DAGGERHEART: HOW TO PLAY CONCEPTS AND THEMES - Cue the Spotlight, We're Monologuing Through Combat

We upgraded Foundry, discovered a few surprise "features," and then dove headfirst into the hope-and-fear-fueled mayhem of Daggerheart—join us for mechanics, emotions, and at least one character death that felt really personal. This episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast is sponsored by DungeonFlow.app , your one-stop shop for streamlining game prep and powering up your sessions. Whether you're navigating Daggerheart's emotional economy or just trying to remember what room had the spiky floor trap, DungeonFlow has your back. With encounter builders, random traps, and mood-setting room descriptions, it's like having a co-GM who doesn't argue about initiative order. Sign up now at DungeonFlow.app and take your table from chaos to controlled chaos. In this episode of the RPGBOT.Podcast, the crew kicks things off with a heroic tale of bravery: upgrading Foundry to version 13. With great power comes great mod compatibility checks—but hey, the new features are worth the hiccups! Once the tech dust settles, the gang dives into Daggerheart , the shiny new TTRPG from the folks at Darrington Press. From hit points and stress to hope, fear, and "please don't let me die here," the team explores Daggerheart's unique approach to narrative and mechanics. They debate the crunchy bits, the soft edges, and the places where player creativity takes center stage. Along the way, they find just enough time to question the currency system, roast the movement rules (with love), and embrace the initiative mechanic that requires actual trust. Scary stuff. Key Takeaways: Foundry v13 brings new power to your table—but double-check those mods before you click "update." Daggerheart's mechanics are fueled by hope and fear, which is either brilliant or a therapy session waiting to happen. The resting system adds strategic depth without slowing the narrative. Resource management includes stress and HP, because feelings matter . Tiered play defines your character's journey, from barely surviving to epic storytelling. Armor rules with damage thresholds add depth—but not so much math you'll need a spreadsheet. Equipment tiers create clear gear progression, and swords still go "stab." The initiative system promotes teamwork by letting players choose who goes next. Trust issues? Might wanna talk about that. The death system gives players dramatic, meaningful choices— finally, death with flair . The system is setting-agnostic, perfect for fantasy, sci-fi, post-apocalyptic baking contests, or whatever you're into. Movement mechanics could use polish, but if you've ever argued over diagonals in D&D, you'll feel right at home. Tune in for mechanics, drama, heartfelt dice rolls—and yes, a very suspicious shrub. If you enjoy the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. It's a quick, free way to support the podcast, and helps us reach new listeners. If you love the show, consider joining us on Patreon , where backers at the $5 and above tiers get ad free access to RPGBOT.net and the RPGBOT.Podcast, can chat directly to members of the RPGBOT team and community on the RPGBOT.Discord, and can join us for live-streamed recordings. Support us on Amazon.com when you purchase products recommended in the show at the following link: https://amzn.to/3NwElxQ How to Find Us: In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net Tyler Kamstra BlueSky: @rpgbot.net TikTok: @RPGBOTDOTNET Ash Ely Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games BlueSky: @GravenAshes YouTube: @ashravenmedia Randall James BlueSky: @GrimoireRPG Amateurjack.com Read Melancon: A Grimoire Tale ( affiliate link ) Producer Dan @Lzr_illuminati