As the diligent clerks of the Administratum complete their final sanctifications and perform the necessary rituals, the great print-forges of Netherus near the completion of the latest sacred tome for Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Wrath & Glory - the highly anticipated Vow of Absolution. This mighty volume serves as a comprehensive guide to the stalwart Adeptus Astartes defenders of the Gilead System—the Absolvers Chapter.

Cubicle 7 is thrilled to breathe life into this enigmatic Chapter of Space Marines with an expansive new book that delves deeply into the rich history and intricate lore surrounding the Absolvers. This sourcebook not only explores the Chapter's origins and traditions but also introduces a wide array of new and exciting skills, talents, and mechanics, designed to enhance gameplay for both Players and Game Masters alike, providing fresh avenues for exciting new adventures and campaigns.

One of our primary design goals during the development of Vow of Absolution was to build upon the existing lore of the Absolvers while exploring the secrets already established in previous Wrath & Glory titles. It was crucial to us that this book tied together the subtle clues regarding the Absolvers’ lineage, while also introducing new and unexpected developments. Doing so ensures that the Gilead System remains an exciting, ever-evolving setting where your adventures can continue to unfold with depth and intrigue.

The Space Marines of the Absolvers Chapter are oath-sworn to the preservation of Gilead, a solemn vow that has shaped their purpose for millennia. Although this longstanding commitment, along with a few other subtle hints, has been mentioned in earlier publications, Vow of Absolution expands and develops this Chapter like never before. Bringing the Absolvers to the forefront of the Gilead System required a thorough exploration of their secretive and enigmatic nature, a task that presented its own unique set of challenges. The end result is a rich and detailed portrayal of a Chapter that, until now, has remained shrouded in mystery.

Deciding to weave the mysterious past of the Absolvers into Vow of Absolution allowed us to shine a light on their shrouded origins and the intricate reasons behind the veil of secrecy that surrounds them. By delving deeply into their history, we were able to explore the events that led to the Absolvers' first arrival in the Gilead System, as well as the harrowing circumstances that compelled them to pledge themselves as its protectors. These moments of origin are crucial to understanding what makes Absolvers act as they do, and we sought to make their history resonate throughout all the new content.

One of the most notable design challenges we encountered was the delicate task of reconciling our vision for the Absolvers with the existing content and subtle hints at their backstory. It was essential to ensure that Players who have already enjoyed great and memorable adventures with Absolvers characters felt that the new lore expanded upon and enriched those experiences, rather than contradicting or diminishing them. Vow of Absolution carefully addresses the trials and tribulations that the Absolvers face as descendants of the noble Sanguinius, particularly focusing on how they grapple with the ever-present threat of the Red Thirst and Black Rage. These challenges are not only woven into the narrative but also reflected in the new mechanics that the book introduces, offering fresh opportunities for character development and storytelling.

Providing Game Masters and Players with new and engaging content was another crucial objective in the creation of Vow of Absolution. As the layers of one of the greater mysteries of the Gilead System were peeled back, revealing the secrets of the Absolvers, it felt only fitting that even more intricate and tantalizing mysteries would emerge*. Among these are the fates of the companions of the Absolvers’ missing Chapter Master, and the existence of a clandestine facility on one of Gilead's moons, a place so secretive that all records of it have been expunged. With these revelations, we wanted to not only add depth to the lore but also open up new routes for Players to further explore what it is to be a Space Marine of the Absolvers and ensure that the Chapter remains a compelling and dynamic focus for storytelling within the Warhammer 40,000 universe.

The Absolvers have long been shrouded in mystery, their origins hinted at but never fully revealed… until now. Vow of Absolution uncovers their secrets at last, offering insight into their sacred vows, and delves into the challenges they face as descendants of the Great Angel. Whether you are a veteran of Wrath & Glory or new to the Gilead System, Vow of Absolution offers something for Players and GMs alike, enhancing storytelling and gameplay experience.

The time is soon upon us to expand your Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay: Wrath & Glory adventures with these stalwart Angels of Death. Prepare to uncover the deep mysteries of the Absolvers Chapter, as their story unfolds in unprecedented depth and detail.

*-Tzeentchian laughter ensues.

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Christopher Colston is a game developer, writer and senior producer at Cubicle 7. Chris started playing Warhammer and roleplaying games after an ill-fated trip to a games shop near Stirling sometime in the mid-’90s. Since then, he can frequently be found shouting about rat-men to anyone who looks like they’ll listen…