Grey Ranks (role-playing game)

Grey Ranks is a historical role-playing game published by Cubicle 7 Entertainment, focusing on the experiences of young people involved in the Polish resistance movement, the Szare Szeregi (Grey Ranks), during World War II. The game is set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Poland, emphasizing the dangers and moral complexities faced by teenagers fighting for their country.

Gameplay centers around player characters undertaking missions of sabotage, intelligence gathering, and resistance against the occupying forces. The game aims to simulate the atmosphere of constant risk and the difficult choices faced by individuals operating in an environment of extreme oppression.

The rules system is designed to be relatively simple and narrative-focused, encouraging players to create compelling stories about their characters' struggles and sacrifices. Character creation emphasizes the skills and traits that would be useful in resistance work, such as stealth, communication, and technical expertise. The game master (GM) guides the players through scenarios that often involve moral dilemmas and require them to make difficult decisions with potentially life-altering consequences.

Grey Ranks distinguishes itself from other war-themed role-playing games by its focus on the human cost of resistance and the experiences of young people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. It prioritizes storytelling and character development over tactical combat simulations. The game emphasizes the themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of resistance against tyranny.