Paths into Grim Darkness

A universal Warhammer 40,000 role-playing game character generator

INTRODUTION
The gala!y o" Warhammer 40,000 is rich an# ro$ust, "lourishing %ith all sorts o" e!otic an#
#angerous locales, an# teeming $illions upon $illions o" in#ivi#ual characters& 'et consi#er the options
o""ere# $y the (
st
e#ition D) core rule$oo*+ 4 )ome%orl# types, an# , classes& The e!pansion $oo*s
intro#uce a##itional options, $ut even then, these options are presente# %ithin an in"le!i$le "rame%or*, an#
ten# to $e super"icial an# $oun# $y the narro% pre-e!isting structure& -eaving asi#e the cru#e an#
ru#imentary archetypes that "orm the limit o" such a system, such a character generation metho# is neither
realistic nor is it help"ul %hen attempting to "ully #evelop a non-player character& The approach the Dar*
)eresy (
st
.#ition core employs to%ar# N/s is $asically to use D0 "iat to slap something together,
hope"ully appro!imating %hat is nee#e# 1pg& 223-2445&
In this, the #esign o" (
st
e#ition Dar* )eresy achieves the %orst o" $oth #esign %orl#s+ all o" the
rigi#ity an# limitations o" a class-$ase# system, %ith all o" the comple!ity an# learning curve o" a s*ill-
$ase# system& The most o$vious e!ample o" this is the 40 pages o" class a#vancement ta$les, $ut it runs
throughout the system in smaller an# more o$scure %ays as %ell& In spite o" this, it is a simple matter to
#evise a "le!i$le an# #eep character system that meshes seamlessly %ith those mechanics, $ecause all o" the
core system mechanics are $uilt upon a s*ill-$ase# "oun#ation&
/aths into 6rim Dar*ness is a s*ill-$ase# character creation system, #esigne# to $e compati$le
%ith all W)407 R/6s pu$lishe# an# supporte# $y 8antasy 8light 1an# 9lac* In#ustries previously5&
8amiliarity %ith Only War:s character system %ill $e necessary, as %ill a copy o" the Only War core rules
1speci"ically the Aptitu#e rules5& While this character creation system is $uilt upon that "rame%or* o" rules,
this ruleset creates an# merges a "e% ne% Aptitu#es, in or#er to amen# the immensely po%er"ul aptitu#es o"
O""ense an# 8inesse, an# improve the %ea*er ones, among other issues& To see the revise# Aptitu#es, an#
the mo#i"ie# Aptitu#e rules, s*ip ahea# to page (4 o" this #ocument&
It is natural to %on#er i" the system is classless, ho% are the archetypes constructe# an#
maintaine#; /ut simply, character creation is $ase# on a series o" prere<uisites $eing met "or one phase,
%hich unloc*s choices in the ne!t phase, an# so on& The pro#uct o" this series o" prere<uisites an# choices
is a system that ten#s to retain archetypes, #espite the "ree#om permitte# $y this character generation
metho#&
To intro#uce the $asic principle "or Aptitu#es, /rimary Aptitu#es are ac<uire# early in a
character:s li"e, an# rarely change, %hile =
n#ary
Aptitu#es are ac<uire# later, an# ten# to $e $oth gaine# an#
change# more easily& The limit on the ma!imum num$er o" =
n#ary
Aptitu#es that may $e gaine# an#
e!ercise# at any one time is $ase# on a character:s Intelligence characteristic $onus an# e#ucation&
As al%ays, the 60 is the sole "inal ar$iter o" his game, an# shoul# "eel "ree to change anything
nee#e# to ma*e this system %or* "or his campaign& This system is #esigne# %ith inherent mo#ularity to
"acilitate e!actly such home-$re%ing an# mo#i"ication, so that the system can "unction e!actly as you %ish
it to&
It $ears emphasi>ing that the more option selections you permit, the more po%er"ul the starting
characters %ill $e& That is, the num$er o" starting selections 1in a##ition to the starting ?/ allotment5
#etermine starting character po%er& 9y core rules, the starting ?/ allotment ranges "rom 200 at the lo%
en#, to (000 at the high en# 1@pace 0arines5&
8or e!ample, a $are-$ones selection %oul# permit the characters ( selection o" each o" the $ase 4
steps on the path& @uch a character %ill, virtually automatically, $e nota$ly %ea*er than a character grante#
(0 selections "rom the path 1say = 9irth, ( )ome%orl#, ( /rimary .#ucation, ( @econ#ary .#ucation, =
Occupational .!perience, ( .ye o" the Imperium, an# = Am$ition an# .!periences selections5& An# so on&
Allotting multiple selections "rom a single category can %or* "or 9irth, "or @econ#ary .#ucation,
"or Occupational .!perience, "or .ye o" the Imperium, an# Am$ition an# .!periences& A #etermine# 60
coul# no #ou$t "in# a %ay to ma*e multiple )ome%orl#s or /rimary .#ucations possi$le too&
The #e"ault characteristic generation metho# "or the most hum$le o" Imperial servants is a =#(0 A
=4, %ith one re-roll o" choice& That #e"ault is assume# in this ruleset&
THE PATHS
There are several maBor elements that are "un#amental to the creation o" a character& These
represent #i""erent perio#s o" #evelopment in a character:s li"e, as %ell as origin points, an# in#ivi#ual
e!periences& .ach o" these components ten#s to trans"er #i""erent <ualities to a character& 8or e!ample,
/rimary .#ucation typically con"ers /rimary Aptitu#es 1Aptitu#es matching characteristics5, though
/rimary Aptitu#es can $e gaine# at other points as %ell&
When consi#ere# as a %hole, each character en#s up ta*ing a uni<ue path%ay into the grim
#ar*ness o" the "ar "uture& The $asic path "ollo%s this progression+
Birth CC Homeworld CC Primary Education CC Secondary Education CC Occupational Experience
CCEye of the ImperiumCCAmbition and Experiences
1optional5 1optional5
While the #e"ault path consists o" one choice o" each, *eep in min# that multiple choices "or each
in#ivi#ual element may %or* as %ell or $etter& That option is most sensi$le "or 9irth, .ye o" the Imperium,
an# Am$ition an# .!periences, $ut can %or* %ell "or other categories too& A character 1nascent psy*er5
coul# start %ith their DnormalE @econ#ary .#ucation an# Occupational .!perience, then $e transporte# on
the 9lac* @hips, an# receive the sanctioning o" Imperial /sy*er& @uch a character %oul# receive t%o sets o"
@econ#ary .#ucation an# Occupational .!perience&
.ye o" the Imperium an# Am$ition F .!periences are optional selections, %hich each
6ame0aster may inclu#e or e!clu#e as seen "it "or the campaign& .ye o" the Imperium re"ers to %hatever
<uality the character has that $rought them to the attention o" the In<uisition, the Rogue Tra#er, the @0
hapter 0aster, or omman#er that resulte# in their selection to their special #uties& Am$ition F
.!periences is a sort o" Dcatch-allE category, that inclu#es the possi$ility o" selecting an a##itional =
n#ary

Aptitu#e, an# %ell as anything that #oes not "it into the other categories&
Core rules foundation
Path Sequence Typically on!ers "But #ay Also on!er$
9irth - Traits, @tarting 8ate
Homeworld
)ome%orl# - Traits, haracteristic 0o#i"iers, 9asic @*ills, Woun#s
Homeworld
/rimary .#ucation - /rimary Aptitu#es, 9asic @*ills -haracteristic 0o#i"iers
Starting Class (
mary

@econ#ary .#ucation - =
n#ary
Aptitu#es, 9asic @*ills -@*ills, Talents
Starting Class
Occupational .!perience - @*ills, Talents, Woun#s, /erio#ic Income, @tarting .<uipment
Starting Class, (Alternate Career Ranks)
.ye o" the Imperium - Traits, 8ate, @*ills, Talents -Any
Background Packages, Elite Advances, Lure of te !oid, etc"
Am$ition F Other .!periences - =
n#ary
Aptitu#es -Any
Alternate Career Ranks, Elite Advances
'ou, the 6ame 0aster, may #isagree %ith any or all o" the valuations an# assignations given here&
That is %hy this system is constructe# in a mo#ular manner, ena$ling you to mo#i"y, mi!, remove, or a## as
you see "it&
The %ESO&%ES
Asi#e "rom rolle# haracteristics, generating characters essentially involves assigning #i""erent
*in#s o" resources to a character& The general types o" resources are+
Traits - Typically an inherent aspect or attri$ute o" a character, %hether o" min# or
$o#y, %hich is more comple! than a simple characteristic& These innate or intrinsic aspects o" a
character are typically a result o" 9irth 1/sy*ers an# Untoucha$les5, ingraine# as a result o" some
#evelopmental perio# 1)ome%orl# Traits5, or a result o" choice 10echanicus Implants5&
haracteristic #odi!ier - Directly an# permanently mo#i"ies one o" the character:s rolle# characteristics,
usually #epen#ent on natural #evelopment, $ut sometimes arti"icial& These are typically mo#i"iers
o" AG- 2, or AG- 4, though, in some e!treme cases, it can rise to AG- (0, or higher 1see Ratlings,
Ogryns, etc5&
Primary Aptitudes - An Aptitu#e matching one o" the characteristics, in#icating an inclination or
inherent a$ility %ith that characteristic& 6enerally, these Aptitu#es #o not change a"ter character
creation, e!cept in certain ra#ical cases 1such as Warp mutation5&
Secondary Aptitudes - /artly learne#, these aptitu#es represent a much #eeper investment o" time
resources an# energy than any single s*ill or talent #oes& Instea#, a character learning a ne%
Aptitu#e is $uil#ing the groun#%or* "or #eveloping an entire s*ill-set& @ometimes, some =
n#ary

