

[reds8n]

Now this is cool, even by FFG's standards. ~8)

Greetings, Rogue Trader Fans!

This week, I am pleased to present to you the three finalists for the 2010 Rogue Trader Adventure Competition! There were a lot of great entries to choose from, and it was not easy to select the finalists from the great entries that were sent in! I’m quite thrilled to see all the creativity and enthusiasm for the Rogue Trader game line (and creating some new and interesting locations) from the fans. Keep up the great work, guys! In addition, I want to take a moment to thank the judges for helping to make this contest a success.

*Drum roll, please!*


Finalist #1: A Throne Forged of Iron by Christopher Brailas



A Throne Forged of Iron is an adventure full of surprises and interesting twists that lead up to a climactic confrontation. The judges enjoyed Christopher’s interesting non-player characters and gazeteer for the world of Tennenburg, plus the exciting showdown at the climax!

Christopher’s scenario overview is as follows:

From just inside the expanse on one of its few civilized worlds the Lord Theot, William Heltz Tennenberg has sent summons to the players in search of allies in his bid for power.


Download A Throne Forged of Iron (pdf, 13.1 MB)

Finalist #2: Fall From Grace by Otto Sinisalo



Fall From Grace is a deep and complex adventure that combines some great NPCs with unusual encounters. The Judges were impressed by the story and the links into the Rogue Trader setting.

Otto’s adventure synopsis is as follows:

In the Foundling Worlds lies Grace, a planet once colonized by Rogue Trade Aspyce Chorda. In its prime, Grace was a haven for Imperial renegades and villains, but none escape the Emperor's wrath forever. As violent warp storms destroyed the warp routes to the colony, it soon fell to the predators of the Warp, a roving Xenos menace and most of all to its inhabitants own dark impulses.


As the warp storms recede for the first time in decades, Grace is once more open for the taking. Fall From Grace takes the Explorers and their ship to claim a long forgotten world filled with treasure and danger. The Explorers must race their rivals to loot the prizes left there by a generation of the Imperium's decadent outcasts – a reward that might cost them their lives, their ships or their immortal souls.

Download Fall from Grace (pdf, 1.4 MB)

Finalist #3: The Glass Key by James R. Burrows



The Glass Key contains some exciting encounters, unique NPCs, and a fascinating ending. The overall flavour and feel of the adventure impressed the Judges.

James’ adventure has a number of twists that I don’t want to give away, so here is just a hint at what lies inside:

Now little more than a legend among the voidfarers of the Kronus Expanse, the Niveus Astrum was one one of a handful of Olympic class liners, some of the largest Imperial vessels ever constructed in the apocryphal Harlan & Wolfe Shipyards. Perhaps such a grand endeavor was marred by hubris from the start, for an ill fate claimed all of these great ships soon after they were launched.


In 359.M39, the Niveus Astrum, captained by the Free Trader Heu Beowulf, set out for what is now the Calixis Sector to aid in the Angevin Crusades. Besides bringing troops and supplies, it is said that Beowulf also bore with him a precious gift intended for General Angevin himself, locked safely away in the ship’s most secure vault.
However, Beowulf and the Niveus Astrum never arrived…

Download The Glass Key (pdf, 7.8 MB)

Congratulations to all three of our finalists! Stay tuned to find out which of these three adventures will be crowned the winner of the 2010 Rogue Trader Adventure Contest. I will announce the winner on November 2, so keep a close eye on the Fantasy Flight Games website. The winner will recieve a signed copy of the new sourcebook for Rogue Trader, chock-full of new locations and material for your campaign: Edge of the Abyss!

Be sure to stop by the Support section of the Rogue Trader site to download these scenarios if you haven't already. Next, stop by the Scenario contest thread over at the Rogue Trader forums and share your thoughts on this year's entries with other fans.

Please note that all fan created content, set in the world and universe of Warhammer and Warhammer 40,000, and hosted on the FFG website is subject to Games Workshop's Submission policy. Please read this in relation to this material.

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ed....asp?eidn=1721

[Schlupp]

Wow, I need to check my wallet immediately.

"That which I do not possess, I crave. That which I cannot claim, I despise. That which I should not know, I am compelled to learn. That which I own, I tire of. And that which I once called mine, I mourn. Is it the nature of man to desire that which we lack; a sense of untamed curiosity and unrestrained greed that drives us to have more than we need and need more than we have? Is it a curse, that we seek the unknown against all better judgement and heedless of cost? Or is it merely the darker part of ambition, the cost of our aspirations to become greater? I know not... for curiosity is something I possess in abundance, and thus I care not to look upon it when I can look to newer things.”
–Excerpt from the Journal of Parsimus Dewain

Edge of the Abyss, a Rogue Trader supplement first previewed in Profit and Plunder, is now on sale at your local retailer and on our webstore!

