How to Use Scented Candles for Dungeons & Dragons
Add another dimension of sensory experience to your D&D game by using scented candles.
f you play Dungeons & Dragons, you're probably always looking for ways to make your game more realistic and immersive.
Perhaps you're the kind of dungeon master who likes to write letters or notes on physical paper to bring the game into real life; perhaps you even dress up your character in costume and use a special voice. There's one other way to bring your game to life that you might not have thought of yet—scent.
I've used candles in my gaming sessions for years, and have even designed my own to make available to others—through two brands, Game Master Dice and Valiant Candle.
Imagine you're crawling through an underground dungeon, and can smell the damp earthiness of the cavern walls; or in a deep, dark, forest and you can smell the cypress and pine trees around you. Or, you're visiting the Dragonfire Tavern, and smell the warm hearth, cheerful libations, and oak tables of the establishment.
When selecting candles for your game, it is important to consider the scents that will be most effective. In addition to considering the setting of the game, you should also think about the characters involved.
For example, if you're playing a game with a lot of magic, you may want to use candles with scents like lavender, rose, or jasmine. These scents can help to create a feeling of relaxation and calm.
If you're playing a game in a desert, using a sandalwood candle can help create the right atmosphere.
If your game has a dark, spooky tone, you may want to use candles with scents like patchouli, black pepper, musk, smoke, or tonka.
Bright fruits like grapefruit, orange, mango, or lemon can make the mood bright and lively.
No matter what type of game you are playing, it is important to use candles that are appropriate for the setting. These scents can help to create the right atmosphere and can also be used to evoke memories of nature, or an old leather book, or a church.
A plethora of scented candles are available to enhance your game. Try it out, and see if you like it! I think you will.