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 your values. Sessions are tense and tactile, with 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 teach gently 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. 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 result. In combat, you can attack or cast spells, while opponents may parry or dodge; 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 concentrate 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.

Common questions

Do I need to know about 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 declare what your hero attempts, roll the dice when prompted, and receive straightforward results. If you wish, 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 conversion 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.

What sets RuneQuest apart 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 is the process for healing?

Combat can be intense. Strikes hit specific areas, and a strong blow can incapacitate a limb. Effective parrying and quality armour are essential. 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 enemies that might take captives or negotiate, and tailors encounters to suit your group. Strategic retreats, shields, and tactics are crucial, ensuring that danger feels genuine yet balanced.

Do I have 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 presents cult options that suit the scenario, outlining clear advantages and disadvantages. For campaigns, you decide together 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 can be adjusted. For younger players, we reduce graphic detail, simplify bookkeeping, and emphasise 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 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 range. A typical session lasts around 3 to 4 hours. Four players allows for ample opportunities 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. 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 ultimate showdown. Imagine the scale of The Lord…

    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

    With boots on the trail and maps in hand, you face miles of uncharted terrain before reaching safety. Picture the Fellowship traversing the…

    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 have to say

  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the kids and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The children 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 an excellent 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 significant portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't fully understand 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 see it 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 really 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 deep 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 a brilliant experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was really engaging. I got a game as a present for my boyfriend, who is very keen on 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 an excellent GM who adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided, as they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. 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 the game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another session with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players fully 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 nice and clear first experience with D&D. Amber was able to explain and guide the game effectively, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack routes was an enjoyable activity and provided great 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.

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