Hey guys (and girls?), I was wondering if there were any introduction texts to the 40k universe for newbie players? Things like what the society is like, what are it's basic laws, what the players know about the Imperium, and it's organisations etc.? I have at least two players in my group who have never played 40k or read 40k novels, so they may be a bit out of it. That sort of summary would in fact be handy for the other players as well, I imagine.

In fact, as a newbie GM, I wouldn't mind reading such a summary myself. I am currently reading several DH books, and there is a lot of stuff to remember and to assimilate, as you well know.

What the Acolytes know....It depends on how experienced the players want their Acolytes to be, I've played a Tech Priest who never left his birth settlement, knew the location of Mars and Terra, how to maintain weaponary and fix a faulty ventilation system, but had never heard of Macragge and such a thing as bad space marines. I literally stood infront of a Word Bearers marine and agreed to assassinate the planetary govenor under the marines order. Because he was so obviously a good guy

If the players want the overall feel of the 40Kverse, have them read the introduction thing. The one about the emperor sitting on the throne and the laughter of thirsting gods Also, looking at the Artwork helps.

This is what I gave to my New players when I first started...
(It comes from the 40k Novels)
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It is The 41st millennium. For more than a hundred centuries
the Emperor has sat immobile on the Golden Throne of
Earth. He is the master of mankind by the will of the gods,
And master of a million worlds by the might of his
inexhaustible armies. He is a rotting carcass writhing invisibly
with power from Dark Age of Technology. He is the
Carrion Lord of the Imperium for whom a thousand souls are
Sacrificed every day, so that he may never truly die.

Yet even in his deathless state, the Emperor continues his
eternal vigilance. Mighty battlefleets cross the daemon-infested
miasma of the warp, the only route between distant stars, their
way lit by the Astronomican, the psychic manifestation of the
Emperor’s will. Vast armies give battle in his name on
uncounted worlds. Greatest amongst His soldiers are the
Adeptus Astartes, the Space Marines, bio-engineered super-
warriors. Their comrades in arms are legion: the Imperial
Guard and countless planetary defense forces, the ever-vigilant
Inquisition and the tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus to
name only a few. But for all their multitudes, they are barely
enough to hold off the ever-present threat from aliens,
heretics, mutants – and worse.

To be a man in such times is to be one amongst untold
billions. It is to live in the cruelest and most bloody
regime imaginable. These are the tales of those times.
Forget the power of technology and science, for so much has
been forgotten, never to be re-learned. Forget the promise of
progress and understanding, for in the grim dark future
There is only war. There is no peace amongst the stars,
only an eternity of carnage and slaughter, and the
laughter of thirsting gods.

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And this I took From the Dark Heresy core book,
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Now, Shoulder your Burden for the Glory of the Emperor

Contained herein has been the merest overview of the Imperium of Man. The glory of our Emperor casts its light upon a million worlds and so the information I present here is sadly of a limited nature.

There is much more to learn about the galaxy and great deal of that will test the body, mind and soul. Peril unnumbered lie around every corner and the sights and sounds of a million cultures will attempt to confound you, but be strong and you will prevail.

In reading this you have begun to prepare yourself for the journey you must take. The enemies of the Imperium are everywhere and the long war needs new soldiers. Soldiers like you. For whatever reason, you have been selected by an Imperial operative to serve him in his travels as he seeks to bring order to the chaos of the galaxy. Serve him well and you will forever know the light of the Emperor and dwell in His favor. Survive and one day you may find yourself recruiting others as you yourself have been recruited, passing on the torch of duty and obligation to others so that more men may come to dwell in peace under the watchful eye of our undying lord.

That it is a burden not shouldered lightly is plain, but we carry the weight of the galaxy lightly upon are backs, for should we stumble, the Emperor will be at our side to steady our steps.

Now, gird yourself, take up your weapons and prepare your mind. The Emperor and mankind needs you.

And the last thing I presented them,
Was The Acolyte’s Duties found in the Dark Heresy Main book

Duties(Investigation,Purge & Special Circumstances)


I hope that helps

GLV

Thanks, I guess I will compile a summary or a referate from these and some other texts, and give that to players to read.