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|Author(s) =[[Rick Priestley]], [[Andy Chambers]], [[Gavin Thorpe]], [[Ian Pickstock]], [[Jervis Johnson]]

|Cover Artist =[[John Blanche]]

|Released =October 1998

'''Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook''', sometimes refered to as the '''Big Black Book''' or just '''BBB''', was is the 3rd core rule book for the [[Warhammer 40,000 ]] gamepublished in October 1998. It was released as a black and white softback book.

== General Structure ==The 3rd This book also introduces a new logo for Warhammer 40,000 taking on a darker colour theme over [[Warhammer 40,000 2nd Edition Rulebook, also known as the |2nd Edition]]''Big Black Book'', s brighter colour scheme. This logo was first published used largely unchanged (besides an update in 1998 with the third next edition of the game. The book contained rules, that although very similar to desaturate the first two editions, were much more austere, removing many of green) up until the more difficult ideas release of the previous versions in an attempt to streamline the game. This was heavily criticized at the time by more veteran gamers[[Warhammer 40, who had become used to the tables, charts and templates that had been employed previously, as 000 9th Edition Rulebook|9th Edition]] where it was seen as being too simplistic and had eliminated much of the fun for that audience. Nevertheless, the modesty of the newer rules opened the game out to replaced with a wider (and much younger) audiencemore modern interpretation.

The book itself was written from a much more imperio-centric point of view, and sometimes reffered to as the ''Big Black Book'', contained large quantities rules that although similar to the first two editions, were greatly simplified, removing many of information on the basic structure more difficult ideas of the Imperium, from Imperial planetary classifications previous versions in an attempt to streamline the Imperial dating system and moregame. It also departed from This was heavily criticized at the previous edition in its much time by more pessimistic outlook; Appearing much more grim veteran gamers, who had become used to the tables, charts and dark than it templates that had been employed previously. Lines between good , as it was seen as being too simplistic and bad were blurred to had eliminated much of the point fun for that they were almost unrecognizableaudience. In addition it contained background for many armies as well as simplisticNevertheless, pre-codex army lists for the [[Space Marines]], [[Dark Eldar]], [[Tyranids]], [[Eldar]], [[Chaos Space Marines]], [[Imperial Guard]] and [[Orks]], as well as a small [[Sisters of Battle]] list with various heroes modesty of the [[Imperium]] such as [[Confessor]]s newer rules opened the game out to a wider (and [[Preacher]]smuch younger) audience.

The book itself was written from a much more imperio-centric point of view, and contained large quantities of information on the basic structure of the Imperium, from Imperial planetary classifications to the Imperial dating system and more. It also departed from the previous edition in its much more pessimistic outlook; Appearing much more grim and dark than it had previously. Lines between good and bad were blurred to the point that they were almost unrecognizable. In addition it contained background for many armies as well as simplistic, pre-codex army lists for the [[Space Marines]], [[Dark Eldar]], [[Tyranids]], [[Eldar]], [[Chaos Space Marines]], [[Imperial Guard]] and [[Orks]], as well as a small [[Sisters of Battle]] list with various heroes of the [[Imperium]] such as [[Confessor]]s and [[Preacher]]s. These lists were succeeded by the various codexes that were released subsequent to the rulebook.  The newer bookcover, illustrated by [[John Blanche]], depicts the Black Templars chapter. The 3rd Edition rulebook was succeeded in August 2004 with the release of the [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook|4th Edition Rulebook]]. ==Description==''In the nightmare future of the forty-first millennium, mankind teeters upon the brink of extinction. The galaxy-spanning Imperium of Man is beset on all sides by ravening aliens, had only modified and threatened from within by malevolent creatures and heretic rebels. Only the strength of the rules found in Immortal Emperor of Terra stands between Humanity and its annihilation. Dedicated to His service are the 3rd Edition countless warriors, agents and so most myriad servants of the codexes published during Imperium. Foremost amongst them stand the 3rd Edition could still Space Marines, mentally and physically engineered to be readily used along side 4th Editionthe supreme fighting force, the ultimate protectors of Mankind.'' ''Wars rage over airless moons, in the dark, twisted depths of hive worlds and in the cold wastes between stars. From the immaterial realm of warp space, malicious entities send their unspeakable minions to slaughter the Emperor's chosen. Everywhere, although not as easilysoulless spectres and slavering monsters are poised to extinguish the life of humanity.''  '''There is no time for peace.''' '''No respite.''' ''' No forgiveness.''' '''There is only WAR.'''