Dragonbane is a roll-under d20-based system from Free League designed for furious and whimsical roleplay in a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. The main core concept of the design is NO MATH, hence the roll-under Year Zero game engine. Rather than focusing on tactical combat and endless character customization, Dragonbane brings the focus back onto the adventure; travel, exploration, and role-play will take precedence over combat, which will be quick and deadly.
Character Advancement in Dragonbane
Skill-Based Progression, Not Levels
Dragonbane uses a skill-based advancement system: you improve by using your skills, not by gaining experience points or levels.
When you roll either a critical success (a 1, called a "dragon") or a critical failure (a 20, called a "demon") on a skill check, you mark that skill for advancement.
At the end of each session, roll a d20 for each marked skill. If you roll higher than your current skill value, it increases by 1. Skills start easy to improve and become harder as they rise, with a maximum of 18.
Once a skill reaches 18, you can unlock a "Heroic Ability," a unique trait or feat that offers special advantages.
How Items Increase Power
Gear and Equipment
Every piece of gear in Dragonbane has specific, tangible effects. For example, certain tools help with tasks, specific clothing can prevent travel mishaps, and tents or other equipment can grant a boon (an extra die roll) during travel or specific situations.
Weapons have durability ratings. If a weapon is used to parry and the incoming damage exceeds its durability, it requires repair. Some weapons can deal multiple types of damage (bludgeoning, slashing, piercing), and you must declare your attack type before rolling.
Magic Items and Potions
Many items are enchanted with spells. To use a magical item, you must hold it, spend the required Willpower Points (WP) based on the spell’s power level, and fulfill any specific requirements (such as saying a phrase or performing an action).
Potions provide immediate effects, such as healing, boosting strength, granting invisibility, or curing conditions. For example, a Potion of Power temporarily increases your Strength to 18 and upgrades your damage dice, while a Potion of Healing restores health instantly.
Magical Weapons and Artifacts
Magic weapons often provide additional effects, such as bonus damage, special abilities against certain foes (like demons), or unique actions that can be powered by the wielder’s Willpower Points.
Some weapons grant a "boon" (an extra die roll) on attacks under certain circumstances or allow the user to bypass normal penalties, such as dual-wielding restrictions.
Artifacts may store their own pool of Willpower Points, which can be used to fuel spells or heroic abilities, and may recharge after a period of rest.
Dragonbane’s item system is designed to make each piece of gear, potion, or artifact meaningful, offering practical benefits and new options in and out of combat. This approach supports the game’s focus on adventure, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving rather than just raw character stats.