Master-Crafted, Dynamic Dungeons and a Mythic Doom Campaign Setting. Can You Survive the Great Games?
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Gauntlet Runner Subclasses Playtest - version 2
3 days ago
– Sat, Aug 15, 2026 at 09:18:25 PM
Hello everyone!
I have already implemented some necessary revisions to 4 of the subclasses: fleshforged barbarian, zealotry cleric, gladiator fighter, and gatecrasher rogue. These changes are in the Forsaken Corridors PDFs.
These are NOT the actual Gauntlet Runner dungeons. This is only a playtest for the subclasses. The scenarios and maps are intentionally very simple.
Make sure to fill out the feedback form linked in the playtest PDF.
Next month, I will release the beta version of the Gauntlet Runner PDF. That will give people a chance to play the actual campaign and provide additional feedback.
Best regards,
—Esper
Participate in the Gauntlet Runner Subclass Playtest
6 days ago
– Thu, Aug 13, 2026 at 06:06:55 AM
Hello everyone!
The Gauntlet Runner dungeons are almost through their main playtesting, and now the time has come to playtest the subclasses. This is an open playtest, and you all are invited to run the simple playtest adventure and provide your feedback:
These are NOT the actual Gauntlet Runner dungeons. This is only a playtest for the subclasses. The scenarios and maps are intentionally very simple.
What's included in The Forsaken Corridors: • Playtest packet with player and GM info • Maps and tokens • Foundry VTT module (though you can use any VTT or theatre of the mind)
Make sure to fill out the feedback form linked in the playtest PDF.
Next month, I will release the beta version of the Gauntlet Runner PDF. That will give people a chance to play the actual campaign and provide additional feedback.
I'm making progress all the time, and things have come so far. I can hardly wait to get this project finalized.
Many thanks to you all!
—Esper
Gauntlet Runner Livestreams - Spells & Let’s Design a Monster
about 1 month ago
– Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 09:09:52 AM
Hello everyone! One of the stretch goals we hit was for a livestream during which you all are invited to help me develop some Gauntlet Runner content. Well, how about two livestreams instead? These are scheduled for next week …
Help design a monster by making suggestions in chat. The parameters are: skeletal, CR 3, and can cast confusion 1/day.
I look forward to seeing you guys then!
—Esper
Gauntlet Runner - Update July 2026 - Playtesting in Full Swing
about 1 month ago
– Mon, Jul 06, 2026 at 11:11:06 AM
Hello one and all! I’m glad to say that as of a couple weeks ago, I have shifted gears into a big playtesting phase. These dungeons are gloriously brutal and packed full of one challenge after another! The runners are trying various strategies to prevail and claim victory from the jaws of defeat!
Below is an overview progress report.
Rumple & Gosmbaum by G. Pawlick
Mercurial Dragon by G. Pawlick
Four-Armed Skeleton by G. Pawlick
Opal Golem by Bohdan Herasymov
GAUNTLET RUNNER
Rules: Advanced development
Plot and Setting: Midway development
Subclass: Fleshforged Barbarian: Playtesting
Subclass: Zealotry Cleric: Playtesting
Subclass: Gladiator Fighter: Playtesting
Subclass: Legendary Warrior Fighter: Playtesting
Subclass: Way of the Dragon Monk: Playtesting
Subclass: Shrouded Specter Ranger: Playtesting
Subclass: Gatecrasher Rogue: Playtesting
Feats: Midway development
Items: Finishing touches
Spells: Advanced development
Lore and Roleplaying: Early development
Monsters and NPCs: Playtesting
Dungeon 1 (Ratsfray): Finishing touches
Dungeon 2 (Conflux Crucible): Finishing touches
Dungeon 3 (Algophobia): Finishing touches
Dungeon 4 (Vicious Gates): Finishing touches
Dungeon 5 (Hideous Tunnels): Playtesting
Dungeon 6 (Masmorra): Playtesting
Dungeon 7 (Halls of Ill-Omen): Playtesting
Dungeon 8 (Xenophant Temple): Playtesting
Dungeon 9 (Maze of Insanity): Playtesting
Book Layout: Initial Concept
VTT Modules: Midway development
Illustrations: Finalized, except for a few final pieces
MONSTROUS CONTENDERS
Rules: Midway development
Plot and Setting: Initial Concept
Arachnir: Advanced development
Minotaur: Advanced development
Revenant: Advanced development
Troll: Advanced development
Feats: Midway development
Items: Midway development
Spells: Midway development
Dungeon: Initial Concept
Book Layout: Initial Concept
VTT Module: Initial Concept
Illustrations: Most are finalized
So the heat is on, in more ways than one. I’ll check in with you all once again when I have the next major news. Until next time!
—Esper
Gauntlet Runner - Update May 2026
3 months ago
– Tue, May 26, 2026 at 04:46:48 PM
Hello everyone! The heat is rising, with summer blazing on the horizon (or for those in the southern hemisphere, a promise of less hot temperatures).
I continue making progress on Gauntlet Runner, and things are looking better and better. I’m currently getting into the design and development of the final dungeon, and after that, it will be onto the next big playtest phase (can hardly wait to see runners attempting to survive once again).
The illustrations are pretty much all finished, other than the few final pieces that inevitably are needed during layout. I just emailed New Energy Printing to check in with them and make sure things are looking good for an estimated late summer printing. And the community campaign is going strong. We’re actually about to kick off the next Applicant GMs season. For those who haven’t joined yet, come check it out:
