Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
@backwardsttrpg.bsky.social
He/him. Designing indie ttrpgs
Newest Project:
SPINE - A dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book
https://backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine
https://www.backwardstabletop.com/
Newest Project:
SPINE - A dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book
https://backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine
https://www.backwardstabletop.com/
Pinned
NEW (FREE) GAME FORTHCOMING:
SPINE is a dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book.
In SPINE, you are a researcher who has inherited a strange book from an estranged relative…
SPINE is a dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book.
In SPINE, you are a researcher who has inherited a strange book from an estranged relative…
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Live for Patrons now:
January 19, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Live for Patrons now:
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Have you told @nightjargames.bsky.social and @twopancakes.com how amazing the cover art and logo for WYRM are?
Because you should.
Because you should.
January 18, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Have you told @nightjargames.bsky.social and @twopancakes.com how amazing the cover art and logo for WYRM are?
Because you should.
Because you should.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
January 18, 2026 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
#mintrecommends: Grunge Games!
I got this request back May/June of 2024. I tried to focus on game and game-like things with elements of DIY, minimal budgets, messy styles, and a dissonant, "ugly" aesthetic. Here's what I found:
I got this request back May/June of 2024. I tried to focus on game and game-like things with elements of DIY, minimal budgets, messy styles, and a dissonant, "ugly" aesthetic. Here's what I found:
January 15, 2026 at 9:18 PM
#mintrecommends: Grunge Games!
I got this request back May/June of 2024. I tried to focus on game and game-like things with elements of DIY, minimal budgets, messy styles, and a dissonant, "ugly" aesthetic. Here's what I found:
I got this request back May/June of 2024. I tried to focus on game and game-like things with elements of DIY, minimal budgets, messy styles, and a dissonant, "ugly" aesthetic. Here's what I found:
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
In 2025 we raised ~$300 to fund a new website which remains unspent. As our final act upon this material plane, we will be using that money to award 6x $50 USD micro grants to ttrpg designers or content creators that could use a small boost.
APPLY HERE before Jan 31: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
APPLY HERE before Jan 31: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
January 17, 2026 at 10:28 AM
In 2025 we raised ~$300 to fund a new website which remains unspent. As our final act upon this material plane, we will be using that money to award 6x $50 USD micro grants to ttrpg designers or content creators that could use a small boost.
APPLY HERE before Jan 31: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
APPLY HERE before Jan 31: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
DHS employees entered our store this afternoon and served us a Notice of Inspection, demanding copies of I9 forms for each employee.
In 27 years as shopkeepers, we have never been subjected to this type of investigation.
In 27 years as shopkeepers, we have never been subjected to this type of investigation.
January 17, 2026 at 12:23 AM
DHS employees entered our store this afternoon and served us a Notice of Inspection, demanding copies of I9 forms for each employee.
In 27 years as shopkeepers, we have never been subjected to this type of investigation.
In 27 years as shopkeepers, we have never been subjected to this type of investigation.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I'm going through a rough time financially, so I'd really appreciate any #MutualAid rn! That can be in the form of commissioning me for art, or in a donation on my CCLA library, both of which can be found on my website. www.stregawolf.art Sorry for constantly being on this, just a rough time rn.
Strega Design | graphic and industrial design
Strega Wolf Eden van den Berg is an industrial designer and collage artist based in Eindhoven, studying at the TU/e.
www.stregawolf.art
January 16, 2026 at 8:27 AM
I'm going through a rough time financially, so I'd really appreciate any #MutualAid rn! That can be in the form of commissioning me for art, or in a donation on my CCLA library, both of which can be found on my website. www.stregawolf.art Sorry for constantly being on this, just a rough time rn.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Hi and welcome to all the new followers!
Exeunt Press makes solo-friendly games that blend storytelling with structured mechanisms.
Explore a dark and corrupting forest, sell cursed items to unsuspecting customers, or become a stale muffin. Weird and wonderful games await: shop.exeunt.press
Exeunt Press makes solo-friendly games that blend storytelling with structured mechanisms.
Explore a dark and corrupting forest, sell cursed items to unsuspecting customers, or become a stale muffin. Weird and wonderful games await: shop.exeunt.press
January 15, 2026 at 10:23 PM
Hi and welcome to all the new followers!
Exeunt Press makes solo-friendly games that blend storytelling with structured mechanisms.
Explore a dark and corrupting forest, sell cursed items to unsuspecting customers, or become a stale muffin. Weird and wonderful games await: shop.exeunt.press
Exeunt Press makes solo-friendly games that blend storytelling with structured mechanisms.
Explore a dark and corrupting forest, sell cursed items to unsuspecting customers, or become a stale muffin. Weird and wonderful games await: shop.exeunt.press
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I wrote an article today discussion my opinions on the adversarial nature of a "GM vs. players" mindset, the origins of my Loom game system, and more. Check it out!
clawhammergames.com/weaving-on-t...
clawhammergames.com/weaving-on-t...
