Introduction to Wrath & Glory: Roleplaying in the Grimdark Future

The Warhammer 40,000 universe is vast, brutal, and filled with endless conflict. If you’ve ever wanted to step into that world and experience it firsthand, Wrath & Glory is the perfect way to do so. This roleplaying game (RPG) brings the grimdark future to life, letting players take on the roles of heroes, scoundrels, and zealots in a galaxy plagued by war, corruption, and ancient horrors. Whether you’re new to RPGs or a veteran of tabletop gaming, Wrath & Glory offers an engaging mix of tactical combat, narrative-driven storytelling, and the rich lore of the Warhammer 40,000 setting.

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Wrath & Glory is a tabletop RPG set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Unlike traditional wargames like Warhammer 40K, which focus on large-scale battles, Wrath & Glory zooms in on individual characters and their struggles within the Imperium (or beyond). Players can take on a variety of roles, from loyal Imperial citizens and Space Marines to rogue traders, psykers, or even Xenos operatives—depending on the tone of the campaign.

The game is flexible, allowing for different styles of play. You can engage in political intrigue in the halls of the Inquisition, explore ancient ruins in search of forbidden knowledge, or simply fight for survival against the horrors of the Warp.

Core Mechanics

Wrath & Glory uses a d6-based dice pool system that is designed to be fast-paced and cinematic. Here’s a breakdown of the key mechanics:

1. Dice Pool System

When a character attempts an action, they roll a number of six-sided dice (d6) based on their attributes and skills. The goal is to roll enough successes (typically a 4 or higher) to meet or exceed the required difficulty number (DN) set by the Game Master (GM).

• Icons: Rolls of 4 or 5 count as standard successes.

• Exalted Icons: Rolls of 6 count as two successes and generate bonus effects.

• Wrath Dice: One die in every roll is the special Wrath Die. Rolling a 6 on this die can trigger a narrative advantage, while rolling a 1 can cause complications.

2. Wrath, Glory, and Ruin

These three mechanics create the dynamic, cinematic moments that define Wrath & Glory.

• Wrath: Players earn Wrath points through roleplaying and dramatic actions. These can be spent to reroll failed dice, boost narrative moments, or even influence the story in meaningful ways.

• Glory: A shared resource for the party, Glory is generated by rolling Exalted Icons. It can be spent to increase damage, seize the initiative in combat, or fuel heroic moments.

• Ruin: The GM has their own pool of Ruin, which they use to complicate the players’ plans, empower enemies, or escalate conflicts.

3. Combat and Conflict

Combat in Wrath & Glory is deadly and tactical, emphasizing the sheer brutality of the 41st millennium.

• Initiative: Players can spend Glory to manipulate turn order, adding a layer of strategy.

• Weapons and Armor: The game faithfully translates 40K’s iconic weaponry, from chainswords to lasguns, with devastating critical effects.

• Perils of the Warp: Psykers wield immense power but risk disaster with every spell, possibly attracting daemonic attention.

Character Creation and Archetypes

One of the strengths of Wrath & Glory is its broad selection of playable archetypes. Instead of rigid classes, players choose a tier that determines their power level and select an archetype within that tier.

Tiers of Play:

• Tier 1: Low-level operatives like Imperial Guardsmen, mercenaries, or low-ranking Adeptus Mechanicus tech-priests.

• Tier 2: More experienced individuals, such as Inquisitorial acolytes, Rogue Trader crew members, or battle-ready Sisters of Battle.

• Tier 3: Elite warriors like Space Marines, senior Inquisitors, or high-ranking Astra Militarum officers.

• Tier 4+: Legendary figures such as Deathwatch veterans or Chaos Lords (often for high-stakes, short-term campaigns).

Each archetype provides a foundation, but players can customize their characters with unique skills, talents, and wargear to fit their playstyle.

If you’re looking for a way to experience the grimdark future of Warhammer 40K beyond just reading the lore or playing the miniatures game, Wrath & Glory is a great option. Whether you’re uncovering ancient secrets, taking on dangerous missions, or just trying to survive in a hostile galaxy, the game offers plenty of opportunities for epic storytelling and action-packed gameplay. So grab some dice, gather your warband, and dive into the 41st millennium—you might not make it out alive, but you'll have a great time trying!