Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 50m

“A thoroughly chilling yet engrossing experience. I found myself enthralled by the interconnected mysteries lurking within the pages, until I simply couldn’t put it down. Horror enthusiasts & linguistic puzzlers must explore!”
— @mirror-lock.bsky.social (Her Odyssey, Galatea, Untitled Moth Game)

Horror Enthusiasts & Linguistic Puzzlers Must Explore -S. Kaiya J.

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 11h

I notice it a lot but in a way that people react to strongly.

I prefer to play games without sound. I don't know why except maybe I'm easily overstimulated.

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

JC Darcy @jcdarcy.bsky.social · 21h

If you saw me working on a game jam entry during my co-working streams for #Mechtember over on @euphoriaap.bsky.social last month, you may be interested to know it's all done!

4 mini-games, compatible with Firebrands, designed to add love and tragedy to any game.

jc-darcy.itch.io/no-one-in-th...

No One In the World (A Mecha Mini Game Collection) by JC Darcy

A Mecha Mini Game Collection

jc-darcy.itch.io

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 20h

Can't wait to take a look!

Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Kat the Lore Mistress 🔜 Dragonmeet @loremistress93.bsky.social · 12d

Friends, I have read through this and it is GREAT.

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

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…

You are a researcher who has inherited a strange book from an estranged relative… Image: Print copy of SPINE

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 1d

SPINE releases in 3 days. I’m still looking for folks who would be willing to read it and provide reviews. I’m happy to send an advance copy to folks who are willing.

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

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…

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

There's A TTRPG For That @mint-rabbit.bsky.social · 1d

Another new Google Playkit! This one is for Laser-Ritter, by @bad-quail.itch.io.

docs.google.com/spreadsheets...

I did this one for fun, but as always, you can check my pinned post for links to info about commissions!

Laser-Ritter Playkit

docs.google.com

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 2d

"SPINE is a captivating, tactile experience, compelling the reader to unravel layer after hidden layer. One of the most unique and memorable solo RPGs I've ever played." — @goblinmixtape.bsky.social

backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Mike Murderens | Clear Keep @clearkeep.bsky.social · 12d

What a concept

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

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…

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 2d

SPINE features real, hand-carved linocut prints by Holly Freiberg, all the way down to the Ex Libris bookplate.

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

SPINE has several contributors who have helped make it special. The book features beautiful block prints by Holly Freiberg.

Featuring hand-carved prints by Holly Freiberg. Image: A linocut print of a bleed heart and an inkwell.

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 2d

"SPINE is a captivating, tactile experience, compelling the reader to unravel layer after hidden layer. One of the most unique and memorable solo RPGs I've ever played." — @goblinmixtape.bsky.social

backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Ghoula RPGs @gilarpgs.bsky.social · 12d

Ok I've read the thread and this game sounds FASCINATING

Drawing your portrait in the book as a clock showing how much you've been absorbed by it?? Yes please.

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

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…

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 3d

I'd be grateful if someone shared this link in the rpg, sole_roleplaying, or rpgpromo Reddits, as permissible. My posts are stuck in a filter, and I've been waiting for Reddit to clear my account for months (no joke).

I’d love for people to be able to claim the game while it’s still free!

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

SPINE is in beta, and it will be free for a limited time on @itch.io

The beta will be released on itch on October 14th and will include digital versions as well as a printable booklet. A physical beta will go on sale at the end of October.

backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine

A dark solo ttrpg about losing yourself in a book. Free for a limited time. Art: Cover preview of SPINE, featuring a spine in the shape of a vortext.

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Nova, but spooky @diceynova.bsky.social · 12d

My eyes are open as hell 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

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…

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 3d

It's probably some dark conspiracy against designers whose names begin with A.

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 3d

I'd be grateful if someone shared this link in the rpg, sole_roleplaying, or rpgpromo Reddits, as permissible. My posts are stuck in a filter, and I've been waiting for Reddit to clear my account for months (no joke).

I’d love for people to be able to claim the game while it’s still free!

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

SPINE is in beta, and it will be free for a limited time on @itch.io

The beta will be released on itch on October 14th and will include digital versions as well as a printable booklet. A physical beta will go on sale at the end of October.

backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Emma Grier 🌙✨ 𝔤𝔬𝔱𝔥ℌ𝔬𝔟𝔩𝔦𝔫 @gothhoblin.me · 3d

Monster Truckers by @tablecatgames.com is out now in digital!

