RuneQuest

RQ · RuneQuest TTRPG · RuneQuest

RuneQuest

RuneQuest is a grounded fantasy set in Glorantha, a Bronze Age world where myths come alive and the gods respond. You play as members of clans and cults, sworn to runes that shape your magic and values. Sessions are tense and tactile, featuring spears, shields, and spirit bargains at the table. The world reacts to your choices, from feuds and omens to favours from your temple. Players appreciate its rich cultures, living myths, and the feeling that victories are earned through risk, wit, and devotion.

If you enjoy thoughtful tactics, culture-driven roleplay, and lasting consequences, this game is for you. Newcomers are welcome, and our Game Masters provide gentle guidance and keep the rules flowing. It excels in one-shots about sacred quests, raids, or political crossroads, and in campaigns that track reputation, seasons, and hero paths. Ideal for friends, birthdays, and team events that seek myth, politics, exploration, and a world that remembers.

How to play RuneQuest

You use percentile dice to test skills. Roll equal to or under your rating to succeed, with higher degrees of success beating lower ones in opposed checks. A turn is straightforward: state your action, roll, and learn the outcome. In combat, you can attack or cast spells, while opponents may parry or dodge, and then armour reduces damage to hit locations. Magic is channelled through spirit charms for quick effects and powerful rune spells that require commitment and timing.

As a player, bring a character concept linked to a culture and a cult, along with your imagination and dice. A professional Game Master provides pre-generated heroes when necessary, clear rules guidance, battle maps or tokens, and the lore of Glorantha. One-shots focus on a specific objective with quick entry points. Campaigns allow for skill growth, deeper cult connections, new magic, and lasting scars or renown. You can play at a table or online using virtual tools; see common options here.

Three friends at a D&D table taking a selfie, wearing elf ears, surrounded by character sheets and colorful dice.
Three friends at a D&D table taking a selfie, wearing elf ears, surrounded by character sheets and colorful dice.
Green ten-sided die with gold numbers 5 and 9 visible.
Green ten-sided die with gold numbers 5 and 9 visible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know about Glorantha or the rules to get started?

Not at all. You can arrive fresh to Glorantha and to RuneQuest. A professional Game Master teaches the core concepts as you progress, maintains the pace, and manages the rules overhead. You describe what your hero attempts, roll dice when prompted, and receive clear outcomes. If you prefer, you can begin with a pre-made character so you can dive straight into play. By the end of the first session, you will understand how magic and skills function at the table.

Which edition of RuneQuest will we use?

Most groups use RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha (2018). If you prefer a different style, our Game Masters can run RQ6, MRQII, or even RQ3 upon request. We confirm the edition in advance, provide suitable adventures, and manage any character conversions required. If you are looking for someone who specialises in a specific edition, browse available Game Masters and mention your preference when you get in touch.

How does RuneQuest differ from D&D?

RuneQuest is skill-based, not class-based. There are no levels. You improve by using skills and through training, not by crossing a level threshold. Armour absorbs damage, and you actively parry or dodge. Most characters utilise some magic, from quick charms to powerful temple-backed rites. The setting tone is both mythic and grounded, with social ties that matter. If you are comparing systems, you can also check our all-games overview.

How lethal is combat, and how is healing managed?

Combat can be intense. Strikes hit specific areas, and a powerful blow can incapacitate a limb. Parrying and effective armour are crucial. First Aid and healing magic can help you recover, while temples or spirits offer more comprehensive care between scenes. A skilled Game Master communicates risks, presents foes who may take prisoners or negotiate, and tailors encounters to suit your group. Strategic retreats, shields, and tactics are essential, ensuring that danger feels genuine yet balanced.

Do I need to choose a cult, and what if I'm a beginner?

In RuneQuest, your cult influences your magic, responsibilities, and allies. For one-shots, the Game Master provides cult options that suit the scenario, outlining clear advantages and disadvantages. In campaigns, you collaborate to choose based on your values and objectives. You can start as a lay member before making oaths, and switching cults is possible through the narrative, although it comes with consequences. There is no wrong choice. We assist you in finding a home that inspires you.

Is RuneQuest suitable for children or mixed groups?

Yes. The tone is adjustable. For younger players, we reduce graphic detail, simplify bookkeeping, and favour challenges that reward teamwork and curiosity. For tables with mixed experience levels, we introduce rules gradually and maintain consistent procedures so that no one feels lost. If the group prefers, we can emphasise exploration and social interactions rather than lingering injuries. You will experience a grounded, myth-rich adventure that feels safe and welcoming for everyone at the table.

What group size and session length are most effective?

RuneQuest accommodates 2 to 6 players, with 3 to 5 being the ideal number. A typical session lasts around 3 to 4 hours. Four players provide ample opportunity for investigation, magic, and a substantial fight without feeling rushed. With two players, scenarios tend to focus on stealth, diplomacy, and recruiting allies. With six players, we simplify opposed rolls and combine enemy actions to maintain a lively pace and ensure everyone stays engaged.

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Genres you can play in RuneQuest

  • Gritty

    Difficult decisions, limited resources, and lasting consequences. Imagine Game of Thrones, where trust is tenuous, debts must be repaid…

    View genre: Gritty
  • Epic

    Grand tales of world-altering stakes and legendary heroes, from the initial spark to the ultimate confrontation. Imagine the scale of The…

    View genre: Epic
  • Folklore

    Fireside stories brought to life, featuring village gossip, fey deals, river spirits, and ancient paths at twilight, reminiscent of The…

    View genre: Folklore
  • Wilderness

    Boots on the trail, maps in hand, with miles of uncharted terrain separating you from safety. Imagine the Fellowship traversing the wilds…

    View genre: Wilderness
  • Ancient

    Marble courts, desert caravan trails, and the thunder of legions. Schemes in the forum, omens in the flames, daily life under the empire…

    View genre: Ancient

What players think

  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the children and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The kids asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His attitude was fantastic, and he made the game enjoyable for all. I particularly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was required from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a wonderful time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thank you!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I arranged a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is very enthusiastic about it, and he was thoroughly pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • A very good GM, Baptiste adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. One issue was with the character sheets provided, which were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells (no healing spell) even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they'd ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach enabled the players to fully immerse themselves in the game by allowing them to control how they wanted their actions to be carried out. I would certainly work with her again.

    John

  • A pleasant and straightforward introduction to D&D. Amber was adept at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the rhythm and concentrate on the narrative. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack strategies was an enjoyable experience and provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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