Realms

''This article is about the plot device known as "The Gauntlet" and its locations within. For the game, see Gauntlet.'' "Welcome! I am Morak, the only wizard powerful enough to have summoned the Gauntlet. This astral manifestation of my powers is a trial where only the strongest will prevail. Find the three Lost Shards of Tyrfing and bring them to me, and I will grant you power and riches unimaginable. No one has ever managed to acquire all the shards. I don't expect you to make it, but go on, amuse me!"

- Morak The Gauntlet is a perilous underground interdimensional labyrinth and is home to the legendary broadsword, Sword of Tyrfing, which has been broken into three shards prior to the events of the game. The Gauntlet pulls together locations from across time and space, otherwise known as realms, to guard each of these shards.

       

Each realm consists of 7 main story levels as well as 3 optional side levels. Upon entering The Gauntlet the player will immediately enter The Crypts, followed by The Caverns, and finally The Temple. Levels are unlocked sequentially, with the optional side levels branching off from the main story path. To progress through each realm you must complete 3 puzzle levels, 2 run levels, and an arena level, before facing a final guardian of the realm. Defeating the guardian will earn a fragment of Tyrfing and unlock the first level of the next realm to be visited. In short, a total of 18 levels and 3 boss battles must be overcome to beat the game, with 9 more optional side levels that can be unlocked as well.

Beating a main story level unlocks the next one down the tree. The main story is indicated by a gold trail between the levels, while the branching side paths have a silver trail between them. The boss levels are indicated by a demonic skull icon, the randomly generated run levels with a square, the arena levels with a sword and shield, and the puzzle levels with a circle. Each level's icon is encrusted with a gem which cracks when the level is beaten.