RuneQuest

RQ · RuneQuest TTRPG · RuneQuest

RuneQuest

RuneQuest is a grounded fantasy set in Glorantha, a Bronze Age world where myths come to life 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 teach gently and keep the rules flowing. It excels in one-shots about sacred quests, raids, or political crossroads, as well as in campaigns that track reputation, seasons, and hero paths. Perfect 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 accessed through spirit charms for quick effects and powerful rune spells that require commitment and timing.

As a player, bring a character concept tied 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 introduce 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.

Group of tabletop roleplaying players gather around a miniature-filled battle map during a game.
Group of tabletop roleplaying players gather around a miniature-filled battle map during a game.
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 Glorantha or the rules to get started?

Not at all. You can come to Glorantha and RuneQuest with no prior experience. A professional Game Master will guide you through the core concepts as you play, maintain the pace, and manage the rules. You describe what your hero attempts, roll the dice when prompted, and receive clear results. If you prefer, you can begin with a pre-made character to jump straight into the action. By the end of the first session, you'll understand how magic and skills function in the game.

Which edition of RuneQuest will we use?

Most groups use RuneQuest: Roleplaying in Glorantha (2018). If you prefer a different experience, our Game Masters can run RQ6, MRQII, or even RQ3 upon request. We confirm the edition beforehand, provide matching adventures, and manage any character conversion required. If you're looking for someone who specializes in a specific edition, check out 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 use some magic, from quick charms to powerful temple-backed rites. The setting tone leans 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 what are the healing mechanics?

Combat can be intense. Hits target specific areas, and a strong 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 that may take prisoners or negotiate, and adjusts 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 just starting out?

In RuneQuest, your cult influences magic, responsibilities, and allies. For one-shots, the Game Master provides cult options that suit the scenario, outlining clear advantages and disadvantages. For 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, though it comes with consequences. There is no wrong choice. We assist you in finding a home that inspires you.

Is RuneQuest appropriate for children or mixed groups?

Yes. The tone is adjustable. For younger players, we reduce graphic detail, simplify bookkeeping, and prioritise 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 focus more on exploration and social interactions, and less on lingering injuries. You receive 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 range. 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 keep everyone involved.

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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 showdown. Imagine the scale of The Lord…

    View genre: Epic
  • Exploration

    Set out with a map and a question. Exploration stories pursue horizons, chart ruins and wilderness, and reward curiosity, much like Indiana…

    View genre: Exploration
  • Folklore

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

    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 empire…

    View genre: Ancient

What players are saying

  • Joran had 6 kids aged 12 fully engaged for the entire four hours. Most were playing for the first time. They were actively entertained from start to finish. At no point did anyone seem bored or irritated. Joran was also perfectly prepared and had great game materials on hand.

    Haiko

  • Ruby was amazing; this was our group's first DnD experience, and she helped everyone grasp the rules and enjoy themselves.

    Adam

  • We had a fantastic time; the boys really enjoyed their campaign, and Evan was excellent. I would definitely recommend Evan. Thank you!

    Cheidhia

  • Geert was a lot of fun and very enthusiastic! We were laughing so hard we could hardly breathe :D

    Wessel

  • It was an amazing experience for the girls! Thank you, Marie! You were incredibly well prepared, the girls were captivated by your every word, and it felt like you had been playing together for years! Looking forward to seeing you next time!

    Annick

  • Tom was amazing! He was really great with the kids 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 positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I truly appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his expertise in the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared. Punctual. And had a wonderful sense of humour.

    Corey

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