About Gooley Island
Welcome to Gooley Island, a dynamic, evolving tabletop game designed to blend suspense, strategy, and competition into an immersive hero-building experience. Developed by Dylan Gooley, this game is a successor to Marmello’s Menagerie, expanding on its mechanics while introducing a deeper, more strategic experience.
The Game
In Gooley Island, 4 to 6 players embark on a weekly adventure where survival, strategic growth, and adaptability are key. Each player creates a unique character with customizable stats, equipment, and item slots. Every week:
- Players gain Gold, a new monster is released, and new loot becomes available.
- Players heal to max and regain all abilities.
- Two players are chosen for a duel to the death—but the loser revives and faces the monster first in the next round.
- Players can bet Gold on duel outcomes, with higher rewards for betting on underdogs.
- The last living player wins.
What Makes This Game Unique?
Gooley Island answers the question: What makes a game truly great?
- Suspense – Players never know what’s coming next, creating infinite anticipation.
- Growth & Measurement – Every choice matters, rewarding players who optimize their progression.
- Endless Customization – No set path, no pre-built character—your build evolves dynamically.
- Competition & Creativity – A mix of tactical decision-making and personal playstyle expression.
- Social & Strategic Depth – Alliances, rivalries, and deals shape the game’s landscape.
The ever-evolving nature of Gooley Island ensures that no two games are the same—every player’s journey is uniquely their own.
Tools for the Game Master
Game Masters will find a comprehensive suite of tools on this webpage, identified by red writing, to enhance their storytelling and game management. From detailed maps and encounter guides to NPC profiles and treasure tables, everything needed to run a captivating and seamless experience is at your fingertips.
These resources are designed to provide flexibility, allowing Game Masters to tailor the game to their players' choices and play styles.
Note: Only a Game Master should create an account and log in to the website, as this will reveal all Game Master-only information and tools. Player access is restricted to prevent spoilers and preserve the game’s surprises.
Contributors & Development
Originally a Dungeons & Dragons module, the game has evolved into its own unique system, carefully refined through years of testing.
- Game Design & Development: Dylan Gooley
- Battle Map Artist: Polinka Dot
- World Map Creator: Vitor Nunes
If you're ready for a game where every decision matters and every week is a new adventure, Gooley Island awaits!
Website Sections
The website is divided into seven sections, each designed to provide specific information and tools for both Game Masters and players:
- Home: Features the world map and area descriptions.
- Prologue: A campaign introduction setting the stage for the adventure.
- Archive: A searchable repository containing areas, quests, NPCs, chests, items, and monsters.
- Lore: The core of the game's story and worldbuilding.
- Rules: Access the downloadable game materials.
- About: This page, providing an overview of the game and website.