FFG wrote:Shadowy Instruments of Death
A Preview of The Lathe Worlds, the Upcoming Dark Heresy Supplement



“We still have no explanation for the death of the passenger. The only witness claims the void-lock unexpectedly opened just as that poor soul walked nearby, while the outer lock was also open. For both to be open is impossible when the auspex registers open void against the hull, yet it happened. I doubt we will ever know why he was so desperate to leave that system, though I am relieved he did pay in advance.”
–Captain Artesia Carnelline, Killian’s Prize

In May, we announced the upcoming release of The Lathe Worlds, a supplement for Dark Heresy. This invaluable tome reveals the secret history of the Lathe Worlds, from their mysterious founding to their current struggles against tech-heresy. What’s more, players will gain access to new Alternate Career Ranks and arm themselves with weapons and gifts of the Omnissiah. And in a thrilling new adventure, the Inquisitors will journey to a lost comet-station, where they’ll stop renegade tech-priests from heretical experiments into the Warp!

With the release of The Lathe Worlds just a few weeks away, we’re pleased to provide our first preview. Today, we’ll look at its engaging Alternate Careers Ranks, and we’ll present a glimpse inside the pages of The Lathe World, at the Adeptus Mechanicus’s shadowy instrument of the death: the Acuitor Mech-Assassin.


The Darker Side of the Mechanicus



To most within the Calixis Sector, the domains of the Adeptus Mechanicus appear as a single, impenetrable edifice. To the outside observer, they seem to be a unified organization whose presence and influence is felt almost everywhere. Those privy to the secrets of the Mechanicus, however, know all too well of the overlapping layers of military might, of the conciliators who promise things beyond imagination, and of the factions that cast out any who fail to conform.

Some even know of the darker side of the Mechanicus—the watchers and assassins who bring swift and unyielding punishment to the enemies of the Mechanicus. Some choose to reject the institutions of the Machine Cult, forming rival cults to oppose them. Others are born directly into the system, their lives an endless torrent of work and toil from birth to death. It is a horrific system, one not understood by many, but one that is vital to all.

Serving one such important function, the Mech-Assassins possess innumerable technological methods by which to dispose of their enemies. Hailing from secret fortresses scattered throughout the Calixis Sector, Mech-Assassins possess a unique outlook on the galaxy: nearly everything can be used as a deadly weapon. Download our preview (pdf, 2.9 MB) to learn more about these heartless killers.

Look for another preview of The Lathe Worlds next week, and get ready for your quest for knowledge in the name of the Omnissiah!

H.B.M.C. wrote:


And next week should be, with any luck, my designer diary!

BaronIveagh wrote:Reading this, I now have the urge to make a cigar smoking tech priest who wears a black suit and top hat.

You guys do know that Samedi ain't nobody to mess with, right?

warboss wrote:

BaronIveagh wrote:Reading this, I now have the urge to make a cigar smoking tech priest who wears a black suit and top hat.

You guys do know that Samedi ain't nobody to mess with, right?

Give him a monocle and a cane and you've got Mr. RoboPeanut!

FFG wrote:Daemons of Tzeentch
A Preview of The Tome of Fate, the Upcoming Black Crusade Supplement



“You think me mad, and I do not dispute it. But there is something within that burning orb, and its unleashing will sound the death knell of a thousand thousand worlds.”
–High Adept Lobile of Velklir, upon his return from the Flaming Tomb

In March, we announced the upcoming release of The Tome of Fate, a supplement for Black Crusade. The first of four books delving into the darkest secrets of the Ruinous Powers, The Tome of Fate presents invaluable information on Tzeentch’s dark servants, both daemonic and mortal, and how his influence is felt across the Screaming Vortex. With new weapons and psychic powers to aid them, Heretics can go forth across that unholy stretch of stars and beyond into the depths of the fallen Imperium, ready to challenge Fate and make it their own.