Aptitu#e are lost as others are gaine#& This represents the character neglecting certain areas in
or#er to "ocus on other areas& )o%ever, the "act that this character ha# that Aptitu#e shoul# $e
recor#e# on the character sheet& I" any character learns any =
n#ary
Aptitu#e three times, that
Aptitu#e is permanently ac<uire#, an# #oes not occupy & This represent the ol# instincts returning,
an# ha$its that never really completely "a#e# a%ay&
Skills - A learne# or traine# capa$ility, inclu#ing *no%le#ge, manual training, an# so
"orth& @ome e!amples inclu#e $rea*ing security systems, *no%le#ge o" "or$i##en lore, an#
#riving an# piloting vehicles& The e!ercise o" any such s*ills typically re<uires a test 1i&e& a roll5,
to use it success"ully, though a 60 may rule other%ise, o" course&
Talents - These are more li*e learne# a$ilities %ith a single speci"ic use or application,
rather than a s*ill than can $e use# in a variety o" %ays& 6enerally, use o" talents re<uires a
speci"ic con#ition to $e met, or a speci"ic opportunity to present itsel", or the character to possess
certain capa$ilities& 6enerally though, they are al%ays DonE, an# re<uire no test to "unction&
'ate - Whether a mani"estation o" #estiny, an e!traor#inary act o" %ill, an#Gor the
$lessing o" the .mperor, 8ate points represent intervention in the character:s actions& 8ate,
especially a high 8ate total, #istinguishes a character "rom the other teeming $illions throughout
the Imperium o" 0an&
(ounds - $asically a measure o" ho% much punishment a character can su""er, $e"ore
su""ering #e$ilitating an# lethal %oun#s& Typically #erive# "rom )ome%orl# an#Gor Occupation&

Periodic )ncome - this is generally #erive# "rom a character:s @*ills an# Talents, $ut can also
come "rom station an# "amily connections, an# is al%ays su$Bect to 60 a#Bu#ication& /ut simply,
this represents the #ay-to-#ay occupation o" a character, or revenues generate# $y estates hel#, or
enterprises 1such as a rogue tra#er may attempt5, etc& In cases %here this re"ers to income "rom a
%or*ing occupation, the pay perio# is typically one month, %hile in other cases the perio# can $e
seasonally or yearly, or, on the other han#, %ee*ly&
Ta*e note+ a sol#ier:s pay an# a sol#ier:s re<uisition are t%o entirely #i""erent things, though
particularly #evote# sol#iers %ill use their pay to e!pan# or enhance their operational
e""ectivenessH
omrades*'ollowers - #erive# "rom the Only War mechanic, this represents assistants, or#erlies,
"ollo%ers, an# other ai#es to the character& In e!treme cases 1such as a Warmaster or the captain
o" a rogue tra#er vessel5 these "ollo%ers can num$er in the thousan#s to millions&
Startin+ Equipment - sel"-e!planatoryI in the long term, this is usually the least important element o"
character generation, though in the case o" starting /o%er Armor or )eirlooms, this is less true
B)%TH
While typically only one o" these options is chosen 1i" any5, there is no game-$rea*ing reason one
coul# not select $oth Ratling an# /sy*er to apply to the same character, "or e!ample, or No$le an# /sy*er
1the $eginning o" many a %arp-%itch an# %arloc*5& Traits are ,olded&

