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Reference Pages

Campaign Frames

Structured Campaign Types & Settings

Running an Adventure

A campaign frame provides inspiration, tools, and mechanics to support a particular type of story at the table.

Complexity Rating

Understanding Complexity

Every campaign frame has a complexity rating that indicates how much its mechanics deviate from or expand upon the Daggerheart core ruleset.

Campaign Frame Components

Each campaign frame includes the following sections:

Pitch

A compelling summary to present to players

Tone, Feel, Themes, and Touchstones

Suggestions and guidance for campaign atmosphere

Background

An overview of the campaign's setting and context

Character Integration

Guidance for fitting communities, ancestries, and classes into the setting

Principles

Core guidelines for players and GMs to focus on during the campaign

Setting Distinctions

Unique elements that make this campaign frame special

Inciting Incident

The event or situation that launches the campaign

Special Mechanics

Unique rules and systems to use during the campaign

Session Zero Questions

Questions to consider during campaign setup and character creation

Available Campaign Frames

The Witherwild

The first official campaign frame for Daggerheart, featuring a unique setting with specialized mechanics and thematic elements.

Complete Campaign Package

The Witherwild includes all the components listed above, providing a complete framework for running a themed campaign with unique mechanics and story elements.

Note: You can find each campaign frame map in the appendix of the core rulebook or at www.daggerheart.com/downloads.

Using Campaign Frames

Implementation

  • • Present the pitch to players during session zero
  • • Integrate character creation with setting elements
  • • Use special mechanics to enhance the theme
  • • Launch with the provided inciting incident

Customization

  • • Adapt elements to fit your table's preferences
  • • Mix and match components from different frames
  • • Create your own campaign frames using this structure
  • • Scale complexity based on group experience

Campaign Frame Resources

Complete Campaign Frameworks

Structured campaign types with detailed guidance, special mechanics, and thematic elements to create memorable adventures

Access complete campaign frames including The Witherwild, with maps, mechanics, and detailed guidance for running themed campaigns