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Gauntlet Runner

Created by Esper

Master-Crafted, Dynamic Dungeons and a Mythic Doom Campaign Setting. Can You Survive the Great Games?

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Digital Rewards Distributing - EEE, Monstrous Heroes, Eldritch Castle, The Oubliette of Dread
6 months ago – Mon, Dec 08, 2025 at 10:08:24 AM

Ahoy my brave companions! This is a quick update to let you all know that the follow digital rewards are now available to (download from BackerKit). If you have any of the following as part of your pledge tier, you should be receiving an email notification.

Esper's Emporium of Esoterica
Monstrous Heroes
Eldritch Castle
The Oubliette of Dread (pre-launch VIPs exclusive)

If you have not filled out your BackerKit survey yet, please do so. You would have received an email with a link last week.

I hope you enjoy these digital wonders immensely, and thank you once again for being a part of this endeavor!

—Esper

BackerKit Surveys Starting
6 months ago – Fri, Dec 05, 2025 at 01:01:36 PM

Greetings one and all from a loping, gray day here at the bard's abode. The pledge manager surveys start going out today (via BackerKit). Only small percentage of backers will receive a survey today, as it's a kind of test run. Check your email, if you haven't received anything yet, don't worry. Everyone should get survey links by tomorrow or the next day.

Also, within a week the following digital rewards will be sent (again, you'll get an email with link):
   • Esper's Emporium of Esoterica
   • Monstrous Heroes
   • Eldritch Castle
   • The Oubliette of Dread (bonus dungeon for pre-launch VIPs)

Onwards into the clutches of winter!

—Esper

Gauntlet Runner Is a Success!
7 months ago – Thu, Nov 06, 2025 at 03:58:19 PM

Because of you all.

At the stroke of the final minute, Gauntlet Runner crossed the finish line with $50,000 raised! This was a stunning show of strength, trust, and passion from all of you who believe in this project.

From the very first teaser to the final minutes of today's livestream, you’ve proven what this community is made of. Every backer, every comment, every share, it all mattered. You carried this project through the fire and are helping to forge something great.

When I set out to work on Gauntlet Runner, I knew this was to be a D&D campaign meant to test skill, courage, and creativity. Fittingly, this kickstarter campaign became its own kind of gauntlet. And together, we conquered it.

So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU.

What Happens Next

Over the next few weeks, I will:
• Finalize the BackerKit setup (this is the pledge manager to keep track of everyone's pledges and shipping info)
• Send the bonus dungeon pdf The Oubliette of Dread to all those who are VIPs (gave $1 pre-kickstarter).
• Go full speed ahead on developing the full extent of the book: all the dungeons, players options, monsters, and illustrations.

Updates

As with my previous projects, you’ll receive regular updates here on Kickstarter as each stage moves forward.

For now, let's celebrate this victory! You helped bring a dream to life.

Esper

🎉 The Final Day Has Arrived!
7 months ago – Thu, Nov 06, 2025 at 07:23:19 AM

We’re in the final hours of Gauntlet Runner! I want to say one thing first: THANK YOU.

This project has been an incredible journey, and it’s only been possible because of you all. Your support, excitement, and feedback have made a tremendous impact.

I just uploaded a short video to say thanks and share a surprise announcement: I've decided to include the $50k stretch goal (an additional dungeon) even though it looks like we're going to come up a little short. The amazing support and encouragement that so many of you have shown really means so much to me.
👉 Watch the video here.

And later today, I’ll be going LIVE from 1:30–3:00 pm Central for the final countdown of the campaign!
🔥 Come hang out, chat, and celebrate as we conclude this epic run.

Join the livestream here.

Let’s finish strong—the final sprint through the gauntlet!

Esper

Final 48 Hours - Let’s Finish Strong!
7 months ago – Tue, Nov 04, 2025 at 11:24:17 AM

Adventurers, this is it.

Gauntlet Runner has entered its final 48 hours, and I just want to take a moment to say thank you. You’ve made this project a reality, not only through your pledges, but through your excitement and your engagement on YouTube.

Together we’re building something incredible.
• An electrifying 5e experience. High-stakes, gripping, and made for those who are bold and ambitious.
Gritty and Mythic Style. Inspiration and homage to oldschool swords & sorcery combined with dark mythical vibes.
Community Livestream Stretch Goal. Provide live feedback as I craft GR content.
Additional Subclass Stretch Goal. Vote on an extra subclass for the book.

Now, with just two days left, this is the final call for anyone who’s been watching from the sidelines. With a push of momentum, we can hit the $50k stretch goal to add another dungeon into the book.

If you’ve been thinking about backing Gauntlet Runner, now’s the time!

So spread the word. Share the link. Rally your party one last time, and let’s smash this gauntlet.

Thank you all so much for making this project a dream come true!

Esper