Previously: The Red Book Game.
The ritual 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.
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.
[Like what you read? Check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available from Chronicle Books now!]
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.
***
Follow The Ghost In My Machine on Twitter @GhostMachine13 and on Facebook @TheGhostInMyMachine. And don’t forget to check out Dangerous Games To Play In The Dark, available now from Chronicle Books!.
[Photo via jetheriot/Flickr]
i still don’t get the set up- the table is supposed to be behind the chairs? how are you supposed to see the mirror-
I really wonder what she looks like
who is the author of this game?
Wahala for who wants to try this game better stay in your own lane ooo
but its is a free world go and do 😂😂
People in lockdown be like: Sounds like a great way to cure my loneliness
What happens to the toy??? Does the toy Disappear??? And how do u not make her throw a tantrum?????
Can you play this game a second time?
will she get mad if you give her a used toy or does it need to be new????
will the toy disappear in the end? will you get it back or does she take it and keep it forever?
Hello. 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.
What happens if you play it again?
Has anyone actually play the game? Or is it even a real thing?
I have played the game and it is real
1- 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?
1. 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.
So, 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.
Wait what happens if she throws a temper tantrum? Does she kill you or something?
That possibility could be considered. She’s a young child, so self control would definitely be something she lacks.
Actually, if I were Charlotte, I would just scream. I was a very, VERY shy child.
Can I play by myself or does it have to be 2 people?
How would you know tho? Cause me and my friend are about to play this.
what kind of toys does she like?
Maybe Barbie dolls, or teddy bears?
NO! 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.
Dolls 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.
Can 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?
has anyone actually done this?
I 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.
Can 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.
Okay, 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 🙂
Thanks.
I read some comments on reddit and apparently it’s not recommended to choose a teddy bear as a toy.
Why?
Well based on her backstory,she ran into the woods and died there right?So any toys relating to animals would probably provoke trauma,in which would provoke,well,a temper tantrum.
Neva’ Gonna play this.
I 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?
WHY, WHY WOULD YOU BRING YOUR SMALLER SISTER INTO DEMONIC STUFF LIKE THIS?! MORE THAN LIKELY, SHE WOULD TURN AROUND AND BE AFRAID….
Don’t drag your sister into this.
Just… 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.
What happens when Charlotte throws a temper tantrum, does she just scream or kill you or what
I’d assume a childlike demon wouldn’t have very good self control so killing you seems highly likely.
I’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.
Temper tantrums include throwing the toy around and even hitting you and crying a lot etc
what if i accidently made her anger by my word???lol btw awesome post and thanks for updating the most dangerous games…. 🙂
Then…pray that she would spare you…or try say “I’m sorry” to her.
If you don’t apologize immediately, she might throw a tantrum and kill you.
Why is it important not to look at the other participant.
?
Probably 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.
As 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.
because the other participant might turn out charlotte
Because Charlotte likes attention.
this is because the ghost doesn’t like being ignored which means if you don’t look at her while talking she will get angry
Perhaps she only wants the participants to look at her and only her.