Playtest Darksome Delve or Survival Horizon RPGs
- Jul 30, 2025
- 2 min read
I’m excited to share some news. Surprise Threat! is looking for playtesters for two new titles: Darksome Delve and Survival Horizon RPG.
Let me elaborate a bit:
Darksome Delve: A Fantasy Dungeon Crawler
First, let's talk about Darksome Delve. It's a fantasy dungeon crawler (but not exactly OSR). Players venture into dark caverns, deep crypts, and sunken castles, face monsters and hazards, and unearth treasure along the way. The game uses a streamlined d6 dice pool system, making it easy to pick up and play. The rulebook is 112 pages but only 26 of those are core mechanics. The rest are setting lore, GM advice, and over 85 monsters (with a guide to create more).
In Darksome Delve, players create characters in minutes using Tags, Knacks, Affinities, and Abilities. No classes, no stats, no skill points, or levels. It's different but it works. Advance by spending treasure. GMs get challenge dice to challenge the players, activate monster abilities, and to build a dungeon as you go.
Survival Horizon RPG: An Alien Invasion Survival Game
Next, I have Survival Horizon RPG. It's a present day world where alien forces have utterly destroyed human civilization. Your group works together amidst the chaos to outsmart, outrun, or outlast the extraterrestrial threats. The game uses a step-dice hit-count system where resources diminish as you use them.. The rulebook is 64 pages (24 core mechanics) and can produce fast-paced gameplay or more measured narrative gameplay.
Survival Horizon is a great fit for fans of sci-fi or distopian survival. Character creation is quick enough to make survivors on the fly, but deep enough to make every game different. The game’s mechanics emphasize collaboration, ensuring that every player’s decisions impact the group’s chances of survival. This game also has options for solo or GM-less play.
Calling All Playtesters!
Now, this is where I need your help! I am looking for additional playtesters willing to gather a group to play one or both of these games. It’s a chance to get a look at what Surprise Threat is developing and to influence the future of these RPGs.
I know. These aren't cyberpunk, and they don't even use Anarchy mechanics, but If you enjoy my contributions to Shadowrun: Anarchy, you will likely enjoy my take on these RPG rulesets.
As a playtester, you'll experience Darksome Delve and Survival Horizon during their end, but not final, stages. I simply ask that you complete a brief questionnaire after your sessions to share your thoughts. Your feedback will help further refine the games!
Everyone involved will receive credit in the game and a free digital copy of the game they tested. It’s an awesome way to contribute while enjoying some mediocre rewards!
Ready?
So, what do you think? Feel like dungeon crawling in Darksome Delve or fighting against alien forces in Survival Horizon?
If you're interested in becoming a playtester or have any questions, please reach out to me at surprisethreat@gmail.com
Playtesting RPGs sounds like a dream break. As a PhD student who works part-time at Last-Minute Assignments, I escaped into fantasy worlds during college stress. I struggled so much that I’d think, Just do my psychology assignment so I can roll some dice. Thank you for sharing these games. You’re reminding us that play fuels creativity. Grateful for designers who invite feedback. I’m signing up to test. Appreciate the escape hatch. Keep making worlds. Thanks for giving tired brains a vacation. Seriously, this is self-care. Thank you.
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