FTH Update
The Heroic Path Update: What Wasn’t Working and What We Changed
Changes to the Heroic Paths, what was not landing in play, and what was rebuilt to make Fatefully Tragic Hero hit harder at the table.
Independent TTRPG Studio
Cinderlight Games
Independent TTRPG studio dedicated to cinematic, player-driven storytelling. Immersive worlds, streamlined mechanics, and deep roleplay—easy to run and unforgettable to play.
You can support us by playtesting our games, joining our community, and following us on social media.
Flagship
Fatefully Tragic Hero — dark fantasy isekai where your bonds, your path, and Aetheria itself shape every session.
Worlds
Three Worlds. Dark Anime, psychological horror, and cinematic espionage under one banner.
Approach
Immersive worlds, streamlined mechanics, and meaningful player choices.
Support
Playtest the games, connect with the studio, and keep up with new releases and events.
Fatefully Tragic Hero
You died in your world and woke up in Aetheria — a realm of warring factions, divine games, and a destiny that was never meant to be yours. Fatefully Tragic Hero is a dark fantasy isekai TTRPG built on cinematic combat, deep character bonds, and a world that reacts to every choice you make.
Dark-Fantasy Isekai
Anime RPG
Enter Aetheria
Built for cinematic action, emotional stakes, and memorable table moments — fast anime-combat, Burst Arts and Limit Breakers when it counts, and an Emotional Resonance system where your bonds, sacrifices, and struggles shape every session.
6 Cultures
7 Heroic Paths
Dynamic combat
Emotional Resonance System
Quick Start ready
Playtest active
Digital Character Creator
Fatefully Tragic Hero
Build your Reincarnation
Shape your culture, choose your Heroic Path, and build a Fatefully Tragic Hero character ready for Aetheria.
Quick Start Rules Bundle
Fatefully Tragic Hero
Start with the Quick Start Rules Bundle
The Quick Start Rules Bundle is your first step into Fatefully Tragic Hero — seven premade heroes, a complete starter adventure, and everything your table needs to play tonight.
Everything in one place. Pick it up and play.
Starter rules
Premade heroes
Player tools
Adventure-ready
Latest
Peek behind the curtain — design decisions, character spotlights, updates from the table, and what's on the horizon.
Character Build
How to Build Aang in Fatefully Tragic Hero
Aang translated into a playable Fatefully Tragic Hero build through the Magician Heroic Path and the digital character creator.
Dev Log
One Hefty Update: New Fade to Black Core Rule Book 0.15 Update
Core rule book progress, new tools, and what is changing in the next round of Fade to Black playtests.
Announcement
Editor’s Corner
Behind-the-scenes notes from the dev team, community highlights, and what’s on deck.
Games in Development
Fatefully Tragic Hero is just the beginning. Fade to Black opens for public playtesting this October, and O.A.R. is already taking shape behind it.
Playtesting October 2026
Psychological Horror
Fade to Black
A psychological survival horror TTRPG where you are not the hero — you're a Witness. Ordinary, fragile, and hunted by something that reflects your fears back at you. The Fade bends reality around your regrets, your secrets, your worst moments. The light is dimming. What will you do when the dark comes for you?
In Development
Cinematic Espionage
O.A.R.
A cinematic TTRPG of high-stakes espionage across any reality — cyberpunk, fantasy, or beyond. Get in, restore order, vanish. Just a character sheet, a pen, and some d4s. The Institute trained you to follow orders. Now decide which ones still matter."
Our Vision
Cinderlight Games is an independent tabletop RPG studio dedicated to cinematic, player-driven storytelling. Founded by Jordan Schmidt, with editorial direction from Simone Alicea, we design and create games that emphasize immersive worlds, streamlined mechanics, and meaningful player choices.
Whether you’re exploring the dark fantasy isekai of Fatefully Tragic Hero, surviving the psychological horror of Fade to Black, or navigating high-stakes espionage in O.A.R., our systems are designed to put narrative and creativity at the forefront.
Get involved with Cinderlight Games
Playtest upcoming releases, meet us at events, and follow the latest studio updates as Fatefully Tragic Hero, Fade to Black, and O.A.R. continue to grow.
Play upcoming games
Help shape in-development projects through playtests, one-shots, and community sessions.
Meet us in person
Find Cinderlight at weekly play, special events, showcases, and convention appearances.
Follow the studio’s progress
Keep up with dev logs, design updates, announcements, and the evolving slate of games.