Review: Warhammer--Power Behind the Throne (Ep

Professor DungeonMaster reviews what may be the best RP/Political Intrigue scenario of all time-- Power Behind the Throne for Warhammer Fantasy Role-play system. Even if you DON'T play Warhammer, this innovative scenario by Cubicle Seven is a textbook on how to design mysteries and political intrigue.
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[@carpma11]

I aspire to have a group someday with the kind of mental bandwidth required for a kickass political intrigue game. Mine now are a little too stabby.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Lol. I literally laughed out loud reading this.

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

Political intrigue has a lot to do with stabbing.

[@midshipman8654]

@@plaidpvcpipe3792 yes, but its very precise and targeted stabbing.

[@Barquevious_Jackson]

I'll never forget playing this in DEATHBRINGER. Our characters eventually orchestrated a false flag attack on the graft's palace and framed it on the chaos cults, the only surviving nobles was the graft and his daughter who is now in love with the only player that wasn't involved in the counter-conspiracy. It took all our luck dice, but we did it.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Cool!

[@QuestFriend]

This would be great as a LARP with people playing as all those great npcs.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

YES!

[@irsichzobor1594]

I played then try to GM the 1st edition of the "power behind the throne" in the beginning of the 90's. I think to used the whole module at it's best potential the GM should interwine the plot in a full campaign based in Middenheim and made the carnival the pinnacle of the final act. It would give more time and opportunities for the player to be involved with NPC and may be even sew them to the city elite.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Cool idea.

[@jonasang9676]

In the middle of Death on the Reik now. My players have just arrived in Grissenwald. Last time i GMd it was 88 or 89. Love the new WFRP edition.

[@gommechops]

That looks terrifying to run. Sounds like the key for the GM getting the feel for the scenario also hinges on understanding Petra's role and maybe working outwards from her. Getting a feel then for what all the other NPC's are and how they should work within that very complex and intriguing seeming plot. I say this as someone who played this as a player years ago and I have the vague memory of us scratching our heads a lot but then there was a eureka moment. After having run back and forth, back and forth round different npcs at different events we twigged it was Petra we needed to talk to and I can't for the life of me remember what lead to that. I would love to play this again as a player but I think I know way too much, even with the blur that time puts on the memory of specifics. Might well try and run it though at some point when I am feeling brave. Oh and the book looks gorgeous, even though I'm not a huge fan of the off white pages C7 have opted for in their WFRP stuff and I don't know what about that puts me off, but even despite that it looks utterly gorgeous. One thing that stuck out though was the handout you mention, it doesn't look like an in-game handout, which is really odd considering the amazing quality of everything else.

[@joshuaclabeaux1470]

I actually wrote a political intrigue adventure as part of a module in Kozakura (in the Forgotten Realms) one time and my players said it was a masterpiece! It's called "The Daimyo's Banquet". This king in Kozakura hosts a feast in order to lure out one of his political rivals who plans to have him assassinated; his spy network has intercepted some messages that an assassin will be present at the feast, but they don't know who; it's the PC's job to find the assassin and make sure nobody gets killed. There are lots of encounters and a ninja NPC who serves the daimyo as a "silent sentinel" who helps the PCs out (DM secret: this NPC is useful for feeding clues to the PCs that they may have missed!). It was a lot of fun, especially since the samurai character in the PC party was in a romantic relationship with the princess.

[@itsallfunandgames723]

I found this book (Warhammer: City of Chaos) in a Half Priced Books when I was a kid and loved it. Those 1st edition WFRP books were amazing just for reading and seeing that fantasy world created by them. All other fantasy settings have never seemed quite as special to me.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yeah--the original Warhammer, City of Chaos was not well-received at the time, being a slim volume. But the new Companion is really cool

[@KevinSpringerUSCU]

This one is a fantastic adventure, however worth noting, in my opinion, that the typos in the book are more egregious than usual for Cubicle 7. For example, there are about a half-dozen references to a set of NPC cards which aren't actually present in the book (but which were added later to the PDF version). The cards aren't critical as they just reorganize info present elsewhere, but the references strike me as annoying. There's also a map missing - again not critical, but since the maps are numbered, you might notice that there's no Map #2 (it was of The Pit in the original version). And then there's a section of text describing Wasmier's house which I found indecipherable (about burning the secret library). I went back to the original to get clarification (in the original it makes sense), and oddly it seems like they simply copied the text over and yet jumbled it up in the process. Don't get me wrong, I'd still recommend this supplement and love what Cubicle 7 is doing for WFRP in general, but I wish they'd be a little more attentive in their proofreading! (P.S. Natasha is actually on the players' side; it's Frau Kenner who's the baddie. ;-) )

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

You would make a hell of an editor. That's a lot of mistakes I did not pick up.

