So I Playtested Daggerheart... (and I have a some notes)

DnD Shorts2 minutes read

In Dagger Heart, pre-made character sheets lack clear explanations for experiences and domain cards, but players can spend hope for bonuses similar to skills in D&D. The game's combat system is less swingy than D&D, with players feeling powerful from the start, but missing an attack can be more detrimental due to the fear mechanic and combat strategy. The design of Dagger Heart aims for a unique identity beyond typical fantasy settings like Lord of the Rings, emphasizing the importance of leaning into cards for an innovative TTRPG experience.

Insights

  • Character sheets in Dagger Heart provide domain and evasion details, and experience functions similarly to skills in D&D, allowing players to spend hope for bonuses, enhancing the mechanical depth and player agency within the game.
  • Dagger Heart's design aims for uniqueness beyond traditional fantasy settings, emphasizing the utilization of cards for innovative gameplay, creating a mechanically complete and powerful player experience from the start, with combat intricacies that make missing an attack more impactful than in D&D, showcasing a deliberate and strategic approach to game mechanics.

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Recent questions

  • What resources are provided for Dagger Heart?

    Character sheets, quick start guide, cards, tokens.

  • How does experience work in Dagger Heart?

    Similar to skills in D&D, spend hope for bonuses.

  • What is the cost of printing materials for Dagger Heart?

    £36 or $46.

  • How does combat in Dagger Heart differ from D&D?

    Less swingy due to HP system, more strategic.

  • What is the design goal of Dagger Heart?

    Unique identity beyond typical fantasy settings.

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Summary

00:00

"Dagger Heart: Pre-made Characters and Combat"

  • Printed out the quick start guide for Dagger Heart along with other resources
  • Pre-made character sheets provided for each character in the adventure
  • Character sheets include domain and evasion details
  • Experience in Dagger Heart works like skills in D&D, allowing players to spend hope for bonuses
  • Pre-made character sheets lack clear explanations for experiences and domain cards
  • Printed out all cards for a full deck, including cutout tokens and 3D printed minis
  • Printing all materials for the adventure cost £36 or $46
  • Combat in Dagger Heart is less swingy than D&D due to the HP system
  • Players in Dagger Heart feel mechanically complete and powerful from the start
  • Missing an attack in Dagger Heart can be more detrimental than in D&D due to the fear mechanic and combat strategy

14:34

Unique Design Elevates Dagger Heart TTRPG Experience

  • Design with the goal of being the best, ensuring a unique identity for Dagger Heart beyond typical fantasy settings like Lord of the Rings, emphasizing the importance of leaning into cards for a successful and innovative TTRPG experience that could elevate the entire scene for an extended period.
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