In Edge of the Abyss, detailed descriptions of the Expanse’s famous worlds allow players and GMs to plan new Endeavours and adventures. Fight across the frozen surface of Lucin’s Breath, plunder the Egarian maze cities, and plumb the secrets of haunted Illisk. Study, negotiate, and war against the inhabitants of the Expanse: xenos races, the vile forces of Chaos, and monolithic Imperial organizations.

The vast darkness of the Expanse brims with legends and secrets. Within Edge of the Abyss are the rare bits of truth you need to explore beyond the Maw. Armed with this priceless knowledge, plot your own course to adventure and profit! Study, negotiate, and war against the inhabitants of the Expanse: xenos races, the vile forces of Chaos, and monolithic Imperial organizations. Learn of six legendary Rogue Traders, each a potential ally, enemy, or source of valuable information. Play through a complete, full-length adventure that pits Explorers against bloodthirsty xenos and offers the chance to plunder lost artefacts of the Egarian Dominion.

Edge of the Abyss offers in-depth descriptions of several important locations in the Expanse, including some never-before-revealed worlds. Additionally, you’ll find background information, statistics, and ships for the most powerful alien races and organizations of the Expanse.

With adventure ideas, location guides, and much more, Edge of the Abyss is an invaluable resource for GMs and players alike. Head to your local retailer, then profit from the secrets of the Koronus Expanse!


http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ed....asp?eidn=1723

[reds8n]

Update time..

Salutations Acolytes!

The release of Blood of Martyrs (the upcoming supplement for Dark Heresy) draws ever nearer. Last time, I gave you a glimpse at the new options for portraying Adepta Sororitas in your Dark Heresy games. The Sisters of Battle are certainly an iconic part of the Ecclesiarchy, but there is so much more. From the Frateris Militia to the Redemptionist cults, the Adeptus Ministorum is one of the most varied groups to be encountered in the Warhammer 40k setting. So what brings all of these men and women together when called upon by powers outside the Ecclesiarchy such as an Ordo Hereticus Inquisitor?

Cell Directives. An acolyte cell in service of an Inquisitor can be a scalpel or a hammer, and it is the Inquisitor’s task to forge such tools. The Inquisitor makes use of acolytes as he sees fit, often assembling each group with a single purpose in mind. It is therefore not uncommon for acolytes to learn from one another or to receive special training from their Inquisitor to suit that purpose.

Acolyte Cells may choose to use (or be required by their Inquisitor) a Cell Directive. It functions similarly to an Elite Advance table in many ways, but applies to the player characters as a team rather than an individual. The group must meet a list of requirements and pay an induction cost in experience to form a Cell under the auspices of a Cell Directive. Each member of the group immediately gains access to a special ability and an Elite Advance table.

One such Cell Directive is a Hereticus Retinue. These acolytes are often called upon by their Inquisitor to accompany him into battle and are prepared at a moment’s notice to bring faith and fire against the enemy within. The Hereticus Retinue must contain a member of the Ecclesiarchy (usually a Cleric, but an Adepta Sororitas will certainly do), and upon their Induction, each acolyte gains an appropriate Hatred talent of his choice. They also gain access to an Elite Advance table that includes many of the skills a warrior needs (such as Dodge), insuring that even low-ranking Adepts are prepared for the battles ahead!

Join me next time for a look at Expanded Faith Powers, and keep watching at your local retailer; Blood of Martyrs will be on shelves soon!

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ed....asp?eidn=1728

[scheppo]

Don't get me wrong. I do like the steady flow of publications by FFG but sometimes I wonder if there is an overall development plan for the game as a whole or if they are simply producing what springs to their minds...

I really don't know, how rules for cell directives (which sound like every group of acolytes could make good use of regardless of ordo affiliation) have a place in an add-on book covering the Ecclesiarchy.

[Eumerin]

I really don't know, how rules for cell directives (which sound like every group of acolytes could make good use of regardless of ordo affiliation) have a place in an add-on book covering the Ecclesiarchy.

Gotta put them somewhere. And the non-adventure books due out next year are all focused on specific classes iirc

Also, I would be suprised if the book didn't contain anything for pre-existing acolytes who happen to be more religious and/or puritanical than their brethren. Cells might fit into that.


From the little bit that the write-up reveals, it sounds as if this may be Deathwatch's Solo/Squad mode adapted for DH.

[scheppo]

Gotta put them somewhere. And the non-adventure books due out next year are all focused on specific classes iirc

True. But it's still stuff that should go into the core rule book or should have gone in the Inquisitor's Handbook or Ascension. I just don't like the thought of having 4+ books for what feels like core rules. But maybe that's just me being peculiar.

[Khorne Flake]

True. But it's still stuff that should go into the core rule book or should have gone in the Inquisitor's Handbook or Ascension. I just don't like the thought of having 4+ books for what feels like core rules. But maybe that's just me being peculiar.

