Podcast Episode Summary: Inside Ten Candles: Eclipse | Series Wrap-Up and Q&A

Release Date: June 16, 2025
Podcast: Critical Role & Sagas of Sundry by Geek & Sundry
Current Season: Ten Candles: Eclipse

1. Introduction and Welcome

Denise Pantoja opens the episode by welcoming listeners to the "Ten Candles: Eclipse" Q&A session. She introduces the co-hosts and participants, including head of production TJ Rotel, producer Denise Pantoja, fellow players Jake Bennett, and game master Ivan Van Norman.

Denise Pantoja [01:16]: "Hello there and welcome to the Ten Candles Eclipse Q and A. With me here, we have head of production and fellow producer TJ Rotel."

2. Overview of Ten Candles: Eclipse

Ivan Van Norman provides an introduction to "Ten Candles: Eclipse," a tabletop RPG series centered around tragic horror where all 40 players are doomed to perish by the end. The discussion highlights the game's mechanics and the unique challenge of portraying a narrative where survival is impossible.

Ivan Van Norman [04:13]: "10 Candles was one of the OG ones when like, so discovered Dread first. And as a mechanic, it was great. And then people started recommending 10 candles. And I picked that up and I loved it and I wanted to run it..."

3. Challenges in Running the Game with 40 Players

The hosts delve into the complexities of managing a game with such a large number of participants. Ivan shares his initial reservations about adapting "Ten Candles" from a one-shot to a serialized format with 40 players spanning 10 episodes.

Jake Bennett [06:28]: "The game's literally built to be a one-off thing to do. How the fuck are we gonna make this work for 40 people over 10 episodes?"

Denise Pantoja expresses her confidence in the team's ability to handle the challenge, emphasizing faith in their collective storytelling prowess.

Denise Pantoja [06:37]: "I think you have the Brinks in your book. Well, I also have them physically. Let's just wait till those cards come."

4. Storytelling and Emotional Impact

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the emotional depth and storytelling techniques employed in "Ten Candles: Eclipse." Ivan reflects on the process of developing the game's lore, particularly the incorporation of catastrophic events like the moon crashing into Earth.

Ivan Van Norman [07:34]: "And I read the book again that night... I wanted to run it, but I always had that issue of like, how do you make ten candles look good?"

The hosts share personal experiences about moments that deeply affected them, highlighting the series' ability to evoke strong emotions through collaborative storytelling.

Denise Pantoja [17:31]: "It was the very first time I had ever played anything like that... it was so freeing. It was amazing to experience."

5. Cast and Contributions

Ivan praises the contributions of various cast members, emphasizing the importance of having talented and committed players. He highlights specific players like Daryl, who brought depth to their characters, and acknowledges the challenges of NPC narrative integration.

Ivan Van Norman [16:53]: "The hardest death I had to narrate... probably Christina's was definitely the hardest."

Jake Bennett commends the storytelling, noting how individual contributions enriched the overall narrative.

Jake Bennett [29:09]: "You know, I love what. It's fun, like playing the game... it rips the raw emotion right out of you."

6. Future Projects and Announcements

In the latter part of the episode, Ivan announces upcoming projects, including a new series titled "We're Alive," which will take over the "Ten Candles" time slot on Twitch. He also mentions his plans to stream regularly on Twitch, exploring new world-building concepts and productivity streams.

Ivan Van Norman [63:23]: "We're Alive is on the way... First episode next Monday."

Denise and Jake also share their availability and platforms where listeners can connect with them, fostering community engagement.

7. Q&A Highlights

The episode features a vibrant Q&A session where listeners submit questions about the series, the game mechanics, and the emotional journeys experienced during the gameplay. Topics include:

• Brinks (Story Prompts): Ivan discusses the introduction and evolution of Brinks, pivotal moments that guided the story's direction.

  Jake Bennett [48:56]: "Can we turn the camera to see the couch?"

• Emotional Challenges: The hosts share the toughest moments they faced while narrating tragic events, emphasizing the personal impact of storytelling.

  Denise Pantoja [58:11]: "I wanted to die. Listen, it was beautiful for the story, but for me, I wanted to die."

• Dream Cast: They discuss dream teams they’d like to run the game with, highlighting their admiration for various storytellers and players in the RPG community.

  Jake Bennett [44:21]: "I love playing with you because you bring the character commitment."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Denise Pantoja [28:11]: "We're here to talk about Ten Candles Eclipse. Let's start at the beginning."

• Ivan Van Norman [09:12]: "Let’s do it."

• Jake Bennett [22:25]: "And that's the magic of ten candles. And the collaborative storytelling element of it is..."

• Ivan Van Norman [62:24]: "So my life, you can live with my life."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt reflections on the collaborative storytelling experience, the deep emotional connections formed during gameplay, and enthusiastic announcements of future projects. The hosts express gratitude towards the community for their support and engagement, promising more immersive adventures ahead.

Ivan Van Norman [65:52]: "Dark Dice is available however you listen to podcasts."

Final Thoughts:
"Inside Ten Candles: Eclipse | Series Wrap-Up and Q&A" offers a profound look into the production and emotional landscape of a serialized tragic horror RPG. Through candid discussions and listener engagement, the hosts provide invaluable insights into the complexities of large-scale storytelling, the dedication of the cast, and the enduring impact of collaborative narratives. This episode serves both as a reflective piece for existing fans and an inviting introduction for newcomers interested in the depths of tabletop RPG storytelling.