Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay takes you back to the Old World. Get the gang together, create your (anti)heroes, and set off to face vile corruption, scheming plotters, and terrifying creatures intent on destruction. The Old World is a grim and perilous place. Its vast mountain ranges are teeming with warlike Orcs and Goblins. The deep forests are the home of marauding Beastmen. The corrupting force of Chaos leeches into the world, the result of a tragic accident when the world was young. The insidious taint of Chaos leaves folk hideously altered, and liable to seek solace in the worship of Daemons and the Ruinous Powers of the Chaos gods. The followers of Chaos gather in the north, armies of reavers and monsters that threaten to overwhelm the world. But they also reside in secret in the towns and cities of the Old World: an enemy within plotting to overthrow civilization and establish their own regime in its place. Nations such as the Empire stand defiant against the darkness. Its people come from all walks of life, from landed aristocracy to the urban poor. Most are heedless of the true dangers that beset their world; they imagine themselves safe within city walls and merely try to make a good living for themselves. But there are those adventurous folk who, driven through desperation or ambition, seek to confront dangers and win renown.
Originally created by Dominic McDowall, Andy Law
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Reviews (8)
See what other Game Masters and players are saying about Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
RollingDeadly
New review
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay ranks as one of the top three TTRPG’s out there, full stop. With well-defined crunchy mechanics, deep lore and an unmistakable grim-dark vibe (which is a sub-set of fantasy introduced by Warhammer!), it should serve as a benchmark in quality for all other games to aspire to. Cubicle 7 has done a great job revamping the game for its 4the edition and I’m glad to say its better than ever! With their constant updates, it’s more accessible than ever, offering the deep and immersive experience any adventurer would want! Don’t let the crunch scare you off, the small learning curve to the game (arguably part of any TTRPG) is well-worth the payoff. So don’t wait, jump in the mud and blood of the Old World!
The GameBastard
Old curmudgeons like me have a soft spot in their heart for the "mud and s*#t" TTRPG known as Warhammer Fantasy Role Play 2nd Edition. It was the first game that I remember you had to worry as much about getting a staph infection as you did getting stabbed by the ratmen in the sewers that definitely don't exist. The newest version of WFRP, the 4th Edition, is a terrific successor, really mechanically sound, and slightly less brutal.
GM Bren
Ran 331 sessions
WFRP is by far my favorite games system! I have been playing WFRP since the 90s and 1st edition but am now fully invested in the new 4e. I have every 4e publication - Physical, PDF and Foundry Modules included. Not only are the books works of art in themselves, but the Foundry Modules are beautiful too and make running the game online so much more straightforward. WFRP 4e is the perfect balance of high and low fantasy and can be adapted to the tastes of the table - it can be played full gritty - dark and dirty, or very high fantasy as well if that is what you like! WFRP also has support on Discord via the Jodri Bot which allows me to run Play-by-Post games with a certain amouunt of mechanics automoation too which is great. But the best thing about WFRP, apart from the books, the tech and the bots, is the rich and detailed world in which the games is played - it really is a living, breathing world which the players are able to explore and really delve into. Every aspect of the world is alive, from the scummiest tavern, to the temples of Sigmar, to the high palaces of the super-rich, as well as the forests and mountains - there is so much lore dating back decades of real-time, that telling stories in this world is just such an immersive experience!
Mark
I played Warhammer Fantasy RP. It was gritty & dark. I liked the Fantasy aspect & it's setting had more variety. Reminded me a lot regarding the Lore setting of the Hero Quest board game system. I admit that the forces of chaos is a great adversary to go up against & sessions feel more like missions than traditional adventure games 🎮. The developers created a system that encapsulated old world Warhammer Fantasy decently & the gaming system is worth playing.
Jesse the GM
I've only GM'ed WFRP about a half dozen times, but I had an incredible session each time. The setting and the mechanics mesh perfectly to create what I describe as a "fantasy Call of Cthulu." Incredible setting, incredible adventures, the system is a tad clunky but it has incredible Foundry VTT integration so I'll give it 5 stars there. It's probably the classiest TTRPG I've ever played.
