Previously: The Red Book Game.
(By request.)
The game Charlotte’s Web — not to be confused with the children’s book, although that’s undoubtedly where it got its name — seems to have been born out of the Three Kings era of Reddit; indeed, at the time of this writing, it was posted three years ago at both the NoSleep subreddit (where Three Kings was originally posted) and on r/threekings, which grew out of the titular game’s popularity. The NoSleep post has a few updates, one of which was an experience story, and one of which was a warning to not, under any circumstances, play the game.
Somewhat ominously, the Redditor who made all those posts has since deleted their account.
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A note about the game’s setup (the “board,” if you will): I had to refer to the experience post in order to determine how the setup was actually meant to look; the original Reddit posts are somewhat unclear, and this Tumblr version seems to have actually gotten it wrong. I’ve tried to describe it as clearly as possible here, but leave a comment if it’s still confusing and I’ll put together a diagram for the next edition of Frequently Asked Questions.
For the curious, “Charlotte” is allegedly a 7-year-old girl whose mother was accused of being a witch and burned at the stake during the 1400s. After her mother’s death, the “legend” says that Charlotte ran into the woods to escape — where, with no means of survival, she perished. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of this element of the game; I think it makes it too obviously fictional, and for me, the fun part of games like these is the way they blur the lines of reality. But if it helps build the world for you, then by all means, take Charlotte’s backstory into account when you start the game.
As always, play at your own risk.
Players:
- Two participants.
Requirements:
- A room without windows. If your only options have windows, cover them as completely as possible.
- Flashlights — as many as you need to see. Do NOT use candles, matches, lighters, or any other burning flames.
- A toy.
- A mirror.
- A table and two chairs.
Instructions:
The Prelude:
- Begin by going to the room.
- Place the chairs in the room. The chairs should be next to each with about two feet of space between them, both facing the same direction.
- Place the mirror in front of the chairs. You should be able to see your reflection in the mirror when you are seated in the chairs. (Note: Do not sit in the chairs yet.)
- Place the table behind the chairs — that is, the table should be at the chairs’ backs. You should be able to see the table’s reflection in the mirror when you are seated in the chairs. (Note: Do not sit in the chairs yet.)
- Place the toy on the table. You should be able to see the toy’s reflection between the chairs when you are seated in the chairs. (Note: Do not sit in the chairs yet.)
- Turn on the flashlights.
- Turn off the room’s lights.
The Main Event:
- Sit in the chairs. Both participants should be seated at this point.
- Look at the mirror.
- Speak the following words in unison: “We want to play Charlotte’s Web.”
- Wait. Look only at the mirror.
- Wait. Look only at the mirror.
- Do not be afraid. Look only at the mirror.
- She will know if you are afraid. Look only at the mirror.
- Wait. Look only at the mirror.
- Watch the toy in the mirror. Do not turn around.
- If she does not take the toy:
- Do NOT proceed. She is displeased. She is a child; she throws temper tantrums. Do not turn around. Look only at the mirror. Go to Step 1 of The Closing.
- If she takes the toy:
- You may proceed. She is pleased. She is a child; she is curious. She likes attention, and she likes to talk. You may speak with her. Take turns. Ask her questions. Do not turn around. Look only at the mirror. When you have finished your conversation, go to Step 1 of The Closing.
- If she does not take the toy:
The Closing:
- To end the ritual, do not turn around. Look only at the mirror. Speak the following in unison: “Goodbye, Charlotte.”
- Do not turn around. Look only at the mirror.
- If you have succeeded, she will wander out of view of the mirror, taking the toy with her. Once she is gone, you may turn around.
- Turn on the lights.
- Do not play this game again.
Additional Notes:
- You may begin at any time, although nighttime is recommended, particularly if your room is not windowless.
- Do NOT use any form of burning flame instead of flashlights. She does not like fire.
- Once you have been seated in the chairs, do not, at any point, for any reason, look away from the mirror. Do not turn around. Do not look the side. Do not look at the second participant. To do so may inspire a temper tantrum.
Concerning Temper Tantrums:
- You do not want to experience her temper tantrums.
***
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[Photo via jetheriot/Flickr]
Aio Kin says
May 30, 2017 at 9:43 amWhy is it important not to look at the other participant.
?
Eliza Schuyler says
June 1, 2017 at 6:22 pmProbably because looking in the mirror is what you have to do the entire time. And also, maybe because Charlotte doesn’t wanna be looked at? Maybe people scare her because of her mom’s burning.
Tessa says
June 1, 2017 at 9:10 pmAs stated earlier, Charlotte likes all the attention, she wants to be loved, if you are looking at anyone else but her, it might cause her to throw a tantrum.
bookatia24 says
June 25, 2017 at 3:49 pmbecause the other participant might turn out charlotte
Mayflower says
October 10, 2017 at 3:12 amBecause Charlotte likes attention.
lolhacker says
May 30, 2017 at 2:17 pmwhat if i accidently made her anger by my word???lol btw awesome post and thanks for updating the most dangerous games…. 🙂
ZelDronpa says
June 26, 2017 at 9:07 amThen…pray that she would spare you…or try say “I’m sorry” to her.
Deadly Kitty says
February 10, 2018 at 1:37 pmIf you don’t apologize immediately, she might throw a tantrum and kill you.
