Candela Obscura

Not at all. You can come with just a character idea, and our Game Master will guide you along the way. Candela Obscura uses pools of six-sided dice for risky actions, and you take the best result. Lower rolls lead to complications, while higher rolls yield clearer outcomes. The focus is on choices, clues, and atmosphere, rather than memorizing charts. If you prefer, the GM can provide quick-start characters and a brief reference. Most players feel at ease within the first scene.

It is horror aimed at mature players. Themes can include the occult, unsettling imagery, and difficult moral choices. Before play, the GM checks your lines, veils, and preferred intensity, then tailors scenes accordingly. You can choose low gore and higher suspense, or go darker if your group prefers it. Not suitable for children. To align the tone with your preferences, explore GM playstyles and look for tags that fit, such as investigative, gothic, or light horror.

Combat is not the main focus. You investigate unusual events, question individuals, and take calculated risks to manage the unnatural. There’s no tactical grid, no lengthy turns, and fewer gear puzzles. You function as a close-knit group, with mixed outcomes propelling the story forward through consequences rather than delays. Progression is based on relationships, reputation, and resources connected to the city, rather than loot or levels. If you enjoy roleplay, mysteries, and high-stakes decision-making, it offers a different experience compared to D&D.

Candela Obscura works best with 2 to 5 players. Having three or four players ensures everyone gets their moment in the spotlight and keeps investigations moving quickly. Sessions usually last 3 to 4 hours, which is sufficient to open a case, follow leads, and confront the source. With two players, the story feels more intimate and character-driven. With five, you experience more complex social interactions. Our Game Masters handle pacing and clue distribution to ensure your group reaches a satisfying conclusion within the scheduled time.

Both options are available. For a one-shot, the GM can provide ready-to-play investigators with established connections. If you prefer to create your own, the process is quick and collaborative at the table. You select key strengths, vulnerabilities, and ties to the circle and the city. The GM incorporates those details into the opening case, ensuring you begin with momentum and personal stakes. Either way, you’ll be in play quickly without extensive preparation.

Yes. Online play is seamless because the game uses only six-sided dice and shared character sheets. A video call along with a simple dice roller is all you need, and our Game Masters prepare everything in advance. There's no need for a complex virtual tabletop, although you can use one if you prefer. Check out options on online play platforms to choose what suits your group’s comfort and technology.