Dragonbane

Dragons and Demons · Drakar & Demoner

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 unexpected victories that keep everyone laughing 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 between 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.

Reserve nowHow to play

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, while rolling higher indicates trouble. Edges and setbacks grant 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 concept and a positive attitude. Your Game Master can provide pre-made characters if you want to dive right 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 focuses on a clear objective 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.

Close-up of painted fantasy miniatures on a blue battle map during a tabletop RPG encounter.
Close-up of painted fantasy miniatures on a blue battle map during a tabletop RPG encounter.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to know the rules in advance?

No. A professional Game Master will guide you as you play. Dragonbane employs a straightforward d20 roll-under system, featuring clear advantages and disadvantages, along with a push-your-luck option if you wish to take a second shot. You will be making decisions 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 caters to 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 select from 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, making your choices significant. 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 fit the adventure.

Which edition do you run, and how long does a session last?

Sessions use the 2023 Edition of Dragonbane from Free League Publishing. A typical booking lasts about 3 to 4 hours, which is sufficient for a focused quest with clear stakes and a satisfying payoff. It accommodates 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?

Yes. The tone can remain light and the danger adjusted to your comfort level. A professional Game Master will steer clear of graphic content, highlight teamwork, and simplify choices for younger players while ensuring it remains engaging for adults. Pre-generated characters and clear objectives help everyone get involved. If you prefer a gentler selection of monsters or a brief without scary scenes, let the GM know and they will customize the adventure.

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 convenient video and voice options. All you need is a stable internet connection, a headset, and a quiet space. For a quick overview of popular 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.

Critical fail, try again!

Please try again or email info@storyforgerscanada.com

Genres you can play in Dragonbane

Explore all genres

What players are saying

  • Joran had 6 kids aged 12 fully engaged for the entire four hours. Most were playing for the first time. They were actively entertained from start to finish. At no point did anyone seem bored or irritated. Joran was also perfectly prepared and had great game materials on hand.

    Haiko

  • Ruby was amazing; this was our group's first DnD experience, and she helped everyone grasp the rules and enjoy themselves.

    Adam

  • We had a fantastic time; the boys really enjoyed their campaign, and Evan was excellent. I would definitely recommend Evan. Thank you!

    Cheidhia

  • Geert was a lot of fun and very enthusiastic! We were laughing so hard we could hardly breathe :D

    Wessel

  • It was an amazing experience for the girls! Thank you, Marie! You were incredibly well prepared, the girls were captivated by your every word, and it felt like you had been playing together for years! Looking forward to seeing you next time!

    Annick

  • Tom was amazing! He was really great with the kids and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The kids asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • 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 really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and 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. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

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

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared. Punctual. And had a wonderful sense of humour.

    Corey

Similar game systems

  • Dungeon World

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

    Quick, story-driven fantasy where heroes make daring moves and the dice add an element of risk. If you enjoy The Lord of the Rings, you'll appreciate thrilling quests, explorations of ruins, and tough decisions. Ideal 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 game based on the classic d20 system. You play as daring heroes connected to influential Icons, whose rivalries influence your adventures, politics, and conflicts. Imagine The Lord of the Rings with grander actions and cinematic battles, ideal for groups seeking excitement and intrigue.

    View system: 13th Age

  • Dungeons & Dragons

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

    Forge your own fantasy tale with Dungeons & Dragons. Create a party of brave heroes, outsmart traps, negotiate with dragons, and claim 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 play.

    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 deities, and careful magic. Imagine The Lord of the Rings infused with more folklore and local intrigue. Discover Aventuria, track down legendary creatures, and tackle challenges with steel, cleverness, and courage under the guidance of a professional Game Master.

    View system: The Dark Eye

  • The One Ring

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

    Explore the paths of Middle-earth in The One Ring, the official tabletop RPG inspired by Tolkien. With low magic, deep lore, and hard-won hope, every journey is shaped by your choices. Assemble a Company and face the wilderness, engage in councils, and partake in battles in adventures that evoke the spirit of 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 emphasizes careful choices and hard-won treasure. It is easy to learn, gritty in play, and centres on discovery and survival. Imagine the grounded, monster-infested paths 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 intertwined by destiny in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound. Embark on quests across the Mortal Realms, confronting Chaos, creatures, and deranged deities. If you appreciate the epic scale of God of War, you'll relish this swift, heroic team play with a skilled Game Master.

    View system: Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Soulbound
Explore all gaming systems
Black diagonal cross icon, commonly used to close popups or dismiss notifications on websites.

We’re Looking for Dungeon Masters!

StoryForgers is on the hunt for passionate and creative Dungeon Masters to join our team.
Are you interested?