Critical Role has announced a release date for the rulebook of its horror-themed TTRPG, Candela Obscura.
Through its publishing arm, Darrington Press, Critical Role plans to release the core rulebook for its TTRPG on November 14. Candela Obscura debuted on Critical Role’s YouTube and Twitch channels in May 2023. Unlike Critical Role’s main series, which plays Dungeons & Dragons, the rulebook and the spin-off series Candela Obscura use its original system, Illuminated Worlds.
The first of two announced TTRPG systems, Illuminated Worlds uses a D6 format created by Stras Acimovic and Layla Adelman. It shares little similarity with Dungeons & Dragons, closer in style to Blades in the Dark. At its announcement, Critical Role’s Matt Mercer noted that Illuminated Worlds suited short-term campaigns emphasizing roleplay.
What is Critical Role’s Candela Obscura?
Candela Obscura uses this system in an industrial, Victorian, post-war world called the Fairelands. Lead cast member Taliesin Jaffe created it alongside Chris Lockey and lead designers and writers Spenser Starke and Rowan Hall. Members of a secret society, Candela Obscura, investigates mysteries relating to the weird and dangerous.
As the press release describes it: “Within the secret society Candela Obscura, individuals of varied talents work as a team — known as a circle — to investigate strange occurrences and dangerous magick, fighting back against a mysterious source of corruption and bleed.”
The Candela Obscura rulebook comes in two variations. One, the standard edition, costs $39.99. The rulebook also has a limited edition variation for $59.99. That version features “faux leather with an exclusive cover design, debossed and filled with metallic ink.” Those interested can purchase them from Critical Role’s website or at Darrington Press Guild stores.
Critical Role has another TTRPG system in the works. This one, called Daggerheart, reportedly shares more similarities with classic Dungeons & Dragons. Like Illuminated Worlds, Critical Role says Daggerheart focuses more on roleplay and player contribution than other TTRPGs. Daggerheart does not yet have a release date.
Critical Role’s Candela Obscura releases on November 14.
