Candela Obscura PDF⁚ A Guide to the Occult Investigative Horror RPG
Candela Obscura is a horror tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) built on the Illuminated Worlds System, about occult investigators hunting down the dangerous creatures and threats that plague the world.
The Candela Obscura Core Rulebook is over 200 pages with rules to play and create your investigators and their circles and includes detailed information on the game’s setting, mechanics, and lore.
This PDF guide provides a comprehensive look at the world of Candela Obscura, giving you everything you need to start playing and gamemastering.
Introduction to Candela Obscura
Candela Obscura is a captivating and immersive tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) that plunges players into a world of occult investigation and chilling horror. Developed by Darrington Press, the game draws inspiration from classic investigative horror fiction and real-world occult traditions, creating a unique and compelling experience for players and game masters alike. Candela Obscura is set in an alternate version of our world at the turn of the 20th century, where the veil between reality and the supernatural is thin, and threats from beyond lurk in the shadows.
Players take on the roles of investigators working for Candela Obscura, a secret society dedicated to uncovering and combating occult horrors. Each investigator possesses unique skills and abilities, allowing them to approach investigations with different perspectives and strengths. From skilled detectives to gifted mediums, players can tailor their characters to match their preferred playstyles and interests. Candela Obscura embraces the spirit of collaborative storytelling, encouraging players to work together, share their insights, and unravel mysteries that threaten the very fabric of reality.
Candela Obscura is more than just a game of dice rolls and character stats; it’s a platform for crafting gripping narratives, exploring the complexities of human nature, and confronting the unknown. The game’s immersive setting, engaging mechanics, and rich lore provide players with a wealth of opportunities to create memorable experiences and forge lasting connections with their fellow investigators.
Candela Obscura Gameplay
Candela Obscura gameplay is a blend of investigative exploration, social interaction, and tense combat encounters. Players, as investigators, work together to uncover the truth behind eerie mysteries that plague the Fairelands, the game’s setting. These mysteries can range from hauntings in an abandoned manor to sinister cults operating in the shadows of Newfaire, the game’s central city.
The game utilizes the Illuminated Worlds System, a dice-based mechanics system that emphasizes narrative storytelling and character development. Players roll a pool of dice based on their character’s attributes and skills, with the outcome determining the success or failure of their actions. However, the game doesn’t just rely on dice rolls; it encourages players to use their ingenuity and creativity to solve puzzles, interrogate suspects, and navigate perilous situations. The game master, known as the Keeper of Secrets, guides the narrative and creates challenging scenarios for the players to overcome.
Candela Obscura’s gameplay is designed to be engaging and immersive, allowing players to experience the thrill of discovery, the tension of danger, and the satisfaction of bringing justice to those who seek to disrupt the natural order. The game encourages players to collaborate, think critically, and embrace the unknown, making every session a unique and memorable adventure.
Candela Obscura Story and Setting
Candela Obscura’s story is set in an alternate version of our world at the turn of the 20th century, a world where the veil between reality and the supernatural is thin, allowing mystical forces to bleed into the mundane. The Fairelands, the game’s setting, is a vibrant tapestry of bustling cities, quaint towns, and untamed wilderness, all intertwined with a rich history of magic, folklore, and forgotten secrets. The world is a place of wonder and danger, where the ordinary can quickly transform into the extraordinary;
The game’s narrative revolves around the secret society known as Candela Obscura, a group of skilled investigators dedicated to protecting the world from the encroaching darkness. Players step into the shoes of these investigators, each with unique talents and abilities, who are called upon to face occult horrors from beyond and safeguard the delicate balance between the real and the arcane.
Candela Obscura’s story is an ongoing saga of mystery, suspense, and adventure, where players uncover the truth behind supernatural phenomena, confront powerful entities, and make choices that shape the fate of the Fairelands. The world itself is a character, offering a rich tapestry of lore, history, and hidden secrets to explore, making every investigation an exciting journey into the unknown.
Candela Obscura Character Creation
Candela Obscura’s character creation process allows players to craft compelling and unique investigators, each with a distinct personality, skillset, and motivation for joining the secret society. The system emphasizes a collaborative approach, encouraging players to work together to build a diverse and engaging team.