We've been quiet about The Tome of Fate for a while, but we're pleased to report that it will be on store shelves in just over two weeks. We're therefore pleased to resume our series of previews. In our first preview, we presented a look at Tzeentch’s Thousand and One Plots, and we learned of the inherent futility in any attempt to decipher the Lord of Lies’ countless schemes. After that, we trembled before the raw power of one of his most potent servants, the Thousand Sons Sorcerer. Today, we’ll glimpse a planet in the Screaming Vortex that serves as a conduit for Tzeentch’s chaotic efforts. We’ll also preview three of his sanity-shattering minions.


A Burned and Blackened Orb



The Flaming Tomb at first appears to be just another volcanically volatile world, its surface a random pattern of light and darkness as fissures and cracks in its ever-shifting crust reveal the surging magma beneath. But from certain perspectives it is almost as if a pattern emerges from the seemingly random movement, if only one were to look from the right vantage, in the right frame of mind, and at the right moment.

Among those whose minds tend towards idle speculation, or those who yearn for a quick and easy road to power within the Screaming Vortex, there are many theories regarding the phantom patterns of the Flaming Tomb; patterns that most people who have visited the planet deny even exist. Some unsettled scholars whisper that a powerful entity was trapped within the planet, entombed there by an enormous authority for some heinous crime or failure. Some posit that it is one of the regal Lords of Change trapped within by the displeased Sovereign of Deception. Others suspect that it may be a great daemon prince, some former champion of the Great Schemer whose failure has earned it eternal consignment to the fiery prison. The softest whispers tell of a great psychic champion of the Corpse-God, a servant of the faltering Imperium, condemned to this hellish tomb by a single moment of mortal weakness.


Chaos’ Playground

One thing is certain. Due to the Flaming Tomb’s close proximity to the Lower Vortex, daemons of every size and description find it easier to exist upon the enigmatic ball of char than on any planet of the Gloaming Worlds or within the Inner Ring. Often, daemons of Tzeentch cavort upon the blasted and poisoned surface, frolicking through convulsive detonations, dancing to the beat of music only they can hear. Those mortals wishing to seek out the daemons of the Monarch of Permutation but lacking confidence in their own powers, often turn to the Flaming Tomb, knowing that there the veil between the material realm and the mindscape is frighteningly thin.



Today, we’re pleased to present an excerpt from The Tome of Fate (pdf, 4.1 MB), in which you can learn more about two of Tzeentch’s favorite pets, Flamers and Discs, as well as the ethereal daemon prince Phokulozortis! Download it today, and prepare for The Tome of Fate’s arrival in stores in just a few short weeks.

Melissia wrote:I'll be amused if they bother to do a Slaanesh book.

H.B.M.C. wrote:But... didn't FFG do Tome of Corruption?

FFG wrote:Pray They Do Not Take You Alive
A Preview of The Soul Reaver, the Upcoming Rogue Trader Supplement



“We are the lords of despair, masters of terror. Dread and agony are our meat and wine, and they are plentiful indeed!”
– Attributed to Asdrubael Vect

The Dark Eldar are a plague upon the Koronus Expanse; raiders, slavers, pirates, and even Rogue Traders suffer at their barbed lashes and blades. Any who cross the Maw and sail the void of the Koronus Expanse learn to fear the wicked silhouettes of their ships and their seemingly endless cruelty towards all life, including their own. Only vigilance and firepower keep the worst depredations of these terrible raiders at bay, though from the dens of Footfall to the commerce halls of Port Wander there are countless tales of crew lost and ships savaged in their sudden attacks...

Earlier this year, we announced the upcoming release of The Soul Reaver, an adventure in three parts for Rogue Trader. This epic campaign is a chance for daring Explorers to look deep into the twisted heart of Dark Eldar society in the Koronus Expanse, and pull the greatest heist of their careers. Now, with the release of The Soul Reaver just a few weeks away, we’re pleased to feature a word from one of its contributing writers, Nathan Dowdell:


Ruthless and Cunning



The Dark Eldar are a vile and depraved breed of sadists and murderers, vicious predators of the void who find insane strength and nightmarish vitality in the torments they inflict. Yet in spite of this – or perhaps because of it – the Dark Eldar are the latest species to become available as playable characters in Rogue Trader.