Summer says
May 30, 2017 at 3:14 pmWhat happens when Charlotte throws a temper tantrum, does she just scream or kill you or what
A.J. says
June 1, 2017 at 5:51 pmI’d assume a childlike demon wouldn’t have very good self control so killing you seems highly likely.
Trash says
October 19, 2017 at 1:17 pmI’ve read about it. All she does is give you really scary hallucinations and you just freak out a lot. Don’t try the game though.
Eliza Schuyler says
June 1, 2017 at 6:18 pmI have a seven year old sister. If I tried this with her, do you think Charlotte would be happier because she’s the same age or what?
Ghostlover says
June 4, 2017 at 2:42 pmWHY, WHY WOULD YOU BRING YOUR SMALLER SISTER INTO DEMONIC STUFF LIKE THIS?! MORE THAN LIKELY, SHE WOULD TURN AROUND AND BE AFRAID….
Bailey says
June 5, 2017 at 9:49 amDon’t drag your sister into this.
Alexis says
June 23, 2017 at 7:33 pmJust… don’t bring a seven year old into a situation like this.. This aside, I didn’t think there would be any Hamilton fans on here.
NUTROLLER says
June 17, 2017 at 5:28 amNeva’ Gonna play this.
Mikie says
June 25, 2017 at 12:26 pmI read some comments on reddit and apparently it’s not recommended to choose a teddy bear as a toy.
Wolf123 says
September 17, 2017 at 8:21 pmWhy?
PurpleGirlTheHorrorFan says
June 25, 2017 at 1:57 pmI am the one who requested for this game to be posted here. So you have me to thank for getting to read this awesome game, my dear people.
Knightmare_Reincarnated says
October 22, 2017 at 5:43 pmCan u tell me of sites where more such rituals are uploaded like 6 murders. I read it after seeing your comment and had to go round the bush to find it out as it wasn’t posted here.
PurpleGirlTheHorrorFan says
October 31, 2017 at 11:02 amOkay, since you asked so nicely, here you go: ‘Blah since I know’ is a site which has some cool games which have not been posted here yet. Then there is also ‘Scaryforkids’, which has not just rituals, but also amazing ghost stories and legends.’Whispering Dark’ isn’t bad either. These are the ones which I use the most. Thank me later for my good recommendations. And another thing, I seriously respect you bro. For going round the bush to find out about six murders after reading my comment and also for the fact that you thought that I would be a suitable person to recommend sites to you which post rituals like the ones here. Hope you found my advice useful 🙂
Deadly Kitty says
February 10, 2018 at 1:35 pmThanks.
olivia says
August 16, 2017 at 1:45 amhas anyone actually done this?
Rhiannon says
September 10, 2017 at 5:10 pmCan you place the mirror on a table or in a frame to hold it up, or would that be ruining the setup of the game?
ash says
September 18, 2017 at 4:57 pmwhat kind of toys does she like?
Hirota says
September 25, 2017 at 5:43 amMaybe Barbie dolls, or teddy bears?
Wolf123 says
October 1, 2017 at 12:34 pmNO! NO TEDDY BEARS! I read that if you use an animal it will anger her…..COUCH COUGH BACKSTORY COUGH COUGH. She was picked apart by ANIMALS. Teddy bear? ANIMAL.
Deadly Kitty says
February 10, 2018 at 1:34 pmDolls would probably be okay. But animals are a definite no. Like Wolf123 said, animals would only anger her, resulting in death. She was killed by animals, so she hates animals.
TotalyHuman says
September 22, 2017 at 5:06 pmWait what happens if she throws a temper tantrum? Does she kill you or something?
SuperCaligro says
February 27, 2018 at 3:12 pmThat possibility could be considered. She’s a young child, so self control would definitely be something she lacks.
Mayflower says
July 4, 2018 at 9:20 pmActually, if I were Charlotte, I would just scream. I was a very, VERY shy child.
Hirota says
September 25, 2017 at 5:45 amSo, I have to stare at a seven-year-old girl who will throw a freaking tantrum because she has no attention… Don’t worry Charlotte, I’ll give you attention.
Jo says
November 18, 2017 at 10:09 pm1- In the building where the room we are playing the game is, must we be the only ones in the building?
2- Must there be silence in the building/room?
SuperCaligro says
February 27, 2018 at 3:16 pm1. It would be a good idea. It would be kinda nasty of you to risk the lives or wellbeing of anyone not playing the game.
2. Not sure. It doesn’t say you should talk during the game, but not to be silent either. I’d say the only time you should talk or use any method of communication is to signal your partner to initiate the ending sequence since it must be performed together.
Lovely26 says
May 15, 2018 at 12:16 amHas anyone actually play the game? Or is it even a real thing?
Maria says
June 4, 2018 at 10:23 amWhat happens if you play it again?
Dawn says
June 24, 2018 at 6:41 pmHello. I apologize if my question(s), have already been answered, but, are you and your partner allowed to communicate with each other? In any way, such as noises or speech. It says “you must say we want to play Charlotte’s Webb in unison”. Are you allowed to make a noise to que when you two are about to say it, or speak to let your partner know when to say it. Also, if you or your partner become afraid, will that affect the ritual? Thanks in advance.
jeffy says
August 11, 2018 at 9:35 pmwill the toy disappear in the end? will you get it back or does she take it and keep it forever?