Daggerheart

Daggerheart · Critical Role Daggerheart

Daggerheart

Daggerheart is a fantasy roleplaying game from Darrington Press, designed for character-driven stories and big, cinematic moments. You play capable heroes who develop through tough choices, found-family bonds, and daring action. Expect classic high fantasy with opportunities for political intrigue, exploration, and monster hunting. It welcomes both newcomers and seasoned players, making it perfect for birthdays, offsites, or a regular game night. A professional Game Master shapes the world around your group, then adjusts the tone for cosy, hopeful adventuring or sharper, high-stakes drama.

A typical session feels like an ensemble show. Scenes progress quickly, you speak in character, roll when the outcome is uncertain, and the table helps determine what happens next. Combat is dynamic and tactical, but the focus remains on your choices and relationships. Our Game Masters come prepared with prebuilt heroes if you want to jump in quickly, or will assist you in creating your own. Looking for the right fit and schedule? Browse available Game Masters and find someone who matches your style.

How to play Daggerheart

When the outcome is uncertain, you roll two twelve-sided dice, one for Hope and one for Fear, add the bonuses on your sheet, and aim to meet or exceed a difficulty set by the Game Master. The result indicates how well you performed, and the Fear die can introduce a cost or twist, even on a strong hit. On your turn, you state your intention, select an appropriate skill, ability, or spell, roll, and then describe the outcome alongside the GM. This same rhythm governs combat, exploration, and social interactions.

You bring a character concept, curiosity, and a willingness to collaborate. A professional Game Master provides an adventure, safety tools, character sheets, and dice. Playing online is seamless too, with voice, maps, and handouts managed on modern virtual tabletops. If you plan to play remotely, check out options on online play platforms.

For a one-shot, your GM will get you into action quickly with focused goals, striking set pieces, and a satisfying arc in a single session. In a campaign, your character develops over time, relationships deepen, and the story expands into politics, travel, and recurring adversaries. Advancement, downtime, and callbacks ensure that choices have significance from session to session.

Five costumed friends posing together at a lively TTRPG costume party
Five costumed friends posing together at a lively TTRPG costume party
Close-up of a blue eight-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.
Close-up of a blue eight-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.
Top-down view of a green miniature bush, ideal for tabletop board games like warhammer.

Common questions

Do I need to know the rules to play Daggerheart?

No. Daggerheart teaches well at the table. The core is simple: when it matters, you roll two twelve-sided dice called Hope and Fear, add a bonus, and read both the result and possible cost. A professional Game Master explains as you go, keeps the pace quick, and offers prebuilt characters if you want to start quickly. If you enjoy learning with extra guidance or prefer a more tactical vibe, you can choose a GM whose style suits you. See examples on GM playstyles.

How is Daggerheart different from D&D?

Instead of a single d20, you roll Hope and Fear d12s together. You can succeed and still encounter a twist, which keeps scenes dynamic and choices significant. The rules highlight relationships, motives, and consequences, ensuring story beats resonate without extensive preparation or calculations. Combat still provides tactical options, but the pace and narrative take precedence. If you're familiar with D&D, expect familiar fantasy elements with reduced bookkeeping, quicker character setup, and more opportunities for the table to contribute ideas to the evolving scene.

What types of characters can I play in Daggerheart?

You can create familiar fantasy heroes, from martial powerhouses and sneaks to healers and arcane casters. What makes Daggerheart stand out is how your drives, bonds, and signature talents influence outcomes and earn growth. You determine how your magic feels or what your fighting style looks like, and the rules support that in play. Want to get started quickly? Your GM can provide ready-to-play heroes or assist you in crafting a custom build that fits the story you want.

What dice and materials do we need for Daggerheart?

Most rolls use two twelve-sided dice, labelled Hope and Fear. A professional Game Master brings character sheets, dice, pencils, and any quick-reference aids the table needs. If you like, bring your own pair of d12s, but it is not required. For online games, digital sheets and dice rollers make play smooth. You only need a stable internet connection, voice chat, and curiosity. The GM handles rules references so you can stay focused on the scene.

Which version of the rules will the GM use?

Your session uses the current official Daggerheart rules from Darrington Press. If you've seen older previews, expect some refinements and wording changes, but the table experience remains clear and quick. A professional Game Master will keep track of updates and explain anything new in straightforward terms before it becomes relevant. If your group has a specific preference, mention it at the time of booking, and the GM will confirm what best suits your session plan.

Is Daggerheart appropriate for children or mixed age groups?

Yes. The Hope and Fear mechanic allows the GM to adjust stakes so scenes feel thrilling without becoming too dark. Clear actions, collaborative storytelling, and safety tools help younger or newer players feel at ease. The group agrees on boundaries and tone together, and the GM presents consequences in age-appropriate ways while keeping heroics at the forefront. It’s ideal for families, school clubs, and birthday parties, as well as adults seeking a hopeful, adventurous atmosphere.

Can I bring my D&D character idea into Daggerheart?

There isn't a direct one-to-one conversion, but the concept generally translates well. Share what defines your hero, such as a sworn oath, a signature spell, or a combat style, and the GM will assist in reconstructing it using Daggerheart options to ensure it feels right at the table. Iconic gear and abilities receive story-first equivalents, and you'll uncover new hooks through bonds and drives. Need help pairing a GM with that idea? Browse available Game Masters.