Players begin by selecting from a variety of character archetypes, each representing a different approach to investigating the supernatural. These archetypes, known as “Circles,” include the Scholar, the Seer, the Warden, the Rogue, and the Artisan, each offering unique skills and perspectives on the occult.
Once a Circle is chosen, players delve into customizing their investigator’s background, personality, and motivations. They choose from a variety of talents and abilities, each representing a specific skill or knowledge that their investigator possesses. This allows players to personalize their investigators, creating characters that reflect their individual playstyles and preferences.
Candela Obscura’s character creation system is designed to be both engaging and flexible, allowing players to create unique and memorable investigators who are ready to face the mysteries and dangers that await them in the Fairelands.
Candela Obscura System
Candela Obscura utilizes the Illuminated Worlds System, a narrative-driven dice pool system that emphasizes collaborative storytelling and player agency. This system is designed to facilitate engaging and immersive gameplay, fostering a sense of suspense and mystery as players delve into the world of occult investigation.
The core mechanic of the Illuminated Worlds System revolves around rolling a pool of dice based on the investigator’s relevant skills and attributes. Players spend “Drives,” representing their character’s inherent traits like Nerve, Cunning, and Intuition, to add additional dice to their rolls, increasing their chances of success.
The system features a variety of actions, including Move, Strike, and Sway, each representing a different type of interaction with the game world. Players can use these actions to investigate clues, confront threats, or influence the course of events. The Illuminated Worlds System encourages players to think creatively and strategically, making choices that align with their characters’ personalities and motivations.
The system also incorporates a robust set of rules for handling combat, magic, and investigation, ensuring that every aspect of the game is engaging and immersive.
Candela Obscura World
The world of Candela Obscura is a vibrant and multifaceted setting that blends historical elements with a touch of the fantastical. Players find themselves in the Fairelands, an alternate version of our world set at the turn of the 20th century, where the veil between the mundane and the supernatural is thin.
The Fairelands is a tapestry of urban landscapes, bustling cities, and rural countrysides, each with its own unique history, culture, and secrets. The game’s world is steeped in a rich history of magic, folklore, and ancient mysteries, offering a captivating backdrop for the players’ investigations.
The world is populated by a diverse cast of characters, ranging from ordinary citizens to powerful sorcerers and ancient entities. Players will encounter a wide array of individuals, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the game’s narrative.
The world of Candela Obscura is a place where the lines between reality and illusion are blurred, where ancient powers lurk in the shadows, and where the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
Candela Obscura Creatures and Threats
Candela Obscura’s world teems with an array of creatures and threats that range from the mundane to the truly terrifying. These supernatural entities, drawn from folklore and mythology, pose a constant danger to the world and its inhabitants.
From the shadowy depths of the Fairelands emerge creatures like wraiths, specters, and ghouls, haunting the living with their malevolent presence. Players might encounter ancient beings of immense power, such as demons, spirits, and mythical beasts, each with unique abilities and motives.
The game’s threats aren’t limited to creatures alone. Dark rituals, arcane artifacts, and forgotten curses pose a significant danger to the world. Players may find themselves confronting corrupted individuals, cultists seeking to unleash ancient evils, or even powerful sorcerers manipulating the forces of magic for their own ends.
These threats demand the vigilance and cunning of Candela Obscura’s investigators, who must use their skills, knowledge, and courage to protect the Fairelands from the encroaching darkness. The game’s creatures and threats offer a constant sense of suspense and danger, challenging players to unravel the mysteries and confront the horrors that lurk in the shadows.
Candela Obscura Resources
For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Candela Obscura, a wealth of resources awaits. The Candela Obscura Core Rulebook serves as the primary source, providing comprehensive rules, character options, and setting information. However, numerous additional resources expand the game’s depth and offer further exploration.
The Candela Obscura Quickstart Guide offers a streamlined introduction to the game, ideal for beginners. This guide includes a primer on the world, people, and principles of Candela Obscura, along with quickstart rules, an example assignment, and pre-generated character sheets.
Beyond the core rulebook, dedicated websites like Darrington Press and Critical Roleshop offer additional resources, including character sheets, reference sheets, and even a Roll20 VTT module. These resources facilitate a seamless and engaging tabletop experience, allowing players and game masters to delve into the captivating world of Candela Obscura.
Furthermore, online communities dedicated to Candela Obscura provide a platform for sharing ideas, strategies, and fan-created content. These communities foster a sense of camaraderie among players and offer valuable insights for those seeking to expand their understanding of the game.