B)%TH Options
DI@ORDANT J see pgs 44-44 o" -athe Worl#s, Denormal 'ault, Sysop 'ailure, #echanical
Disruption, DiscordiaI may never gain or select+ /sy rating, any cy$ernetics, /ure 8aith, Warp-$ase# or
psychic po%ers
)U0AN @TANDARD J the #e"ault option, no mo#i"iers
-AT).@0A@T.R J pg& 4K -athe Worl#sI A&7&A& @<uats or D%arvesI starting traits+ Genetic
Pantropy, -a,orer Build, Dark Si+htI Rugge# 6enetics a#vance ta$leI must select 8orge )ome%orl#,
an# 8orge primary .#ucation
0UTANT J Tainte# 1pg& =3 Rogue Tra#er core5
NALI6ATOR J in a##ition to the Warp .ye, navigator houses have #i""erent e""ects on Navigator
characters, #epen#ing on the speci"ics o" their house 1see RT pg& (M4-(,M5I access to No$le 1Tutelage5
e#ucation options 1see RT pg& 305, $ase /erio#ic Income starts at+ 400 ThroneGmonth, can $e 8AR higher
NO9-.9ORN J Etiquette trait, -e+acy o! (ealth, Supremely onnected, .endetta/ access to
No$le 1Tutelage5 e#ucation options an# any others o" choice, -4 W/, A4 8ello%shipI $ase /erio#ic Income+
400 ThroneGmonth 1see RT pgs& =2-=45
O6R'N J Auto0Sta,ili1ed, But )t Dark )n Dere, lumsy, Si1e 1)ul*ing5, Sturdy, &nnatural
Stren+th 23 an# &nnatural Tou+hness 23/ A(0 @trength, A(0 Toughness, -(0 Agility, -(4 IntelligenceI
@tarting Woun#s+ =4 1see pgs&
/@'7.RGW'RD J the Psyker trait, /sy Rating (
RAT-IN6 J Si1e 1Wee#y5I A(0 /erception, A(0 8ello%ship, -(0 ToughnessI @tarting Woun#s+ 3
@)O-A. /RO6.NIU0 J access to @cholae /rogenium e#ucation options
UNTOU)A9-. J also *no%n as a nullI &ntoucha,le trait, Psychic Blank, Psychic
)n4ulnera,ility, Psychic DisruptionI can never gain the 8ello%ship (
st
Aptitu#e an# starting value o" the
8ello%ship haracteristic is halve#, though ac<uiring the @ocial =
n#ary
Aptitu#e is possi$leI a##itional J(0
penalty to all 8ello%ship -$ase# Interaction tests involving a character %ith /sy RatingI may never gain
/sychic /o%ers, /ure 8aith, or Warp-$ase# talents such as @orcery
@ee .rrata section 1at en# o" #ocument5 "or a##itional notes on Untoucha$les&
HO#E(O%-DS
The possi$le )ome%orl# origins liste# here, though longer than the list in the D) or RT core, are
still cursoryI "urther su$#ivisions are possi$le, even #o%n to the level o" in#ivi#ual regions on in#ivi#ual
home%orl#s& All characters start %ith the @pea* -anguageG-inguistics 1-o% 6othic5 s*ill, 1e!cept those
originating 9eyon# the .mperor:s -ights, at 60 #iscretion5&
9eyon# the .mperor:s -ight /rimary .#ucational Options
-/lanet - Dregs, 8eral, 8eu#al, 0ilitary, No$le
-@pace @tation - Dregs, 0ilitary, No$le, Loi#
8eral
-Dea# - Imperial @tan#ar#, 8orge, Loi#
-Death - 8eral, Imperial @tan#ar#, 0ilitary, 1.cclesiarchic5
-8rontier - 8eral, 8eu#al, Imperial @tan#ar#, 1.cclesiarchic5
-War - Dregs, 8eral, Imperial @tan#ar#, 0ilitary, 18eu#al5
-8ortress - .cclesiarchic, Imperial @tan#ar#, 0ilitary, 18orge5
8orge Worl# - 8orge, Imperial @tan#ar#, Loi#
Imperial Worl#
-)ive F 0anu"actory - Dregs, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le, 1.cclesiarchic5, 18orge5
-@hrine - .cclesiarchic, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le
emetery - .cclesiarchic, Imperial @tan#ar#, 0ilitary
-Agri - 8eral, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le, 1.cclesiarchic5, 18eu#al5
-/leasure - Dregs, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le
-8eu#al - Dregs, 8eral, 8eu#al, No$le
H0ining - Dregs, 8orge, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le, Loi#
H/enal - Dregs, .cclesiarchic, Imperial @tan#ar#, 0ilitary
0in#-leanse# - Any e!cept Dregs, typically possess value# trait or s*ill
@pace 0arine hapter 8ie" - 18eral5, 18eu#al5, 18orge5, 1Imperial @tan#ar#5, 10ilitary5,
1Loi#5, 1Dregs5
Loi#-9orne
-@pace @tation - Dregs, .cclesiarchic, 8orge, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le, Loi#,
10ilitary5
-Tra#ing artel - Dregs, Imperial @tan#ar#, No$le, Loi#, 18orge5
-Imperial Navy - 0ilitary, No$le, Loi#, 1.cclesiarchic5, 18orge5
-0achine ult .!plorator - 8orge, Loi#
@election options in parentheses are su$Bect to 60 #iscretion&
Homeworld Details
/lanet 9eyon# the .mperor:s -ight,
There is, o" course, a #i>>ying array o" planets $eyon# the .mperor:s -ight, mirroring Imperial
%orl#s 1i&e& Death, )ive, War, Agri, etc5, as %ell as %orl#s o" sorts that %oul# $e unthin*a$le %ithin the
.mpire&
Outlan# @pace @tation, 9eyon# the .mperor:s -ight
8eral
-Dea#
-Death
-8rontier
-War
-8ortress
8orge Worl#
Imperial Worl#
-)ive F 0anu"actory
-@hrine
emetery
-Agri
-/leasure
-8eu#al
H0ining
H/enal
0in#-leanse#
@pace 0arine hapter 8ie"
Loi#-9orne
-@pace @tation
-Tra#ing artel
-Imperial Navy
-0achine ult .!plorator
Primary Education
#m$erial Standard J Intelligence, Willpo%er, 8ello%ship F choose one o" W@ or 9@ then any t%o
e!cept W@ or 9@
Ecclesiarcic J Toughness, Intelligence, Willpo%er, 8ello%ship F choose one o" 9allistic @*ill
an# Weapon @*ill an# then choose any one
%eral J 9allistic @*ill, Toughness, Agility, @trength, /erception F any one o" choice
%eudal J Weapon @*ill, Toughness, @trength, Agility F choose one o" /erception or 9allistic @*ill
an# then choose any one
%orge J Intelligence, Toughness, @trength, Weapon @*ill F hoose t%o o" 9allistic @*ill,
Willpo%er an# /erception, may N.L.R gain the 8ello%ship /rimary Aptitu#e
&ilitar' J Weapon @*ill, 9allistic @*ill, Toughness, @trength, Willpo%er F choose one o" Agility
or Intelligence
(o)le J 8ello%ship F choose one o" Intelligence, /erception, an# Agility an# then choose any
three
*regs 1or -o%er Dec*s5 JAgility, /erception, Toughness, 8ello%ship F choose Weapon @*ill or
9allistic @*ill an# choose any one
!oid JAgility, Intelligence, /erception F choose three o" Weapon @*ill, 9allistic @*ill, Willpo%er,
an# 8ello%ship
Secondary Education
1mostly =
n#ary
Aptitu#es, traits ,olded5
=
n#ary
Aptitu#es gaine# here are still su$Bect to the stan#ar# character ma!imum& 8or e!ample, i" a
@econ#ary .#ucation grants "our =
n#ary
Aptitu#es, $ut the character:s ma!imum is three =
n#ary
Aptitu#es, then
the character receives only three selections "rom that .#ucation&
Ade$t and Remem)rancer J 7no%le#ge, Analysis F choose any t%o 1Int F W/ re<5
Black Si$s and +erra, J Sanctioned Psyker trait, 7no%le#ge, Analysis F choose any t%o o"
8iel#cra"t, 0ar*smanship, O""ence an# @ocial 1re<& /sy rating5
Ecclesiarcic J Pure 'aith, @ocial, Analysis, 7no%le#ge F an# either 0ar*smanship or O""ence
%eral J Resolve, 8iel#cra"t
&acine Cult J #echanicus )mplants, Analysis, 7no%le#ge, 8iel#cra"t F choose De"ense or
0ar*smanship
&anufactorum - +rade J De"ense F choose three o" 7no%le#ge, Analysis, @ocial, O""ense,
Resolve
&ilitar' J hoose any three o" the "ollo%ing+ O""ence, 0ar*smanship, Resolve, De"ense, 8inesse,
an# 8iel#cra"t F choose any one
(o)le +utelage J @ocial F choose any t%o =
n#ary
Aptitu#es an# one /rimary Aptitu#e
Scolae Progenium J @ocial, 0ar*smanship F an# choose either Analysis or 7no%le#ge an# then
choose any one
Performer J @ocial, 8inesse F choose t%o o" 7no%le#ge, Resolve, O""ense an# 0ar*smanship
.nderive J @ocial, 8iel#cra"t, O""ense an# Resolve
H9lac* @hips ta*e psy*ers o" all ages, an# thus may also $e @upplemental .#ucation, rather than a
@econ#ary one
Occupational Experience
In gaining an occupation, a character simply nee#s to meet the prere<uisites, an# they may select
the occupation& Typically, a character 1especially starting characters5 %ill have only a single occupation,
though the 60 has "inal %or# o" the matter, as al%ays&
Acro,at J Re<uirements+ Agility, De"ense F 8inesse Aptitu#es
@*ills+ A%areness, Acro$atics, harm, Do#ge, /arry, /er"ormer, @leight o" )an#
Talents+ Am$i#e!trous, at"all, )ar# Target, -eap Up, Rapi# Reaction, Dea#eye @hot or @ure @tri*e
Other+ A4 Agility or Weapons*ill
Adept J Re<uirements+ Intelligence F 7no%le#ge Aptitu#es, Intelligence 9onus+ 2A

@*ills+ &-& 1A#ministratum, Imperium, an# Imperial ree# or Tech or War5, 8&-& 1A#eptus Astartes or
Archeotech or )eresy or ?enos5, -iteracy, @&-& 1Astromancy or 9ureaucracy or Occult or Tactica
Imperialis, an# -egen#5, @p& -a& 1)igh 6othic5, Tra#e 1opyist, Remem$rancer5
Talents+ -ight @leeper or Resist 1ol#5 or Unremar*a$le, /istol Weapon Training

Other+ A4 Intelligence
Assassin J Re<uirements+ 0ar*smanship F 9@ or O""ence F W@ Aptitu#es,
@*ills+ A%areness, Do#ge, /arry, @tealth, @urvival or Tech-Use, @leight o" )an#
Talents+ Dea#eye @hot or @ure @tri*e, )eightene# @enses 1)earing or @ight5, Unarme# Warrior, Weapon
training 19asic or /o%er5
Other+ A4 to W@ or 9@, matching the prere<uisite to <uali"y "or this occupationI i" $oth, choose one
Astropath J Re<uirements+ /sy Rating, @oul 9oun# to the emperor, /erception, Analysis
@*ills+ A%areness, &-& 1A& Astra Telepathica5, 8&-& 1/sy*ers5, Invocation, /syniscience, @&-& 1ryptology5
@p& -a& 1)igh 6othic5
Talents+ )eightene# @enses 1)earing5, /istol Weapon Training
Other+ A4 Willpo%er or /erception, /sy Rating =, or /sy Rating A(
Battle!ield En+inseer J Re<uirements+ #echanicus )mplants trait, 0ar*smanship F Analysis
=
n#ary
Aptitu#es
@*ills+ &-& 10achine ult, Tech5, 8&-& 1A#eptus 0echanicus, Archeotech5, Tech Use, @ecurity, @pea*
-anguage 1Techna -ingua5
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, 9inary hatter, -ogis Implant, Technical 7noc*
Other+ A4 Willpo%er or Intelligence
Beast Handler J Re<uirements+ 8iel#cra"t an# one o" Weapon @*ill or 9allistic @*ill
@*ills+ A%areness, 8&-& 1?enos5, 0e#icae, @&-& 19easts5, @crutiny, @ecurity, @urvival A(0
Talents+ om$at @ense, -ightning Re"le!es or om$at 0aster , Rapi# Reaction
Other+ A4 9allistic @*ill or /erception
Body+uard J Re<uirements+ 9allistic @*ill, /erception, 0ar*smanship F 8iel#cra"t Aptitu#es
@*ills+ A%areness, &-& 1War5, Do#ge, In<uiry, 0e#icae, Operate 1any (5, /arry, @crutiny, Tra#e
1Armourer5
Talents+ Disarm, )eightene# @enses 1@ight, Taste5, 0elee F /istol Weapon Training, @oun# onstitution
Other+ A4 /erception
Bounty Hunter J Re<uirements+ 8iel#cra"t, @ocial F 0ar*smanship or O""ense

