Relics of the Dragon Emperor | Dragonbane Campaign

Creating your character

We’ll create characters together during Session Zero, before the adventure begins. This is where we build your hero and tie them to the Misty Vale, their history, motivations, and the reason they’ve braved the fog. Are you a treasure hunter chasing the Dragon Emperor’s relics, a knight sworn to protect the innocent, or a scholar drawn by the promise of forgotten knowledge? Whatever your path, the Misty Vale will test it. We’ll use the Dragonbane Rulebook for all core mechanics and character creation, but players are encouraged to draw inspiration from approved third-party supplements, especially those published by Midgar Press LLC, such as Kins & Professions of Saturnis, Vol. 1. These supplements expand the world with new kin, professions, and flavorful archetypes that fit perfectly into the Misty Vale’s mysterious tone. Whether you want to play a steadfast Draken, a cunning Verminkin, or a stoic Hellward, your story has a place here. As mentioned before, all characters begin with their standard starting equipment and a personal hook that ties them to the Vale. A missing ally, a cursed artifact, a family debt, or a prophetic dream of the Emperor’s tomb. We’ll roll attributes and skills using the standard Dragonbane roll-under system, with room for narrative adjustments to suit your concept. Character creation will be collaborative and story-driven, blending the thrill of dice-rolling with shared worldbuilding. By the end of Session Zero, you won’t just have a character sheet, you’ll have a living adventurer with purpose, flaws, and ambition, ready to step into the mists and uncover the Secrets & Relics of the Dragon Emperor.

Preparing for the session

Before we venture into the Misty Vale, here’s how to get ready: 1. Join the Discord – All communication takes place in the Tabletop Guild server. The invite link will be sent out before Session Zero. This is where we’ll handle scheduling, handouts, and character chat. 2. Set Up for Play – Most sessions will be Theatre of the Mind, focusing on story and imagination over maps. I may use Roll20 or Alchemy VTT for visuals or combat as needed, so it helps to have accounts on both (free versions are fine). 3. Know the Basics – Dragonbane uses a D20 roll-under system — low rolls are good! You don’t need to know the rules ahead of time; I’ll guide you through everything as we play. 4. Character Options – We’ll use the Dragonbane Rulebook and may include approved third-party content from Midgar Press, like Kins & Professions of Saturnis Vol. 1.

What Mr. Dragonbane brings to the table

My goal is simple; have fun and tell a great story together. Expect a mix of humor, heart, and high adventure as we explore the Misty Vale and uncover the secrets and relics of the Dragon Emperor. I love character voices, bad accents, and a bit of chaos. Laughter is as important as tension here. I run the game Rules as Written about 90% of the time, but when something epic, hilarious, or downright clever happens, the Rule of Cool and the story always win. Most sessions will be Theatre of the Mind, with ambient music, vivid narration, and space for players to be creative. Combat will be fast and cinematic, exploration meaningful, and your choices will shape the Vale’s fate. In short: bring your imagination, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to laugh — we’re here to make memories, not just rolls.

Homebrew rules

Deal with the Gamemaster: You may strike a bargain with me for almost anything but when I call in my marker, you can’t refuse. Deal with a Demon: You may call on a demon’s aid to succeed at what you’re attempting but when the demon calls in its marker, you can’t refuse. Brutal Blows: Any attack that deals 15+ damage to an enemy allows for a dismemberment. Death Rolls: I roll all death timer rolls behind the screen to keep the tension high. Enduring Wounds: If a PC survives going to 0 HP, the PC must roll a d20 and take an Severe Injury Table from pg.51 of Core Rulebook. Character Death: If a PC dies, the new PC joins with a discussed number of skill points.

How Mr. Dragonbane creates a safe table

Player comfort and safety always come first. Secrets & Relics of the Dragon Emperor is meant to be thrilling, mysterious, and fun — never uncomfortable or distressing. Before play begins, we'll have Session 0 so everyone can adventure with confidence and respect. The game’s tone aims for a PG-13ish rating, occasionally drifting toward darker ratings for fantasy violence or darker themes. If the tone ever moves beyond your comfort zone, please speak up — I’ll adjust immediately. We use several tools to ensure safety and pacing: - Session 0 to set expectations and discuss themes. - Open Door Policy – you may step away from the game at any time, no questions asked. Just drop a quick “BRB” in chat if possible. - Mid-Session Breaks – a 10-minute midpoint break every session to rest and reset.