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, bound 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 consequences that matter, 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, 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 find out 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 pregenerated 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.

Common 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 simply state what your character 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 style, our Game Masters can run RQ6, MRQII, or even RQ3 upon request. We confirm the edition beforehand, provide suitable adventures, and manage any character conversions required. If you're looking for someone who specialises 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 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 what are the healing procedures?

Combat can be intense. Hits target specific areas, and a strong blow can incapacitate a limb. Parrying and quality 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 risk, presents foes that take prisoners or make deals, and tailors encounters to 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. 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, although it comes with consequences. There’s 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 emphasise challenges that reward teamwork and curiosity. For mixed-experience groups, we introduce rules gradually and maintain consistent procedures so 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 allows ample opportunity for investigation, magic, and a substantial fight without feeling rushed. With two players, scenarios tend to focus on stealth, diplomacy, and enlisting allies. With six players, we simplify opposed rolls and combine enemy actions to maintain a lively pace and keep everyone engaged.

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Genres you can play in RuneQuest

  • Gritty

    Difficult decisions, limited resources, and lasting consequences. Picture 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 final showdown. Imagine the scale of The Lord of…

    View genre: Epic
  • Exploration

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

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  • 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 ground, maps in hand, with miles of rugged terrain separating you from safety. Imagine the Fellowship traversing the wilds of…

    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

  • 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 fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot 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. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed for 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 fantastic 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. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about it, and he was very 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

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a 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 let the players immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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