@*ills+ A%areness, In<uiry, Interrogate, Intimi#ate, @crutiny, @pea* -anguage 1Un#er%orl#5, @tealth
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, Disarm, .!otic Weapon Training, /istol W& T&, Ta*e#o%n
Other+ A4 W@ or 9@
Bur+lar J Re<uirements+ Agility, Intelligence F 8inesse Aptitu#es, Agility 9onus+ 2A
@*ills+ A%areness, Acro$atics, Athletics, iphers 1Un#er%orl#5, ommerce, &-& 1Imperium, Tech,
Un#er%orl#5, Deceive, Do#ge, In<uiry, @tealth A(0, @ecurity A(0, Tech-Use
Talents+ 9lin# 8ighting, at"all, 8oresight, -eap Up, 0imic, Rapi# Reaction, @print, Unarme# Warrior,
Unremar*a$le
Other+ A4 Agility or Intelligence
leric J Re<uirements+ Ecclesiarc' Education 1/rimary an# @econ#ary5
@*ills+ harm, &-& 1Imperium, Imperial ree#5, 8&-& 1)eresy5, /er"orm 1@inger5, @&-& 1Imperial ree#5,
@p& -a& 1)igh 6othic5 A (0
Talents+ Air o" Authority, 9asic Weapon Training, 0elee Weapon Training, Unsha*ea$le 8aith
Other+ A4 Willpo%er or 8ello%ship, Pure 'aith trait
ommissar J Re<uirements+ @cholae /rogenium or No$le Tutelage
@*ills+ A%areness, harm, omman#, In<uiry, Interrogate, Intimi#ate, @crutiny A(0
Talents+ Air o" Authority, Disarm or Ta*e#o%n, Distur$ing Loice or Ra#iant /resence, )atre# 1riminals
or )eretics5, Inspire Wrath, Iron Discipline, -ight @leeper, /istol Weapon Training
Other+ A4 8ello%ship or Willpo%er
Duelist J Re<uirements+ W@ F Resolve or 9@ F 8inesse, Toughness or Agility
@*ills+ A%areness, Athletics, harm, Do#ge, In<uiry, /arry, Tech-Use, @pea* -anguage 1)igh 6othic5
Talents+ Am$i#e!trous, Arms 0aster, -ightning Re"le!es, 0elee or /istol Weapon Training, Nuic* Dra%,
@oun# onstitution, Weapon-Tech
Other+ A4 to Agility or Weapon @*ill or 9allistic @*ill
'or+e 'actor J Re<uirements+ Intelligence, 8ello%ship, Analysis F @ocial Aptitu#es,
#echanicus )mplants, 8orge )ome%orl#

@*ills+ 9lather, arouse, harm A(0, &-& 1A#eptus 0echanicus, Tech5, Deceive 1or Disguise5,
Diplomacy, 8& -& 1Archeotech5, In<uiry, @& -& 19ureaucracy5, @p& -a& 1Techna -ingua5, Tech Use
Talents+ 9inary hatter, .lectro-gra"t Use, /istol Weapon Training, /eer 1A#ministratum5, /eer 1any5
Trait+ 'a,ricated 'lesh 1see -athe Worl#s, pg& 435
Other+ A4 8ello%ship, A4 Intelligence, -4 Agility
Gan+er J Re<uirements+ Weapon @*ill, Toughness F O""ense Aptitu#es
@*ills+ Athletics or Deceive, 9lather or @tealth, arouse, & -& 1Un#er%orl#5, Do#ge, In<uiry, Intimi#ate,
/arry
Talents+ Dou$leteam, 0elee Weapon Training, /eer 1Un#er%orl#5, /istol Weapon Training, @treet 8ighting
Other+ A4 Weapon @*ill
Gri!ter J Re<uirements+ @ocial F 8ello%ship Aptitu#es, /rimary .#u&+ Dregs @econ#ary
.#+ Un#erhive No$le or )ome%orl# /leasureWorl#
@*ills+ harm, iphers 1Un#er%orl#5, &-& 1Imperium, Un#er%orl#5, ommerce, Deceive, 8&-& 1/irates5 or
1?enos5, In<uiry or Intimi#ate, @ecret Tongue 16utter5
Talents+ /istol W&T& 1@/5, Oa#e# , Resist 1/oison5
Other+ A4 8ello%ship or Intelligence
)mperial Psyker J Re<uirements+ /sy Rating, Imperial @anctioning, Analysis
@*ills+ A%areness, &-& 1A& Astra Telepathica5, & -& 1Imperium5, 8&-& 1/sy*ers5, Invocation, /syniscience,
@& -& 1Occult5
Talents+ 9asic or /istol Weapon Training,

