If you are looking for a new roleplaying game that combines fantasy, sci-fi, and post-apocalyptic elements, you might want to check out the Dragonbane Bundle by Free League Publishing. This bundle includes the core rulebook of Dragonbane, a setting book called The World of Dragonbane, and a campaign book called The Fall of the Dragon Empire. In this review, I will give you an overview of what this game is about, how it works, and what I liked and disliked about it.
Dragonbane is a game that takes place in a world where dragons once ruled over humanity, but were defeated by a mysterious force called the Dragonbane. The Dragonbane caused the dragons to lose their powers and fall into a deep slumber, while also unleashing a wave of destruction and chaos across the world. The world of Dragonbane is now a wasteland, where humans struggle to survive in the ruins of ancient civilizations, while also facing threats from mutated creatures, rogue machines, and cults that worship the fallen dragons.
The game uses a modified version of the Year Zero Engine, which is also used in other games by Free League Publishing, such as Tales from the Loop and Alien. The Year Zero Engine is a simple and elegant system that uses dice pools of six-sided dice. Each die has three blank sides, two sides with one success symbol, and one side with two success symbols. To perform an action, you roll a number of dice equal to your attribute plus your skill, and you need at least one success symbol to succeed. However, you can also push your roll to reroll any dice that did not show a success symbol, at the risk of suffering stress or damage.
The game also has some unique features that make it stand out from other games using the Year Zero Engine. For example, the game has a magic system that allows you to cast spells using dragon runes, which are symbols that represent different aspects of reality. You can combine different runes to create different effects, but you also need to pay a price in blood or sacrifice to use them. Another feature is the dragon awakening mechanic, which allows you to awaken your latent dragon heritage and gain access to powerful abilities, but also exposes you to the influence of the Dragonbane.
The World of Dragonbane is a setting book that provides more details about the world of the game, its history, geography, factions, cultures, and secrets. It also includes a bestiary of creatures and enemies that you can encounter in your adventures. The book is full of stunning artwork and maps that bring the world to life. The book also offers plenty of hooks and ideas for creating your own stories and campaigns in this setting.
The Fall of the Dragon Empire is a campaign book that provides a ready-made adventure for you and your group to play. The campaign follows the events that led to the downfall of the dragon empire and the rise of the Dragonbane. You will play as characters who witnessed these events firsthand and who have a personal stake in them. The campaign is divided into four chapters, each with its own challenges, twists, and revelations. The campaign is designed to be epic and cinematic, with plenty of action, drama, and mystery.
I enjoyed playing Dragonbane for several reasons. First of all, I liked the setting and the premise of the game. I found it very original and intriguing to explore a world where dragons were once rulers but are now sleeping giants. I also liked how the game mixed different genres and elements, such as fantasy, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, horror, and mystery. I think this gave the game a lot of variety and flavor.
Secondly, I liked the system and the mechanics of the game. I think the Year Zero Engine is very easy to learn and use, but also very flexible and adaptable. I liked how the game added some new features to it, such as magic and dragon awakening. I think these features added more depth and options to the game without making it too complicated or cumbersome.
Thirdly, I liked the quality and presentation of the game materials. I think the books are very well-written and organized, with clear explanations and examples. I also think the books are very beautiful and immersive, with amazing artwork and maps that really capture the mood and atmosphere of the game.
However, there are also some things that I did not like or that could be improved about the game. For example:
– The game can be very dark and grim at times. The world of Dragonbane is not a happy place to live in. There is a lot of violence, suffering, corruption, and horror in it. Some players might find this too depressing or disturbing for their taste.
– The game can be very challenging and deadly at times. The game does not pull any punches when it comes to threats and dangers. There are many enemies and hazards that can kill you or harm you in various ways. Some players might find this too frustrating or unfair for their enjoyment.
– The game can be very complex and dense at times. The game has a lot of lore and information to digest and remember. There are many details and nuances that can affect the game and the story. Some players might find this too overwhelming or confusing for their interest.
Overall, I think Dragonbane is a great game for those who are looking for a new and different roleplaying experience. It is a game that offers a rich and diverse setting, a simple and elegant system, and a thrilling and epic campaign. It is a game that challenges you to survive and explore a world where dragons once ruled, but are now sleeping giants. It is a game that lets you awaken your dragon heritage and face the Dragonbane.
REVIEW : Assassin’s Creed Mirage (XBOX Series X)
