The Most Dangerous Games: Charlotte’s Web

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:

1. Begin by going to the room.
2. 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.
3. 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.)
4. 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.)
5. 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.)
6. Turn on the flashlights.
7. Turn off the room’s lights.

The Main Event:

1. Sit in the chairs. Both participants should be seated at this point.
2. Look at the mirror.
3. Speak the following words in unison: “We want to play Charlotte’s Web.”
4. Wait. Look only at the mirror.
5. Wait. Look only at the mirror.
6. Do not be afraid. Look only at the mirror.
7. She will know if you are afraid. Look only at the mirror.
8. Wait. Look only at the mirror.
9. 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.

The Closing:

1. To end the ritual, do not turn around. Look only at the mirror. Speak the following in unison: “Goodbye, Charlotte.”
2. Do not turn around. Look only at the mirror.
3. 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.
4. Turn on the lights.
5. 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.

Charlotte’s Web: FAQ.

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[Photo via jetheriot/Flickr]