Hello! If you’re hunting for a new tabletop RPG that combines the charm of classic fantasy with some fresh, modern mechanics, Dragonbane by Free League Publishing might just be your next big obsession. This game does an excellent job of blending old-school fantasy elements with innovative gameplay, and it’s got a lot to offer. Let’s dive into the details and see what makes Dragonbane stand out.
Setting and Themes
First things first, let’s talk about the world of Dragonbane. Imagine a fantasy realm where dragons are not just powerful beasts but central figures in the world’s politics and mythology. That’s the core of Dragonbane. The game’s setting is an expansive and richly detailed world where dragons, ancient magic, and heroic quests are at the forefront.
Even though the core set comes with a setting, Misty Vale (the area in which the included campaign takes place) can be dropped into pretty much any campaign world. The setting of this game does not get in the way of your creativity as a GM which I appreciate.
A World Shaped by Dragons
Dragons in Dragonbane aren’t just obstacles or treasure hoards—they’re integral to the world’s structure. They influence politics, drive conflicts, and shape the environment. This isn’t your typical fantasy world where dragons are rare and enigmatic; here, they’re central to the ongoing drama of the setting.
The lore of the world is deeply immersive. The game provides extensive background information on various regions, each with its unique history and culture. From the icy peaks where dragon clans rule to enchanted forests that harbor ancient secrets, every location in Dragonbane feels alive and brimming with stories waiting to be told.
Magic and Myth
Magic is woven into the fabric of the world. It’s not just a tool for spellcasters; it’s a fundamental part of the setting. Ancient magical traditions, arcane artifacts, and mystical creatures all play a role in the game. This integration of magic into the narrative helps create a world where the fantastical is part of the everyday.
The game’s emphasis on magic also means there’s a lot to explore. Whether it’s uncovering ancient spells, dealing with magical phenomena, or interacting with mystical beings, magic is a core element that enriches the storytelling experience.
Mirth and Mayhem
All of the above is meant to be taken a little lightly. Dragonbane describes itself as a “Mirth and Mayhem” RPG, implying its brutal yet fun attitude. The fact that one of the playable races (or “Kin” as the game calls them) in this game is a duck with anger issues perfectly illustrates this point.
Mechanics and Gameplay
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how Dragonbane actually plays. The game uses a d20 roll-under system, which is a bit of a twist from more common dice pool mechanics. Here’s how it works:
The d20 Roll-Under System
In Dragonbane, you roll a twenty-sided die (d20) and compare the result to a target number. If your roll is equal to or less than this target number, you succeed. It’s a straightforward system that keeps things fast and simple while still allowing for a range of outcomes based on your roll.
This system is particularly great for keeping the action moving. You won’t be bogged down by complex calculations or multiple dice; instead, the focus is on the narrative and how your character interacts with the world. It’s easy to pick up, which makes it accessible for newcomers, but it also provides enough depth to satisfy more experienced players.
The game also incorporates a Banes & Boons system similar to how advantage and disadvantage works in D&D 5e.
Character Creation: Your Hero’s Journey
Creating characters in Dragonbane is a mix of ease and depth. You start by choosing an archetype—like a stalwart knight, a nimble rogue, or a powerful mage. Each archetype comes with its own set of abilities and traits that define your character’s role in the game.
But it’s not just about picking a class and moving on. The game encourages you to dig deeper into your character’s background, motivations, and personal goals. This focus on character development means that every hero you create has a unique story and purpose within the game.
These “classes” are not really classes though. The game doesn’t even call them that, opting for the word “Professions” instead. They work more like starting points for your character and play a minimal role in the progression of your character. As an example, any character can learn magic and cast spells. The Mage “class” just starts off with those abilities.
Character Progression
This is a level-less system. The characters do not gain levels while adventuring, but they do get better. The list of skills they have improve as they use them, and they can also gain Heroic Abilitis (think Feats) once in a while. I personally prefer this system and is one of the reasons I like the Call of Cthulhu RPG so much.
