The current Warhammer 40k pen and paper RPG (that’s in the title, Dark Heresy) is based on the Inquisition, a part of the Imperium of Man that deals with a variety of threats. The gameplay itself can be pretty varied with non-combat encounters involving anything you can imagine to the combat which is fairly fast paced. (at least when compared to Dungeons and Dragons or other games with more mechanics and rules to go through) The only dice needed are two d10′s since the game uses a d100 style system — basically, you roll against the appropriate stat and hope you roll equal to or under yours. I enjoy simple mechanics and pretty simple rules since it opens up the game to more people, faster gaming, less hassles and more story. And with the depth of the 40k universe… there’s plenty of story to go around.

My players have decided they want a Xenos antagonist which opens up a few different routes for me — Eldar, Orks, Tyranids? One of the other lesser known alien species? Or, a combination of all… There are some named xenos in the sourcebooks and they may make an interesting choice — but I’m thinking I’ll have to make one of my own — or search out other lore to draw from. That is the beauty of Dark Heresy and pen and paper RPGs in general — anyone can be a game developer, no programming or technology required.

While I figure out the antagonist of the campaign, I’ll get to work on the first adventure — a Hive world with a Genestealer infestation might just be the perfect start.