Traits+ /sy Rating =, or /sy Rating A(, A= $ase /o%ers or A( /o%er o" choice

Other+ A4 Willpo%er
#erchant J Re<uirements+ /erception, Intelligence, an# 8ello%ship Aptitu#es
@*ills+ 9arter, arouse, harm, omman#, ommerce, & -& 1Imperium5, Deceive, .valuate, In<uiry,
-iteracy, @crutiny, @pea* -anguage 1)igh 6othic5, Tra#e 1choose one5 or 0e#icae or Tech-Use
Talents+ /istol Weapon Training
Other+ A4 /erception or Intelligence or 8ello%ship
#inistrorum Priest J Re<uirements+ Ecclesiarc' Education 1/rimary or @econ#ary5,
Willpo%er, 9allistic @*ill F 7no%le#ge Aptitu#es
@*ills+ harm, &-& 1Imperium, Imperial ree#, War5, 8&-& 1)eresy, ults5, /er"orm 1@inger5, @&-&
1Imperial ree#5, @p& -a& 1)igh 6othic5
Talents+ )atre# 1any =5, Unsha*ea$le 8aith, Weapon Training 19asic, hain, 8lame5
Other+ A4 8ello%ship or Intelligence
#issionary J Re<uirements+ Ecclesiarc' Education 1/rimary5, Willpo%er F
7no%le#ge Aptitu#es
@*ills+ harm, &-& 1Imperium, Imperial ree#5, 8&-& 1)eresy, ?enos5, /er"orm 1@inger5, @&-& 1Imperial
ree#5, @p& -a& 1)igh 6othic5
Talents+ Air o" Authority, 9asic Weapon Training, 0elee Weapon Training, Unsha*ea$le 8aith
Other+ A4 Willpo%er or 8ello%ship, Pure 'aith trait
5a4i+ator J Re<uirements+ Navigator 9irth, 8iel#cra"t =
n#ary
Aptitu#e
@*ills+ A%areness, & -& 1Navis No$ilite5, 8&-& 1Navigators, Warp5, Intimi#ate, -iteracy, Navigation
1@tellar, Warp5, /syniscience, @& -& 1Astromancy5, @pea* -anguage 1)igh 6othic5
Talents+ 9asic or /istol Weapon Training, Navigator
Other+ A4 /erception
Pit 'i+hter J Re<uirements+ Weapon @*ill, Toughness, @trength, Resolve F O""ense Aptitu#e
@*ills+ Athletics, A%areness, Do#ge, In<uiry, Intimi#ate, 0e#icae, /arry, @leight o" )an#
Talents+ Disarm, 9lin# 8ighting, Iron Oa%, @treet 8ighting, 0elee Weapon Training, .!otic Weapon
Training 1choose one melee5
Other+ A4 Weapon @*ill
%o+ue Trader J Re<uirements+ No$le 9irth or earne# 1in play5 %arrant o" tra#e
@*ills+ arouse, omman# A(0, ommerce, harm, & -& 1Imperium, Rogue Tra#ers5, .valuate, -iteracy,
/ilotGOperate 1Loi#shipG@pacecra"t5, @& -& 1Astromancy5, @pea* -anguage 1)igh 6othic5
Talents+ Arms 0aster, Iron Discipline, Oa#e#, /istol Weapon Training
Other+ A4 8ello%ship, Imperial Warrant o" Tra#e
Seneschal J Re<uirements+ Intelligence, /erception, 8ello%ship, 7no%le#ge F @ocial
@*ills+ 9arter, arouse, harm, omman#, ommerce, & -& 1Imperium, Un#er%orl#5, Deceive, .valuate,
8& -& 1Archeotech5, In<uiry, -iteracy, @crutiny, @ecret Tongue 1Rogue Tra#ers5, @pea* -anguage 1Tra#ers
ant5
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, /istol Weapon Training
Other+ A4 Intelligence or /erception
Soldier J Re<uirements+ 9allistic @*ill, Toughness F 0ar*smanship Aptitu#es
@*ills+ A%areness, & -& 1War, Imperium5, Do#ge, Intimi#ate, @ecret Tongue 10ilitary5, OperateGDrive
1@ur"aceG6roun# Lehicle5
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, /istol Weapon Training, @oun# onstitution, Unremar*a$le
Other+ A4 9allistic @*ill
Street 6ud+e J Re<uirements+ 9allistic @*ill, Intelligence, De"ense, 7no%le#ge, F
0ar*smanship
@*ills+ A%areness, & -& 1A#eptus Ar$ites, Imperium, Un#er%orl#5, In<uiry, -iteracy, @& -& 1Ou#gement,
Tactica Imperialis5, @crutiny
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, /istol Weapon Training, Nuic* Dra%, Rapi# Reloa#, Ta*e#o%n
Other+ A4 9allistic @*ill
.enatorius J Re<uirements+ Weapon @*ill, 9allistic @*ill, Intelligence, Analysis F
0ar*smanship, 8orge )ome%orl#
@*ills+ Common Lore (Machine Cult, Tech), Tech-Use, @ecurity
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, /istol Weapon Training, Technical 7noc*
Other+ A4 9allistic @*ill, Heart of Steel, Mechanicus Implants, Skin of Iron, see -athe
Worl#s, pg& 2K-4(
.oid Explorator 7 Re<uirements+ 0echanicus Implants,
@*ills+ A%areness, hem-Use, 8or$i##en -ore 1Archeotech, 7oronus .!panse, ?enos5, -iteracy, -ogic,
Navigation 1@tellar5, Operate 1Loi#ship5, @urvival, Tech-Use A(0
Talents+ 9inary hatter, 6un 9lessing, )eightene# @enses 1Lision5, Technical 7noc*
Other+ A4 Intelligence or Agility
.oid #aster J Re<uirements+ Loi#$orn )ome%orl# 1any5, Agility F 8iel#cra"t Aptitu#es
@*ills+ A%areness, & -& 1Imperial Navy, War5, Navigate 1@tellar5, Operate 1Loi#ship5 A(0,
@& -& 1Astromancy5, Tech-Use
Talents+ 9asic Weapon Training, 0astery 1Operate 1Loi#ship55, Nerves o" @teel, /istol Weapon Training
Other+ A4 Agility
Eye o! the )mperium
1i&e& In<uisitor, Rogue Tra#er, @0 hapter, omman#er, etc&5
@ome traits ac<uire# early in the character:s history provi#e more than a#e<uate reason to $e
selecte# "or special #uty 1such as /sy*ers, Untoucha$les, Ogryns, etc5 or privilege 1such as a No$le $orn to
a Rogue Tra#er Dynasty, or the scion o" as Navigator house5, an# these may $e all the 60 #eems necessary
"or inclusion&
)o%ever, many other character types are not so unusual& Imperial 6uar#smen, "or e!ample are
not some sort o" rarity, nor are @cum or A#epts& Thus, "or the more typically encountere# $ac*groun#s,
some sort o" reason or rationale "or inclusion in the retinue o" an In<uisitor or Rogue Tra#er can $e <uite
help"ul&
It is this purpose that the .ye o" the Imperium serves&
.ye o" the In<uisition
This generally assumes the / is $eing ma#e an In<uisitorial Acolyte, an# accor#ingly lists
$ac*groun# #etails "rom Dar* )eresy supplements&
9lighte# @cholae - Ra#ical:s )an#$oo* pg& =K, must select @cholae /rogenium e#ucation
)ive 0utant - this option assumes a use"ul or $ene"icial mutation, an# a minimum
level o" commitment to the .mperor, or )umanity, such that, at the
least, a ra#ical In<uisitor %ill tolerate them "or #uty, Ra#ical:s
)an#$oo* pg& 2(
0al"ian No$ility -must start %ith No$le $irth, 0al"i as )ome%orl#, Ra#ical:s )an#$oo*
pg& 24
/enitent - Ra#ical:s )an#$oo* pg& 2M, cost+ J =00 ?/
.!orcise# - Ra#ical:s )an#$oo* pg& M0, cost+ J 400 ?/ an# J( 8ate /oint,
@uggeste# prere<uisite+ W/&9& 2A
Denounce# an# on#emne# -@ororitas only, Ra#ical:s )an#$oo* pg& 23, cost+ J 400 ?/
Oustice, not -a% -must select leric as starting Occupational .!perience, Ra#ical:s
)an#$oo* pg& 23, cost+ J =00 ?/
Oustice, not -a% -must select Ar$itrator as starting Occupational .!perience, Ra#ical:s
)an#$oo* pg& 2M, cost+ J =00 ?/
/enal -egionnaire - must select 6uar#smanG@ol#ier as starting Occupational .!perience,
Ra#ical:s )an#$oo* pg& 43
all o" the Loi#
These $ac*groun#s generally assume the / is $ecoming part o" a Rogue Tra#er cre%, an#
accor#ingly lists $ac*groun# #etails "rom Rogue Tra#er supplements&
A 0igrating /eople -
rusa#er -"or the Throne, the .cclesiarchy, or )umanity
Dynast:s Duty -typically o" No$le $irth, $ut non-No$le characters may o%e #uty to a
#ynasty, an# may even $e elevate# to no$ility %ith success"ul service
.!ile 1riminality5 -ten# to $e No$le $irth option
1Un#er%orl# 8eu#5 -many possi$le, )ive most common home%orl#
1Re"ugee "rom calamity5 -typically War or Dea# home%orl#
18ree Thin*er5 -re"ugee "rom emetery or @hrine %orl#
@ee*er -Lision-Nuest
-o" Destiny
-o" Reno%n
Trail o" Lengeance -o"ten $ecome or are $ounty hunters an#Gor assassins
Warp .ngul"e# -survivor o" a vessel lost to the %arp, then recovere#
Am,ition and Experiences
A##itional Aptitu#e J ma*e an ne% =
n#ary
Aptitu#e @election
@upplemental .#ucation J gaining a supplemental e#ucation is a 0U) greater un#erta*ing than simply
gaining a ne% =
n#ary
Aptitu#e, an# is really <uite a$normal %ithin the ImperiumI
nascent /sy*ers %oul# $e the maBor e!ception to this&
istron J usually Tech $ac*groun#, see -athe Worl#s pg& 4=I the possi$le stories o" ho%
a istron en#e# up in the retinue o" an In<uisitor are many, "e% o" these stories
%oul# $e pre#icta$le
SEO5DA%8 APT)T&DE %&-ES
Allotment o" @econ#ary Aptitu#es
Un#er this system /rimary Aptitu#es 1those matching a haracteristic5 are ac<uire# #uring the
early #evelopmental perio# o" a character:s li"e& 6enerally, these are mostly "i!e#, $ut a "e% options allo%
a possi$le choice later 1such as No$le5&
The =
n#ary
Aptitu#es "unction #i""erently& Unli*e /rimary Aptitu#es, ne% =
n#ary
Aptitu#e s can $e
gaine#, ol# ones can $e lost, an# the net num$er o" =
n#ary
Aptitu#es possesse# may increase over time&
The "ormula "or ma!imum num$er o" =
n#ary
Aptitu#e @elections at any given time is given here+
Secondary Aptitude Selections9 Intelligence Bonus / 2 (round up) + Number of econdary Educations
The range thus generate# varies $et%een = an# 3 selections, in the most e!treme cases& @tarting
characters %ill typically have 2 =
n#ary
Aptitu#es or 1less commonly5 4&
A##itional Secondar' Education
6aining an a##itional Secondar' Education is "airly unusual %ithin the Imperium& Typically, a
character:s station is set at $irth, an# that character carries on much in the same %ay as his ancestors&
)o%ever, %hether retraining is #ictate# $y the nee#s o" the Imperium, or a""or#e# $y #int o" some
$loo#line, characters can sometimes select more than ( Secondar' Education&
Regar#less o" the num$er o" Secondar' Educations a character has gaine#, the num$er o" =
n#ary

Aptitu#e @elections possesse# at any one time cannot e!cee# the ma!imum given a$ove& The character
#oes, ho%ever, retain access to =
n#ary
Aptitu#es unloc*e# $y his Secondar' Educations 1in other %or#s, the
character may, at any time, use ?/ to Dre-purchaseE a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e previously possesse#&
0echanically, the character must give priority to the =
n#ary
Aptitu#es "rom the ne%ly complete#
Secondar' Education over the previous selections "rom the previous @econ#ary .#ucation& )o%ever, i" the
character has more =
n#ary
Aptitu#e @elections availa$le 1as calculate# a$ove5 than the minimum num$er o"
selections re<uire# "or his ne% Secondar' Education, he may choose to retain a prior, =
n#ary
Aptitu#e
@election&
-ets consi#er an e!ample character that is allotte# an a##itional @econ#ary Training selectionI he
%as "oun# to mani"est /sychic /o%er an# ta*en $y the 9lac* @hips& /rior to that, the %or*e# in his home
hive:s manu"acturing sector 10anu"actorum an# Tra#e =
n#ary
.#ucation5& )e has an Intelligence o" 23&
8irst, lets "in# his $ase ma!imum& )is 23 Int a""or#s t%o =
n#ary
Aptitu#es& )is "irst @econ#ary
.#ucation 1&anufactorum - +rade) grants him an a##itional =
n#ary
Aptitu#e& )e has a menu o" 4 choices to
select his starting three =
n#ary
Aptitu#es "rom& De"ense is re<uire#I he also selects 7no%le#ge an# Analysis&
In a##ition to these $eing his active =
n#ary
Aptitu#es "or this perio#, he also recor#s these three as =
n#ary

