Ten Candles⁚ A Candlelit Roleplaying Game of Tragic Horror
Ten Candles is a zero-prep tabletop storytelling game designed for one-shot 2-4 hour sessions of tragic horror. It was released in December 2015 and is best played with one GM and 3-5 players. It is played by the light of ten tea light candles which provide atmosphere‚ act as a countdown timer for the game‚ and allow you to literally burn your character sheet away as you play. The game is available as a PDF download from Cavalry Games.
Introduction
Ten Candles is a captivating and evocative tabletop roleplaying game that immerses players in a world shrouded in darkness and despair. This unique game‚ designed for one-shot sessions of tragic horror‚ takes players on a harrowing journey through a sunless apocalypse‚ where hope flickers precariously amidst the encroaching darkness. The game’s core mechanic revolves around the use of ten candles‚ each representing a scene in the unfolding narrative. As the candles burn down‚ the game progresses‚ and the tension mounts‚ creating a truly immersive and atmospheric experience. Ten Candles is a game of cooperative storytelling‚ where players work together to shape the narrative‚ creating a shared experience that is both chilling and poignant.
The game’s premise is simple yet deeply engaging⁚ the sun and stars have vanished‚ plunging the world into perpetual darkness. This sudden and inexplicable event has unleashed a terrifying force known only as “They‚” entities that prey on the vulnerable and feed on fear. The players take on the roles of survivors‚ desperately clinging to the dwindling sources of light and fighting for their survival against the overwhelming darkness. Ten Candles is a game about loss‚ sacrifice‚ and the fragility of hope in the face of unimaginable horrors. It is a game that invites players to confront their own mortality and explore the depths of human resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Gameplay Mechanics
Ten Candles utilizes a unique and engaging system that blends cooperative storytelling with a timer-based structure. The core gameplay mechanic revolves around the ten candles‚ each representing a scene in the narrative. Players take turns narrating scenes‚ using dice rolls to determine the outcome of their actions and the progression of the story. Each candle represents a scene‚ and when a candle is extinguished‚ the scene ends‚ and players establish new truths about the world and their characters before the next player narrates. This system creates a sense of urgency and tension‚ as the dwindling candles serve as a constant reminder of the limited time available.
The game employs a simple dice-based system‚ with players rolling dice to determine the success or failure of their actions. However‚ the game’s focus is not on complex mechanics or intricate rules‚ but on the shared creation of a compelling narrative. The game master (GM) guides the players through the story‚ setting the scene and introducing challenges‚ while the players act out the roles of the survivors‚ making choices and shaping the narrative through their actions. The game encourages players to embrace their creativity and use their imaginations to create a rich and engaging experience.
The World of Ten Candles
Ten Candles plunges players into a world shrouded in perpetual darkness‚ a chilling consequence of a mysterious celestial event that extinguished the sun and stars. This apocalyptic setting is ripe with tension and uncertainty‚ as survivors struggle to navigate a world devoid of natural light‚ relying on flickering candles and other fragile sources of illumination. The game doesn’t explicitly define the cause of the darkness‚ leaving it open to interpretation and player imagination. This ambiguity enhances the unsettling atmosphere and allows for a greater sense of mystery.
The world of Ten Candles is not merely a backdrop‚ but a living‚ breathing entity that actively shapes the players’ experience. The darkness itself becomes a tangible threat‚ creating a sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability. The game master can use this setting to introduce a variety of challenges and dangers‚ from hostile creatures that lurk in the shadows to the psychological toll of living in a world devoid of hope. The players must navigate this world not only physically but also emotionally‚ grappling with the fear‚ despair‚ and desperation that inevitably arise in such a bleak environment.
Character Creation
Character creation in Ten Candles is a streamlined process designed to quickly immerse players in the game’s tragic setting. Instead of elaborate character sheets with extensive stats and abilities‚ players create their characters using a simple and evocative method. They are given four pieces of paper‚ each representing a key aspect of their character’s personality or background. These could include traits like “Brave‚” “Despairing‚” or “Paranoid‚” or they could be more specific‚ like “Ex-Soldier” or “Former Teacher.” The game emphasizes storytelling and player agency‚ encouraging players to use these traits to shape their character’s actions and reactions throughout the game.
Players are also asked to write down a single defining Moment‚ a pivotal event from their character’s past that has shaped who they are today. This could be a traumatic experience‚ a moment of triumph‚ or even a seemingly insignificant event that had a profound impact. The Moment serves as a touchstone for players‚ reminding them of their character’s motivations and vulnerabilities. By focusing on these core elements‚ Ten Candles allows players to quickly establish a strong connection with their characters‚ creating a more immersive and emotionally resonant experience. The process fosters creativity and encourages players to tell compelling stories through their characters’ actions.
