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Candela Obscura Core Rulebook

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All purchases of the Candela Obscura Core Rulebook from Critical Role shops include a PDF version.

 Investigators, ready yourselves. Candela Obscura needs you! 

The Candela Obscura Core Rulebook is a fully detailed guide on playing and gamemastering the collaborative investigative horror tabletop roleplaying game. As an investigator of the paranormal secret society Candela Obscura, you and your circle are charged with exploring, fighting, and protecting the people of Newfaire from supernatural dangers lurking in the folds of a bustling world unaware of the occult magick simmering beneath. Candela Obscura is the very first game to use the Illuminated Worlds System as well as the first full RPG from Darrington Press, as featured in the ongoing anthology series on Critical Role.

Inside of the Candela Obscura Core Rulebook you’ll discover:

  • 204 detailed pages, with a satin ribbon to keep your place.
  • The core rules to play and create your Candela Obscura investigators and their circles.
  • Over 90 pages detailing the turn of the century-inspired setting of the Fairelands, and in detail the city of Newfaire and the ancient ruins beneath known as Oldfaire.
  • 4 full example assignments for gamemasters to dive in with their players.
  • Over 30 example assignments to explore far-flung corners of the Fairelands and the organizations and people operating within it.
  • An extensive guide to preparing for and gamemastering Candela Obscura.
  • Immersive, in-world ephemera and notes strewn throughout the chapters—illustrations, sketches, research notes, correspondences, advertisements, maps, and more to bring the Fairelands to life.
Now is your time to accept the call of Candela Obscura! Ready your dice and accessories and get ready to play!

For more information on the game and links to videos of gameplay and resources, visit darringtonpress.com/candela.

Full Credits: 

  • Lead Game Design: Spenser Starke and Rowan Hall
  • Written By: Rowan Hall and Spenser Starke
  • Editor: Karen Twelves
  • Managing Editor: Matthew Key
  • Production: Ivan Van Norman and Alex Uboldi
  • Proofreading: Jacky Leung
  • Additional Game Design: Christopher Grey, Tracey Harrison, and Taliesin Jaffe
  • Layout: De La Rosa Design
  • Cultural Consultants: Basheer Ghouse, Pam Punzalan, Erin Roberts, Christine Sandquist, Liam Stevens
  • Military & Political Consultant: Anthony Joyce-Rivera
  • Game Development Consultant: Mike Underwood
  • Additional Editing: Jared Deiro, Darcy Ross
  • Additional Writing: Carlos Cisco, Tracey Harrison, Anthony Joyce-Rivera, Sam Maggs, Mike Underwood
  • Graphic Design: Aaron Monroy, Bryan Weiss
  • Artists: Shaun Ellis, Jamie Harrison, Allie Irwin, Amelia Leonards, Lily McDonnell, Justin O’Neal, Sunga Park, Gustavo Rodrigues Pelissari, Doug Telford
  • Map Design: Marc Moureau
  • Cover Artist: De La Rosa Design 
  • Artist / Ancient Languages / Spell Design: Stevie Morley
  • Original Concept Created By: Taliesin Jaffe and Chris Lockey

Customer Reviews

Based on 143 reviews
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C
Counters Peacock
Stunning, In-depth, One Book for Players & GMs

Our group played an adventure using the introduction pdf; however, have been looking forward to playing a campaign length series of chronicles that I've cooked up. This will provide an in-depth guide, much needed lore, locations and provide for both myself and my players that we can reach for on the regular because nothing interrupts the dark investigation vibes like whipping out you phone or tablet to reference.

S
Stephen Holm
Narrative Game Mechanics at Their Best!

So far, I’ve had the opportunity to run one Candela Obscura game, and to play in another. In both cases, I was thrilled with the way the game mechanics support narrative story telling. From character and circle creation, to in game social interaction and action sequences: The game encourages the players and the game master to contribute in equal measure to the outcome of story. A truly collaborative gaming experience all around. Thank you!

D
Danni Robinson
Can't wait to play!

An excellent purchase for people that wish to play in a more modern setting. On paper, the system looks simple to play and I very much look forward to bringing it to my table.
I like the example adventures portrayed. It's very good for a short batch of sessions with little prep.
The care taken to craft this book is apparent and I look forward to adding it to my wheelhouse.

D
Devin Doty

Beautiful book. Well worth the price. Can’t wait to start my own game.

R
Raoul Rettberg

Beautiful Book. Can‘t wait to have my first game.

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