This exciting TTRPG is really easy to learn and perfect for a fun Halloween game with friends, with players as classic monsters driving big rigs across a post apocalyptic wasteland 🧟‍♀️🚚

It also includes an adventure written by me! 💖🧛‍♀️

PVincent (Table Cat Games) @tablecatgames.com · 3d

Just in time for the spookiest of seasons comes an rpg that’s bursting with monsters! Monster Truckers is available in digital form. Experience the thrills and chills of unlife on the open road as a truck driving monster.

Links below!

Cover of Monster Truckers game on a faked out ipad. Featuring monsters and a semi truck.

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 3d

Congrats! Happy birthday!

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 4d

When you lose yourself in a book, it’s called transportation. External stimuli fade, and the fiction carries us away.

SPINE asks: What if we cannot find our way back from the fiction? What if something insidious is happening inside us while we are distracted?

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 13d

SPINE is in beta, and it will be free for a limited time on @itch.io

The beta will be released on itch on October 14th and will include digital versions as well as a printable booklet. A physical beta will go on sale at the end of October.

backwards-tabletop.itch.io/spine

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 4d

“If we're going to have the book at the table, we should use the book in play. It shouldn't just be a reference point. It should be an active participant and an active toy in that play process.”

Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 6d

Part of my writing process for SPINE was to write exploratory essays and conduct interviews on ideas that informed the project.

The first interview in this series is with @jdragsky.bsky.social on playing with books, what ttrpgs can learn from fiction, and being a “slut for physical books”!

Jay Dragon on Bookplay

An interview with Jay Dragon about how ttrpgs play with books

www.backwardstabletop.com

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

🪼Jellyfishlines is Haunting You🪼 @jellyfishlines.itch.io · 3d

8 days to hit 25K for @kendomakesfilms.bsky.social, @moreblueberries.bsky.social, @goblinmixtape.bsky.social, and myself to write some cool one shots for Absurdia! Let’s get over that hump to 20k and further!!

www.backerkit.com/c/projects/q...

Absurdia: The (Meta)Physical Edition

An absurdist tabletop roleplaying game about the inane hilarity and mundane horror of everyday life, inspired by Welcome to Night Vale, Alice in Wonderland, and Gravity Falls.

www.backerkit.com

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Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop @backwardsttrpg.bsky.social · 3d

Sonya is great to work with, is so talented, and is a great person too.

Check out her work!

Sonya Henar || Available for Work and Comms Open @sonybaloneyart.bsky.social · 3d

Currently available for freelance! I really need the work!

Sonya Henar || Available for Work and Comms Open @sonybaloneyart.bsky.social · Apr 8

Hi #PortfolioDay! I'm Sonya &I'm character designer and award winning illustrator.

I'm available for freelance, studio work & seeking representation!

Past clients: Greenbrier Games, Gran Via Productions, Skybound Entertainment, Darrington Press

sonybaloneyart.com
[email protected]

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Sonya Henar || Available for Work and Comms Open @sonybaloneyart.bsky.social · 3d

Currently available for freelance! I really need the work!

Sonya Henar || Available for Work and Comms Open @sonybaloneyart.bsky.social · Apr 8

Hi #PortfolioDay! I'm Sonya &I'm character designer and award winning illustrator.

I'm available for freelance, studio work & seeking representation!

Past clients: Greenbrier Games, Gran Via Productions, Skybound Entertainment, Darrington Press

sonybaloneyart.com
[email protected]

illustration of two skeleton chefs and chinese opera ghost performer

girl in a dirty dress crying on the stairs

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Adam Bell @adambell.games · 3d

create a cast of characters, build out a playlist, and play a little bit of music trivia with your friends in Melisma

adambell.itch.io/melisma

This is a fun lil game I've been designing to sell at the pittsburgh zine fair later this month, released yesterday for the #MinimalistJam

Melisma by adambell

Character Creation Music Trivia Party Game

adambell.itch.io

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Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop

Thomas M, Full-time Rascal @newmadras.bsky.social · 3d

It was a real pleasure to chat with @shannonappelcline.bsky.social about his upcoming new set of books.

"Appelcline: I was delighted to write about the original edition of Palace of the Silver Princess. This is one of the most legendary products ever published by TSR because the first edition of it was destroyed. They printed it, they gave out copies to the people at TSR, they got some out to distributors, and then — this is all hearsay, but that's part of what made it exciting, trying to figure out what happened — management, apparently, got a look at it and said, oh, this is terrible, we can't send it out. They went around, they collected the copies from everyone at TSR, they tried to get whatever copies that they'd sent out back. And then they had one person in charge of bringing them out to the landfill and watch as they were bulldozed under, so that no one else got copies of them."

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