Trench Crusade

Trench Crusade is a grimdark tabletop skirmish war game set in an alternate 1914 World War I where a portal to Hell was opened in 1099, leading to a millennium-long holy war against demons and their human allies.Combining medieval and World War I aesthetics with supernatural forces, players command small warbands of miniatures, using faith, fervor, and a blend of religious engineering, alchemy, and magic to fight in trench-based battles. The game emphasizes community creativity by being miniatures-agnostic, allowing players to use 3D-printed or custom models, and offers a sandbox for creating unique stories and campaigns.

Alternate History:
The game takes place in a world where the Knights Templar opened a gate to Hell during the Crusades, initiating an unending war between humanity and infernal forces.
Religious Themes:
The Abrahamic God and demons intervene directly, shaping human civilization and warfare. This includes the existence of a colossal wall built by Allah to protect the Islamic world, as described by the Sultanate of the Iron Wall faction.
Grimdark Aesthetic:
The world is a brutal, desolate landscape shaped by centuries of conflict, blending medieval imagery with the industrialized horrors of World War I.

Gameplay

Skirmish-Based:
Players control small warbands, typically with 6 to 15 models, for skirmish-level battles rather than large-scale conflicts.
Miniatures-Agnostic:
Players are encouraged to use any miniatures they wish, including 3D-printed models or those kitbashed from existing ones, which fosters creative expression.
Campaign Play:
The game is designed for both standalone missions and campaign play, providing a framework for players to create and expand upon the existing lore.

Key Elements

Supernatural Forces:
Alchemy, demonology, and religious blessings are integrated into the world’s technology, influencing everything from blessed armor to infernal weaponry.
Community-Driven:
The game encourages player creativity by providing a framework and a flexible ruleset, allowing for a wide range of stories and campaigns to be developed.
Creator Lineage:
The game’s concept was created by artist Mike Franchina, with rules penned by Thomas Pirinen (of Mordheim fame), and includes contributions from other talent in the wargaming community.