[ad_1]
H2: Critical Role Launches New AP Campaign Using Candela Obscura
Last night marked the premiere of Critical Role’s latest Actual Play campaign, Candela Obscura, with the first episode titled “The Cold Embrace”. Led by the extraordinary Game Master, Matt Mercer, the cast included Ashley Johnson as Auggie James, Anjali Bhimani as Charlotte Eaves, Laura Bailey as Arlo Black, and Robbie Daymond as Professor Howard Margrove. While the game has been adapted from Critical Role’s original game, Candela Obscura, written by Rowan Hall and Spenser Starke, this is the first time Critical Role has created a full campaign that doesn’t rely on the Dungeons & Dragons game system.
H3: A Look at the Candela Obscura Game
Critical Role released a shortened version of Candela Obscura in the morning before the first episode aired, allowing audiences a look at the mechanics and designs of the game. The system is similar to John Harper’s Blades in the Dark, which Starke uses as inspiration. However, the critique of the game needs to be in relation to the AP as the focus is on production. While the storyline in the first episode was simple, following classic AP narrative arc, it gave the actors a chance to explore their characters without worrying about the story. The audience was also able to learn the game mechanics while keeping up with the story.
H3: Critique of Matt Mercer’s Style
Matt Mercer is an excellent Game Master, but at times, it feels as if the guardrails are too high. There are hardly any raised questions of different decisions between the characters and what the GM wants, which can make the game seem too predictable and straightforward. This can sometimes make it seem like Mercer doesn’t believe that the players will make impactful decisions that will change the story. For example, there was a moment when Bhimani’s character was about to invite a man into her office for a chat, but Mercer shut it down. The gameplay result is that it is a thin game that is only good.
H3: The Candela Obscura Quickstart Guide
During the intermission, Spencer Starke explains that the “fast, easy-to-pick-up cinematic-style play” of the Illuminated Worlds system is designed to play for an audience. This explains why the game is built on genre conventions and touchstones that everybody understands, making it very similar to Blades in the Dark. The production and lore building feel too familiar, and the mechanics are not discussed enough during the AP.
H2: Conclusion
Candela Obscura encourages fans to play a game outside the typical D&D game system, which can only be beneficial for many gamers. Fans will enjoy the new system, and actors may even create their own Critical Role-like troupe. The game is a Forged in the Dark system that encourages storytelling and discovery. While there may be nothing stand-out in either the game or the production, Candela Obscura is still entertaining.
H2: FAQ
Q: Is Candela Obscura the first time that Critical Role has a non-D&D game system?
A: Yes, Candela Obscura is the first full campaign Critical Role is undertaking without the use of Dungeons & Dragons.
Q: What is the role of Taliesin Jaffe in the Candela Obscura AP campaign?
A: Taliesin Jaffe is also part of the cast, but in a mysterious role known only as the Lightkeeper.
Q: What is the game system used in Candela Obscura?
A: The game system used in Candela Obscura is Illuminated Worlds, designed by Stras Acimovic and Layla Adelman.
Q: What is the production schedule like for Critical Role’s Candela Obscura campaign?
A: Candela Obscura airs live on the last Thursday of the month, encompassing four episodes, with podcasts and YouTube availability after its initial Twitch airdate.
[ad_2]
For more information, please refer this link