I love these books, but I have got so many of the damned things! Who needs a GM screen when you have 4 plus source books open and another stack of stuff next to them? Where do I put my crisps?

[reds8n]

http://nodwick.humor.gamespy.com/ffn...ate=2010-10-28

had to post this after that last post.

[Eumerin]

True. But it's still stuff that should go into the core rule book or should have gone in the Inquisitor's Handbook or Ascension. I just don't like the thought of having 4+ books for what feels like core rules. But maybe that's just me being peculiar.

Probably. But as I noted the cell rules appear to be a modified form of the Solo/Squad rules from Deathwatch. The concept probably wasn't developed in time to make it into those books.

[N0-1_H3r3]

True. But it's still stuff that should go into the core rule book or should have gone in the Inquisitor's Handbook or Ascension. I just don't like the thought of having 4+ books for what feels like core rules. But maybe that's just me being peculiar.

It's easy to say things like that in hindsight.

What, really, are you meant to do, though, if you come up with a good idea for something to add to the game long after the core rulebook has been published? Do you just throw it aside and leave it? Each game is in a process of evolution, and often that means that an idea that might well have been in the rulebook if anyone had come up with it at the time will turn up in a later book.

Book of Martyrs is the first book for Dark Heresy with Mack Martin in charge of the line; before that, it was being overseen by Ross Watson, who has since moved to take charge of Deathwatch, and even then, the first four Dark Heresy books were written while the game was still being produced by Black Industries.

Yes, there is a plan for development of each of the games. Dark Heresy happens to be in an awkward position due to its relative age and the fairly tempestuous beginning it endured. However, the point of sourcebooks and supplements is to expand on the ideas, background and mechanics presented in the rulebook, in part because a rulebook can only contain so much content, and there is a lot of material to cover.

[scheppo]

Yes I see the problem. New games tend to grow in all directions at once and the products of a creative process are seldom to be foreseen. But IMHO at some point FFG should make a big round up of new ideas and publish a revised core rule book instead of gradually releasing new "core rules" in books that have another specific focus.

But as I said I am happy with the releases so far and FFG will have to do terrible, terrible things to lose me as a customer.

[reds8n]

Got my copy of "Edge of the Abyss", impressed -- as usual, damn you all ! -- with the brief flick I've had so far.

..that ork kaptin .. time for the Deathwatch when facing him methinks.

[N0-1_H3r3]

..that ork kaptin .. time for the Deathwatch when facing him methinks.

Ah, Morgaash... I had fun writing him (and that entire section - I encourage you to look at the descriptions of the Worlds of Undred-Undred Teef, as they're one of my favourite parts of that book). There's nothing like a proper Ork Warlord to terrify a group of players, especially when he's the Kaptin of an utterly immense Battlekroozer.

[reds8n]

The hand appears to have a fraction of malign intelligence within it. It speaks to those it believes it can corrupt. Attempts to silence its voice have proven useless. Currently Savant-Militant Grendel is engaged in a struggle of wills with the dark entity that now takes home within. He is one of the fair few trained in the psychic arts required to hold the beast at bay. I have sequestered the acolyte Grendel in an airlock aboard the Righteous Indignation. I am monitoring him as I decipher Thrungg’s journal and should he lose control I will jettison him into the void and instruct the captain to purge his remains. It will not be a permanent end to the artefact, but it will buy us, according to my research, a thousand years and a day.
– From the correspondence of Binder Morgaine

When a decadent noble uncovers a heretical artefact of dark origins, the Inquisition is sent on an investigation from his palace to a lost fortress on a distant world. Can you solve the mysteries of the Haematite Cathedral before it’s too late, and uncover a conspiracy that threatens to set the Calixis Sector ablaze?

Fantasy Flight Games is pleased to announce the upcoming release of The Black Sepulchre, an adventure for Dark Heresy! First announced in the Knowledge is Power product preview, The Black Sepulchre tasks Acolytes with solving the riddle of an ancient and powerful structure. In the process, they’ll uncover a truth so dark, the Calixis Sector may never recover from its discovery...

The Black Sepulchre is the first installment of The Apostasy Gambit, a Dark Heresy campaign that takes a cell of Acolytes from investigating the tragic history of a warped Cathedral to crusading against a conspiracy at the heart of one of the Imperium’s most vaunted organisations. The Black Sepulchre can be played on its own, or it can form a part of the grand Apostasy Gambit campaign. What’s more, this adventure is designed for all levels of play, so beginners and veterans alike can explore its varied paths to success!

Keep a vigilant watch this later this winter, and prepare to purge your friendly local game store!

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ed....asp?eidn=1774

[Idaan]

Grendel you say. Well he's climbing the ladder it seems.

[reds8n]

A little preview...

http://www.gametrademagazine.com/dow...ospitaller.pdf