Rethinking The Last Candle for Shadowdark with Chubby Funster
Welcome back, friends!
Prolific TTRPG publisher and writer Greg Christopher, aka “Chubby Funster,” joined me last week on a YouTube live stream to discuss his French medieval-themed setting for Shadowdark – ‘The Last Candle’. Originally, a setting for his own ttrpg system, Ambition & Avarice, Chubby retooled The Last Candle a few years ago for The Arcane Library’s Shadowdark RPG.
Listen to the entire interview on the link below, and if you enjoy this kind of content, especially geared to Shadowdark, settings, adventures, game rules and mechanics, or 3rd party supplements, then like the video and please subscribe to the channel.
Chubby has been very supportive of my own Erudite ZINE written for Shadowdark and I always appreciate getting a few minutes with him. Thanks Greg!
Three quick things about The Last Candle:
- This setting is culturally thematic. It sets a strong tone between the last remnant of the dying “Catholic” civilization symbolized by the monastery, La Prieure’ de Chaurillon, and the barbarian invaders known as the Kavars. A little historical research will quickly lead you to the Mongol threats to Hungary and Poland in the 1240s. Such a rich tapestry to draw upon for a ttrpg setting.
- The Last Candle is economical. Yes, in cost (Approx $5 on DTRPG), but that’s not what I mean. The setting is not too dense with locations, countries, minor locations, or thrilling natural features like mountain ranges and great forests. Why mention it? Because it means as a GM, you have lots of physical and imaginative space to add your own touches or expand the setting. It feels as though you are playing right along the author. It is easily adaptable. The regional map might need updating and a hex grid overlay, but Chubby says he might revise that and other features in an update.
- Ready to play. The book includes important NPCs, religion, history, locations, adventure hooks, relics and items, and even an adventure to get you started. The Last Candle has everything you need to start playing quickly. Just roll up your Shadowdark characters or use the popular character generation site: Shadowdarklings and get go!
“Pourquoi tu attends ? Va l’acheter maintenant.” (Translation: “Why are you waiting? Go buy it now!”)
Watch a replay of the livestream on my YouTube channel.
You can follow me on YouTube: @EruditeDM, or on X: @EruditeDM. Feel free to email me at EruditeDM@gmail.com.
And please make sure that you sign up to our mailing lists for free articles and cool content ideas for games like Shadowdark RPG and other OSR games!
