Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook is a new tabletop roleplaying game set in the dark and dangerous universe of Warhammer 40K. Developed by Cubicle 7, this game is set in the Macharian Sector, a region of space conquered by the legendary Lord Solar Macharius. The Sector is now in turmoil, and players take on the roles of Imperial adepts and citizens recruited by powerful Patrons to undertake dangerous missions that further their own interests.
The game system is based on a refined d100 system, familiar to players of previous Warhammer 40K d100 roleplaying games and Cubicle 7's own award-winning Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition. Players must navigate the complicated web of competing factions that make up the Imperium, where a whispered accusation can be as deadly as any bolter.
The game is focused on investigation and social encounters, rather than combat, as the Imperium is a deadly place and players must tread carefully if they hope to survive. The influence the players and their Patrons have with the many factions of the Imperium will determine how their investigations proceed, where they can go, and what resources they have access to.
The Imperium Maledictum core rulebook gives players and Game Masters (GMs) everything they need to begin playing, including a guide to the Macharian Sector, Patrons to serve, and enemies to face. Future books will focus on specific factions, allowing players to take on the roles of agents in service to a powerful Inquisitor or as dedicated servants of the ecclesiarchy.
What's Inside
The Setting
Imperium Maledictum takes place in the Macharian Sector, a region far to the Galactic West of Terra within the Segmentum Pacificus. The sector was once a productive region of industrious worlds, but has since fallen to ruin during the Days of Blinding - a period of darkness unleashed across the Imperium by the opening of the Great Rift. The sector's current ruler, Sector Lord Aulus Sejanus, looks to rebuild his domain, but anarchy and sedition are widespread. Many oppose his efforts for their own purposes or look to suborn them to their own interests. Against this backdrop, players take on the role of citizens of the Imperium in service to a powerful patron.
Character Creation
The first step in playing Imperium Maledictum is to collaboratively create a Patron, a powerful individual who has gathered the players together as a team to advance their faction's goals or serve their own agenda. Patrons are usually unflinching servants of the Imperium, though their precise goals and motives may be inscrutable. The players take on the roles of agents who serve their Patron, investigating and carrying out their will throughout the Macharian Sector. Character creation involves selecting a career path and building a character based on the Warhammer 40,000 RPG ruleset.
Mechanics
The Imperium Maledictum system is a d100 based system that focuses on deep and rewarding role-playing and investigation. Skill Tests are quick and straightforward, with an intuitive percentile system that tells players not only whether they succeed or fail but also how well they succeed or how badly they fail. The system also incorporates a unique Superiority system that allows characters to prepare for conflict by scouting out their enemies' location, learning what weapons they have access to, or even incapacitating an enemy leader. Combat is deadly for the unwary, and the system encourages players to think carefully before drawing their weapons. Proper preparations can allow for swift and violent resolution of conflicts, without the need for hours of dice rolling.
Themes
The themes of Imperium Maledictum reflect the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Players take on the roles of characters who are disposable assets of their powerful Patrons, serving the interests of the Imperium at any cost. In this world, there is no justice or mercy, only survival. The characters will face moral dilemmas and must make difficult choices to achieve their goals.
In addition, the game explores the idea of power and influence. The players will have to navigate a complex web of alliances and enemies, and their actions will have consequences that ripple throughout the Macharian Sector. The use of Influence and the Superiority system give players a sense of agency in their actions, but they must use their power wisely or face dire consequences.
Who is it for?
For fans of Warhammer 40K, Maledictum offers a unique opportunity to explore the grim darkness of the 41st millennium through the lens of a roleplaying game. The setting is rich and detailed, drawing upon the extensive lore of the Warhammer 40K universe. The game allows players to take on the roles of agents of the Inquisition, hunting down heretics, mutants, and other threats to the Imperium. The game is faithful to the themes and atmosphere of Warhammer 40K, and will appeal to those who enjoy the gritty, dystopian world of the 41st millennium.
For fans of d100 systems, Maledictum offers a streamlined and easy-to-learn system that is based on the classic BRP system. The mechanics are simple and intuitive, allowing for quick and easy character creation, as well as fast-paced gameplay. The system emphasizes skill-based play, and rewards players for clever thinking and creative problem-solving.
For players who enjoy investigation and social encounters, Maledictum offers a rich and immersive experience. The game emphasizes investigation and detective work, challenging players to uncover clues and solve mysteries in order to complete their missions. The social encounter mechanics are also well-developed, allowing players to interact with a variety of NPCs in a complex and nuanced way.
Finally, for players who enjoy roleplaying in a deadly and treacherous world, Maledictum offers a setting that is unforgiving and dangerous. The game is designed to be challenging, and players must be careful and tactical in order to survive. The setting is full of hidden dangers and deadly traps, and players must use all of their wits and skills in order to overcome these obstacles.
The Final Word
If you are a fan of the Warhammer 40K universe or d100 systems, or if you enjoy investigation and social encounters in your roleplaying games, then Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook is definitely worth your time. This game offers a unique opportunity to explore the grim and dangerous world of the 41st millennium, where survival is the only goal and the price of failure is often death.
The game system is easy to learn and rewards clever thinking and creative problem-solving. The focus on investigation and social encounters encourages players to think outside the box and develop their characters in interesting and unexpected ways. The themes of power, influence, and morality will challenge players to make difficult choices and navigate a complex web of alliances and enemies.
The Imperium Maledictum core rulebook provides everything players and Game Masters need to get started, including a detailed guide to the Macharian Sector, powerful Patrons to serve, and enemies to face. The future books will offer even more opportunities to explore the Warhammer 40K universe, and to take on new roles and challenges.
Overall, if you are looking for a roleplaying game that combines deep and rewarding roleplaying with exciting investigation and social encounters, set in the dark and dangerous universe of Warhammer 40K, then Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook is definitely worth your time.
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