W40K IMPERIUM MALEDICTUM - Shadows in the Hive Scarthias: An RPGBOT How to Play

Ever wanted to see psychic bar fights, grenade-happy cultists, and heresy investigations go completely off the rails? Welcome to Hive Scarthias—hope you brought a bucket.

In this explosive actual play episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, our investigators dive headfirst into the grimdark world of Imperium Maledictum. Set in the smog-choked depths of Hive Scarthias, the team trades in their day jobs for a deadly mission to root out heresy—covertly, of course.

With a tense bar encounter, a grenade-flavored cult reveal, psychic power mishaps, and a suspiciously significant bucket, this session blends tactical chaos with character-driven storytelling. From whispering in shadows to setting things on fire (intentionally or not), our party brings you drama, strategy, and a whole lot of dark humor.

Whether you're here for the roleplay, the psychic duels, or the sheer narrative mayhem, this episode has something for every 40K fan and RPG lover alike.

Links

• Imperium Maledictum Core Rulebook (affiliate link)
• RPGBOT Review
• Imperium Maledictum GM Screen (affiliate link)
• Imperium Maledictum Starter Set (affiliate link)

RPGBOT.Podcast Episodes

• How to Play Imperium Maledictum Part 1
• How to Play Imperium Maledictum Part 2

Setting & Atmosphere:

• Life in Hive Scarthias is tense, overcrowded, and dangerous.
• The Imperium's lost technology and cultural oddities shape every interaction.
• Even mundane objects carry weight—sometimes literally, sometimes heretically.

Narrative & Roleplay:

• Characters begin with working-class lives but are pulled into a web of secrets.
• Motivations, personalities, and NPCs drive social tension and humor.
• Subtlety is key—until it isn't.

Psychic Powers & Mechanics:

• Smite, Dread Presence, memory manipulation—psychic mastery turns the tide.
• Psychic mishaps create chaos and comedy.
• Powers affect both enemies and allies, often hilariously.

Combat & Tactics:

• Combat is fast, deadly, and rules-heavy—in the best way.
• Initiative, movement zones, frenzy, and grenades collide in tactical madness.
• One grenade, one bucket, one heretic too many.

Storytelling & Drama:

• Balancing horror and humor, the session captures the essence of Imperium Maledictum.
• Emotional tension runs high as secrets, hatred, and chaos come to a head.
• Your choices matter—and sometimes explode.

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How to Find Us:

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Tyler Kamstra

• BlueSky: @rpgbot.net
• TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET

Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
• BlueSky: @GravenAshes
• YouTube: @ashravenmedia

Randall James

• BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG
• Amateurjack.com
• Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale (affiliate link)

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati