It's my impression from reading the forums that the general rules have become progressively more elegant/effective though the game's iteration (Dark Heresy - Rogue Trader - Deathwatch). Is this correct? If so, has FFG or some kind GM created a "here's what we'd change or what I house rule based on the game iterations" for Dark Heresy?

Second question - is there any advice out there for people who want to do narrative combat rather than minis? The game doesn't seem to require mini's, but it seems that people use them for every game today.

Thanks in advance.

We have been doing all the combat in DH by narrative, and resorted to using miniatures only a few times. Most of the time we draw out the area the combat is taking place in, just to get a good idea of terrain features.

Since combat is mostly based on range and line of sight it’s easy to keep track of. After rolling initiative the GM can go down the list and tell the players where the guys are that the characters are aware of, so that the players can develop a good mental picture. So, it's pretty much "Here is what you see...." information.

My advice is that the GM keep good track of what’s going on during the combat. Be ready to answer questions such as, “How far is enemy x from me?”; “Is there anyone within charge range?”; “Is my target short or point blank range?”; “How close are they to each other?”

After a while everyone develops a good mental picture of what’s going on and it becomes second nature. This is also good for combat where it would be impossible to represent it with miniatures. You can bring any thing into a fight without having to "represent" it, a picture or good verbal description will be enough.

furashgf said:

I don't know of anyone who uses minis for any of the FFG line of games.

I don't use any special rules for not using them and the game itself seems to default to the assumption that they aren't used. It's far faster that way.

Actually: I don't use the Point Blank range category, partly because of the vagueness of narrative resolution.

Thanks all. My impression from the rules that you can do it miniatureless is confirmed :-)

Only slightly true.

Psykers yes for sure have gotten better - no question. The Psychic rules in RT and DW are much better. Hopefully one day we will see DH 2nd ed.

Otherwise not too many changes combat wise. Those rules have been pretty static.

What WOULD I change if there were a second edition? Skills and Talents mostly - for example Tech Use is WIDE in scope and Silent Move very NARROW. Makes no sense. Too many talents are obvious garbage as well - True Grit for example compared to say... Disturbing Voice. Everything you pay XP for should be a net advantage.

fimarach said:

*points to some of the changes apparently being made in Black Crusade, if Broken Chains is anything to go by*