The Secret of the Dragon Emperor

Creating your character

Pre-generated characters will be available to choose from before the campaign begins. I’ll offer advice on party balance, but the final choice is yours. You can also use one of these characters as a starting point, changing their name and background or reallocating ability scores to make the character your own. If you prefer, you can create a character before Session One in a short online session with me or by coordinating with me on Discord. I’ll provide any guidance you need beyond the free Quickstart rules. Character creation uses the core Dragonbane rules and is limited to the kin and professions in the core rulebook. Options from expansions or third-party supplements may be considered with prior approval.

Preparing for the session

This FREE Dragonbane 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 the session.

What Dan brings to the table

I’ll teach Dragonbane as we play, so you don't need any previous experience. You’ll have access to the core rulebook during sessions, and the free Quickstart guide is available if you want a preview. Dragonbane may look a little like D&D, but it plays differently. All dice rolls use a roll-under system: rolling equal to or below your skill succeeds, a natural 1 is the best possible result, and a natural 20 is the worst. You roll attacks against your own skill, and abilities and spells use Willpower instead of slots. Combat is quick and dangerous, so timing, positioning, and knowing when to take a risk matter. I mostly run the rules as written. If something is unclear, I’ll make a quick call to keep the game moving and clarify it later if needed. The campaign leaves room to explore, talk, pursue personal goals, and live with the consequences of your choices. The world keeps moving, but you won’t be rushed from one encounter to the next. I’ll also provide dynamic maps, ambient music, NPC voices, and journals for tracking goals, rumors, and the party’s progress from session to session. Expect a long-form campaign full of Mirth and Mayhem, shaped by your group's choices.

Homebrew rules

1. Tales of the Misty Vale: Players who add an account of the previous expedition to the campaign journal before the next session earn every company member either 1 gold piece or one additional advancement mark in a skill of their choice. 2. No Pushing Long-Term Activity Rolls: Rolls covering roughly eight hours or more, including journey, camping, and learning rolls, cannot be pushed. 3. Rallying While Dying: Before making a Death Roll, a dying character may attempt to rally themselves with WIL or PERSUADE with a bane, allowing them to act normally if they survive the roll while remaining at 0 HP and continuing to make Death Rolls. 4. Beginning Heroic Abilities: Early in the campaign, each character may choose Defensive or Fast Footwork as an additional Heroic Ability, after which they gain Heroic Abilities normally.

How Dan creates a safe table

Dragonbane is a heroic fantasy game built around adventure, danger, and discovery. Combat and other threats are part of the campaign, but the focus is on bold choices, strange places, and hard-won victories. Violence will not be described in graphic detail, and the game is not intended to be psychologically intense. Before the game, you’re welcome to meet with me briefly on Discord to ask questions, discuss expectations, or let me know about anything you would rather avoid. During play, anyone can pause or redirect a scene by speaking up, messaging me privately on Discord, or using the safety signal in Foundry. You never need to explain why. We’ll change the scene or move on. The characters may be in danger, but the players should always feel safe, respected, and in control of their experience.