Through the Breach: An Immersive RPG Set in the Dark and Dangerous World of Malifaux
Through the Breach is an exciting tabletop roleplaying game from Wyrd Games, set in the haunting world of Malifaux, where steam power meets magic, monsters, and the wild west. Players take on the role of the Fated, individuals who have glimpsed their destinies and now must navigate the challenges of Malifaux, a city filled with Gothic intrigue, dangerous factions, and hidden terrors. Destiny is woven into every Through the Breach campaign, shaping characters’ paths as they face the challenges of the unknown. With each session, players draw closer to their ultimate fates, choosing to embrace or defy them as they see fit.
Set in a parallel world connected to Earth by a portal called the Breach, Malifaux is a dark frontier where adventurers, convicts, and explorers arrive in search of opportunity and wealth, particularly in the form of Soulstones. These precious stones are the key to harnessing Malifaux’s unique magic, making them a target for the tyrannical Guild of Mercantilers, which exploits Malifaux's resources and controls the city with an iron grip. But power struggles abound in this world, with factions like the Arcanists—rebellious magic users hidden within the Miners and Steamfitters Union—fighting for magical freedom. The shadowy Resurrectionists, who manipulate necromancy to create loyal undead servants, add a chilling element to the city’s underbelly. Other factions, from the sinister Neverborn to the chaotic Bayou Gremlins, contribute to the treacherous landscape the Fated must navigate.
How Does Through the Breach Stand Out from Traditional RPGs?
Instead of dice, Through the Breach uses a unique card-based mechanic with its Fate Deck, giving players more control over their outcomes. To resolve actions, players flip a card and add their character’s skill and stat modifiers. This card-based system makes gameplay fast, exciting, and highly interactive, especially when combined with each character’s customizable ''Pursuit''—a blend of class and profession that adapts to each adventure’s challenges.
How Do Characters Evolve in Through the Breach?
Each Fated character in Through the Breach is shaped by a personal destiny established during character creation. This destiny guides their story, providing the Fatemaster with narrative hooks to create unique, immersive adventures tailored to each player. As characters progress, they gain abilities related to their current Pursuit, allowing them to adapt to different types of challenges. A character might start as an Academic and transform into a lethal Gunslinger, or shift from a Dabbler to a resilient Pioneer, growing in response to Malifaux’s constant threats.
What Are Manifested Powers, and How Do They Impact the Game?
As each Fated character draws closer to fulfilling their destiny, they begin to develop powerful Manifested Powers that reflect their unique journey. These abilities might include spectral bullets that pass through walls, a voice that lulls enemies to sleep, or the ability to raise the dead. These Manifested Powers make each Fated character distinct and allow players to tailor their abilities in ways that align with their character’s story and destiny.
With its rich narrative framework, innovative Fate Deck system, and darkly enchanting world, Through the Breach invites players to experience the mysteries and horrors of Malifaux in an unforgettable RPG experience. Whether resisting the Guild’s oppressive forces, unraveling ancient magic, or exploring the Gothic underbelly of Malifaux City, Through the Breach provides endless adventure, allowing you to shape your own path in a world full of peril, intrigue, and powerful choices.