Hack-and-slash comes into its own with this roleplaying adaptation of Human Head Studios' brutal Rune video game. You and your band of bloodthirsty Vikings pursue epic adventure and glory in a land of Scandinavian myth, smashing anything that gets in your way. From the icy depths of Nifleheim to the whispering evil of Svartalfheim, only the gods, or perhaps the apocalypse of Ragnarok itself, could hope to deter your ravaging course. The Rune roleplaying game by Robin D. Laws includes stunning concept art from the video game and stays true to its roots with its competitive roleplaying approach; players earn victory points during their exploits, and a winner is named at the end of the adventure. That's right, you can win this roleplaying game! And for die-hard combat fiends whose GM may be contemplating defection to a "storytelling" system, Rune offers a group GM-ing experience to lighten the load, in which players each design an encounter that gets wrapped into the larger adventure. For added background depth, the Rune roleplaying system is based on a streamlined version of Atlas Games' Ars Magica, making it an easy entry point into Mythic Europe, or a way to spice up combat for your covenant.