Dragonbane | Ode to the Elders | Mirth, Mayhem, & Mallards!

Creating your character

During (Session) Episode 0 we will meet, talk mechanics and storytelling for the game, and build characters. Creating a character in Dragonbane is quick, flexible, and story-driven, designed to get players adventuring fast. It’s a mix of classic fantasy archetypes and open-ended development that fits the game’s “mirth and mayhem” spirit. Choose Your Kin (Race): Pick from Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, Wolfkin, or Mallard (duck-folk). Each kin grants unique bonuses, like extra movement for Wolfkin, social bonuses for Humans, or water-related skills for Mallards. Choose Your Profession: Select one of the ten professions — Fighter, Mage, Hunter, Thief, Scholar, Mariner, Artisan, Merchant, Knight, or Sorcerer. Each profession gives starting skills, a Heroic Ability, and sets your starting gear and spell options (if applicable). Roll or Assign Attributes: There are six core attributes — Strength, Constitution, Agility, Intelligence, Willpower, and Charisma — usually rolled using 4d6 and dropping the lowest. Attributes affect your derived stats (hit points, willpower points, etc.). Select Skills: Dragonbane uses a skill-based D20 system. Each skill is rated 3–18; to succeed, you must roll equal to or lower than your skill on a D20. Professions give you key trained skills, but you can distribute additional points to reflect background or personal flair. Choose a Heroic Ability: Each profession starts with one Heroic Ability, a signature talent that gives your character a unique edge — such as increased damage, special spellcasting effects, or social bonuses. More can be earned through play. Select Equipment and Background: Take your starting equipment package (based on profession), then add personal touches — name, age, appearance, weakness, motivations, and a key momento that is special to your character. Finalize Derived Stats: Calculate Hit Points (HP) and Willpower Points (WP) based on your attributes. Willpower fuels Heroic Abilities and magic. I will provide a pdf copy of the core manual to each player (on the basis they will not redistribute or sell it in any way) and we will build from that. Otherwise, all tools are still available in Roll20. We will utilize the Roll20 platform for the character builds and the game itself. All rules will be covered, the builds are easy, and everything is provided!

Preparing for the session

You will need a Roll20 account to access the game. Once you are signed up for this game via StartPlaying, I will send you an invite into the Roll20 game. Additionally, we will be using Discord for our communication purposes both during and in-between sessions. Once you are signed up for this game via StartPlaying, I will send you an invite to my Discord server. I will assign you the #Start Playing Cast Member role and invite you into the private room we will use for the game. You will need your PC and internet along with a mic and camera. Having your camera on is preferable so we may see each other an better act the dramatics of the game. Being able to see each other's facial expressions and body language are extremely valuable when you have a back-and-forth narrative. It is the essence of the game!

What Lucas G Variety brings to the table

I run games through the Roll20 platform for character prep and play, and Discord for in-between and during game play. Additionally, our video call will be done through Discord for both mics and cameras. I will be recording the sessions for my records, notes, and safety. I have no intention of live streaming these episodes. Additionally, Episode #0 is FREE! Expect a balance of heavy roleplay and intense, tactical combat, with a healthy dose of mirth added into the mixture. I sometimes use music to heighten tension and atmosphere, but not always. I rely on the immersion of the players in stressful, meaningful situations where their decisions shape the story. I like to get into character for all my characters, using gentle accents and vivid descriptions to bring many races, cultures, and personalities to life. I follow Rules as Written most of the time, but I’m not afraid to lean into the Rule of Cool when the moment calls for it. My goal is to create a cinematic experience where roleplay and mechanics work hand-in-hand, giving you the feeling of living inside the story rather than just playing a game. If the mechanics interfere with that, especially at a crucial moment, we may just roll a die and see what happens!

Homebrew rules

I am new to running this game, not RPGs in general, so I'd like to stick as closely to the rules as we can. However, in the spirit of the moment, if it's better for the narrative, we could just toss a die and let it decide. I am open to home brewing certain rules as we learn about the game and make homebrew rules decisions together.

How Lucas G Variety creates a safe table

I'll set clear guidelines with Lines and Veils clearly beforehand and during our Episode 0. I will also use Aftercare, Debriefing, Breaks, and the X, N, & O cards. The X, N, & O cards will done during a session as a private, direct message to me (or the group) in Discord.