Aptitu#es he has gaine# once& -ater, $y the time he is ta*en $y the 9lac* @hips, he has increase# his
Intelligence to 4(, giving him an a##itional =
n#ary
Aptitu#e @election, "or %hich he chose @ocial&
)is =
n#ary
Aptitu#es stan# thus+ De"ense, 7no%le#ge, Analysis, an# @ocial
When he ac<uires the Black Si$s @econ#ary .#ucation, he also gaine# an a##itional =
n#ary

Aptitu#e selection, $ringing his total to 4& )e is re<uire# to ta*e 7no%le#ge an# Analysis, an# may choose
any t%o "rom 8iel#cra"t, 0ar*smanship, O""ence an# @ocial& 8or his choices, he ta*es 8iel#cra"t an#
0ar*smanship& 8rom his 0anu"actorum $ac*groun#, he may retain only one selectionI he opts to retain
De"ense an# lose @ocial&
)is =
n#ary
Aptitu#es no% stan# thus+ 7no%le#ge, Analysis, 8iel#cra"t, 0ar*smanship, an# De"ense
)is character sheet also in#icates he has selecte# 7no%le#ge an# Analysis t%ice, an# @ocial,
De"ense, 8iel#cra"t, an# 0ar*smanship once& I" he selects 7no%le#ge or Analysis again, %hether though a
@econ#ary .#ucation or purchase# as @upplemental e#ucation, he ac<uires that =
n#ary
Aptitu#e permanently,
an# it no longer occupies a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e selection&
Assuming he #i# ta*e 7no%le#ge again, he coul# then "ill the vacate# selection %ith either @ocial
1again5 or O""ense, though he %oul# have to pay "or the ne% Aptitu#e through @upplemental e#ucation, as
usual&
)is =
n#ary
Aptitu#es no% stan# thus+ Analysis, 8iel#cra"t, O""ense, 0ar*smanship, an# De"ense
/ermanent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e1s5+ 7no%le#ge
Overvie% o" rules "or @econ#ary .#ucation an# Aptitu#es
Access to =
n#ary
Aptitu#e s is unloc*e# $y Secondar' Education
.ach time a character gains an a##itionalGne% Secondar' Education, they also permanently gain one
a##itional =
n#ary
Aptitu#e selection
Any =
n#ary
Aptitu#e selecte# three separate times is gaine# as a permanent Aptitu#e, an# #oes not
occupy a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e selection
When a character uses @upplemental .#ucation to gain a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e, they must have gaine# access
to that Aptitu#e previously though Secondar' Education
The =
n#ary
Aptitu#es grante# $y a ne% Secondar' Education ta*e prece#ence over those "rom a previous
.#ucation
Once a character has ma#e the minimum num$er o" selections "or their current Education, they
are no longer $oun# to select those grante# $y their most recent Secondar' Education, though the character
retains access to those Aptitu#es, o" course&
Thus, i" $y increasing Intelligence, the character gains another =
n#ary
Aptitu#e selection, an# i" they
purchase the @upplemental .#ucation a#vance 1"rom Am$itions an# .!periences5, such a character coul#
then select a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e "rom an earlier e#ucation that they ha# never actually *no%n $e"ore&
This character %oul# NOT $e "orce# to select a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e "rom the list availa$le "or his most
recent Secondar' Education& As long as a character ha# access to a =
n#ary
Aptitu#e "rom any .#ucation they
ha# in the past, it can $e gaine# or regaine# $y ma*ing the appropriate purchase in Am$itions F
.!periences&
THE %EO%GA5):ED APT)T&DES
This system presente# here reorgani>es the Aptitu#es in or#er to #o a%ay %ith certain #isparities
in the Aptitu#e system o" Only War& As an e!ample, lets consi#er some =
n#ary
Aptitu#es in that system+
8iel#cra"t or 8inesse on one han#, an# Tech on the other&
Aptitu#e haracteristics @*ills Talents
8iel#cra"t ( 3 (2
8inesse = 0 =0
Tech 0 = (( 1M re<uire 0echanicus Implants5
One can #isagree over %hether 8iel#cra"t or 8inesse is more po%er"ul, $ut no-one can #isagree
that either one is LA@T-' more po%er"ul than Tech& An# the same is true "or O""ense versus -ea#ership&
These are the #isparities $et%een Aptitu#es that un#erpin this alternate system&
The =
n#ary
Aptitu#es in Only War core loo*s li*e this+
Assoc& haracteristics @*ills Talents
Ofence 2 0 17
Fieldcraft 1 6 13
Finee 2 0 20
!no"led#e 1 6 $
%efene 1 2 20
&ocial 1 $ '
()*er 1 1 6
Leaderhi+ 0 1 '
Tech 0 2 11
@umming the top 2 aptitu#es versus the $ottom 2 #emonstrates the ya%ning gul" $et%een the
relative values o" =
n#ary
Aptitu#es+
Assoc& haracteristics @*ills Talents
To+ 3 $ 6 $0
,ottom 3 1 - 26
The Aptitu#es are presente# here, reorgani>e#& Three ne% =
n#ary
Aptitu#es are intro#uce#
10ar*smanship, Resolve, an# Analysis5, sho%n here in italics& Three pre-e!isting =
n#ary
Aptitu#es are also
"ol#e# into other Aptitu#es, resulting in their #isappearance 1-ea#ership into @ocial, an# Tech an# /sy*er
into Analysis5, sho%n here $ol#e#&
The %eor+ani1ed haracteristics and Aptitudes
haracteristic Aptitu#es 1/rimary5 0atching @econ#ary Aptitu#e
.ea+on &*ill Ofence
,allitic &*ill Marksmanship (+lit from Finee)
&tren#th Resolve (+lit from Ofene)
Tou#hne %efene
/#ilit) Finee
0ntelli#ence !no"led#e
(erce+tion Fieldcraft
.ill+o"er Anal'sis 1incorporates Psyker and
Tech)
Fello"hi+ &ocial (include Leadership)
The resulting @ummary Ta$le loo*s li*e this+
Assoc& haracteristics @*ills Talents
Ofence 1 0 10
&arksmansi$ ( 0 (2HH
Resolve ( 0 3
De"ense ( = (4HH
Finee 1 0 1211
!no"led#e 1 -1 $
Fieldcraft 1 $ 13
Anal'sis ( 3 1Inclu#ing /syniscience5 =3 1(25 HHH
&ocial 1 $ 1-11
H@pecialist s*ills 1inclu#es #i""erent speciali>ations o" 8or$i##en -ore, o" @cholastic -ore, etc&5
HH@pecialist Talents 1inclu#es talent su$-speciali>ations5
HHH@pecialist Talents in this group, $ut also (2 re<uiring a trait 1/sy*er or 0echanicus Implants5 to access
Talents F @econ#ary Aptitu#es
Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ #arksmanship Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ 'inesse
Weapon Training 1any range#5 Weapon Training 1any melee5
=-Weapon Wiel#er 1Range#5 .!otic Weapon Training 1any melee5
.!otic Weapon Training 1any range#5 =-Weapon Wiel#er 1melee5
In#epen#ent Targeting Nuic*#ra%
0ar*sman @ure @tri*e
@harpshooter /recise 9lo%
Dea#eye @hot @%i"t Attac*
6unslinger rippling @tri*e
Target @election Whirl%in# o" Death
rac* @hot 9la#emaster
)ip @hoot 9la#e Dancer
.ye o" Lengeance -ightning Attac*
0ighty @hot
Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ O!!ence Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ %esol4e
rushing 9lo% )ammer 9lo%
Unarme# 0aster /reternatural @pee#
@treet 8ighting Thun#er harge
Dou$le Team 9ulging 9iceps
-asgun 9arrage 8ren>y
@torm o" Iron 9erser* harge
Unarme# Warrior
Ta*e#o%n
8urious Assault
7illing @tri*e
Talents =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ Analysis
!ills9 0e#icae, /syniscience, @ecurity, Tech-Use, -ogic F Interrogation
All 0echanicus Implants trait re<uire# /sy*er trait re<uire#
ol# )earte# 1"D5 8erric @ummons /ychic /o%er
Oa#e# 1"D5 -uminen @hoc* Warp @ense
Resist 1/sy, 8ear5HH 1"D5 0aglev Transcen#ence Warp on#uit
Nerves o" @teel 1"D5 0echa#en#rite UseHH 9astion o" Iron Will
@trong 0in#e# 1"D5 /rosanguine 8avore# o" the Warp
8earless 1"D5 -uminen 9last Warp -oc*
Unsha*ea$le 8aith 1"D5 0aster .nginseer
/aranoia 1"8c5
0aster hirurgeon 1"8c5
Orthopro!y
Technical 7noc*
Weapon Tech
Armor 0onger
1"D5 J ta*en "rom De"ense
1"8c5 J ta*en "rom 8iel#cra"t
Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ De!ense Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ 'ieldcra!t
Die )ar# 9lin# 8ighting
Disarm at"all
)eightene# @enses om$at 8ormation
Iron Oa% om$at @ense
2eitance3 )eightene# @enses
9attle Rage -ight @leeper
om$at 0aster -ightning Re"le!es
ounter Attac* Rapi# Reloa#
De"lect @hot )otshot /ilot
)ar# Target Rapi# Reaction
)ar#y Assassin @tri*e
Never Die @print
@tep Asi#e
True 6rit
Talent =
n#ary
Aptitu#e+ Social
!ills" harm, omman#, Deceive, Intimi#ate, In<uiry
Air o" Authority
Distur$ing Loice
.nemy
0imic
/eer
/olyglot
Ra#iant /resence
Unremar*a$le
)atre#
Inspire Wrath
Iron Discipline
0unitorum In"luence
Into the Oa%s o" )ell
0aster Orator
Skills -ist with %eor+ani1ed Aptitudes
5ame Primary Aptitude Secondary Aptitude Descriptors
/cro4atic /#ilit) 5eneral Mo6ement
/thletic &tren#th 5eneral Mo6ement
/"arene (erce+tion Fieldcraft 7
Charm Fello"hi+ &ocial 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
Command Fello"hi+ &ocial 0nteraction
Commerce 0ntelli#ence !no"led#e 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Common Lore3 0ntelli#ence 5eneral 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
%ecei6e Fello"hi+ &ocial 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
%od#e /#ilit) %efene Mo6ement, Com4at
For4idden Lore3 0ntelli#ence !no"led#e 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
0n8uir) Fello"hi+ &ocial 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
0nterro#ation .ill+o"er /nal)i 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
0ntimidate &tren#th &ocial 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Lin#uitic3 0ntelli#ence 5eneral 7
Lo#ic 0ntelli#ence /nal)i 0n6eti#ation
Medicae 0ntelli#ence /nal)i 7
9a6i#ate3 0ntelli#ence Fieldcraft 7
O+erate3 /#ilit) Fieldcraft 7
(arr) .ea+on &*ill %efene Com4at
()nicience (erce+tion /nal)i 7
&cholatic Lore3 0ntelli#ence !no"led#e 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
&crutin) (erce+tion 5eneral 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
&ecurit) 0ntelli#ence /nal)i 7
&lei#ht of :and /#ilit) !no"led#e 7
&tealth /#ilit) Fieldcraft Mo6ement
&ur6i6al (erce+tion Fieldcraft Craftin#, Mo6ement
Tech;<e 0ntelli#ence /nal)i Craftin#, 0n6eti#ation
Trade3 0ntelli#ence 5eneral Craftin#, 0nteraction
3 &+ecialit &*ill (thi *ill i di6ided into multi+le u4;*ill)
GA)5)5G SEO5DA%8 APT)T&DES
Within this system, the #istinction $et%een /rimary an# @econ#ary Aptitu#es $ecomes important
to the character over time& Within this ruleset, /rimary Aptitu#es are "i!e# an# may not change a"ter a
certain point in the character:s li"e& The @econ#ary haracteristics can an# #o change #uring #i""erent
perio#s o" a character:s li"e&
Skills ,y 3
ndary
Aptitude /rimary Aptitu#e
/cro4atic /#ilit) Mo6ement
General /thletic &tren#th Mo6ement
Common Lore3 0ntelli#ence 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
= Lin#uitic3 0ntelli#ence 7
&crutin) (erce+tion 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
= Trade3 0ntelli#ence Craftin#, 0nteraction
/"arene (erce+tion 7
Fieldcraft 9a6i#ate3 0ntelli#ence 7
O+erate3 /#ilit) 7
= &tealth /#ilit) Mo6ement
= &ur6i6al (erce+tion Craftin#, Mo6ement

