Dragonbane

Dragons and Demons · Drakar & Demons

Dragonbane

Dragonbane is high fantasy with a playful twist. Heroes traverse wild frontiers, explore ancient halls, and clash with cunning beasts. The tone is lively, but the dice can bite. Scenes unfold quickly, featuring mishaps and sudden victories that keep everyone chuckling and engaged.

A professional Game Master channels that energy into a clear, inviting session. Ideal for newcomers, mixed groups, parties, and teams. You can choose from a treasure hunt, monster chase, or open exploration. Whether in person or online, suitable for 2 to 6 players, lasting about 3 to 4 hours. Discover available options with our Game Masters.

How to play Dragonbane

You describe your hero's actions, then roll a d20 against a skill. Rolling equal to or lower than the rating means success; rolling higher indicates trouble. Edges and setbacks provide extra d20s, and you keep the best or the worst result. You can push a failed roll once, trading safety for a second chance.

Players bring a character idea and a positive attitude. Your Game Master can provide pre-made characters if you want to dive straight in. Dice are great, but for online sessions, your Game Master supplies virtual dice, maps, and handouts. The Game Master teaches the rules as you progress, manages monsters and NPCs, and keeps the pace lively. A one-shot aims for a clear goal with a neat conclusion. A campaign connects quests, incorporates travel and downtime, and allows your choices to shape the world. For online tools, see our online play overview.

Group of four friends in playful sunglasses and dark outfits, posing indoors with a fun and casual vibe.
Group of four friends in playful sunglasses and dark outfits, posing indoors with a fun and casual vibe.
Close-up of a green twenty-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.
Close-up of a green twenty-sided die with gold numbers, used for tabletop role-playing games like dungeos and dragons.

Common questions

Do we need to know the rules in advance?

No. A professional Game Master will guide you as you play. Dragonbane uses a straightforward d20 roll-under system, featuring clear benefits and setbacks, along with a push-your-luck option if you want a second attempt. You’ll be making choices and rolling with confidence in no time. Pre-generated characters are available for a quick start, or the GM can assist you in creating one quickly. It’s suitable for both newcomers and seasoned players at the same table.

How does Dragonbane compare to D&D?

Dragonbane is lighter and more dynamic. You roll a d20 against your skill, making results quick to interpret. With fewer modifiers, faster combat, and push-your-luck choices, it creates sudden shifts that keep everyone engaged. The tone is bright and adventurous, but the monsters still pack a punch. It excels in one-shots and short arcs, requiring less preparation from players. If you're considering your options, you can also check out other game systems to find what suits your group.

What can I play, and how does magic function?

You can choose classic fantasy races, along with Dragonbane’s unique options like mallards and wolfkin. Your role can be martial, magical, or a combination, guided by your skills rather than rigid classes. Magic is simple and driven by your character’s will and energy, so your choices are important. Spells are potent but come with risks if you overexert yourself. The GM can offer pre-made characters or assist you in refining a custom concept to suit the adventure.

What edition are you running, and how long does a session last?

Sessions use the 2023 Edition of Dragonbane from Free League Publishing. A typical booking lasts around 3 to 4 hours, which is sufficient for a focused quest with clear stakes and a satisfying payoff. It works well with 2 to 6 players. If you prefer a longer storyline, the GM can connect sessions into a mini-campaign, allowing progress, travel, and downtime choices to develop over time.

Is Dragonbane appropriate for children or mixed age groups?

Absolutely. The tone can remain light-hearted while the level of danger is adjusted to your comfort. A professional Game Master will steer clear of graphic content, emphasise teamwork, and simplify choices for younger players, all while ensuring it remains engaging for adults. Pre-generated characters and clear objectives assist everyone in getting involved. If you prefer a milder selection of monsters or a brief without any frightening scenes, just let the GM know and they will customise the adventure accordingly.

Can we play online? What tools do you use?

Yes. Dragonbane operates seamlessly online. Your Game Master sets up a virtual tabletop with maps, tokens, handouts, and integrated dice rollers, along with straightforward video and voice options. All you need is a stable internet connection, a headset, and a quiet space. For a quick overview of common platforms and their offerings, check out our online play overview. In-person games are also available if you prefer a physical table.

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 Dragonbane

  • 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
  • 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
  • Wilderness

    Boots on the ground, maps in hand, with miles of rugged terrain separating you from safety. Imagine the Fellowship traversing the wilds of…

    View genre: Wilderness
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Daggerheart

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

    Daggerheart is a high-fantasy RPG where every roll uses Hope and Fear d12s. Grand heroics meet significant consequences in quick, story-driven gameplay.

    View system: Daggerheart
  • 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
  • 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
  • Cairn

    • Exploration +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Simple rules

    Explore haunted forests and crumbling ruins with Cairn, a rules-light fantasy RPG that emphasises careful choices and hard-won treasure. It is quick to learn, gritty in play, and focused on discovery and survival. Imagine the grounded, monster-haunted roads of The Witcher, but without the flashy magic.

    View system: Cairn
  • 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
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?