GM Khitan
The setting is great, the atmosphere is great, most of the published adventures are great, the system is definitely not. I know, it's a matter of taste, and lots of people love this game, but unfortunately it is not for me. It's very gritty and realistic, which is great, but it is unjustifiably complex in some areas, where it could be simplified. I find it also overly punishing for players. It's easy, with one failed roll, to enter into a Death Spiral, from which it becomes impossible to get out. Some conditions are so debilitating that, if hit by one, the player will just spend the rest of the fight/scene doing nothing and looking at the others, with no way get free of it. It's not well balanced in my opinion. That said, the setting is still great, so it deserves a second star because of it. But I would recommend it only to people who like really crunchy and punishing games.
How to play Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
The Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay world is more technologically advanced and grim than a lot of other fantasy settings. You can still be elves and goblins, but the lands they adventure in are being torn apart by a dark force called Chaos while the rise of firearms and merchant classes challenge the old concept of nobility. Into this uncertainty steps your character. You begin with a mundane career like smuggler or baker that represents your very humble beginnings. If your character survives further adventures, you can upgrade to grander careers and the skills they offer.
The Game Master brings your group together with the story and sets you on the path to adventure. You’re free to navigate the dangerous world as you see fit, and the GM reacts to the choices made by your party. Dice rolls decide the outcome of your more consequential actions. Spellcasters have a unique challenge in that magic stems from Chaos. There’s a risk of being corrupted or branded as a witch if magic casting goes wrong.
All in all, this is a Warhammer game so combat is a huge part of how you’ll spend your time. The battles are rather deadly, reflecting how often soldiers die in the classic Warhammer game. Characters can only sustain a few hits before they are maimed or killed. Healing magic is rare, and there’s no such thing as revival. If you’re looking for a grim, challenging game, pick up Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay.
Frequently asked questions about Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
Explore Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Classes
Academics
Learned people who use their education to make a living. Often, Academics are the only characters who can read and write. They start with low Status but can secure important positions if they advance through the ranks. Career options: Apothecary, Engineer, Lawyer, Nun, Physician, Priest, Scholar, Wizard.
Burghers
Generally law-abiding townsfolk who live and work in the many towns and cities of the Empire. Many Burghers are middle class and earn a decent living. Career options: Agitator, Artisan, Beggar, Investigator, Merchant, Rat Catcher, Townsman, Watchman.
Courtiers
Those who rule or who provide specialist services to those who rule. Even lowly born Courtiers have higher Status than most, and all have an opportunity to secure positions of significant influence. Career options: Advisor, Artist, Duelist, Envoy, Noble, Servant, Spy, Warden.
Peasants
People who live and work in the farms, villages, and countryside. Peasants are all lower class, though it’s possible to secure significant influence locally. Career options: Bailiff, Hedge Witch, Herbalist, Hunter, Miner, Mystic, Scout, Villager
Rangers
Roving folk who make a living on the open roads, travelling far beyond their home towns and villages. Most Rangers are lower class, but some can secure positions of high Status if they persevere. Career options: Bounty Hunter, Coachman, Entertainer, Flagellant, Messenger, Pedlar, Road Warden, Witch Hunter.
Riverfolk
People who live and work on the rivers and waterways that wind through the Reikland and beyond. Riverfolk all begin with low Status, but some have opportunities that can lead to a very comfortable life. Career options: Boatman, Huffer, Riverwarden, Riverwoman, Seaman, Smuggler, Stevedore, Wrecker.
Rogues
Mostly town and city folk, these people make a living by acts considered illegal, or at least unsavory, by most law-abiding citizens. Rogues are usually lower class, but some can make a lot of money, though they may not secure a high Status when doing so. Career options: Bawd, Charlatan, Fence, Grave Robber, Outlaw, Thief, Racketeer, Witch.
Warriors
Relying on their physical prowess, these people are all trained fighters, although they are not necessarily from the military. Warriors come from many backgrounds, both high and low Status, and all can carve out a position of influence if they live long enough. Career options: Cavalryman, Guard, Knight, Pit Fighter, Protagonist, Soldier, Troll Slayer, Warrior Priest.
