The Castle of the Robber Knight | Learn to Play Dragonbane

Creating your character

Pre-generated characters will be provided so players can easily jump into the game and begin the adventure.

Preparing for the session

This FREE Quickstart PDF includes the basics of the rules and characteristics for review prior to play: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/409397/Dragonbane-Quickstart Welcome to Dragonbane. To keep onboarding smooth and get into play without delay, complete the steps below before the session. Nothing here is difficult, but doing it ahead of time avoids technical friction once we begin. What we are using • Foundry: the virtual tabletop where the game takes place • Discord: https://discord.gg/pw262FFCFy Preparation Steps You will receive a direct invitation link to the Foundry game. Open the link in a browser. No account is required. A password will be provided. Your character will be assigned and ready. Dragonbane uses pre-generated characters for this session, so no setup is needed on your end. If you are unfamiliar with Foundry, review the basics here: https://foundryvtt.com/article/player-orientation/ Optional, but useful • Use Chrome or Firefox for best performance • Headphones recommended • Join Discord before the session to confirm audio works Once inside Foundry, you will only need to move your token, roll when prompted, and follow along. Everything else will be handled in session.

What Dan brings to the table

This session is a one-shot set in the world of Dragonbane, using the adventure The Castle of the Robber Knight. It is a contained story with a clear arc, focused on action, decision-making, and learning the system through play. Dragonbane shares some surface similarities with D&D, but it works differently in key ways. It uses a roll-under system: you succeed by rolling equal to or below your skill. A 1 is a critical success. A 20 is a critical failure. Attacks are resolved by rolling against your own skill rather than targeting an opponent’s armor class. Abilities, spells, and special actions are powered by Willpower instead of slots. You decide when to spend it and when to hold back. Combat is fast and consequential. Positioning, timing, and risk matter. All of this will be explained at the table. You will also have access to the core rulebook during play. If you want a preview, the free PDF outlines the system clearly. This is a beginner-friendly session. The goal is to learn the mechanics and move through a short, focused story where your decisions carry weight. I run the game largely Rules as Written for clarity and consistency, but will make quick rulings as needed to keep things moving. If something is unclear, it will be resolved in the moment and explained as we go. The aim is simple: a clean introduction to Dragonbane and a tight, memorable session of Mirth and Mayhem!

How Dan creates a safe table

Dragonbane is a heroic fantasy game. The tone is one of adventure, danger, and discovery. There is conflict and combat, but the focus is on bold choices, strange places, and moments of triumph. It is not designed to be graphic or psychologically intense. The world is one of wonder, where risk exists, but the experience remains grounded and playable. Before the session, I am available for a brief one-on-one on Discord if you want to ask questions, clarify expectations, or flag anything you would prefer to avoid. During play, we use simple safety tools. Any player can pause or redirect a scene at any time by speaking up, sending a private message on Discord, or using a signal in Foundry. No explanation is required. The scene will shift or move on. The intent is straightforward: a game that feels dangerous inside the fiction, but remains controlled, respectful, and comfortable at the table.