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In 1099 the Templars took the Holy City.
Sealed deep within the catacombs beneath they discovered a blasphemous artifact which tested their faith, and found it wanting.
Blinded by greed and with weakness in their hearts, they fell to their knees in supplication to a new, blasphemous lord. Thus came the First Heresy and Jerusalem was reduced to a depraved pit where Hell and our mortal world bleed into one.
Eight centuries later, mortal soldiers go over the top as weapons of terrifying power hammer both friend and foe alike. Supernatural beings wade through the carnage, their divine flesh impervious to all but the most blessed ammunition.
Even with such incalculable might, the armies are at a stalemate and minor victories are snatched through daring raids and flank attacks.
This is hell on earth.
This is Trench Crusade.
What is Trench Crusade
Trench Crusade is a tabletop wargame set in a blasphemously alternate WW1 era created by artist Mike Franchina (Diablo 2r/3/4, Path of Exile 2, Magic: The Gathering) with rules by acclaimed game designer Tuomas Pirinen (Mordheim, Warhammer 6th edition) and brought to life by James Sherriff (28 mag, Ian Miller's Grim Tarock) and some of the greatest creative talents in wargaming.
Players take command of the forces of heaven and hell, leading skirmish size warbands in daring assaults and devious counter operations on the fringes of the meat grinder that is the frontline.
Setting
"Trench Crusade" is set in a dark and twisted alternate history where the events of the First Crusade have taken a horrific turn. In 1099, the Templars discovered a blasphemous artifact within the catacombs beneath Jerusalem, which tested their faith and ultimately led to their downfall. This encounter with dark forces gave rise to the First Heresy, transforming Jerusalem into a hellish landscape where the boundaries between Heaven and Hell blurred, resulting in a corrupted world.
Fast forward to eight centuries later, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of World War I trench warfare. Mortal soldiers, armed with weapons of devastating power, are caught in a brutal stalemate, fighting both against each other and supernatural beings unleashed during the First Heresy. These beings, impervious to most conventional weaponry, roam the battlefield, intensifying the chaos and violence.
As the armies engage in daring raids and flank attacks, the struggle for dominance continues. The setting combines elements of horror, fantasy, and historical conflict, creating a rich tapestry of tension where humanity grapples with the consequences of its past choices, battling against both mortal and supernatural foes.
Factions
For each of the 6 factions you’ll be able to select from a roster of mortal and immortal troops, as well as truly “blessed” beings that fall somewhere in between.
Trench Pilgrims
Many devout see it as their sacred duty to make the pilgrimage to No Man’s Land and throw themselves at the forces of Hell with righteous wrath. These zealots band together into vast pilgrim processions, fighting an endless Crusade against the blasphemous foe.
Heretic Legion
In the domains where men worship demons and kneel before the altars of the Golden Calf, mortal followers, flanked by the abhorrent progeny of the underworld, muster under the black banners of mighty Arch-Devils. The fires spewing from the open Gate of Hell light the black skies as they march forth to bring all of Creation under their infernal yoke.
New Antioch
For three hundred years the Principality of New Antioch has stood defiantly as the focal point of the Faithful at the very edge of the shadow cast by the Gate of Hell. It is the Home of All Our Hopes, the bulwark against Heretic forces and the first line of defense against the devil’s might.
Court of the Seven Headed Serpent
Jutting from plumes of stinking, corrosive smoke is the Iron City of Dis and atop its shrieking, black keep sits the Infernal War Council. Seven of the greatest, most wicked and most cunning of Arch-Devils preside over the war against Creation, and upon their orders do the spawn of Lucifer go forth to wreak death and corruption upon the mortal world.
The Sultanate of the Iron Wall
Beyond the Invincible Iron Wall of Al-Quraysh lies the last and the greatest Sultanate of the Faithful the world has ever seen. Here the lost knowledge flourishes and, from mosques of white marble and gold, the muezzin call the faithful to pray for the success of the Sultan’s army as it struggles to protect the lands within the wall, and defend the caravan trails that provide the Sultanate with vital supplies.
The Black Grail
Concocted by Beelzebub themself, the Black Grail is the most calamitous plague that has ever ravaged this bleak world. Not living, not dead, its victims become vessels to spread the corruption of their new master. Those depraved enough to willingly embrace this “gift” become nobles of the Order of the Fly, forming warbands and shepherding their lesser brethren to find and infect life of any kind.
Development
Kickstarter campaign
In October 2024, a Kickstarter campaign was launched to fund the game's production. The campaign gained immediate traction, being fully funded within the first 20 minutes, reflecting strong interest from the tabletop gaming community. The developers actively engaged with backers, incorporating feedback and suggestions throughout the development process.