[@KevinSpringerUSCU]

lol :-) I should have added, by the way, that I love your channel and feel you're doing a fantastic job putting insightful videos together! As mentioned by others, cool insights regarding some of the characters - I had not considered how important the interactions with Petra could become either.

[@konatelassina5301]

I’ve run the previous adventures using the “Cult of the Yellow Sign” because we also play Call of Cthulhu where the Yellow King is a constant antagonist, so the players think he is following them across gaming systems.

[@gwavana7996]

Played it in first edition the whole campaign was incredible, death on the reik had that cool idea of player navigating a river, and possibly trading goods from town to town, the middenheim city guide was the best city book I've seen. God I loved Warhammer! I'm 45+ and still have the books.

[@petsdinner]

Prof DM: FINALLY I'm gonna talk about PBTT!! Us: FINALLY he's gonna talk about PBTT!! Excellent review Professor, WFRP doesn't get nearly as much love and attention as it deserves!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thanks! Share this video. The views are lagging (which is why I don't do many WFRP videos).

[@liamcage7208]

Watching this review I was inspired for this weekend's game session. Something was missing and after watching the review I now know what it is....I need the assassins' to plan to try to insert a doppelganger. Thanks Professor and Warhammer.

[@NisGaarde]

Love Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. I was a player in The Enemy Within campaign back in the 90's. One of my most memorable experiences as a player.

[@DungeonMiser]

WHF is a fantastic setting for D&D. I snertched the skaven and orks right away, and have used reskined Mordheim material more than once.

[@vintagezebra5527]

I came across this rerelease just yesterday and was thinking about picking it up because I remembered that you’d mentioned it a few times in the past. Thanks to your analysis in this video, I’m in!

[@sunsin1592]

Finally decided to just buy this whole campaign, even if we never play it. Just seems too cool.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

FANTASTIC campaign. To play it, you need mature players. 20+ years, I would say.

[@CausticCatastrophe]

The re-release of this module is great, but the best part is the "for grognards" sidebars. We need that more often!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yeah--it;s really cool.

[@CausticCatastrophe]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 To quote Gandalf the grey: "It's quite cool!"

[@khpa3665]

I've run and played this a few times, in the older edition. It's wonderful, especially in combination with the city sourcebook for Middenheim. Its one flaw is that the hook to get the characters investigating is weak: it's difficult to really care about the taxes, with the upshot that we've spent massive amounts of time just enjoying the carnival and making friends with the NPCs. Which is awesome and immense fun as an rp experience, but the plot tends to be an afterthought.

[@Karlmakesstuff]

Glad to see this has been re-released. The new artwork looks lovely!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It's really cool.

[@erc1971erc1971]

I ran this back in the early 90's with first edition WHFP - we had a blast.

[@williammoore9794]

Great review! I got this book (and the companion) once it was available in print and it's a really good product. Thank you for the tip about Petra though. I had totally missed how key she was to resolving the plot! Incidentally, I believe the endcovers are meant to be the players' map of the city (front) and the DM/GM's map (back). Unfortunately it doesn't say this anywhere... I also understand the online version has some additional resources for the GM, as it has printouts about where each of the NPCs are on a given day. Which is annoying if you deliberately waited for it in print... 🤦‍♂️😅. Looking forward to the Horned Rat next, as we will be in new territory. It was promised back in 1988, but never arrived - until now!* *2022

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

I'm looking forward to Horned Rat as well!

[@elvacoburg1279]

I am currently in the process of running the Enemy Within Campaign of which Power Behind the Throne is part 3. They players have just started part 2, Death on the Reik. Knowing that some of the players have previously played the campaign, and one has even DM'ed it, I have changed most of the names (both places and NPC's) along with some of the creature types to try to throw them off. So far none of them appear to have realised, or at least if they have they have not said anything. Where I have had to take the time to convert everything from Warhammer to the system we play, Chivalry and Sorcery, it has been worth the effort.

