Hi all,

Me and my party have access to several Dark Heresy books, as well as Rogue Trader and was wondering what system/setting better to use as a first timer to W40k rpg (Veteran in RPG's in general, and have some experience playing wrpf 2e)? I've looked at both (but not played them) and they seem very similar, except the setting (in one you play a lowly acolyte and the other a ship captain).

Also, maybe it's a good idea to somehow combine the two? What I mean is maybe it's a good idea to start in the acolyte setting with DH professions, but use the RT combat system cause it's more balanced or more realistic or something? Or maybe integrate some other system from the two games?

And last, are any supplement recomended esspecially that can enrich the game?

Thanks for your time guys

I'd say Dark Heresy would be easier, as it doesn't rely on you knowing all the stuff to do with the Imperium's place in the galaxy, loads of stuff about several alien races (unless you want to), and, assuming you don't start off with Ascension, you need not worry about knowing all about the Inquisition, other than "they're your bosses, and you don't want to piss them off".

Definitively DH:

As a RogueTrader, players are much freer in their pursuits and decision. Not knowing the universe (problem of player and GM alike) can be sand in the gears here.

I'd say Rogue Trader. Since it often takes place in uncharted space, the GM can essentially more often more often without worrying about whether hive-gang 23 in hive Volg is already written up to be completely different than what he thinks.

Thanks guys,

I will use DH since the players themselves said thety would prefer it to get to know the universe better.

But as far as rules and stuff, rre there any section I should import from supplements or RT (ie the battle system in RT may be more accurate, or the exp system better or something like that)?

the money / economic system if you like...

RT has a few improvements in its combat system indeed. The most important would be that you can substitute the degrees of success for any one damage die of a weapon and that it is possible to combine semi auto and full auto fire with a half action move if you forego the +10/+20 bonus granted by the fire modes.

Alright, thanks.

I will read about the economic and battle systems of the two to compare more closely.

I wouldn't recommend using the Profit Factor system, at least not unmodified. It's generally more suited to a Rogue Trader's dynasty, where the interesting question is whether you buy 100 or 1000 boltguns, not whether you can afford one.

That said, think about adding a little bonus to your characters' salary when they earn their inquisitor's trust.

Cifer said:

Wait, what? How did I miss that?

You could use the RT combat system in DH or vice versa if you felt like it. Or pick and mix between them.

As for which is better for new players, it depends on what theme of game you want to run. Dark Heresy leans towards the "grittier" side of 40k with emphasis on the dark corners of the Imperium. Rogue Trader is more epic in scope.