Table Of Contents

Ashley Burnes

Hey everyone, picture this: you are wandering through a dimly lit dungeon, heart racing as you solve ancient riddles and battle shadowy foes, all while dressed in the most intricate, storytelling outfits you have ever seen.

That is the everyday thrill for Ashley Burnes, the creative powerhouse behind the Instagram handle @burntthewaffles.

Here at THOUSIF Inc. – ONLINE, we love diving into the stories of people who turn hobbies into heartfelt passions, and Ashley’s tale is one for the ages.

Since 2018, she has been a staple in the world of True Dungeon, blending her skills as an actor, seamstress, and LARP enthusiast to create unforgettable experiences.

With over 365,000 followers on Instagram soaking up her original characters, stories, and behind-the-scenes peeks, Ashley is not just playing the game; she is elevating it.

In this post, we will explore her journey from first-time player to costume queen, her kitchen escapades, the ups and downs of dungeon life, her shift to virtual play, and the family-like community that keeps it all going.

If you are a gamer, cosplayer, or just someone who loves a good adventure, grab your virtual sword and let us dive in.

True Dungeon Basics: Why It Is More Than Just A Game

First things first, what exactly is True Dungeon?

It is not your run-of-the-mill video game or board setup; it is a live-action role-playing event that feels like stepping into a fantasy novel.

Hosted at major conventions like Gen Con, Momocon, and Gamehole Con, it involves teams of up to 10 players navigating through elaborately built sets filled with puzzles, traps, and encounters.

Combat?

Forget dice; it is all about sliding pucks shuffleboard-style to hit monster targets, making every fight a test of real skill.

Ashley got hooked on her very first run, mesmerised by the gorgeous environments and the actors who brought the world to life.

“She loved the pretty places and the actors who played different parts,” as she shared in a captivating talk.

That initial spark led her to volunteer as a non-player character (NPC) starting in 2018, and she has been adding her unique flair ever since.

Her Instagram bio says it all: “Original Characters & Stories, Actor, Seamstress, LARP”, a perfect summary of how she infuses creativity into every aspect.

To help you visualise the appeal, here is a table outlining True Dungeon’s standout features and how they have impacted Ashley:

Feature	Involves	Connection
Immersive Sets	Life-sized rooms with props, lights, and effects	Inspired her to join and create costumes that blend seamlessly.
Skill-Based Combat	Puck-sliding to target monster weak points	Loves the adrenaline; often plays roles that enhance battle scenes.
Team Puzzles	Riddles, physical challenges, and group decisions	Builds the friendships she treasures most in the community.
Character Classes	12 options like Wizard, Cleric, or Druid	Favorites include Druids and Clerics for their supportive magic.
Loot System	Tokens traded for gear and upgrades	The excitement of rewards mirrors her real-life creative payoffs.

This mix of physicality and storytelling is what keeps players coming back, and for Ashley, it has become a canvas for her talents.

The Art Of Costuming: Ashley’s Magical Creations

Ashley’s real magic happens with fabric and thread.

She started sewing at just 12 years old, building a 15-year passion that’s now central to her True Dungeon involvement.

Her costumes are not just pretty; they are narrative tools, each one crafted to deepen the game’s immersion.

Spending 100-150 hours per piece, she incorporates details like pressed flowers, metalwork, or 3D-printed elements to make characters pop.

On Instagram, with 173 posts showcasing her work, fans rave about her original characters and stories.

She has played a variety of roles in True Dungeon, from ethereal ghosts to fierce liches, always tying back to her love for fantasy.

Her X profile (with 3,752 followers) echoes this, listing her as an “Actor & NPC,” and she often shares quick tips on makeup or outfits.

