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RPG: The Dune Roleplaying Game Is Entering Beta – Sign Up Today

4 Minute Read
Jul 15 2020
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On Arrakis, you’ll need desert power–be sure you secure it by signing up for the Dune RPG beta test, currently in-progress with Modiphius. Details inside.

Get ready to roleplay inside the Imperium–no not that one, the original Imperium. Yes that’s right, you too can pledge loyalty to the Padishah Emperor, declare your House as going rogue against the Landsraad, or end up somehow turning into a Sandworm (probably? look Dune gets weird after the third book), but whatever your pleasure, the Dune RPG, currently being developed by Modiphius, is in beta testing right now, and you can sign up today. Here’s what you need to know.

via Modiphius

The beginning is a very delicate time, which is why Modiphius is developing the game with an open beta right now, and is looking for your feedback to help shape the game, though taking a look at their statement, it seems like they’ve been getting some strong opinions about their choice of system:

Welcome to the Beta Test of the Dune: Adventures in the Imperium Role-playing game. We are very glad to have you aboard and look forward to hearing what you think about every aspect of the game. This is your chance to shape the incredible universe of Dune.

As this is a beta test, it is also important to bear in mind a few other things

  • ​This is not the final version of the game. So we don’t need any feedback on spelling errors, layout design and grammar. This document is a bare draft manuscript to share the bones of the system. It will be fully edited and proofread as part of our process.
  • We are fine with the basic concept and design of the system. It is the details and how it plays we are interested in. So suggestions to use a system other than 2D20, or lose the Beliefs or Skills isn’t helpful.
  • While we have provided some examples for complications and assets etc. these lists will be expanded on in the Core Rulebook.
  • Please also remember this is a closed beta. This document is not to be shared with anyone not already involved in it at any time. Anyone found doing so will not be invited to any further playtests for the company.  Please remember this is privileged information and sharing it outside the playtest can only damage Modiphius and possibly risk the production of the game as a breach of our license.

We will be sending out Beta’s every Friday afternoon based on completing the following form.

If you’re curious about what you can find in the roleplaying game, aside from the 2d20 system, here’s a look:

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Players take on the role of an agent of one of the Great Houses. You might play a swordmaster or mentat, or be a member of loosely associated House nobles looking to make a name for yourself. If this sounds a little bit like something you might expect from the grim darkness of the far future, this is where that all comes from. The Imperial House of the Padishah Emperor will doubtless challenge even the most savvy spies though.

The team at Modiphius boasts quite a pedigree of RPG writers tackling the venerable property.

One notable team member is writer Khaldoun Khelil, an Arab-American of Palestinian descent with a background working in the oil industry, counterintelligence, and political consulting. He now works as an energy and security scholar, and has also been writing for the Vampire: The Masquerade franchise since 1999.

Another notable member of the writing team is Chris Spivey. A military veteran and an African-American author, he’s best known for Harlem Unbound, a take on H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos set in 1920s New York. The pen-and-paper RPG was nominated for the Diana Jones Award in 2018 as well as multiple ENnie Awards.

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Additional team members include game designer Nathan Dowell (Infinity, Star Trek Adventures), and writers Adam Koebel (Dungeon World), Andrew Peregrine (Doctor Who), Jason Durall (Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of, A Game of Thrones), Mari Tokuda (Homeworld: Revelations, Dishonored), Rachael Cruz (Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of, Star Trek Adventures), Jack Norris (John Carter, Marvel Heroic, Mutants & Masterminds), Banana Chan (Dads on Mowers, Terrors Below), Peter Wright (John Carter of Mars), Helena Nash (Runequest), Richard August (John Carter of Mars, Conan: Adventures in an Age Undreamed Of), Ben Woerner (7th Sea, Warhammer 40,000) and Simon Berman (Eclipse Phase, Iron Kingdoms).

Sign up for the Beta Today

Happy Adventuring!

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Author: J.R. Zambrano
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