While the Dark Eldar are every bit as terrible as their dread reputations may suggest, they are also a selfish, ambitious, and mercenary people. Their culture is dominated by murderous politics, where advancement and loyalty both come at knife-point, and where any with sufficient desire and ruthlessness can achieve great heights. In this regard, they are little different from many of those who travel the untamed void as Explorers, and a willing Rogue Trader may find an unlikely ally in a Dark Eldar Kabalite Warrior.

The Soul Reaver provides circumstances by which a Dark Eldar character may join a group of Explorers, as well as the full rules for using a Kabalite Warrior character. In such a new ally, you may find a consummate warrior and assassin, whose powers only increase as the death toll rises. Every Dark Eldar feeds upon the pain and terror of others, and this is fully realised in game terms, with an assortment of traits and talents that represent the supernatural prowess that comes with a bounty of suffering. However, those Dark Eldar who cannot sate their unnatural thirst will find their powers waning and diminishing.

Furthermore, the book contains an extensive arsenal of Dark Eldar wargear, providing each Kabalite Warrior with the perfect tools with which to spread agony and despair. However, these tools are not only for Player Characters to enjoy.

The Soul Reaver contains a bestiary of Dark Eldar adversaries, covering everything from cruel Kabalite Warriors and vicious Wyches to shrieking Reaver Jetbikers and the horrific creations of the Haemonculi. All of these employ the same kinds of equipment, talents and traits that player characters can enjoy, making them a match for any who might cross their path. To round things out, rules for Dark Eldar starships and an assortment of vehicles that use the vehicle rules from Into the Storm can be found within this book as well, turning it into a comprehensive look at using the Dark Eldar as allies, enemies or both in your games of Rogue Trader.

Thanks, Nathan. Look for more on The Soul Reaver over the next few weeks, and head to your local retailer to place your pre-order!

FFG wrote:Only War Beta: Week Five
Updates From the Developers on the Only War Beta Test



Hello Only War Beta Testers!

This week, in addition to the usual pdf update and weekly focus, we would like to share with you a couple things currently being worked on internally which we think you will be very excited about. First of all, we are working with the numbers on anti-vehicle weapon Damages and vehicle Armour values to help make combat involving vehicles more fast-moving, smooth, and fun. Second, we are investigating the Damage amounts and special abilities on certain universal starting weapons to improve the effectiveness of the average guardsman.

We are really excited for you to see these changes in the coming weeks, and for you to get your hands on these new tweaks and start talking about them. However, for now these alterations are still in progress, and we already have an excellent amount of feedback on these subjects from all of your e-mails and forum discussions. So, until we get these new numbers out to you, we would be interested in hearing your feedback on some other issues, such as this week’s focus:

Brotherhood in Battle



Your Comrade is your lifeline in battle, watching your back and fighting alongside you through thick and thin. During this week of the Only War Beta, we would like to take a closer look at your brothers-in-arms. Drawing on the experience you have gained with the Comrade system during the past weeks of this Beta, as well as your playtest sessions this week, please consider the following questions: In what areas of your roleplaying experience do you find Comrades add the most? Are there any areas in which you feel they fall short? Are there any Comrade advances that your squad feels are too powerful/useful, or too weak/ineffective? Do the experience costs of the Comrade advances feel accurate to their power level?
As always, remember that in addition to this week’s focus, feedback on any and all sections of the Beta is welcome, and feedback on any changes introduced in this week’s update is especially helpful.

