Matt | Candle & Crow
he/him
5.0
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About Matt | Candle & Crow
I've been playing tabletop roleplaying games in one form or another since the late 1990s. I'm a former professional actor and hold a degree in Creative Writing with a focus on worldbuilding and fiction. Storytelling has always been at the center of what I do, both at and away from the table. I believe tabletop games are at their best when they create experiences unique to the people playing them. No two groups are ever the same, and I enjoy discovering what makes each table come alive. While my games tend to lean toward immersive roleplay, character development, and meaningful choices, I've had just as much fun running classic dungeon crawls, chaotic goblin adventures, and everything in between. My greatest passion is dark fantasy and horror. In addition to Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu is one of my most-played systems, and I enjoy stories filled with mystery, tension, and difficult decisions. Through Candle & Crow, my goal is to create memorable tabletop experiences built around strong preparation, immersive presentation, and collaborative storytelling. Whether you're a brand-new player or a seasoned veteran, my table is a welcoming place for anyone with an open mind and an open heart. I believe a great campaign begins with a great Session 0, clear communication, and a shared commitment to building a story together.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: World Builder, Storytelling, Knows the Rules
$25 per session
Featured Prompts
My favorite books are
"The First Law" series, By Joe Abercrombie The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
My favorite system of all Time is
For long campaigns, I love the streamlined nature and ease of D&D5e. Though I think my top goes to CoC 7th edition. There are so many mechanics that help put the investigators into the driver's seat and allow them to dictate the course of the game. Though I do find it works best in one shot form.
When I'm not running games I'm...
Practicing Archery, hiking, camping, working on a draft of my novel/new adventure module, playing Magic: The Gathering, performing in local theatre...so many hobbies, so little time.
How Matt | Candle & Crow runs games
I value every pillar of gaming, but my love will always fall towards immersion, roleplay, and narrative. That being said, there is no "correct" way to do these things as a table. While I may go (overboard) with a distinct, or silly voice for an NPC, you can interact with them in any way that feels comfortable to you. I also tend to go a bit hard on immersive pieces in my games. Full music score, ambient sounds, interactive maps, dynbamic lighting and weather effects etc. I feel that every little thing I can do to help get someone in a comfortable mindset is a step in the right direction.
Featured Prompts
My favorite trope is...
The grizzled detective, the wise mentor, so many good ones to choose from!
My games focus on...
Immersion takes center stage in my games. Crafting the perfect atmosphere is something I am CONSTANTLY chasing.
Rules are...
Essential to keeping the structure and flow of the game intact. That being said, they should be bent and even broken when it makes sense for your table.
Matt | Candle & Crow's ideal table
I find crafting the right ambiance will always help guide the table into the session. I tend to run my games more roleplay and mystery focused, but combat and dungeon crawls are still an essential piece of many sessions. The biggest thing I ask for from my players is investment. Be present, find your motivation to care about the narrative, the world, the NPCs, and most importantly, your fellow party members.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Commits to a flaw. I find a well developed and played flaw in a character leads to some of the best roleplay and moments I have seen in my campaigns.
My perfect party mix is
Whatever gets the players excited. I will cater and balance an entire campaign around a party that wants to all play warlocks, or members of a thieves guild, or whatever else gets them excited and engaged week after week.
My table is not the place for...
Murderhobos, PVP, or any talk/jokes about SA, slurs, or bigoted viewpoints.