Tunnel Goons
Tunnel Goons is a rules-lite dungeon-delving game using 2d6 contests against a target number. Classless and ultra-low-prep, it emphasizes rulings-over-rules, risky exploration, and quick combats. Ideal for one-shots, convention tables, and pick-up campaigns with new or casual players.
Fantasy • Needs GM • 3/5 complexity • One-shot friendly • Low prep
Tunnel Goons is system-first and setting-agnostic. It shines for classic dungeon crawls, weird wilderness hexcrawls, and quick urban capers.
Theme and Setting
Tone leans scrappy and lethal at low levels, rewarding creative problem-solving over build math. Characters have three broad stats (Brute, Skulk, Wits).
How Play Feels
When you attempt something risky, roll 2d6, add the highest applicable stat, and compare to a target number set by the GM and situation. Gear and advantage can add small bumps; harm and hindrance push the TN up.
What Makes It Distinct
Combat uses the same contest - no separate initiative mini-game - so scenes resolve quickly. Advancement is intentionally light: groups often tack on milestone perks, item unlocks, or scars to taste.
Where It May Not Fit
You want the system to stay almost invisible at the table You want a much breezier tone than this game is built to support.
What this game is about
A strong fit for groups that want fantasy adventure with a clear play identity, with rules Lite helping define the experience.
Structured data and an explicit decision profile JSON document are available for remote agents.