I'm running an Only War campaign and my PCs got wrapped up in this huge cult/conspiracy involving the high command for their regiment's home system. They "solved" the crisis but have now been captured by the Inquisition. They all really like the idea of moving to a Dark Heresy style game with more investigation and freedom.

I'd like for an Inquisitor to take them on as acolytes (as their actions have shown that they can handle themselves), but would it be too much of a dick move to take away all their fancy armour and weapons and have them start from the bottom up?

The best I can think of is to tell them is that all of their Imperial-issued gear would attract too much attention and/or its all evidence in the Inquisition's investigation.

The problem is that some of them are quite attached to their gear: ie. Commissar with his power sword and bolt pistol, Weapon Specialist with his meltagun, Heavy has a heavy bolter….. they're all wearing carapace armour….

They're all excited for a more investigative-horror-survival type game, but how do I strip their gear without pissing them off?

I'm just worried that every combat situation will be a joke.

enentol said:

Two ways of doing this, I think:

- Sandpaper! Remove all the signs of the IG on their equipment. This may be noticed by other people, though, they may be seen as IG veterans, or even pirates or thieves.

- Money! The Inquisitor pays for new gear, maybe not all of it, but it's a beginning. If the PCs do well enough, they will be able to re-adquire most of their equipment soon.

This is an important change in their careers, so I wouldn't simply say "OK, you can keep everything, no problem…". Make them decide which way to go and cope with the consequences.

Most Inquisitors have completely geared squads of Storm Troopers under their command, and many have enough cash to keep their own voidships. A power sword, bolt pistol, meltagun, heavy bolter, and a few suits of carapace are practically pocket change for an Inquisitor.

They're basically moving up in power level. Why would they lose gear?

Acolytes are worth more than Guardsmen. They should keep their stuff, and get a Logistics boost on top of it; now they don't have to go through the Munitorium for everything, and can instead access Inquisitorial or criminal channels much more easily.

I would suggest sticking with the Only War system and simply allowing your characters a better Logistics rating to represent their inquisitorial backing, handwaive some of the mission assignment gear and maybe give them Inquisitorial rosettes they can use in a pinch as a get out of jail free card.