FFG wrote:News for October 2010 Accept the Mission
Deathwatch is now available for sale via download
Deathwatch | Published 18 October 2010 Rating




The time has come to walk a new path and fulfill your destiny. After years of successful, unfailing service in the name of your Chapter, your Primarch, and the Emperor - your exploits and successes have revealed you to be a most worthy candidate. Now that the oath has been spoken and the ritual painting of your power armour is complete, it is time to assume the mantle of service beyond the concerns of your single Chapter, and unlike any you have ever known. Welcome to the Deathwatch!

Deathwatch, the latest roleplaying experience set in the grim darkness of the 41st millennium, is now on sale via download at drivethrurpg.com and rpgnow.com!

Deathwatch is a roleplaying game in which you and your friends take on the roles of the bio-engineered super-soldiers known as Space Marines, undertaking the most dangerous special missions in the universe. Join an elite warrior brotherhood and face hostile aliens and foul daemons in the Jericho Reach, a region of the Imperium devastated by war and on the brink of annihilation!

As a Deathwatch Space Marine you have been selected as an exceptional candidate from amongst the finest warriors alive. United in this newly forged brotherhood, all Deathwatch Space Marines must learn to put aside their differences and work together to succeed in the most extraordinary of missions — or face the threat of total annihilation when confronted by implacable alien foes.

During your missions for the Deathwatch, you and your fellow Space Marines will earn renown, advance in experience and prestige, and garner special wargear only entrusted to the the most honoured and trustworthy battle-brothers.

Head to drivethrurpg.com or rpgnow.com and download your copy today!


Deathwatch is a roleplaying game in which players take on the roles of the bio-engineered super-soldiers known as Space Marines. United with their battle-brothers, players will complete extraordinary missions involving some of the greatest heroes and deadliest opponents the Warhammer 40,000 universe has to offer.

BaronIveagh wrote:Wow, i wonder why there's suddenly rushing so many products out the door? Trying for the Xmas market?

Rogue Trader | Published 26 October 2010 Rating 13 votes
Edge of the Abyss, the exciting supplement for Rogue Trader, will be on store shelves very soon. Today, we're pleased to present a designer diary by Nathan Dowdell, one of the writers for Edge of the Abyss!

Hello Rogue Traders! I’m Nathan Dowdell.

After working on Into the Storm, it was an interesting change of pace to be working on the setting rather than the characters, looking more into the mysteries, perils and opportunities within the Koronus Expanse..

My assignment covered a large portion of the chapter on allies, adversaries, and organizations, a multi-faceted task. The range of enemies and allies that can be found in and near the Expanse is considerable, and with the unsettling Stryxis and the savage Rak’gol left firmly in the hands of others, I had a chance to work with some more familiar faces.

The Orks of Undred-Undred Teef represent a recurring threat to explorers within the Expanse, and to the Calixis Sector, with violence between rival Kaptins and Warlords growing more and more intense across barren Krakskull, smoke-wreathed Snagruz, the broken moons of Stompgit, and the iron desolation of Tusk, the four main worlds that form this Ork domain. Rising to prominence amongst these is Morgaash Kulgraz, in command of the ancient and infamous Battlekroozer “Da Wurldbreaka”, which has a long and bloody history all its own, though few Orks remember much of it. Getting the chance to revisit the Orks after presenting them as player characters in Into the Storm was very interesting. Edge focuses much more on the menacing and monstrous side of the Orks, rather than the tone of reckless enthusiasm and dark humour in the Freebooterz rules.

The Eldar have many faces within Koronus. These range from the distant and aloof denizens of Kaelor to corsairs such as the mercurial Twilight Swords, the remorseless Crow Spirits and the dread enigma of the Children of Thorns. As a long-time fan of the Eldar, to depict them was both enjoyable and challenging, attempting to keep their many and varied motives uncertain while still presenting something that can as easily be used for raids, ambushes and running battles as tense negotiations or the exploration of ancient mysteries.