Weaving on the Loom: Navigating Tug-of-War
The origins of The Loom System
clawhammergames.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:35 PM
I wrote an article today discussion my opinions on the adversarial nature of a "GM vs. players" mindset, the origins of my Loom game system, and more. Check it out!
clawhammergames.com/weaving-on-t...
clawhammergames.com/weaving-on-t...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
On Jackalope Mail, I wrote about Blue Prince, The Librarian's Apprentice and incorporating randomness in your game's progression system, with a story from the development of my own game, Goodbye World. Check it out! jackalope-mail.neocities.org/posts/2026-0...
Randomness and Pacing
jackalope-mail.neocities.org
January 15, 2026 at 4:01 PM
On Jackalope Mail, I wrote about Blue Prince, The Librarian's Apprentice and incorporating randomness in your game's progression system, with a story from the development of my own game, Goodbye World. Check it out! jackalope-mail.neocities.org/posts/2026-0...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Getting the "i've gotta work in the goddamn morning like everybody else" guys showing up to protests and ICE watches is inspiring to the big tent mentality.
But, man, it also means the kettle is close to boiling over.
But, man, it also means the kettle is close to boiling over.
January 15, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Getting the "i've gotta work in the goddamn morning like everybody else" guys showing up to protests and ICE watches is inspiring to the big tent mentality.
But, man, it also means the kettle is close to boiling over.
But, man, it also means the kettle is close to boiling over.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Some notes about how I write TTRPG adventures:
My texts tend to be terse. A location described in two lines; a single spoken sentence to describe a character.
The aim is *not* to be laconic, but to mirror the pace of natural dialogue; a TTRPG is a conversation between players, after all!
1/
My texts tend to be terse. A location described in two lines; a single spoken sentence to describe a character.
The aim is *not* to be laconic, but to mirror the pace of natural dialogue; a TTRPG is a conversation between players, after all!
1/
January 15, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Some notes about how I write TTRPG adventures:
My texts tend to be terse. A location described in two lines; a single spoken sentence to describe a character.
The aim is *not* to be laconic, but to mirror the pace of natural dialogue; a TTRPG is a conversation between players, after all!
1/
My texts tend to be terse. A location described in two lines; a single spoken sentence to describe a character.
The aim is *not* to be laconic, but to mirror the pace of natural dialogue; a TTRPG is a conversation between players, after all!
1/
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Important news about the future of gothHoblin's Grimoire:
The leadership team will be focusing on other endeavors, but not before doing something special for the community.
Please read our goodbye message & keep watch for more info on our upcoming micro grants!
gothhoblins-grimoire.carrd.co
The leadership team will be focusing on other endeavors, but not before doing something special for the community.
Please read our goodbye message & keep watch for more info on our upcoming micro grants!
gothhoblins-grimoire.carrd.co
gothHoblin's Grimoire
A TTRPG zine
gothhoblins-grimoire.carrd.co
January 15, 2026 at 1:29 AM
Important news about the future of gothHoblin's Grimoire:
The leadership team will be focusing on other endeavors, but not before doing something special for the community.
Please read our goodbye message & keep watch for more info on our upcoming micro grants!
gothhoblins-grimoire.carrd.co
The leadership team will be focusing on other endeavors, but not before doing something special for the community.
Please read our goodbye message & keep watch for more info on our upcoming micro grants!
gothhoblins-grimoire.carrd.co
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Still open 'til Sunday!
Recruitment for the Welcome To TTRPGs bundle is live!
Ideal games are on itchio, are ttrpgs, and introduce the medium to new players.
All profits are split equally.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Ideal games are on itchio, are ttrpgs, and introduce the medium to new players.
All profits are split equally.
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Sprinting Owl Welcome To TTRPGs Bundle Submission Form
Please use this to submit itchio TTRPGs for the Welcome To TTRPGs bundle.
docs.google.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:51 AM
Still open 'til Sunday!
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
hello gamers and game designers
if I were to put a playtest copy of a new game on my itch page (fully playable, but relatively unedited and missing some playbooks and rules text, without much art or layout), would you play it? Or should I wait until it's completely finished?
if I were to put a playtest copy of a new game on my itch page (fully playable, but relatively unedited and missing some playbooks and rules text, without much art or layout), would you play it? Or should I wait until it's completely finished?
January 9, 2026 at 10:55 PM
hello gamers and game designers
if I were to put a playtest copy of a new game on my itch page (fully playable, but relatively unedited and missing some playbooks and rules text, without much art or layout), would you play it? Or should I wait until it's completely finished?
if I were to put a playtest copy of a new game on my itch page (fully playable, but relatively unedited and missing some playbooks and rules text, without much art or layout), would you play it? Or should I wait until it's completely finished?
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Hi, I’m Jellyfishlines and this is my ZineMo Kickstarter!
Launching February 1st and ending the 20th. Play as a city that loves your people and hope they love you in return.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/jel...
Launching February 1st and ending the 20th. Play as a city that loves your people and hope they love you in return.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/jel...
Coming soon: TOWNIE(S)
A Lost & Found Rustbelt solo journaling game.
www.kickstarter.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Hi, I’m Jellyfishlines and this is my ZineMo Kickstarter!
Launching February 1st and ending the 20th. Play as a city that loves your people and hope they love you in return.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/jel...