Combat: Fast and Furious
When it comes to combat, Dragonbane keeps things exciting. The d20 roll-under system combined with an 1-action economy ensures that combat is quick and dynamic. You’ll be rolling dice to determine the outcome of your actions, but you won’t get bogged down by lengthy rule-checking or complicated mechanics.
Even though combat is fast-paced, it doesn’t lack depth. There’s room for tactical thinking and strategic planning. You’ll need to work with your team, make quick decisions, and adapt to changing situations. This keeps battles feeling fresh and engaging, rather than repetitive or tedious.
The Monsters
The monsters in this game are brutal and will very likely lead to character deaths unless the players try to play more tactically. The game distinguishes monsters (for example dragons or demons) from other monsterous NPCs (eg. goblins) and has separate mechanics about how they behave.
Fighting a Dragon in this game is a big deal, it will feel like fighting an actual dragon, and you probably should run away.
Art and Presentation
Let’s not overlook the visuals because Dragonbane truly shines here. The art style is a gorgeous blend of classic fantasy and modern aesthetics, bringing the game’s world to life in vivid detail. Johan Egerkrans is one of my favorite artists right now.
Illustrations That Pop
The illustrations in Dragonbane are not just decoration; they play a crucial role in immersing you in the game. From fearsome dragons to epic landscapes, the artwork captures the essence of the game’s setting and adds a lot of visual flair. Each piece of art helps set the mood and tone of the game, making it easier to get lost in the fantasy world.
Design and Layout
The book’s design is user-friendly and visually appealing. The layout is clean and well-organized, making it easy to find information quickly. The combination of engaging visuals and practical design ensures that the book is not only a pleasure to read but also a helpful resource during gameplay. The fact that the rulebook is only 116 pages long certainly helps in that regard.
Community and Support
One of the standout aspects of Free League Publishing’s games is their strong community and support, and Dragonbane is no exception.
An Engaged Community
The community around Dragonbane is vibrant and active. There are numerous forums, fan-created content, and discussions where players share their experiences, ideas, and custom content. If you love diving into a game’s community, you’ll find plenty of enthusiasts eager to connect and collaborate.
Ongoing Support and Expansions
Free League Publishing is known for their commitment to supporting their games, and Dragonbane benefits from this dedication. The publisher provides ongoing updates, expansions, and additional content to keep the game fresh and exciting. Whether you’re looking for new adventures, additional lore, or new mechanics, there’s always something on the horizon.
What’s in the box
Free League Games always offers great deals for their games. The Dragonbane Core Set (which is not a starter set but the full game) costs around 50$ and contains everything you need to play, including a full size campaign.
The core set contains (taken from the Free League website):
- Rulebook with fast and effective D20-based game rules for character creation, skills, combat, magic, and travel
- Adventures book with eleven complete adventures, to be played separately or tied together in the epic Secret of the Dragon Emperor campaign
- The booklet Alone in Deepfall Breach letting you play Dragonbane solo, without the need for a Gamemaster
- Huge full-color map of the Misty Vale adventure setting
- Illustrated playing cards for combat initiative, improvised weapons, adventures, and treasure
- Ten transparent polyhedral dice, including two D20s with a custom design
- Five pregenerated characters to play
- Five blank character sheets
- Cardboard standees representing various characters and monsters
- Double-sided battle mat
You can buy it from here.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, Dragonbane is a standout title in the world of tabletop RPGs. It successfully combines the magic and wonder of classic fantasy with a modern, streamlined system that’s both accessible and engaging. The setting is rich and immersive, the mechanics are smooth and enjoyable, and the artwork is truly stunning.
If you’re craving a new game that delivers epic adventures and allows you to dive deep into a world where dragons are more than just legends, Dragonbane is definitely worth checking out. It’s a game that offers both nostalgia and innovation, making it a perfect choice for both new and seasoned players.
So, grab your d20, gather your friends, and get ready to embark on a grand adventure in the world of Dragonbane. It’s time to explore a world of dragons, magic, and heroic quests like never before!
