Trench Crusade is a miniature wargame and horror setting. It is a collaboration between horror artist Mike Franchina, sculptor James Sherriff, and former Games Workshop designer Tuomas Pirinen.[1] Franchina has previously worked on Magic the Gathering, Diablo IV, and Path of Exile, while Pirinen was the lead designer for Mordheim, part of Warhammer Fantasy Battles.[1] Trench Crusade is crowdfunded.[2]

The setting was conceived by Franchina in 2016, which was primarily explored through his art and written lore.[3] In August 2022 Franchina and sculptor James Sherriff collaborated to produce a range of Trench Crusade miniatures, backed by a Kickstarter.[4] After the success of the initial models being crowdfunded, Pirinen announced in May 2023 that he was working with Franchina to adapt the setting into a tabletop miniature wargame.[4] A preview of the rules was released by Pirinen in June 2023.[3] The game uses a 32mm scale.[5]

Pirinen has summarised the setting as, "During the Crusades a heretical band of Templars dared defy the Almighty and, casting aside their sacred vows, unleashed the forces of Hell upon the Earth. Over 800 years later, in the Year of Our Lord 1914, this brutal, merciless war between the forces of Heaven and Hell rages on."[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Linward, Timothy (14 February 2024). "Top ex-GW designer releases rules for brutal new wargame". Wargamer. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  2. ^ Sledge, Ben (9 June 2023). "Warhammer Legend John Blanche Retires, Converts Female Marine". The Gamer. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Linward, Timothy (8 June 2023). "Ex-Warhammer dev previews rules for new grimdark wargame". Wargamer. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  4. ^ a b Linward, Timothy (9 May 2023). "Ex-Warhammer dev and MTG artist team up for dark sci-fi wargame". Wargamer. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  5. ^ "MORDHEIM DESIGNER TALKS NEW GRIMDARK GAME, TRENCH CRUSADE!". Beasts of War. Retrieved 14 May 2024.