[@doomhippie6673]

I remember playing the 1st edition adventure. And how our GM had BIG problems getting us into the whole thing. The point was, that we had made random characters and not one of them was even remotely noble or even middle class. So there absolutely no connection to any important characters. That is a point you really have to take into account when running the adventure. I haven't read or played the new edition, so perhaps things have changed a bit but in a feudal world in which peasantry has no way to interact with nobility this might become a major obstacle.

[@rriosl]

I'm still on the Death on Reik books, can't wait to get this one

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Just go slow and let your players savor every bite.

[@jk5385]

Oooo another upload! Love your reviews Prof Dungeon Master, opened my eyes to the breadth of modules out there!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Thank!. Keep passing these videos on.

[@EvanDuly]

Are parts 1 and 2 of The Enemy Within campaign recommended before using this module, or can Power Behind the Throne be used independently of parts 1 and 2?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It can stand alone but the first two parts are great.

[@FasterThanJesus]

Little nitpick, Nastassia is Heinrich Todbringer's agent not Wasmeier's. I played this years ago as a teenager in 1st ed and it was definitely hard work. About to run it again as part of TEW having not ran any RPG sessions in over 20 years. What could go wrong? I liked the overview and might check out the Patreon, because this is one scenario that definitely needs hints, tricks and guides!

[@davidblair4150]

Great video profDM! I have ran this adventure for two groups years ago. One completed the quest the other having to spend fate points and letting the wagon leave. Both groups enjoyed the adventure but both were ready for less npc intensive game after PBT. WFRP 1st edition was a eye opening game for me who was a hack and slash DM before coming upon these adventures.

[@owenhodson7921]

I’m always thankful for this

[@benvoliothefirst]

Always appreciate the depth of knowledge in your grognard's perspective, Professor. This was a huge investment but I feel justified!

[@TheLukeFalcon]

Man, this scenario seems daunting for an inexperienced DM. I've recently got my hands on The Enemy Within Directors Cut and thought it had boat loads of characters but this is something else 😰

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It is a challenge. My advice: set up the characters in Middenheim for several adventures and and introduce the key NPCs a little at a time.

[@FasterThanJesus]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Yep. If you have the companion, there are a few small scenarios that can get you going and ease both you and the players in. Middenheim: City of the White Wolf is also useful for this.

[@Zanji1234]

xD gosh as a native German hearing / reading stuff about Warhammer Fantasy is always funny. The names are so weird xD Todbringer lit means Death bringer. The Names of the Law Lords (at 3:50) are honesty, courtesy and "what Meier" where Meier is a very common German last name, Lady Hildegard (old name for women) Zimperlich (squeamish) xD ok the NPC flowchart was the best, Natasha Sinnlich (Sensual), Petra Liebkosen (caress) xD and in the Miliary workds Mr. Ulbricht Schutzmann where Schutzmann is an old word for Policeman xD and the Chansellor is sparsam / thrifty. Dieter Schmiedehammer (smithy hammer) xD so you have a cool dark fantasy world with a cool politcal plot and you hear that names and BOOM we would just giggle

[@marklaurenzi1609]

This is a great concept. But Professor, doesn't running this involve a lot of page flipping? Isn't that a no-no?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

That's why that one "who's at the carnival" handout it key. I can run it without flipping.

[@williammyers9209]

Glad Warhammer 4e is getting some love

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Share my videos. I did three, I think. The review of the system did well but the others did not get love from the algorithm.

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

Nice review Sounds interesting

[@Searchopher]

Ive purchased this book. I'm going to convert on run this as a part of my curse of strahd campaign

[@charlieblocher7456]

Ha! Just ran across this great quote from Baphomet in Wrath of the Righteous that goes something like this, "Any real intrigue needs three layers of lies, but the best also have two layers of truth."

[@RyuuKageDesu]

I will need to get my hands on a copy.

[@mrgunn2726]

Another awesome review PDM. I would love to see a full review of the entire Enemy Within Campaign.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

So you're a patron--I might do that on Live from Adhesive Tom's next month.

[@mrgunn2726]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Well that just seems darn hunky-dory. Thanks PDM.

[@wnash1438]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 YES! I was wondering why you'd not done Death on the Reich!

[@rhettburgess8753]

Great video!!! This adventure sounds like a ton of fun!!!

[@Wolfphototech]

*Cool .* *Please cover more Warhammer Fantasy Role-play 4th edition ( and any other edition ) .*

[@Wolfphototech]

*Anyone else agree with me ?*

[@noisecode]

Good Review .... Small correction ; Natassia is not Wasmeier's heavy hitter; Thats Brunhilde Klaglich

[@IanBoyte]

Have you run this adventure in other systems? Does it translate over well to something like B/X D&D? Since it's largely social, I imagine it would if you change some of the very Warhammer specific things (snotling football!).

