Comparing Shadowdark and Dragonbane - (why I choose Shadowdark)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares insights from a gaming session where they shifted from their usual Shadow Dark RPG to Dragon Bane due to missing players. They highlight the differences in player engagement, noting that Dragon Bane prompted a more combat-focused approach, whereas Shadow Dark allowed for relaxed storytelling and negotiation. The speaker praises Dragon Bane's character creation and skill system but ultimately prefers Shadow Dark for its ease of play. They express interest in exploring Wild Sea, which might align better with their players' desires for pet mechanics, while continuing to enjoy both systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Players switched from Shadow Dark to Dragon Bane due to missing members, maintaining the same setting.
• 😀 Dragon Bane's character creation process is highly customizable, allowing unique character builds.
• 😀 Players approached Dragon Bane with a more combat-focused mindset compared to their negotiation style in Shadow Dark.
• 😀 Combat in Dragon Bane was described as fast and engaging, with exciting high-damage rolls.
• 😀 The leveling system in Dragon Bane is unique, enabling players to increase skills through gameplay.
• 😀 Shadow Dark is preferred for its ease of running and relaxed narrative style, allowing for greater storytelling.
• 😀 The user noted a difference in player dynamics, with Dragon Bane encouraging more aggressive tactics.
• 😀 Players expressed enjoyment in rolling multiple dice for significant damage during combat encounters.
• 😀 The user is considering introducing Wild Sea as a new system to accommodate players' desires for pet mechanics.
• 😀 Both Dragon Bane and Shadow Dark have their strengths, with the user planning to use Shadow Dark for regular sessions while exploring Dragon Bane and Wild Sea.

Q & A

What prompted the speaker to switch from Shadow Dark to Dragon Bane for the gaming session?

The speaker switched to Dragon Bane because two players were missing from their usual Shadow Dark campaign, and they wanted to keep the game going.

How did the players' approach to combat differ between Shadow Dark and Dragon Bane?

In Shadow Dark, players typically preferred negotiation and tactical discussions in combat, while in Dragon Bane, they leaned towards a more combat-focused approach, eager to use their high-damage spells.

What are some of the features of Dragon Bane that the speaker enjoyed?

The speaker enjoyed the character creation process, the fun combat mechanics, the leveling system, the skill-based interactions, and the overall crunchiness of the game.

What did the speaker mean by 'crunchiness' in Dragon Bane?

Crunchiness refers to the complexity and detail in the game's mechanics, including the tactical elements of combat and character abilities that enhance gameplay.

Why does the speaker prefer to continue with Shadow Dark for their weekly games?

The speaker finds Shadow Dark easier to run and more relaxed, allowing for a focus on storytelling rather than constant mechanics and dice rolling.

What specific element in Dragon Bane's character creation stood out to the speaker?

The openness and flexibility in character customization in Dragon Bane were highlighted, allowing for unique character builds that fit various play styles.

What feedback did the speaker receive from players about leveling in Dragon Bane?

Players enjoyed the leveling process in Dragon Bane, which allowed them to upgrade skills frequently, making sessions feel rewarding.

How did the speaker adapt the game to accommodate their players' desires for pet companions?

The speaker recognized that players were eager to have pets and adjusted the gameplay to allow for this, noting that it might indicate a mismatch between the game system and player preferences.

What future gaming system is the speaker considering trying, and why?

The speaker is considering Wild Sea because it seems to offer elements that align more closely with their players' interests, such as pet collecting and unique magic mechanics.

What overall sentiment does the speaker express about both Dragon Bane and Shadow Dark?

The speaker appreciates both games, recognizing that each has its strengths and is open to playing either based on the group's preferences, while valuing the distinct experiences they provide.