Booking Form


Click to select dates

0/1500
Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from lotr.

Sent!

Illustration of a dragon perched on a rock, with wings spread and detailed line art, similar to a dragon from lotr.

Nat 1, have another go!

Please try again or email info@storyforgersaustralia.com

Genres you can play in Daggerheart

  • Heroic

    Stand tall, make the right choice, and triumph in the end. Heroic games evoke the spirit of The Lord of the Rings, featuring bold oaths…

    View genre: Heroic
  • Epic

    Grand tales of world-altering stakes and legendary heroes, from the initial spark to the final showdown. Imagine the scale of The Lord of…

    View genre: Epic
  • Exploration

    Set out with a map and a question. Exploration stories pursue horizons, map ruins and wilderness, and reward curiosity, much like Indiana…

    View genre: Exploration
  • Medieval

    Knights, castles, guild halls, and the burden of oaths. Feudal politics, harsh winters, and hard-earned honour, much like Game of Thrones…

    View genre: Medieval
  • Pirate

    Salt spray, creaking decks, and cutlass duels as you pursue treasure and rivals across treacherous waters. Swashbuckling adventure…

    View genre: Pirate

What players are saying

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a fantastic job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. Cheers, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varied experience levels, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed for our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his extensive knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided an excellent experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was incredibly engaging. I organised a session as a gift for my boyfriend, who is really passionate about it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was a fantastic GM who adapted seamlessly to our group and helped us make great progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided; they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were quite rough. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left their game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another game with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A great first experience with D&D. Amber was excellent at explaining and guiding the game, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating on attack strategies with my colleagues was a fun activity that provided valuable insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

  • Pim is truly a legend as a DM! He's cheerful, adaptable, and incredibly experienced. With a group of novice players, he managed to create an amazing experience in just a few hours. He maintained control in a fun manner and engaged every player in the story, whether they were vocal or reserved. If you go adventuring with him, it will certainly be unforgettable!

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

Similar gaming systems

  • 13th Age

    • High Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    13th Age is a fast-paced, story-driven fantasy built on the classic d20 system. You play as bold heroes connected to powerful Icons, whose rivalries influence your quests, politics, and battles. Imagine The Lord of the Rings with more dynamic actions and cinematic combat, ideal for groups seeking excitement and intrigue.

    View system: 13th Age
  • The Dark Eye

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    The Dark Eye is a classic European fantasy featuring rich cultures, living gods, and careful magic. Imagine The Lord of the Rings but with more folklore and local intrigue. Discover Aventuria, track down legendary creatures, and tackle challenges using steel, wit, and heart under the guidance of a professional Game Master.

    View system: The Dark Eye
  • Dragonbane

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Quick, lively fantasy designed for fun and chaos. Dragonbane immerses you in treasure hunts, monster fights, and wilderness adventures that evoke the spirit of The Hobbit shared around a campfire. Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players seeking daring choices, hearty laughs, and genuine danger.

    View system: Dragonbane
  • The One Ring

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Walk the roads of Middle-earth in The One Ring, the official tabletop RPG inspired by Tolkien. Low magic, rich lore, and hard-won hope shape every journey. Form a Company and brave the wilds, councils, and combat in stories that feel like The Lord of the Rings.

    View system: The One Ring
  • Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Stand as legendary heroes entwined by destiny in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound. Embark on quests across the Mortal Realms, confronting Chaos, beasts, and deranged deities. If you appreciate the epic scale of God of War, you'll relish this swift, heroic team play with a professional Game Master.

    View system: Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound
  • Cosmere Roleplaying Game

    • High Fantasy +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Experience Brandon Sanderson's worlds with the official Cosmere Roleplaying Game. Assemble a crew, pledge oaths, and harness unique powers as you pursue mysteries and alter a planet's destiny. If you're a fan of The Stormlight Archive, this captures that grand essence for your gaming table.

    View system: Cosmere Roleplaying Game
  • Dungeons & Dragons

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 1 – 7 players
    • Moderate rules

    Craft your own fantasy story with Dungeons & Dragons. Assemble a group of brave heroes, outsmart traps, negotiate with dragons, and seize treasure in vibrant worlds. Imagine the camaraderie of The Lord of the Rings, but you decide the paths, the battles, and the conclusion.

    View system: Dungeons & Dragons
  • Dungeon World

    • High Fantasy +5
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Simple rules

    Quick, story-driven fantasy where heroes make daring choices and the dice add an element of risk. If you enjoy The Lord of the Rings, you'll love thrilling quests, exploring ruins, and facing tough decisions. Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players seeking fast-paced action and collaboration.

    View system: Dungeon World
  • Fabula Ultima

    • Anime +5
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Fabula Ultima brings classic JRPG drama to your table. Join forces for epic battles, daring magic, and deep connections in a narrative reminiscent of Final Fantasy. Ideal for those seeking vibrant heroes, intense emotions, and high fantasy stakes with an anime flair.

    View system: Fabula Ultima
Black diagonal cross icon, commonly used to close popups or dismiss notifications on websites.

We’re Looking for Dungeon Masters!

StoryForgers is seeking enthusiastic and imaginative Dungeon Masters to join our team.
Are you interested?