Week Five Update (high-res pdf, 27.8 MB)
Week Five Update (low-res pdf, 2.2 MB)

Make sure to remember to download this week’s update, and check the Beta support page for all the most recent updated to the Only War Beta rules.

BrookM wrote:Not enough dosh, too many interesting releases. Any idea on when Only War may hit us?

Speaking of which, week five of the beta: http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/edge_news.asp?eidn=3457

PrimarchX wrote:New items on Tome of Fate and The Soul Reaver on FFG's site.

FFG wrote:From the Ashes of War
A Preview of The Lathe Worlds, an Upcoming Dark Heresy Supplement



“They came upon our position like a river of red; an unbroken line of armour and guns stretching across our battle lines. Without a word they opened fire, and I witnessed destruction the likes of which I had never seen. Minutes passed, and still they kept firing. With so few of us left, I knew it was the end, and at that moment, as I took one last look at the grim facades of these soldiers, I knew the Machine God was real. I threw my weapon away and awaited his judgement."
– Last recorded testament of Vasallis Noch, the Butcher of Sahcrin

The Lathe Worlds, a supplement for Dark Heresy, is coming next week! This invaluable tome reveals the secret history of the Lathe Worlds, from their mysterious founding to their current struggles against tech-heresy. What’s more, players will gain access to new Alternate Careers such as the Mech-Assassin and Agent of the Lords Dragon, and arm themselves with weapons and gifts of the Omnissiah. And in a thrilling new adventure, your team will journey to a lost comet-station, where they’ll stop renegade tech-priests from heretical experiments into the Warp!

As we prepare for its release, we’re pleased to present a word from contributing writer Matthew Eustace (H.B.M.C. on our forums):


I’ve long been fascinated with the Adeptus Mechanicus, the Imperium’s own “empire within an empire.” They always seemed like an enormous organisation that constantly sat in your peripheral vision – never front and centre, yet you always knew they were there – and when the chance to expand upon the Mechanicum’ history within the Calixis Sector came up I jumped at the chance.

Philosophical Differences

One area of The Lathes Worlds that I enjoyed writing was any place where I could take parts of Calixian history, such as the Meritech Wars or the War of Brass, and inject that history into both the new alternate careers as well as various types of weapons and equipment. Two great examples of this are the Crimson Guard and Cult of the Pure Form. These two organisations rose from the ashes of terrible wars, yet exist as polar opposites to one another – one an army of enhanced soldiers loyal to the Mechanicum, the other a group that sees the Mechanicum as a dire threat to humanity!



The Crimson Guard, also known as the Venatorii, are the elite forces of the Lathe Worlds. Unique to the Calixis Sector, their history stems from the decimation the War of Brass wrought upon the regular Skitarii forces of the Lathes. Built up whilst the regular Lathe armies recovered, the Crimson Guard have almost become a kind of Mechanicum special forces, and unlike most branches of the Adeptus Mechanicus are known to work with the Inquisition as advisors and bodyguards. The Cult of the Pure Form finds their origins in the aftermath of another horrific conflict, the Malygrisian Tech-Heresy. They view cybernetics as a blight upon humanity and something that sullies sacred flesh. Their whole existence focuses on undermining the Machine Cult and “liberating” poor souls who have found themselves “defiled” by cybernetics.

Another Mechanicum trait I like is the way forge worlds manufacture equipment that is similar in function yet has its own local spin (a Mars-Pattern Lasgun versus an Accatran-Pattern Lasgun, for example). Using the history of the Calixian forge worlds I took this idea and ran with it for many of the weapons and equipment within the Armoury. The Perinetus-Pattern Servo Harness, the Midath-Pattern Power Glove and the Het-Pattern Rapier tap into the histories of these worlds to better bring them to life, making them more than simple tools or weapons, but things that have a logical place within the larger Calixis Sector.

I’m sure Dark Heresy players will find a wealth of mechanical miracles within The Lathe Worlds’ pages. The Mechanicum has always played a large role in our campaigns, and once this book is out I’m certain that there will be Tech-Priests everywhere!

