Warhammer Fantasy vs. 40k roleplaying

[daddystabz]

I have the new Fantasy Flight Dark Heresy Warhammer 40k roleplaying game and am reading through it presently to learn the system. I am REALLY into Warhammer and have now ordered the fantasy rpg as well so that I can play in the fantasy world and in the futuristic 40k world. However, I am wondering how similar the rules are? I am hoping there is a good amount of similarity between the two, thus saving me from having to learn two totally different rulsets.

 

[frankthedm]

I have the new Fantasy Flight Dark Heresy Warhammer 40k roleplaying game and am reading through it presently to learn the system. I am REALLY into Warhammer and have now ordered the fantasy rpg as well so that I can play in the fantasy world and in the futuristic 40k world. However, I am wondering how similar the rules are? I am hoping there is a good amount of similarity between the two, thus saving me from having to learn two totally different rulsets.

Many differences, similar rulesets. The advancement system of Dark Heresy is much more linear compared to WFRP career system. This was a big reason why it failed with my group, which loves the organic WFRP career system.

40KRP is very focused on playing the Inquisition {specifically a lackey of a high up inquisitor authority] and fighting mutants and cultists and demons. if that is your interest in 40K, you are gold. It could probably adapt well to a Necromunda role play set up as well. The Inquisition plot also requires the group to go along with "Playing the Lie" unless they GM wants to write a

Spoiler

"Get the Emperor off of the Golden Throne so he can die and be reborn to set thing right"

campaign.

 

[Gort]

Well, the rules are virtually identical, except the careers system is different and you can dodge ranged attacks now. You won't have any trouble learning one if you're familiar with the other.

 

[theodoric]

The rule sets for both the games is very similar, but there are some differences. The career system as stated above is different, in wfrp you advance from one career to another unlike dark heresy's single career path. The stat block is a bit different too, there is no perception characteristic in wfrp, and in wfrp there is an additional group of secondary characteristics. Besides that the differences are minor. Though i do think dark heresy is more complicated, but not by much.

 

[ProfessorCirno]

Dark Heresy's critical hit charts are the greatest thing ever created.

Also, I believe a Rogue Trader book is scheduled, which is awesome

Overall, the two games are similar enough to the point where, honestly, play whichever one fits the setting you want. The themes and mechanics are pretty much the same - charging in is always the worst choice, be prepared not to win, and dying is fun.

 

[Gothmog]

WH40K is the same ruleset as WHFRP2, but slightly more complex in play due to guns, automatic fire, cover, pinning, etc. But overall the two systems play very similarly. If you know one, you know about 90% of the other system. My group loves both games, and we had no problems picking up Dark Heresy after 3 years of play of WHFRP2.

 

[daddystabz]

Is the system generally simple and easy to learn?

 

[Emirikol]

I houseruled Warhammer Fantasy into D&D 4E..although the more I play 4E, the more I realize how rigid the system is and how much I'd like to get back to systems with more "freedom" and adventure intrigue. 4E is good at only one thing: combat.

WFRP on the otherhand is a lot more freeform in all regards..which doesnt' make it better, but it does allow for better play in such things as intrigue, stealth, role-playing interaction with NPC's, etc.

WFRP however suffers from the same problem as 3E: too many skills and talents.

jh

 

[theodoric]

Is the system generally simple and easy to learn?

Yes it is not a very complicated game. For that reason i chose it to run for a group of 6 people who had never played an rpg and they had no problem picking it up. They had a blast playing and i found it a breeze to run.

 

[daddystabz]

Is there an easy way to unify both systems into one, not including the career stuff?