WH40K Roleplaying Games - Preparatory Reading and Advice

[ffanxii4ever]

Recently, I have gotten my hands on a copy of Dark Heresy and Rogue Trader, and plan on eventually getting Deathwatch, and I'm definitely thinking about coming up with a game to run. However, I don't play the tabletop game (I don't have the money for all those minis), and so I figured that I will pick up some of the 40K novels and get some knowledge of the universe that way. Well, I have finished reading the Eisenhorn Omnibus and am currently reading the Ravenor Omnibus, and I was wondering if there were any other 40K novels that others can recommend to get into the history, feel, and mythos of the 40K universe.

Also, does anyone who has experience running any/some/all of the 40K RPGs have any advice for running one of these games?

 

[ffanxii4ever]

Really no W40K RPG players here?
Awwwww

 

[scourger]

I love the Caiphas Cain novels. He is a really different kind of 40K hero - a commissar who is really kind of vain & self-serving inside. The style of writing is just fun to read. And, that is more how I envision 40K (or at least how I would want it to be).

Unfortunately, I can't help you with running of the 40K RPGs. I have them, but I have never played - and it doesn't look like I will. If I did anything in that vein, it would be with Savage Worlds rules anyway.

 

[Arnix]

Which type of 40k are you running?

Inquisitorial?
- Inquisitor by Ian Watson
- Eisenhorn Saga by Dan Abnet (Malleus, Xenos, and Hereticus)
- Ravenor Series by Dan Abnet (post Eisenhorn)

Marines?
- Space Marine
- Angels of Darkness
- Deathwing
- Horus Rising, False Gods, and Galaxy in Flames


Imperial Guard?
- Caiphas Cain by Sandy Mitchell
- Gaunt's Ghosts