FFG wrote:Digital Daemons
The Koronus Bestiary, A Rogue Trader Supplement, Is On Sale Via Download





“They descend from the heavens like a maelstrom of destruction. Everything they seek and everything that they find lies in ruins, for they are of a lost age. Though if they do find the treasure they seek, a new Age of Strife may come upon us all."
–The Witches of Footfall, prior to the first sighting of the Rak’Gol

From the enigmatic Eldar to the ferocious Orks, alien races seek to halt Mankind’s rightful rule of the galaxy. Will you master these foul creatures and rule the void, or become another foolhardy Explorer lost to the Expanse?

The Koronus Bestiary, a supplement for Rogue Trader, is now available for sale via download through drivethrurpg.com and rpgnow.com! This detailed compendium provides invaluable information on deadly beasts, hostile xenos, unholy daemons, and other dangers that fill the uncharted regions of the Koronus Expanse.

In addition to its many adventure seeds and plot hooks, The Koronus Bestiary also features art and descriptions for a range of foes, including Shadowkith, Thornmaws, Void Krakens, and a host of others. Looking for even more vile enemies? The Xenos Generator rules allow players to create alien species as varied and dangerous as they can imagine!


Threats to the Expanse



Humanity may have settled untold worlds in the Koronus Expanse, but only the most audacious of Rogue Traders would dare claim that it asserts any true dominion over this lawless region of space. For every conquered planet there are dozens more under the control of vile aliens. Explorers operating in the Expanse are sure to encounter these threats in their journeys, either by accident or design, and must be ready lest their ship and their profits be lost.

Each of The Koronus Bestiary’s chapters concentrates on one type of threat, ranging from savage monsters to predatory alien races to the terrors that lurk beyond reality. Chapter one examines some of the more dangerous beasts found across the Expanse, while chapter two covers the major sentient xenos races in this lawless region of space (such as the devious Stryxis, brutal Orks, treacherous Eldar, ferocious Rak’Gol, and much more). Next, chapter three presents a different sort of threat: foul warp spawn that not only destroy an Explorer’s body, but rend his very soul. Finally, Game Masters can use chapter four’s xenos generator to produce unique beasts, dangerous plant life and even primitive sentient races ripe for exploitation and indoctrination.

Innumerable terrors populate the uncharted planets of the Koronus Expanse. Will you be ready for them? Learn more by reading our series of previews, then download your copy of The Koronus Bestiary at drivethrurpg.com or rpgnow.com!

FFG wrote:Only War Beta: Week Six
Updates From the Developers on the Only War Beta Test



Hello Only War Beta Testers!

Thank you for your patience as we have been working internally to address some of the larger pieces of feedback from these past few weeks. This week’s update is our biggest one yet, and it includes a bunch of new tweaks we think you are going to be very excited to see. Make sure to keep your weekly update pdf files handy as you test this week’s focus, as many of the changes have a direct impact on the balance, and we are very interested in hearing any and all feedback relating to the recent changes.

We are now entering the final stretch of the Only War Beta, and only have two more weeks left to get your feedback integrated into the product. Next week’s update will be our last one, and we will be accepting any and all feedback through August 21st. So make sure to get your reports submitted to the beta email (onlywarbeta@fantasyflightgames.com), or posted on the forums before time runs out!

War Machines of the Imperium



This week’s focus is for all the tank fans out there; we are going to be looking in depth at the Only War vehicles rules. Using all of the latest changes to vehicle weapons and armour, give your squad at least one vehicle (if they don’t already have one) and then consider the following questions as you play: How do you feel vehicles scale up against each-other? Are there certain weapons or vehicles that you find are too strong or too weak? How do you feel vehicles scale against infantry? Are there certain vehicles or weapons that are too powerful or too weak against infantry? Are there certain infantry weapons that are too powerful or too weak against vehicles? Do any of the vehicles or vehicle rules cause any conflicts with other rules your characters use or have access to?

