Level zero. It’s one of the main reasons I have fallen in love with Shadowdark. Nothing sets the stage for the lethality and tone of the game, like four NPCs meeting their doom within the first 30 minutes of gameplay. But which one should you play, and how do you run them?
So, how do I like to run my gauntlet/funnels?
First, expectations must be set for character creation. If the players are new to the system, and depending on where they are coming from (I’m looking at you 5e), it’s essential to let them know that they are just lowly peasants—not superheroes in waiting, looking for their moment to shine. No, they are farmers, cobblers, and shit shovelers who aspire to a life of something more. A better life, full of adventure, but not without immense danger. Characters can develop backstories after this mission when we see if they are up to snuff.
Next, make sure to remind the players that the solutions to the problems that lie ahead won’t be on their character sheet. This adventure is 100% about creativity and ingenuity. I also like to reward the first couple of creative plays with a luck token to get the energy up.
Finally, this one is critical: be comedic with the brutality. A lot of players are almost conditioned to be upset when they lose a character. So, I find that celebrating the loss in an inclusive way helps make the whole experience even more fun. Also, it is wildly important that this never feels like the GM is “winning” or out to get the players. It is a celebration of the fun of the whole experience. At this point, I think it is well-documented that having a combative relationship with your players is terrible for a game, so I won’t linger on why. I also really like to find ways in-game to celebrate the heroes who made it through the gauntlet alive at the end. For example, an NPC that will become prominent in the campaign hosts a party in their favor, or a town leader that challenges them with a task that can only be trusted to “proven” heroes.
What about any extra characters that survive?
Why, I am glad you asked. Some people like to reserve them as backup characters for the party to take over in case of a death. I personally like to create a second NPC party and weave them into the story. Maybe they pick up some of the tasks that the heroes are too busy to get to right away. Maybe they start to encroach on the goals of the party and a rivalry forms. Or, maybe the NPC party gets in over their heads and requires the main party to come along and save them. Either way, it’s a great way to build some investment into NPCs for your players.
My favorite gauntlets/funnels to run in Shadowdark.
Call it a gauntlet or a funnel. Here are a few of my favorites. Also, I have included some DCC funnels in this list because they are awesome and very easy to adapt to work in Shadowdark. Just note that DCC assumes players run multiple characters at the same time, so either pace out the monsters or allow your players to do that as well, your choice. Ooh, and don’t forget to hand out some torches.
5. Trial of the Slime Lord (Free)
Trial of the Slime Lord was the first Shadowdark gauntlet I had the pleasure of playing in. In it, the players enter a dungeon that serves as a crucible for an ooze-worshiping cult. I really like how it uses water to make Shadowdark’s torch mechanics a key feature of the adventure. It’s a nice introduction to the importance of torches in the game to new Shadowdark players.
4. Sailors on the Starless Sea ($6.99 PDF, $9.99 print + PDF)
Sailors on the Starless Sea is probably the most played funnel there is, and for good reason: it’s considered a rite of passage for DCC players. It’s a rich multi-level dungeon known for its final encounter, a fight against a chaos lord who is the result of a bizarre sacrificial ritual.
3. The Nightmare at Castle Goldglum (PWYW)
The Nightmare and Castle Goldglum is one of the more popular gauntlets written for Shadowdark, where characters get drunk and enter a haunted castle looking for the treasure left behind by Lord Fairfax. There is also a cool gold mist that turns items or the adventurers themselves into gold.
2. Hoard of the Sea Wolf king ($8.99 PDF, $14.99 print +PDF)
Hoard of the Sea Wolf king is the featured adventure inside of Cursed Scroll #3, the official Shadowdark Zine. It has a cool nordic themed gauntlet that has the characters plundering the caves of the Sea Wolf’s tomb.
1. The Portal Under the Stars (free)
The Portal Under the Stars is a super popular level 0 funnel for DCC. My favorite room in the dungeon is the pool with the invisible soldiers. It is a great lesson in not attacking something because it is scary. I’ve even published my conversion notes to help you run it in your game as well!