Launching February 1st and ending the 20th. Play as a city that loves your people and hope they love you in return.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/jel...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
If you like my videos at all, go and watch this immediately.
Absolutely lovely stuff.
Absolutely lovely stuff.
January 13, 2026 at 11:50 PM
If you like my videos at all, go and watch this immediately.
Absolutely lovely stuff.
Absolutely lovely stuff.
I live in Saint Paul. I'm someone with privilege, and even so it's hard to describe what it's like right now, much less work, or write games, or live life with any sustained attention or without anger.
Today, helicopters circled my neighborhood for hours. My neighbors chased ICE off the block /
Today, helicopters circled my neighborhood for hours. My neighbors chased ICE off the block /
January 14, 2026 at 12:07 AM
I live in Saint Paul. I'm someone with privilege, and even so it's hard to describe what it's like right now, much less work, or write games, or live life with any sustained attention or without anger.
Today, helicopters circled my neighborhood for hours. My neighbors chased ICE off the block /
Today, helicopters circled my neighborhood for hours. My neighbors chased ICE off the block /
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
If anyone ever wants to play this, I'm happy to join as a player. 😁
You have gathered to revive someone recently deceased. Will the ritual be successful? What will you sacrifice? Lay the bones and find out in Come Out From Your Grave by Basil Wright, one of the amazing TTRPGs included in the Griot Anthology! #ttrpg
thoughtcrimegames.it...
thoughtcrimegames.it...
January 13, 2026 at 10:56 PM
If anyone ever wants to play this, I'm happy to join as a player. 😁
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I'm always floored when I hear someone has enjoyed SPINE. And I'm equally floored to see their annotations.
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
I just finished a playthrough of Siderius Plug’s SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social
I’ve tried other solo rpg and journal games in the past, but none have kept my attention the way that SPINE has.
It’s the kind of thing I want to send my copy to my fellow video essayists to see how they react.
I’ve tried other solo rpg and journal games in the past, but none have kept my attention the way that SPINE has.
It’s the kind of thing I want to send my copy to my fellow video essayists to see how they react.
January 13, 2026 at 11:45 AM
I'm always floored when I hear someone has enjoyed SPINE. And I'm equally floored to see their annotations.
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
"This is one of the most insane ttrpg ideas I have encountered."
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
Spine, by Backwards Tabletop or Asa Donald, is a solo sorta-journaling ttrpg about being a researcher who has inherited a mysterious book from their estranged relative that might be asking for more than they could ever desire...
Intro to Spine, Don't Lose Yourself in a Book
YouTube video by 11dragonkid
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:11 AM
"This is one of the most insane ttrpg ideas I have encountered."
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
I'm always floored when I hear someone has enjoyed SPINE. And I'm equally floored to see their annotations.
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
I just finished a playthrough of Siderius Plug’s SPINE by @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social
I’ve tried other solo rpg and journal games in the past, but none have kept my attention the way that SPINE has.
It’s the kind of thing I want to send my copy to my fellow video essayists to see how they react.
I’ve tried other solo rpg and journal games in the past, but none have kept my attention the way that SPINE has.
It’s the kind of thing I want to send my copy to my fellow video essayists to see how they react.
January 13, 2026 at 11:45 AM
I'm always floored when I hear someone has enjoyed SPINE. And I'm equally floored to see their annotations.
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
My favorite here is "Holy crap! He's a real dude!"
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
New Year, new #PortfolioDay!
I'm Basil, an Afronative game designer, sensitivity consultant/coordinator, and translator.
I've worked with MCDM, Hit Point Press, SoulMuppet Publishing, Brotherwise Games, and hopefully more to come!
Website: towerofbasil.wordpress.com
Games: kobanya.itch.io
I'm Basil, an Afronative game designer, sensitivity consultant/coordinator, and translator.
I've worked with MCDM, Hit Point Press, SoulMuppet Publishing, Brotherwise Games, and hopefully more to come!
Website: towerofbasil.wordpress.com
Games: kobanya.itch.io
January 13, 2026 at 11:24 AM
New Year, new #PortfolioDay!
I'm Basil, an Afronative game designer, sensitivity consultant/coordinator, and translator.
I've worked with MCDM, Hit Point Press, SoulMuppet Publishing, Brotherwise Games, and hopefully more to come!
Website: towerofbasil.wordpress.com
Games: kobanya.itch.io
I'm Basil, an Afronative game designer, sensitivity consultant/coordinator, and translator.
I've worked with MCDM, Hit Point Press, SoulMuppet Publishing, Brotherwise Games, and hopefully more to come!
Website: towerofbasil.wordpress.com
Games: kobanya.itch.io
"This is one of the most insane ttrpg ideas I have encountered."
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
Spine, by Backwards Tabletop or Asa Donald, is a solo sorta-journaling ttrpg about being a researcher who has inherited a mysterious book from their estranged relative that might be asking for more than they could ever desire...
Intro to Spine, Don't Lose Yourself in a Book
YouTube video by 11dragonkid
www.youtube.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:11 AM
"This is one of the most insane ttrpg ideas I have encountered."
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.
High praise, if I may say so myself! Loved this intro to SPINE by 11dragonkid.