The Koronus Expanse is home to many who have sold themselves to the Dark Gods, and the blighted reavers of the Saynay Clan, the hellish and haunted world of Iniquity, and the dire machinations of Karrad Vall are all touched upon in this section. A perfect foe for the pious Rogue Trader, Chaos Reavers appear a much more straightforward foe than the Eldar, but here too there are secrets within secrets. This section also covers another useful tool in the arsenal of the Ruinous Powers (or those Explorers who may not be adverse to sacrificing their soul for personal gain). Rules for Sorcery plus new malefic psychic powers help create Saynay Sorcerers as a truly deadly threat, and give any player potential access to psychic powers—so long as they’re willing to pay a very steep price.

The Imperium is no matter easily encompassed in a few thousand words. However, the book also provides a sampling of the factions and organisations interested in the Expanse. These range from the obvious, such as the Inquisition and the Explorators of the Adeptus Mechanicus, to those who might otherwise be overlooked. Explorers may be just as interested in the moneylenders of House Krin, whose wealth invests heavily in the exploits and endeavours of many a Rogue Trader, or the shadowy agents of the Kasballica Mission on Footfall whose ambitions run far beyond the Cold Trade, and the pilgrim-explorers devoted to Saint Asceline, whose thronged masses may conceal hidden dangers.

In particular, the section on the human factions interested in the Expanse provided the opportunity to expand a little further on the Endeavours system. Each of these groups has an Endeavour Component associated with it. These are thematic Components that can be inserted into any Endeavour like another Objective, bringing additional requirements that can complicate the Endeavour, but offering additional rewards as well.

I worked with fellow writer Rex Vogen on detailing the Kroot in the Expanse. This section describes some of the more notable kindreds who hunt their chosen prey across the Expanse, each choosing a different path for their evolution, and making new enemies in the process, from the Stryxis-hunting Windserpent kindred, who have gained a particular knack for negotiating a good price for their services, to the increasingly belligerent Bloodhawk kindred, whose clashes with the Rak’gol have given them a particularly vicious disposition.

More besides awaits discovery in the Expanse, from long-forgotten worlds to ancient treasures and ancient dangers, to other Rogue Traders who may become ally or rival. But you'll have to discover some secrets on your own...

Thanks Nathan! Look for Edge of the Abyss on store shelves early next week!

Greetings, Deathwatch fans!

This week, I am pleased to present Know No Fear, a free downloadable .pdf chronicling the timeline of the setting for Deathwatch, the Jericho Reach. Written by Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay veterans John French and Alan Bligh, Know No Fear takes a closer look at how the Jericho Sector fell into darkness, the arrival of the Achilus Crusade, and the presence of the Deathwatch in the region, warding against even more sinister forces.

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.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Amazon says Nov 16 for Edge of the Abyss and Dev 14 for Frozen Reaches. Jan 11 for the Emperor Protects and Blood of Martyrs. Feb 15 for The Apostasy Gambit I - Black Sepulchre. Can't find anything for Rites of Battle, sadly.

Eumerin wrote:Edge of the Abyss is out. Saw it at my FLGS on Saturday.

H.B.M.C. wrote:

Eumerin wrote:Edge of the Abyss is out. Saw it at my FLGS on Saturday.

Not officially. It hasn't even been mentioned as released on the FFG website (yet).

H.B.M.C. wrote:The amusing part is the:

"This content is completely unofficial and in no way endorsed by Games Workship Ltd."

... yet at the same time the GW Submission rules means that these things now belong to GW, and not their authors. So it's a completely unofficial product that is official owned by GW.

And I wouldn't feel too bad for the winner. The chick that one the DH scenario contest now writes for them. Competitions like this are a good way to conduct far-reaching job interviews.

H.B.M.C. wrote:And it's a rare day indeed that you get to use the word "forthwith".

And even my rampant cynicism doesn't see this as a mass grab to 'steal' IP. I think you'll find the "all your submissions are belong to us" isn't anything new. Many companies have been doing that for many years, and will continue to do so.

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!

H.B.M.C. wrote:And it's a rare day indeed that you get to use the word "forthwith".

