Hi,

I really like the backdrop for the Deathwatch game but our playing group has no immediate desire to play as Space Marines. I was therefore pondering setting a Dark Heresy game in the Jericho Reach.

It occurs to me that there's all sorts of potential for adventures there, behind the front lines (or even covert missions behind enemy lines) .

Has anybody done similar?

I haven't, but it sounds like fun, especially if you prefer combat to investigation (not that there wouldn't be some of that, too...). My advice: don't underestimate the power of Orks! Just because they resemble low-level humanoids in D&D terms doesn't mean that they are an appropriate challenge for 1st level characters in this game! You might want actually to consider starting your campaign at Ascention level, if you want your party to be able to fight the main nasties of the Jericho Reach on Day One...

I'm starting the characters at DH rank 5 to give them a step up power wise (but still very much in the realms of Dark Heresy) and planning on starting the group in the calixis sector, where their first investigation will involve following a lead to "The Margin Crusade" - which will in turn wind up with them stuck on the other side of the warp gate in the Jericho Reach. I then intend to have a local inquisitor (possibly of no fixed ordo) "thansfer" (press gang) them into his service due to lack of resources etc

"Don't you realise that there's a WAR on!?!?!?"

I haven't done something similar either. However, there is plenty room for acolytes serving any of the Holy Ordos in the Jericho. Reach. The threat of the alien, heretic and daemon are all present there. Your players need not be directly engaged in heavy combat immediately. Whether investigating a heretical cult with ties that lead back to the Hadex Anomaly, countering Gue'la infil-traitors leaking vital war plans in the Greyhell front or conducting purity checks among the worlds of the Orpheus Salient there are many opportunities for Dark Heresy characters in the Jericho Reach.