Rules reference
Character creation in Daggerheart
Creation steps and common decision points. 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
Use this as a checklist, then build your character in RPG Stack.
Copyable facts
- 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
Creation order (from system.json)
- Choose Ancestry
- Choose Community
- Choose Class
- Choose Foundation
- Set Traits
- Calculate Derived Stats
- Choose Experiences
- Choose Domain Cards
Examples
Example: Concept first
Start with a simple concept (role + vibe), then choose attributes/skills that support it. You can fill details later.
Example: One signature move
Make sure your sheet supports a signature action you want to do often (investigate, intimidate, hack, heal, etc.).
Common mistakes (smallest fix)
- Mistake: Skipping concept and getting lost in options. Fix: Pick a role, pick 2 strengths, pick 1 weakness, then fill details.
- Mistake: Not aligning your sheet with the campaign. Fix: Ask what kind of scenes you’ll play (combat, investigation, politics) and build for that.
Daggerheart FAQ
How does the Hope and Fear system work in Daggerheart?
What are the classes in Daggerheart?
What are domain cards in Daggerheart?
How do traits work in Daggerheart?