Where to Find Candela Obscura PDF
Securing your copy of the Candela Obscura PDF is a straightforward endeavor. Multiple avenues exist to acquire this essential resource, catering to diverse preferences and accessibility needs.
Directly from the publisher, Darrington Press, you can purchase the Candela Obscura Core Rulebook in PDF format. This option ensures you obtain the official version, supporting the developers and guaranteeing authenticity.
Alternatively, online retailers like DriveThruRPG offer the PDF version for purchase. This platform boasts a vast collection of tabletop RPGs, often featuring discounts and special offers, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
For those seeking a free introduction to the game, Critical Roleshop provides a downloadable Candela Obscura Quickstart Guide PDF. This valuable resource allows you to experience the game’s mechanics and setting before committing to a full purchase.
In addition to these traditional methods, websites like AnyFlip and PDFcoffee offer free access to the Candela Obscura Core Rulebook PDF. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when downloading from third-party sources, ensuring the file’s authenticity and safety.
Candela Obscura Community
The Candela Obscura community is a vibrant and welcoming space for players, game masters, and enthusiasts to connect, share their experiences, and delve deeper into the world of occult investigations. This passionate community thrives both online and offline, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared passion for the game.
Online platforms like Reddit and Discord serve as bustling hubs for Candela Obscura discussions. Here, players can seek advice, share their character builds, discuss campaign ideas, and even find fellow investigators to join their circle. Dedicated subreddits and Discord servers provide dedicated spaces for Candela Obscura fans to connect and engage in meaningful conversations.
Beyond online forums, local game stores often host Candela Obscura events and meetups. These gatherings offer a chance for players to meet in person, roleplay together, and engage in friendly competition. Such events foster a sense of community and allow players to connect with fellow enthusiasts in their area.
The Candela Obscura community is known for its welcoming and inclusive nature. Whether you’re a seasoned roleplayer or a curious newcomer, you’ll find a warm reception and a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored. Joining this community is a rewarding experience for anyone passionate about investigative horror and tabletop roleplaying.
Candela Obscura Reviews and Reception
Candela Obscura has garnered a significant amount of positive attention since its release, with reviewers and players alike praising its immersive atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and unique blend of horror and investigation. The game’s critical reception has been overwhelmingly favorable, with many hailing it as a fresh and exciting addition to the tabletop RPG landscape.
Reviewers have lauded Candela Obscura’s compelling narrative focus, noting its ability to create gripping and suspenseful scenarios that keep players on the edge of their seats. The game’s intricate character development system and its emphasis on player agency have also been well-received, allowing players to create truly unique and memorable investigators.
The Illuminated Worlds System, upon which Candela Obscura is based, has been commended for its streamlined mechanics and intuitive rules, making the game accessible to both experienced roleplayers and newcomers. The system’s emphasis on collaborative storytelling and shared decision-making fosters a dynamic and engaging play experience.
Overall, Candela Obscura has been met with widespread acclaim, earning praise for its captivating narrative, engaging gameplay, and well-crafted setting. The game’s strong community support further adds to its appeal, ensuring a vibrant and welcoming environment for players to explore the world of occult investigations.
Candela Obscura Future
The future of Candela Obscura looks bright, with ongoing support from both its creators and the enthusiastic community it has cultivated. Plans are already in motion for future expansions and supplemental materials, enriching the game’s world and offering players even more ways to explore the mysteries of the Fairelands.
Darrington Press, the publisher behind Candela Obscura, has expressed a commitment to supporting the game’s growth, hinting at potential expansions that delve deeper into the game’s lore, introduce new character options, and expand the range of gameplay experiences. The company has also hinted at the possibility of releasing additional adventures and campaigns, providing GMs with a wealth of new content to engage their players.
Beyond official releases, the Candela Obscura community is actively creating and sharing their own content, including custom adventures, character sheets, and even homebrew rules. This collaborative spirit ensures that the game’s universe will continue to evolve and grow, fueled by the passion and creativity of its dedicated fanbase.
With its strong foundation, dedicated creators, and passionate community, Candela Obscura is poised to become a lasting force in the tabletop RPG scene, captivating players for years to come with its chilling atmosphere, engaging gameplay, and endless possibilities for exploration.