Ten Candles One Shot
Ten Candles | One-Shot
About the adventure
Ten Candles is a zero-prep tabletop storytelling game designed for one-shot 2-4 hour sessions of tragic horror. It is best played with one GM and 3-5 players, 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. Ten Candles is described as a "tragic horror" game rather than survival horror for one main reason: in Ten Candles there are no survivors. In the final scene of the game, when only one candle remains, all of the characters will die. In this, Ten Candles is not a game about "winning" or beating the monsters. Instead, it is a game about what happens in the dark, and about those who try to survive within it. It is a game about being pushed to the brink of madness and despair, searching for hope in a hopeless world, and trying to do something meaningful with your final few hours left. The setting of Ten Candles will change game-to-game as the gamemaster selects different "modules" to run for an ever-changing lineup of doomed characters and scenarios for them to play within. The monsters you're facing will change every time you play as well, allowing every session of Ten Candles you play to be unique and to present an entirely new tragic story for you to tell. These things are true: the world is dark, and you are alive.
Game style
Theater of the Mind
“Theater of the Mind” uses little to no visuals for scene settings and combat. Instead, the narrative imagery comes from the Game Master’s descriptions and character action and movement comes from Players’ descriptions.
Roleplay Heavy
“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire.
Rule of Cool (RoC)
“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.
5.0
(31)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
8 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 86%
Additional tables
1 available
Once / Thursday - 10:00 PM UTC
Apr 10
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Additional details
How to prepare
If you’re new to 10 Candles or want a refresher, here are some resources to help you get ready for the game: How to Play: Watch this basic overview of the rules by the game’s designer, Stephen Dewey, originally shared on the Kickstarter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX6wmXAqFNg "Virtual Table Top": https://bitbirdy.itch.io/ten-candles-virtual-tabletop/devlog/688909/final-version-is-done Game Information: Visit the official website for detailed information about the game, its themes, and what to expect: https://cavalrygames.com/ten-candles-info
What I provide
Candles and Atmosphere: I bring the iconic 10 candles that define the game, along with the tools to safely use them (matches/lighter and fire-safe setup). To enhance the atmosphere, I include carefully selected ambient music or soundscapes to heighten the tension and immersion. Game Materials: A clear explanation of the rules for both new and experienced players. Pre-written scenarios, including our chosen setting with rich details, characters, and challenges. Additional prompts and handouts for Virtues, Vices, Moments, and Brinks. Safety Tools: I facilitate a Session 0 to establish boundaries and discuss the tone of the game. Narrative Guidance: I craft a compelling and emotionally charged story tailored to the group’s decisions, making sure everyone feels involved and impactful. My focus is on collaborative storytelling, ensuring players can explore their character arcs while uncovering the mysteries of the setting. Post-Game Support: Aftercare is provided through a brief debriefing session where we reflect on the game’s events and share feedback.
Gameplay details
Session 0 Overview: In Session 0, we will discuss player expectations, themes, and comfort levels to ensure everyone feels safe and engaged. Players can share their boundaries openly, and I’ll provide space to address any concerns about the game’s darker themes. Lines and Veils: While I do not typically use a formal Lines and Veils document, we will collaboratively establish any hard boundaries (Lines) and sensitive areas (Veils) during Session 0. These can be updated as needed. X, N, & O Cards: I use a digital system for these tools: X: Players can type or say "X" to pause or stop the game if something crosses a boundary. N: Players can indicate "N" if they feel uneasy but don’t want to stop entirely. O: Players can signal "O" to express comfort with continuing or escalating a scene. If video is used, these signals can also be held up visibly for clarity. Aftercare (Debriefing): At the end of each session, we’ll have a brief debriefing to reflect on the game. Players can share thoughts, highs, and lows, or provide feedback. This ensures everyone leaves on a positive note.
Content warnings
Safety tools used
• Breaks
• Debriefing
• Lines and Veils
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
Character creation for Ten Candles is a collaborative group activity, completed during the beginning of the game (Session 0). Here’s how we’ll do it: Collaborative Process: We’ll create characters together, discussing relationships, personal traits, and how they fit into the story’s themes. This is a chance to set the tone for the game and explore your character’s hopes, fears, and motivations. Virtues and Vices: Each player will choose a Virtue (a positive trait) and a Vice (a flaw) that define their character. These traits will guide roleplay and create opportunities for dramatic moments. Moments of Hope: Each player will define a personal Moment—something that gives their character hope in the face of despair. This can be literal or abstract and will shape key turning points during the game. Brinks: Finally, players will create Brinks—traits or behaviors that represent their character’s edge. These are tied to past experiences or secrets, and often connect to "Them." Ties to the Setting: We’ll work together to tie each character into the scenario, discussing their roles, goals, and relationships within the story. Safety and Comfort: During this process, we’ll establish group boundaries and ensure everyone is comfortable with the themes and tone of the game. By the time character creation is finished, you’ll have a fully fleshed-out survivor ready to face the darkness, with connections to the other characters and the unfolding mystery.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Low
Roleplay
High
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Intermediate
Platforms used
• Discord
$12.00
/ Session
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Once / Saturday - 5:00 PM UTC
Apr 5
3-6 Hour Duration
0 / 5 Seats Filled
Requirements
Experience required: Intermediate
Age: 18+