And even my rampant cynicism doesn't see this as a mass grab to 'steal' IP. I think you'll find the "all your submissions are belong to us" isn't anything new. Many companies have been doing that for many years, and will continue to do so.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Just when you thought it had sunk to the second page!!!

Deathwatch Game Master's Kit now available for download.

Not 100% certain how useful a PDF of the screen will be (given that the main benefit of the screen is that it's a screen), but the booklet that came with the screen is awesome, and contains an extra-crispy Tau-killing adventure plus some other small helpful GM aids.

BYE

H.B.M.C. wrote:Not 100% certain how useful a PDF of the screen will be (given that the main benefit of the screen is that it's a screen), but the booklet that came with the screen is awesome, and contains an extra-crispy Tau-killing adventure plus some other small helpful GM aids.

FFG wrote: Greetings Deathwatch fans!

The time is fast approaching when the Deathwatch Core Rulebook will arrive in stores and you can finally get your hands on one of the most exciting new releases in the Warhammer 40,000 roleplay line! If you visited the Fantasy Flight Games booth at Gen Con Indy 2010, perhaps you were lucky enough to purchase a copy before we sold out.
You may have also caught a glimpse of the following mysterious arcane object safely protected in our glass display case.
Today, we are ready to reveal it to the world in all its glory and introduce the Deathwatch Collector’s Edition! Many have been desperate for details, and now we're proud to answer all your questions.

This rare, limited edition tome has to be seen in person to be believed. Since that isn’t possible we’ve prepared a short unboxing video and a website with everything you need to know.
But enough words…head over now to the Deathwatch Collector’s Edition minisite to get acquainted with one of our most remarkable releases to date, and then visit our webstore to place your preorder today. Once this signed and numbered edition sells out, it is gone forever!

We have begun accepting orders for the Deathwatch Collector's Edition, and your credit card will be charged in full at the time of purchase. Please understand that we expect to begin shipping this product 8 - 10 weeks after the release of the regular edition Deathwatch Core Rulebook, which should start shipping in the next few weeks.
A total of 500 non-personalized copies of the Deathwatch Collector's Edition are being made available exclusively to hobby game distributors. If you are a retailer, please contact your distributor for more information. If you are a distributor with questions regarding this promotion, please contact the Fantasy Flight Games sales department.
Note: Due to the nature and costs of manufacturing this product, we're unable to offer this Fantasy Flight Collector product through distribution or retail as normal. FFG is committed to supporting retailers that wish to carry this product as a service to their customers, despite the financial challenge involved. Such retailers should contact our sales department for more information.

IMPORTANT: To ensure that the Apocryphon Oath in your Collector’s Edition set is personalized to your satisfaction, follow these instructions when ordering:
1. No offensive or inappropriate names will be printed. This includes names that violate intellectual property. FFG reserves the right to change any name it deems offensive or inappropriate to a pre-selected generic name without customer consent.
2. Fill in the “Quantity” field with the number of sets you wish to purchase, then click the “Add to Cart” link.
3. Make sure that the Deathwatch Collector's Edition is the only product in your cart (other items will be delayed). Click “Secure Checkout.”
4. Either log in (if you have purchased from FFG before), or create a new account, then log in.
5. At the "Customer Information" step, verify your billing and shipping information. Click “Continue."
6. You will be brought to “Order Options”. Choose your shipping method.
7. In the “Order Comments” field, type “Apocryphon Oath:” followed by the name you wish to use, and then type "Chapter:" followed by the Space Marine Chapter of your choice.
8. If you have any other instructions, type them after the Oath Personalization text. Click “Continue.”
9. At the “Payment” screen, verify your payment information. Click “Continue.”
10. Print the “Confirmation Screen” for your records.
11. The order process is now complete.

Deathwatch Collector's Edition is a roleplaying game in which players take on the roles of the bio-engineered super-soldiers known as Space Marines. United with their battle-brothers, players will complete extraordinary missions involving some of the greatest heroes and deadliest opponents the Warhammer 40,000 universe has to offer.

H.B.M.C. wrote:Hmm...

Edge of the Abyss is listed as coming next year on Maelstrom, end of the month at Amazon, and already on sale at Leisure games.

What gives?