» Mon May 14, 2012 7:19 am
Trope namer for Grim Dark is Warhammer 40k. I can recommend that one very much. There's three systems in the overall series of books that equate to different levels of power.
Dark Heresy: Lowly acolytes, skilled humans. At the end of the day still weak, frail, and easily tempted to the dark powers. Very high death rate, very dark and oppressive. A victory might only stave off the inevitable end at best.
Rogue Trader: The very best humans/mercenaries/aliens on offer willing to protect the Imperium. One grade above the average masses of Acolytes. Though politically a Rogue Trader is very influential compared to the low average nobody acolyte. The threats and stakes get a little larger at this level of play. Or not, all depends on the player who is Captain. Death is still a fairly common thing and very easily achieved, though you have more wiggle room than an acolyte.
Deathwatch: The best of the best, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFHKIFDjk9I forwarded to the elite Deathwatch unit. The first and best line of defense against any and all threats to humanity. The Deathwatch are on constant vigilance against the xenos scum that prowl the stars waiting to devour or corrupt humanity. The power level is high, the danger is high. Of all the tiers of play, the Deathwatch are by far the most durable. Several tiers above even Rogue Trader characters. They are called upon to eliminate the biggest threats before they can take root and require massive armies. Failure can mean the loss of planets, star systems, or even the crusade itself. Forged, created, and armed with the best humanity can offer. Despite how elite they are, death is a constant companion to the foolish. Only those who work with the team will go far and survive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QmsNZ6fj3Q