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yes and yes.

[@williammoore9794]

X3 Curse of Xanathon has a very similar plot (dwarf taxes; noble's adviser allied with chaos). PbT is a lot better though! 😆

[@benvoliothefirst]

Every game needs more Blood Bowl

[@nordicson2835]

This looks awesome and just in time to ask for it for Christmas or Saternalia

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@israelmorales4249]

i have never been a "role playing plyer" but it sounds very interesting

[@youtube-critic]

Great video Professor! That module sounds like it could use more than one DM. Have you ever done anything with a co-DM? Would that bring anything extra to a module like this?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Yes but with this it would be confusing. The NPCs need to be consistent.

[@TheddunTOSS]

Your pronounce German exceptionally well for an American.

[@Kiskispal]

Great review! Do you think City of the White Wolf adds much if you already have the companion volume?

[@FasterThanJesus]

I'd say it's fairly useful but not essential. However, if you continue onto The Horned Rat, which is also in Middenheim for about half of its content, then it becomes even more useful.

[@Kiskispal]

@@FasterThanJesus Good to know, thanks.

[@EdensukoV]

Quite complex, maybe as a setting for concurrent campaigns (2 or 3) and then a final session to wrap it all up?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

Not sure what you're asking. It takes 6-12 sessions to run, but you could "lead up" to it by establishing the players in Middenheim for several adventures before this.

[@ipot399]

Middenheim was also the setting for the final battles in the End Times if I'm not mistaken, when GW killed Warhammer Fantasy.

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It was. What a terrible, non-sensical plot. Don't get me started.

[@azrazel916]

Let's go Brandon!!! #FJB

[@HowtoRPG]

Thanks.

[@rontalkstabletop]

This sounds amazing!

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It's very cool--a worthy edition to your extensive collection.

[@phillazenby5351]

I awlys found this a bit of a snoozefest but I can imagine the right group would enjoy it.

[@brentnorton1602]

Love Warhammer fantasy!!!!

[@nicolasscarinzi6117]

Leaving a comment for that almighty algorithm

[@eliasneris2612]

Sounds like a great Adventure. Do you need Part 1 and 2 or can this be ran standalone?

[@therasslintheatre2960]

2:40 Toddy lookin' chunky like an Ogre here, is this before or after Khazrak took his eye ?

[@bagger245]

The DM would need to massively prep and cannot run this on the fly.

[@shockerck4465]

Boris & Natasha? Lol. Squirrel & Moose too? Well Skaven & Minotaur. Close enough.

[@markhill3858]

great vid prof :)

[@cameronmaas2644]

One Deathbringer is one like

[@kalleendo7577]

Awesome!

[@F2t0ny]

Hungry, hungry, algorithm

[@franciscoguerrero3750]

Profesor, do you recomend buying this module without knowing the player's manual?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

The Warhammer FRP rules or the Companion Book? Yes and no. The companion is very good.

[@franciscoguerrero3750]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 Tha base rules. I have not played Warhammer. Is it necesary to understand everything in the module?

[@ScannerSloppy]

I ran the first book of C7's remake, but tapped out with Death on the Reich. I didn't like that every competent, ethical NPC was either race and/or gender flipped, while every incompetent or evil NPC remained white and/or male.

[@guille787]

But, do you need to play any other book from The Enemy Within?

[@JAH711]

How easily is this run in other systems?

[@wileydutkiewicz3569]

Hell yes, I just got a copy of the original! I'm going to run it based in a Ravenloft meets FR Rashemen / Red Wizards of Thay plot.

[@greglensink5265]

Bernabau Stadium? Camp Nou has more style tho. Haha

[@danbrown8731]

What edition is this for please?

[@CrazyCajun777]

But there are no men rat in the sewers...

[@Billchu13]

Controlling all these NPCS seems like a lot of work for the GM! How to split the roleplay between players and GM?

[@DUNGEONCRAFT1]

It is. I usually divide the players into three groups and switch from group to group just as if I were running combat.

[@Billchu13]

@@DUNGEONCRAFT1 would there be a "handout expo dump" alternative for this module like you had in MacDeath?

[@tomdulski3729]

Who's asking for political intrigue when there's so much other cool stuff out there?