Rules reference
Combat in Daggerheart
Turn flow, actions, and common combat rules. Daggerheart is a heroic fantasy tabletop RPG by Darrington Press that uses a unique 2d12 Hope and Fear dice system. Players create heroes defined by their ancestry, community, class, and subclass, then embark on adventures where narrative control shifts between players and the GM based on which die rolls higher.
Key points
Combat rules matter most when they keep scenes moving. This page focuses on decision points and the system’s core resolution loop.
- 2d12 Hope & Fear system: Narrative control shifts based on which die rolls higher
- 9 classes with 2 subclasses each: Bard, Druid, Guardian, Ranger, Rogue, Seraph, Sorcerer, Warrior, Wizard
- 19 ancestries: Clank, Daemon, Drakona, Dwarf, Elf, Faerie, and more
- 6 traits: Agility, Strength, Finesse, Instinct, Knowledge, Presence
- Domain card system: Class abilities that grow with your character
- Critical success on doubles: Both dice showing the same number
Daggerheart resolves rolls with Duality Dice: roll two d12s (one Hope die, one Fear die), add your trait modifier, and compare to a Difficulty. Which die rolls higher colors the outcome, succeeding with Hope builds your resources, while Fear feeds the GM's.
- Roll the two Duality Dice (Hope d12 + Fear d12) and add your trait.
- Compare the total to the Difficulty to find success or failure.
- Note which die is higher: with Hope you gain a Hope token; with Fear the GM gains Fear to spend against the party.
Instead of “I attack,” state the goal: “I push them back from the door” or “I buy time for the escape.” This makes outcomes clearer.
Once the winner is clear, wrap it. Don’t grind out the last 10% if it doesn’t change the story.
- Mistake: Unclear turns and slow decisions. Fix: State intent, pick one action, resolve fast, and move on.
- Mistake: Grinding after the outcome is obvious. Fix: End scenes early and narrate the final advantage.