# Grey Ranks tags: #game/rpg/grey-ranks ![[Grey Ranks (cover).jpg|400]] # Grey Ranks: A Bleak, Collaborative RPG Where You Probably Die **Grey Ranks** is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) designed by Jason Morningstar and published by [Bully Pulpit Games](https://bullypulpitgames.com/products/grey-ranks) . It's a collaborative storytelling game, meaning there's no Game Master (GM) to tell you what to do and ruin all your fun. Instead, you and your friends take on the roles of child soldiers in the **Grey Ranks** (Polish: **Szare Szeregi**) during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. Because nothing says "lighthearted game night" like playing teenagers fighting and dying in a desperate rebellion against Nazi occupation. The game is known for its bleak and emotionally challenging themes^[https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/13/13508.phtml] as it deals with the realities of war and the psychological toll it takes on young people. It's not a game about glory or heroism; it's about survival, loss, and the struggle to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming odds. So, if you're looking for a game where you slay dragons and rescue princesses, you might want to look elsewhere. This one's a bit more…intense. ## A Bit of History (Because We're Educational Like That) Before we dive into the mechanics of how you and your friends will meet your untimely demise in this game, let's set the stage. The Warsaw Uprising, which kicked off on August 1, 1944, was [a valiant attempt by the Polish Home Army to liberate Warsaw from German occupation before the Soviets arrived](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Ranks)). Spoiler alert: it didn't go well. [The uprising lasted 63 days and ended in the tragic defeat of the Polish resistance and the near-total destruction of the city](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Ranks). The **Grey Ranks** were the underground paramilitary branch of the Polish Scouting Association, and they played a significant role in the uprising . These weren't your average cookie-selling scouts, though. These kids were trained in sabotage, intelligence gathering, and even armed combat. They were basically the Boy Scouts with Molotov cocktails. The uprising saw acts of incredible bravery and resilience from the Polish people, including the **Grey Ranks**. [They disrupted German operations, carried out assassinations, and even launched daring prison raids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_resistance_movement_in_World_War_II). But they also faced overwhelming odds, with limited resources and brutal reprisals from the German forces. It was a desperate fight for freedom with a tragic outcome. ## Core Die Resolution Mechanics (Or, How to Roll Dice and Suffer) Now, for the fun part: how the game actually works. The core die resolution mechanic in **Grey Ranks** is surprisingly simple, yet it effectively captures the increasing desperation of the Warsaw Uprising ^[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Ranks_(role-playing_game)]. The game is played in chapters, each representing a specific date in 1944. Each chapter has a "mission" that the players decide on collaboratively . In addition to the mission, each player also has a personal scene to resolve. Here's where the dice come in. Each player contributes one die to their personal scene and one die to the mission scene. The size of the die you roll is determined by your character's position on the "Grid". ### The Grid: A Map of Your Crumbling Psyche Ah, the Grid. This lovely little tool is used to track your character's mental and emotional health and well-being. Basically, it's a visual representation of how close your character is to a complete mental breakdown. As the game progresses and your character experiences the horrors of war, they'll move around the Grid, getting closer and closer to the edges, which represent extremes like love and hate, enthusiasm and exhaustion. Where these strong currents intersect? Yeah, that's where death and heartbreak hang out. Fun times! The position on the grid gives lists of thematic elements for scenes you are in, and contribute a dice of a particular size for you to use. So, if your character is spiraling into despair, you might be stuck with a measly d4. But if they're riding a wave of (probably misplaced) optimism, you might get to roll a mighty d12. ### Rolling the Bones (and Probably Failing) To succeed at a mission or personal scene, the players must roll above the chapter number (2-9) multiplied by the number of players rolling. This means that it gets progressively harder to succeed as the game goes on, modeling the deteriorating situation during the Warsaw Uprising. So, yeah, things are going to get worse. A lot worse. ### Radio Lightning: Your Daily Dose of Doom To add to the atmosphere of impending doom, each scene is prefaced by a broadcast from "Radio Lightning," the Polish underground radio station. These broadcasts set the mission and provide some historical context, reminding you that this isn't just a game; it's based on real events where real people fought and died. No pressure, though. ## What You Need to Play (Besides Tissues) To play **Grey Ranks**, you'll need a few things: - 3-5 players (who are emotionally stable and enjoy crying) - A set of standard polyhedral dice (d4 to d12) - A copy of the Grid (to track your descent into madness) - A copy of the Radio Lightning broadcasts (for that authentic wartime despair) - A list of the districts in Warsaw in 1944 (so you know where you're dying) ## Editions (Because One Dose of Misery Is Enough) There appears to be only one edition of **Grey Ranks**, with the option to purchase a physical copy or a PDF. Because really, how many ways do you need to experience this kind of emotional trauma? ## Where to Buy (If You Dare) If you're feeling brave (or masochistic), you can purchase **Grey Ranks** from the following sources: - [Bully Pulpit Games](https://bullypulpitgames.com/products/grey-ranks) (the publisher's website)   - [DriveThruRPG](https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/86422/grey-ranks) ## Reviews and Discussions (For Those Who Need Convincing) Don't just take my word for how soul-crushingly awesome this game is. **Grey Ranks** has received positive reviews from various sources, including: - *https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/13/13508.phtml - https://planesailinggames.com/review/2018-11-14-grey-ranks/ You can also find discussions about the game on: - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1b1BKreyvAk - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2825002-grey-ranks ## Emotional Impact (Because We Like to Make You Feel Things) Okay, let's be real for a moment. **Grey Ranks** isn't your typical RPG. It's not about power fantasies or escapism. It's about exploring the human condition in the face of unimaginable hardship. It's about confronting difficult emotions and making tough choices with lasting consequences. This game will make you feel things. It might make you angry, sad, frustrated, or even hopeful. It might even make you cry (no judgment here). But it will definitely stay with you long after the session is over. The combination of teenage emotions and the horrors of war create a powerful and unforgettable experience. You'll find yourself invested in your character and their struggles, and you'll likely experience a range of emotions as you navigate the challenges of the Warsaw Uprising. ## Conclusion (Or, Why You Should Play This Game Anyway) **Grey Ranks** is a unique and challenging RPG that offers a powerful and emotional gaming experience. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely rewarding. The collaborative storytelling and innovative mechanics create a sense of immersion and tension, while its focus on historical events and mature themes makes it a thought-provoking and memorable game. The game's mechanics, particularly the Grid and the increasing difficulty, effectively simulate the deteriorating situation during the Warsaw Uprising. This creates a sense of realism and urgency, forcing players to make difficult choices with potentially devastating consequences. The game's emotional impact is undeniable, and it's likely to stay with you long after the session is over. If you're looking for a game that will push your boundaries and stay with you long after the session is over, **Grey Ranks** is worth checking out. Just be prepared for some tough choices and potential heartbreak along the way. And maybe have some tissues handy. > [!note] Editor's Note > > I could have *sworn* I had this in digital to make references to, but nope. Luckily, [[Neurothrope-00]] had a bit of an upgrade to deal with writing the text but he needs a wee bit 'o refinement.