Storytelling and Narrative Control
Ten Candles thrives on collaborative storytelling‚ with players taking turns narrating scenes‚ each contributing to the unfolding narrative. The game is built around the concept of a “candlelit” storytelling experience‚ using ten candles as a timer and a symbolic representation of the dwindling hope in a world consumed by darkness. Each player’s turn involves narrating a scene‚ shaping the story and its characters’ actions. The game master (GM) provides the overall setting and guidelines‚ but the players are the ones who drive the story forward.
As the candles burn down‚ so does the narrative control. With each extinguished candle‚ a new truth is established‚ shaping the story’s trajectory. This can involve the characters facing new dangers‚ discovering new information‚ or making difficult choices. The game encourages players to be creative and unpredictable‚ embracing the unknown and the inevitable darkness that envelops their world. The candlelit setting adds an element of suspense‚ reminding players that time is running out and that the darkness is always closing in.
The Role of the Game Master
In Ten Candles‚ the Game Master (GM) acts as a facilitator and guide‚ setting the stage for a tragic horror narrative. They are responsible for establishing the initial scenario‚ which includes a brief description of the world‚ its state of darkness‚ and the presence of the enigmatic “They.” The GM also presents a list of potential locations that might be relevant during the game‚ offering a starting point for the players’ exploration. However‚ the GM’s role is not to dictate the story but to guide it‚ allowing players to shape the narrative through their choices and actions;
The GM’s primary role is to ensure that the game’s atmosphere of tragic horror is maintained. They are responsible for introducing new dangers‚ challenges‚ and twists in the narrative‚ keeping the players on edge and constantly reminding them of the approaching darkness. They also ensure that the game mechanics are followed‚ guiding players through the process of establishing truths and navigating the consequences of their choices. The GM acts as a storyteller‚ weaving a tapestry of fear and desperation‚ while also encouraging players to embrace their creativity and drive the narrative forward.
Themes and Atmosphere
Ten Candles is a game steeped in a palpable atmosphere of tragic horror‚ where the players are thrust into a world devoid of sunlight‚ shrouded in an oppressive darkness. The game explores themes of survival‚ desperation‚ and the inevitable confrontation with the unknown. The players‚ as survivors in a world gone dark‚ are forced to confront their own fears and vulnerabilities as they struggle to make sense of the unfolding chaos and the terrifying presence of “They.”
The game’s atmosphere is amplified by the use of real candles‚ which serve as a tangible reminder of the limited time and dwindling hope. The flickering light creates an intimate and claustrophobic setting‚ adding to the sense of impending doom. The game’s mechanics‚ including the use of truth statements and the constant threat of the “They‚” further contribute to the unsettling atmosphere‚ emphasizing the fragility of the characters’ lives and the ever-present danger lurking in the shadows. Ten Candles invites players to embrace the darkness‚ to explore the depths of human despair and resilience‚ and to confront the terrifying reality of a world swallowed by an unknown and unyielding force.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Ten Candles has garnered significant critical acclaim and recognition within the tabletop gaming community‚ earning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative gameplay‚ compelling narrative‚ and immersive atmosphere. The game was nominated for several prestigious awards‚ including the ENnie Award for Product of the Year‚ Best Game‚ Best Rules‚ and Best Electronic Book‚ solidifying its place as a standout in the RPG genre. It also received an Indie Groundbreaker Award and an Indie RPG Award Runner Up for Most Innovative Game‚ further emphasizing its originality and impact.
Beyond industry awards‚ Ten Candles has been praised by prominent figures in the gaming world‚ including Rob Daviau‚ a renowned game designer‚ who called it one of his favorite gaming moments ever. Michael Duxbury‚ a respected game reviewer‚ declared that the game has “set a new standard for the genre.” Rachael Chambers‚ a popular gaming blogger‚ enthusiastically recommended Ten Candles to her readers‚ urging them to simply “buy it.” These endorsements‚ alongside numerous positive reviews and testimonials‚ highlight the widespread appreciation for Ten Candles as a truly exceptional tabletop RPG experience.
Ten Candles is a captivating and unforgettable roleplaying game that offers a unique blend of cooperative storytelling‚ tragic horror‚ and immersive atmosphere. It encourages players to embrace vulnerability‚ to navigate a world consumed by darkness‚ and to ultimately face the inevitable consequences of their actions. The game’s innovative mechanics‚ including the use of candles as a countdown timer and the burning of character sheets‚ create a tangible and visceral experience that resonates with players long after the game is over.
Ten Candles is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of tabletop games to evoke strong emotions and meaningful connections. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the world of tabletop gaming‚ Ten Candles is an experience that will stay with you‚ leaving an indelible mark on your gaming memories. The game’s accessibility‚ its focus on cooperative play‚ and its ability to deliver a powerful and emotionally resonant experience make it a must-have for any tabletop gaming enthusiast seeking a truly unique and unforgettable adventure.