What's the difference between "Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay" (no edition mentioned) and "Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 2nd Edition"? And I see something on here that indicates a 3rd edition. Is the one with no edition mentioned the 1st edition (same rules as the old Games Workshop rules, but re-printed with new art?), or is that the 3rd edition?

What system are they using? The same system as the old GW rules? refined version of the GW rules? Something new? some other game company's system (d20, GURPS, d6, BasicRPG, Hero, HARP, etc.)?

And what about the two WH40k RPGs (Rogue Trader and Dark Heresy) ... are they the same system as WHFRP 1st edition? 2nd edition? 3rd edition? something different? Are RT and DH compatible with each other?

johnkzin said:

Warhammer fantasy roleplay (no edition) is the same (i.e. one and the same) as WFRP 3rd edition. I think they are probably keen to get away from the 3rd ed tag, because it is not a new edition of the 2nd edition rules (in the way that 2nd ed was a new edition of the 1st old gameworkshop rules) but a significantly different game, based in the same warhammer world.

It is a newly developed system, using dice pool mechanics and loads of other different ideas not seen in other RPGs. Some people call it unique, whereas I guess others will be calling it a freak!

The two wfrp 40k books are rule sets that are based (although again a bit different) on the wfrp 2nd edition rule set. They are supposed to be compatible with each other, although they are both complete systems in their own right.

I believe rogue trader has a section in the book on using elements of DH in a RT campagin and vice versa, but I only own DH, so cannot say for sure (our GM has RT...).

Hope this helps

DH and RT should be compatible, but the power level differs massively, so do so at your own peril.

As far as the difference between 2nd edition and 'no edition' nee 3rd edition are concerned:

WFRP 2nd edition uses a ruleset very similar to DH (because DH ripped it off), maintains a gritty feel, is a well established system with a lot of adventures, has arguably less interesting combat and is determinedly low-fantasy, and is no longer supported because FFG want people want to buy the new product.

3rd edition uses special dice rather than a d100, attempts to get a more narrative feel of gameplay, uses a lot of board-game like components, has a lot of action cards etc. It is more expensive than other roleplaying games, excepting D&D, will require more components over time and, of course, doesn't have as much material for it as 2nd edition yet. On the positive side, the cards etc are handy references and makes it easier to incorporate more careers later, and it is nowhere near as bad as D&D 4th edition (which is a tactical skirmish game, not a roleplaying game)

I can't tell you which is better as I haven't had a chance to run 3rd ed yet. It shows promise but could end up limiting imagination what with all the shiny components in front of the players. We shall see