Torchbearer Survival;Dungeon Crawl;Resource Management;Fantasy;Rules Medium;Old-School Renaissance (OSR)
At-a-glance: Dungeon survival • Heavy resource management • Burning Wheel lineage • Medium complexity • 3-5 players + GM • 2-4 hour sessions
Theme and Setting
Torchbearer casts players as desperate adventurers exploring dangerous ruins at the edges of civilization. The world is crumbling, pressed by darkness and monsters. Most people huddle behind walls, leaving the brave or foolish to venture into the unknown for treasure and glory.
Core Mechanics and Rules
The game uses a modified Burning Wheel system with heavy emphasis on resource management. Players track light sources, food, water, and equipment degradation. The grind of exploration takes a toll—characters become hungry, thirsty, angry, and afraid. Conflicts use a card-based action selection system where teams script their actions in advance.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike traditional dungeon crawls that focus on combat and loot, Torchbearer emphasizes the logistical challenge of exploration itself. Light is precious, inventory is limited, and every expedition risks disaster. The game creates genuine tension through attrition rather than monster encounters alone.
Target Audience and Player Experience
Ideal for groups who enjoy gritty survival challenges and meaningful resource decisions. The game rewards careful planning and risk assessment. Best for players who appreciate mechanics that reinforce theme, and groups willing to embrace the slow grind of dungeon exploration.
