What’s in the Box#

The starter set comes packed with quality components that justify its value. You’ll find two books: Traitor’s Hymn, which contains the adventure and condensed rules needed to play, and a lore book detailing the Varonius Flotilla that provides rich background for the Gilead system setting. The production quality from Cubicle 7 is exceptional, with beautifully designed character sheets, custom dice, and tokens for the game’s meta-currencies: Wrath, Glory, and Ruin.

The physical components are more than just window dressing – they’re functional tools that enhance gameplay. The dice are satisfying to roll, and the tokens make tracking the various currencies intuitive. Though the included handouts are somewhat dense for table use, they add flavor to the experience.

The Gilead System: A Perfect Microcosm#

One of the starter set’s greatest strengths is its setting choice. The Gilead system represents a brilliant design decision – it’s an isolated planetary system that’s large enough to showcase all major Warhammer 40K factions while remaining manageable for newcomers. Cut off from the Imperium by the Great Rift, this pocket of space provides endless adventure possibilities without requiring encyclopedic knowledge of 40K lore.

The Gilead system is cut off from the Imperium by the Great Rift. It’s big enough that there’s tons to explore and most of the major factions are represented, but it’s limited in scope in a way that’s not overwhelming

Traitor’s Hymn: A Masterclass in Adventure Design#

The included adventure, Traitor’s Hymn, demonstrates exceptional game design. Set aboard a single ship falling victim to a Nurgle cult called the Festering Abundance, the story provides both structure and freedom. The adventure begins with an elegant dinner scene that introduces characters and concepts before plunging into chaos when the ship’s Gellar Field generator fails during warp travel.

What makes this adventure particularly effective is its teaching methodology. Rather than front-loading rules explanations, the book introduces mechanics exactly when they’re needed in the narrative. This organic approach allows groups to learn by doing, with each encounter progressively introducing more complex rules and systems.

Modular Storytelling at Its Best#

The adventure’s modular design accommodates various play styles and session lengths. Game Masters can run Traitor’s Hymn as a single-session introduction or expand it across multiple sessions by incorporating optional side quests and locations. While the various ship locations can feel somewhat similar without battle maps, they provide enough variety in encounters to keep players engaged.

The sandbox nature of the middle sections allows player agency to shine. Once the initial crisis occurs, players can explore the ship and tackle problems in whatever order makes sense to them. This flexibility prevents the railroad feeling that plagues many starter adventures while still providing clear objectives and progression.

Character Concerns and Customization#

The pre-generated characters represent the starter set’s weakest element, though not due to presentation – the character sheets are stunning. The issue lies in their disparate nature. Unlike the focused frameworks suggested in the core rulebook (such as Space Marine squads or Inquisitorial agents), these characters feel disconnected from each other beyond their shared employment by a Rogue Trader.

This diversity seems intended to showcase various character types and playstyles, but it can leave groups feeling less cohesive than ideal. Fortunately, any Tier 2 characters work perfectly with the adventure, allowing groups to create more unified parties if desired.

Teaching Through Play#

The starter set excels at its primary purpose: teaching the game. Even experienced Wrath & Glory players will find the rules refreshers valuable, particularly for less common tests and situations. The adventure does occasionally fall into the published adventure trap of asking for passive perception rolls, but it generally encourages active player choices driving the narrative.

For groups interested in using miniatures, the adventure pairs well with Games Workshop’s Gellerpox Infected kill team box, which provides most needed enemy models. Player character miniatures require more creativity, but the tactical combat opportunities make the investment worthwhile for groups who enjoy that aspect.

Multiple Interpretations of Grimdark#

The material presents a specific interpretation of the Warhammer 40K universe that may differ from individual preferences. For instance, the adventure includes blessed water dispelling Nurgle corruption through the Emperor’s light – a supernatural element that some may interpret differently. The beauty of the setting lies in this flexibility; Game Masters can adjust these elements to match their table’s preferred tone and lore interpretation.

Key Takeaways#

• Exceptional Value: The starter set provides everything needed to begin playing, with high-quality components that enhance the experience • Smart Teaching Design: Rules are introduced organically through play rather than front-loaded exposition • Flexible Adventure: Traitor’s Hymn can scale from one-shot to mini-campaign based on group preferences • Accessible Setting: The Gilead system provides a perfect introduction to 40K without overwhelming newcomers • Modular Encounters: The adventure’s structure allows for customization and player agency • Production Quality: Cubicle 7’s attention to detail shines through in every component

A Worthy Investment#

Whether you’re new to Wrath & Glory or looking for a well-crafted adventure to run, this starter set delivers exceptional value. It successfully balances teaching moments with engaging gameplay, provides a contained yet flexible story, and serves as an excellent introduction to both the system and the Warhammer 40K universe.

The combination of quality components, thoughtful adventure design, and genuine utility for both new and experienced groups makes this starter set an easy recommendation. It’s rare to find a starter product that serves beginners while remaining valuable for veterans, but Wrath & Glory achieves this balance admirably.

For those ready to explore the grim darkness of the far future where there is only war, this starter set provides the perfect launch point into a universe of endless adventure possibilities.

Related Topics#

• Warhammer 40K tabletop RPG systems comparison
• Imperium Maledictum vs Wrath & Glory
• Best starter sets for tabletop RPGs
• Nurgle cult adventures and campaigns
• Rogue Trader themed campaigns
• Gilead System setting expansion books
• Converting Warhammer miniatures for RPG use
• Virtual tabletop adaptations for Wrath & Glory