Check out this table of some of her memorable True Dungeon costumes, drawn from her shared adventures and social media highlights:

Character	Design	Why
Eva the Dryad	Earthy tones, pressed flowers, metal necklace	Players received butterfly gifts; perfect for nature-themed rooms.
Adora the Ghost	Flowing ethereal fabrics, puzzle accents	Adds interactive haunts; went viral in community forums.
Casapet the Monk	Silky, flowing layers for dynamic poses	Emphasizes movement and seduction in role-play.
The Lich	Dark velvet, bony 3D prints, ominous details	Delivers terrifying authenticity in boss encounters.
Various Druids	Animal motifs, hand-sewn vines, fur trims	Ties into her favorite class, enhancing spell-casting moments.
Elf NPC	Pointy ears, woodland robes, intricate embroidery	Featured in recent convention shifts with immersive soundtracks.

These creations make the game feel real, and Ashley’s posts encourage others to try sewing, rating fabrics and sharing progress.

It is her way of spreading the creativity bug.

Culinary Side Quests: Thai Flavours And Kitchen Tales

When Ashley is not stitching spells into seams, she is stirring up magic in the kitchen.

Her handle @burntthewaffles comes from those relatable cooking fails, like burning waffles, but she has mastered Thai cuisine, with spring rolls and peanut sauce as her go-tos.

These dishes are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing after long convention days.

Though her social media focuses more on fantasy, cooking sneaks in through fun anecdotes.

Her Amazon recommendations include home essentials, hinting at her practical side.

In chats, she describes Thai food as another creative outlet, experimenting with spices much like she does with costume designs.

Want to try her style?

Here is a straightforward table for making Thai spring rolls, inspired by her favourites:

Component	Ingredients	Steps
Wrappers	Rice paper sheets (8-10)	Soak in warm water briefly to soften.
Filling Veggies	Julienned carrots, cucumber, lettuce (1 cup each)	Chop fresh for crunch; add herbs like mint and cilantro.
Protein	Cooked shrimp or tofu (200g)	Season lightly with soy sauce for flavor.
Peanut Sauce	Peanut butter (1/2 cup), soy sauce (2 tbsp), lime juice	Whisk together; add chili for heat if desired.
Assembly	Place filling on wrapper, roll tightly	Serve fresh with sauce for dipping.

It is simple, delicious, and a great way to fuel your own adventures.

Ashley swears by it for post-game energy.

Peaks and Valleys: Memorable Moments In The Dungeon

Ashley’s stories are full of highs that make True Dungeon shine.

“Magic moments” include impromptu in-game weddings, deep connections with players, and flawless improv that draws cheers.

She shares on forums about gifting items like butterflies, creating bonds that last beyond the event.

However, there are challenges too: exhausting 12-hour shifts, malfunctioning props, or the mental strain of staying in character.

Hilarious mishaps, like players tripping into her or playfully tossing kids during scenes, keep things light.

Her social posts often highlight these, like thanking teams at conventions for the “dream” vibes.

Here is a table capturing the rollercoaster:

Experience	Specific	Teaches?
Magic Moments	Player-NPC bonds, improv successes, community shoutouts	The power of shared creativity.
Hard Times	Long hours, technical glitches, emotional fatigue	Building resilience and appreciation.
Funny Fails	Trips, kid-tossing chaos, burnt food analogies	Humor keeps the spirit alive.

These tales show the human side of the fantasy.

Embracing the Virtual: New Ways To Adventure

True Dungeon adapted to digital, and Ashley jumped in.

Online play preserves the puzzles, actors, and excitement via screens, making it accessible for everyone.

“This new way helps keep the game’s magic alive and lets people enjoy it differently,” she notes.

It fits her busy schedule, allowing late-night runs.

Her social media extends this, with reels on transformations and tips reaching thousands.

Table of her online presence as of late 2025:

Platform	Handle	Content
Instagram	@burntthewaffles, 364K followers, 173 posts	Costumes, original stories, LARP reels.
X (Twitter)	@burntthewaffles, 3.7K followers	Quick tips on makeup, fashion, NPC life.
TikTok	@burntthewaffles	Dungeon shifts, cooking fun, fantasy vids.
Linktree	linktr.ee/burntthewaffles	Shop links, Amazon recs, professional inquiries.
Forums	BurntTheWaffles on True Dungeon sites	Event recaps, player interactions.