Charm Fello"hi+ 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Social %ecei6e Fello"hi+ 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
0n8uir) Fello"hi+ 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
= 0ntimidate &tren#th 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
= Command Fello"hi+ 0nteraction
Commerce 0ntelli#ence 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Knowledge For4idden Lore3 0ntelli#ence 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
&cholatic Lore3 0ntelli#ence 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
& @leight o" )an# Agility P
Defense %od#e /#ilit) Mo6ement, Com4at
= (arr) .ea+on &*ill Com4at
Lo#ic 0ntelli#ence 0n6eti#ation
nalysis Medicae 0ntelli#ence 7
()nicience (erce+tion 7
= &ecurit) 0ntelli#ence 7
Tech;<e 0ntelli#ence Craftin#, 0n6eti#ation
0nterro#ation .ill+o"er 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Skills ,y ;
st
Aptitude @econ#ary Aptitu#e
!eapon Skill (arr) %efene Com4at

Strength /thletic 5eneral Mo6ement
= 0ntimidate &ocial 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction

/cro4atic 5eneral Mo6ement
gility O+erate3 Fieldcraft 7
&tealth Fieldcraft Mo6ement
= &lei#ht of :and !no"led#e ;
& Do#ge De"ense 0ovement, om$at

Common Lore3 5eneral 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Intelligence Lin#uitic3 5eneral 7
Trade3 5eneral Craftin#, 0nteraction
= Commerce !no"led#e 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
For4idden Lore3 !no"led#e 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
&cholatic Lore3 !no"led#e 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Lo#ic /nal)i 0n6eti#ation
= Medicae /nal)i 7
9a6i#ate3 Fieldcraft 7
&ecurit) /nal)i 7
& Tech-Use Analysis ra"ting, Investigation
&crutin) 5eneral 0n6eti#ation,
0nteraction
Perception /"arene Fieldcraft 7
&ur6i6al Fieldcraft Craftin#, Mo6ement
= ()nicience /nal)i 7