As always, remember that in addition to this week’s focus, feedback on any and all sections of the Beta is welcome, and feedback on any changes introduced in this week’s update is especially helpful.

Week Six Update (high-res pdf, 34.9 MB)
Week Six Update (low-res pdf, 2.7 MB)

Make sure to remember to download this week’s update, and check the Beta support page for all the most recent updates to the Only War Beta rules.

FFG wrote:Mysteries of the Adeptus Mechanicus
The Lathe Worlds, a Dark Heresy Supplement, Is Now Available



“Knowledge is power, and power is dangerous.”
–Unknown

The Lathe Worlds, the latest supplement for Dark Heresy, is now on sale at your local retailer and on our webstore! This invaluable tome reveals the secret history of the Lathe Worlds, from their mysterious founding to their current struggles against tech-heresy. What’s more, players will gain access to new Alternate Careers such as the Mech-Assassin and Agent of the Lords Dragon, and arm themselves with weapons and gifts of the Omnissiah. And in a thrilling new adventure, your team will journey to a lost comet-station, where they’ll stop renegade tech-priests from heretical experiments into the Warp!


Fathom the Unfathomable

In the Imperium of Man, technology is commonplace...but it is also mysterious and unfathomable. Such knowledge is the carefully guarded domain of the Adeptus Mechanicus, and has been for thousands of years. They are the Cult of the Machine God, worshipping the Emperor as their Omnissiah, the Perfect Sum of All Knowledge. Their Explorator fleets search across the galaxy for lost knowledge from ages long past. Their mechanically augmented tech-priests on thousands of forge worlds strive to preserve what precious little data they retain. Both quests continue, though they are mere flickering candles against the oppressive darkness of stagnation and ignorance. With each century, actual understanding descends to dogma, rote instruction, and myth, as priceless knowledge is lost forever.

Within the Calixis Sector, the Adeptus Mechanicus is centered on the Lathe Worlds, and from these three planets the Mechanicum oversees its domains of forge worlds, research stations, orbitals, and even entire systems. From these worlds, precious knowledge and holy technology flow throughout the Sector, while the Cult Mechanicus carefully hoards even greater secrets for its own, inscrutable purposes.

The Lathe Worlds allows Dark Heresy players to delve deeper into the mysteries of the Adeptus Mechanicus within the Calixis Sector. The Cult of the Machine God stretches across this region and beyond, ruling each of its worlds in the name of the Omnissiah, outside the purview of the Inquisition or other Imperial agencies. The Lathes struggle to control their domains, however, and dark areas of the Sector hide countless tech-heresies and dangerous researches.


The Word of the Omnissiah



For more on The Lathe Worlds, here’s a word from its developer, Tim Huckelbery:

The Adeptus Mechanicus has always been a big part of the Warhammer 40,000 lore, and The Lathe Worlds gives us a great opportunity to explore this mysterious organization and how they operate in the Calixis Sector. I’ve always loved the insane science of the Mechanicum, and it was great to work with fellow fans to produce this book. Past Dark Heresy supplements had some fragments of their sects and forge worlds, but here we really reveal the scale and power of the Cult of the Machine God.

Players will get a host of new Mechanicum careers and armory items inside, but we’ve also included the virulently anti-tech Cult of the Pure Form for those not who do not worship the Omnissiah. The actual Lathe Worlds themselves were also great fun to create. These forge worlds, research stations, orbitals, and other domains of the Adeptus Mechanicus make for a wonderful collection of places worthy of Inquisitorial attention, especially those isolated locations engaging in forbidden research and mad science. GMs will get a host of such settings in this book, complete with NPCs and adventure seeds for their Acolytes to explore, investigate, and (if they are lucky) not end up as Servitors!

Begin your quest for knowledge in the name of the Omnissiah. Pick up your copy of The Lathe Worlds today!