(illpower Interrogation Analysis Investigation, Interaction
Charm &ocial 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Fellowship %ecei6e &ocial 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
0n8uir) &ocial 0n6eti#ation, 0nteraction
Command &ocial 0nteraction
.rrata an# A##en#a
The Only War core rules is missing is a serious healing po%er& The natural o$Bection to this is that
an unlimite#, high-"antasy style healing po%er such as @eal Woun#s is inappropriate in the grim #ar*ness
o" the "ar "uture, an# this is a reasona$le argument& /erhaps this healing po%er is more suita$le+
%0>09? :?/L095
"alue# $00@+
Prere$uisites# .n#urance or )ealer, /sy Rating 4, Toughness 20A, 0e#icae 40A
Focus Time# Full /ction
Focus Power# %iAcult (B10) .ill+o"er Tet or Threshold# 21
%ange# Touch
Sustained# Full /ction
Su&type# Concentration
Description# Divine )ealing is a sustaine# po%er, %hich heals the target o" ( %oun# per roun# 1"or
-ight Woun#s5, ( %oun# per minute 1"or )eavy Woun#s5, an# ( %oun# per (0 minutes 1"or ritical
Woun#s5& Woun#s are heale# in or#er o" severity, starting %ith the most severe "irst& Thus, ritical
Woun#s are heale# "irst, then )eavy Woun#s, then -ight Woun#s& While a character is un#er the
ministration o" Divine )ealing, their con#ition N.L.R #eteriorates on its o%n, inclu#ing #ue to to!ins&
)o%ever, a ne% %oun# in"licte# on a character $eing heale# $y this po%er still has the normal e""ects&
Woun# lass Time per /oint A##itional osts per Woun# point heale#
- -ight ( roun#
- )eavy ( minute ( point o" Toughness characteristic
-ritical (0 minutes ( level o" 8atigue per point o" ritical DamageH
HThis 8atigue is su""ere# $y the recipient, NOT the psy*er 1unless they are the same5I this 8atigue cannot
$e remove# $y any /sy po%er& The Toughness characteristic points are lost an# recovere# normally $y the
psy*er mani"esting the po%er&
While this healing occurs, the recipient is consi#ere# @tunne#, the psy*er must $e in physical
contact %ith the recipient, an# no a##itional po%ers may $e mani"este# $y the psy*er 1though previously
sustaine# po%ers may continue to $e sustaine#5& While the psy*er maintains the po%er, the only a##itional
actions availa$le to him at all are #e"ensive reactions 1Do#ge only5, an# the psy*er may ma*e /erception
$ase# s*ill chec*s normally& These limitations are impose# $ecause re$uil#ing the tissues o" a living thing
in situ #eman#s the "ull e""ort o" the psy*er&
I" the /sy*er $rea*s o"" healing to ta*e any other action, the po%er is en#e#, an# any Toughness
characteristic points #raine# "rom another character an# hel# $y the /sy*er are also lost& There is only one
e!ception to this+ s%itching a%ay "rom Divine )ealing an# $ac* to the -eech po%er that %as use# to #rain
Toughness points& When s%itching $ac*, the /sy*er must again ma*e the -eech po%er:s mani"est chec*,
or $oth Divine )ealing an# the -eech po%er are en#e#, an# any hel# Toughness points are lost& Divine
)ealing is consi#ere# a "ull roun# action "or each roun# it is sustaine#, $oth "or the recipient an# the
/sy*er&
This healing is physically e!hausting, an# is, in part, a trans"er o" the li"e energy o" the psy*er to
the recipient& Accor#ingly, each Woun# point heale# 1other than -ight Woun#s5 temporarily #rains one
point "rom the Toughness haracteristic o" the psy*er mani"esting it, as %ell as the target o" the po%er&
These #raine# haracteristic points are recovere# normally, an# can result in a temporarily re#uce#
Toughness 9onus& I" the psy*er is using this po%er on himsel", his Toughness characteristic is only #raine#
once, NOT t%ice "or (5 using the po%er an# =5 "or $eing the target o" the po%er&
-Toughness points are #raine# $y the -i"e -eech po%er, an# can $e hel# 1Q$an*e#Q5 as long as the
-i"e -eech po%er is sustaine#Gmaintaine#& Divine )ealing may #rain these a$sor$e# Toughness points
"irst, $e"ore #raining the psy*erRs o%n Toughness haracteristic& As these Toughness points are #raine#, the
Unnatural Toughness con"erre# $y the -i"e -eech po%er is lost incrementally, as normal 1every 4 points5&
This po%er may also target natural animals 1i" a -ore 19easts5 prere<uisite is met5&
House Errata
Seal (ounds
D) (
st
ore, pg (M0 J I" @eal Woun#s is availa$le, a character may $e a recipient o" @eal Woun#s
once per #ay& A##itional applications to the same character run the same ris* as the )ealer minor /sychic
po%er 1i&e& recipient must test Toughness, or ta*es the points as #amage instea# J W/9 A #(0 #amage %ith
no re#uction "or Toughness 9onus or Armor5&
-astly, @eal Woun#s may $e use# only to heal TWO types o" #amage per application 1i&e& ritical
Woun#s an# )eavy Woun#s, )eavy Woun#s an# -ight Woun#s, or -ight Woun#s an# 8atigue5& Thus, i" a
healthy target has (0 Woun#s normally, an# has ta*en (= points o" #amage 1i&e& all "ive points o" -ight
Woun#s, all "ive points o" )eavy Woun#s, an# = points o" ritical Woun#s5, an# the psy*er rolls (( points
heale#, the target heals all o" his ritical Woun#s 1t%o points5, an# all o" his )eavy Woun#s 1"ive points5,
an# no more& The target still has "ive points o" -ight Woun#s that must $e heale# separately&
Psychic Disruption
The e""ective Untoucha$le level o" e""ect #ecrements $y ( point at a time, in ( meter ra#ius
intervals& In other %or#s, i" a character is untoucha$le 4, their #isruption e""ect e!ten#s 4 meters, an# is
level 4 %ithin ( meter, level 4 out to = meters, level 2 out to 2 meters, level = out to 4 meters, level ( out to
4 meters, an# ine""ectual $eyon# 4 meters&
Thus, "or e""ective strength or #egree o" #isruption, measure the #istance "rom the character to the
target in meters, an# su$tract that #istance "rom the $ase rating o" the Null& The result %ill $e the e""ective
#isruption level o" the Untoucha$le at that range&
As a result, the most e""ective %ay to ta*e #o%n a psy*er or Warp creature is o"ten to grapple
himGherGit& As long as the Untoucha$le:s $ase Disruption level is e<ual to or greater than the psy*er:s /sy
Rating, a maintaine#, success"ul grapple $y the Untoucha$le automatically nulli"ies all o" the psy*er:s %arp
a$ilities an# po%ers& This assumes the grappler has superior grappling s*ills an#Gor %eaponry, o" course&
.<uipment
6yro-sta$ili>e# Weapon 0ount .!os*eletal Armor
Periodic )ncome and the )mperial Guard
6enerally, %hen you are not paying a sol#ier, you are "ighting him, as the Romans learne# to their
cost& This simple "act is the reason Rome $ecame an Imperium, instea# o" remaining a repu$lic& Any
military "orce %here CaD#uardman i a "orn er6ant Dhi life i the 0m+eriumEF i
called a la6e arm)= /nd "hat do la6e armie al"a) end u+ doin#G The) end u+
rulin# the ci6iliHation that the) #uard, "ith the Mamlu* of ?#)+t and the Ianniarie
of Tur*e) a the Jrt e@am+le= /nd "hatE the ne@t te+G The) end u+ 5?TT095
(/0%, one "a) or the other= 0f not in cah, then in food, li6etoc*, +eo+le, ra" metal,
"hate6er "or*= 5i6in# ome4od) a #un and demandin# the) J#ht for )ou, then not
#i6in# them a +a)chec*, i one of the dum4et thin# )ou can do= /nd a far a thi
#oeK CDto +end in "hate6er "a) hi commander ee JtDF(Onl) .ar +#= 161),
)eah, tr) that here in realit), 4u4= .atch "hat ha++en=
In a %ar game %here the $ac*-story is a $ig, #um$ Bo*e 1complete %ith space or*s5, an# is Bust an
e!cuse to "ight, that can sli#e& In an R/6, it #oesn:t& In an R/6, it ma*es the entire game a $ig #um$ Bo*e&
This point though 1an unpai#, suici#al military "or (0,000 years5 is %here the Warhammer 407
gala!y rips right #o%n the mi##le li*e an ol# poster& The instinct to survive is the strongest "orce in the
instinct o" a living thing& .ven lemmings are literally not this stupi#& I" you treat your charactersGplayers
li*e $ots in an 8/@, #on:t $e surprise# %hen your players treat your game e!actly the same&
The closest real-%orl# e!ample to the Imperial 6uar# 1unpai#, suici#al5 %oul# $e the Isma:ili
)ashishans, e!cept the hashishans ma*e a lot more sense "or several reason+ (
st
5 They %ere 1suppose#ly5
#rugge# to the gills %ith hashish 1hence the name5, =
n#
5 I" they #i# it right, they %oul#n:t #ie at allI #eath
%as %hat happene# to those %ho "aile# an# 2
r#
5 They e""ectively still %ere Dpai#E through improve# status&
What, then, coul# e!plain or $e the source o" these %i#esprea# myths a$out the Imperial 6uar#;
@imple+ /sy-OpsI Imperial propagan#a an# #isin"ormation that is part o" the larger culture throughout the
Imperium, mani"este# in holo-vi#s an# penthri"t #rea#"uls& This serves several purposes& When heavy
losses are in"licte# on the Imperial 6uar#, this propagan#a #amages enemy morale $y lea#ing them to
$elieve they really accomplishe# nothing at all, an# even larger "orces are on the %ay& It $olsters I6 morale
$y implying that even i" they #ie the o$Bective %ill $e %on, so their sacri"ice %ill not $e a %aste& It
encourages the enemy to attempt to in"luence or su$orn 6uar#smen $ase# upon a "alse premise 1that
guar#smen have no money5&
)o% much shoul# a 6uar#sman $e pai# then; .asy, start %ith the (
st
.#& Dar* )eresy core rules,
page (=4& It starts at 40 Throne per month, an# goes up "rom there& An alternate source %oul# $e real-
%orl# pay rates, inclu#ing a#Bustments "or high-ris* an#Gor high-s*ill $illets, as a starting point&
Notes on high level play
-each character is eligi$le "or purchasing @oun# onstitution once per scenarioGchapter complete#I no
more&
-each character is eligi$le "or purchasing an A#vance "or a speci"ic haracteristic once per scenario
complete#, no more& This applies per haracteristic& Thus, a"ter completing a scenario, a character coul#
purchase 4 haracteristic a#vances, as long as each o" the 4 a#vances %ere "or 4 #i""erent haracteristics&