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
I know we're all Bloggie brained right now, but I wanted to share another piece I wrote last year that I'm very proud of. This piece was originally hosted by Rascal News, but with their approval I've made a copy available on my itch blog! Please enjoy
🤼♀️🚚❤️
seraphim-seraphina.itch.io/my-blog/devl...
🤼♀️🚚❤️
seraphim-seraphina.itch.io/my-blog/devl...
I want to fight my friends in the back of a moving truck.
I’m barely six months old, and my parents are putting their entire lives into a few suitcases. This isn’t the first time either of them have moved, and it won’t be the last, but it’s the time...
seraphim-seraphina.itch.io
February 11, 2026 at 1:30 PM
I know we're all Bloggie brained right now, but I wanted to share another piece I wrote last year that I'm very proud of. This piece was originally hosted by Rascal News, but with their approval I've made a copy available on my itch blog! Please enjoy
🤼♀️🚚❤️
seraphim-seraphina.itch.io/my-blog/devl...
🤼♀️🚚❤️
seraphim-seraphina.itch.io/my-blog/devl...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
The Bloggies' page has updates!
1. "We Read the Bloggies" A fan-made podcast is live and linked!
2. A new submission has been nominated, "Book [Verb] Play" in Theory. The other post was removed on the author's request.
3. I've redesigned the page to keep things short and sweet.
Happy reading!
1. "We Read the Bloggies" A fan-made podcast is live and linked!
2. A new submission has been nominated, "Book [Verb] Play" in Theory. The other post was removed on the author's request.
3. I've redesigned the page to keep things short and sweet.
Happy reading!
The Bloggies 2026
A yearly celebration of blogging in tabletop roleplaying games.
www.explorersdesign.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:53 AM
The Bloggies' page has updates!
1. "We Read the Bloggies" A fan-made podcast is live and linked!
2. A new submission has been nominated, "Book [Verb] Play" in Theory. The other post was removed on the author's request.
3. I've redesigned the page to keep things short and sweet.
Happy reading!
1. "We Read the Bloggies" A fan-made podcast is live and linked!
2. A new submission has been nominated, "Book [Verb] Play" in Theory. The other post was removed on the author's request.
3. I've redesigned the page to keep things short and sweet.
Happy reading!
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Blog enthusiasts!
It's been a huge community effort. We're proud to present WE READ THE BLOGGIES.
The year's best blogging coming to you - in audio form.
A show to SAVE YOUR EYES and SOOTHE YOUR EARS.
Catch up on all your Bloggies reading before voting commences next week!
#ttrpg #podcast #blog
It's been a huge community effort. We're proud to present WE READ THE BLOGGIES.
The year's best blogging coming to you - in audio form.
A show to SAVE YOUR EYES and SOOTHE YOUR EARS.
Catch up on all your Bloggies reading before voting commences next week!
#ttrpg #podcast #blog
We Read The Bloggies
Games Podcast · We’re volunteers turning Bloggies-nominated blog posts into audio. So you can enjoy them anywhere, in a more accessible format.
podcasts.apple.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:22 AM
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
The awesome @bommyknocker.bsky.social, @elmc.at, Grace of Choir of Fire @seraphimseraphina.bsky.social and many community members have organized a group recording effort of every Bloggies post as podcast episodes inspired by Blogs on Tape!https://podcast.bloggies.org/
We Read The Bloggies (@WeReadTheBloggies) • Activity
We’re volunteers turning Bloggies-nominated blog posts into audio. So you can enjoy them anywhere, in a more accessible format.
podcast.bloggies.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:35 AM
The awesome @bommyknocker.bsky.social, @elmc.at, Grace of Choir of Fire @seraphimseraphina.bsky.social and many community members have organized a group recording effort of every Bloggies post as podcast episodes inspired by Blogs on Tape!https://podcast.bloggies.org/
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
A group of volunteers is recording as many of the nominees for the Bloggies as possible, and uploading them as a podcast! I’m helping out a bit with this, and I’ve recorded a few already! Come listen at the link below, Spotify, and several other podcast platforms!
podcast.bloggies.org
podcast.bloggies.org
We Read The Bloggies (@WeReadTheBloggies) • Activity
We’re volunteers turning Bloggies-nominated blog posts into audio. So you can enjoy them anywhere, in a more accessible format.
podcast.bloggies.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:17 AM
A group of volunteers is recording as many of the nominees for the Bloggies as possible, and uploading them as a podcast! I’m helping out a bit with this, and I’ve recorded a few already! Come listen at the link below, Spotify, and several other podcast platforms!
podcast.bloggies.org
podcast.bloggies.org
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Wrote about the process that turns blog posts I read into lots of tiny little plants for my new digital garden:
dungeonmerl.in/3meeit5e7522w
This turned out both stranger and longer than expected.
dungeonmerl.in/3meeit5e7522w
This turned out both stranger and longer than expected.
Exploding a Blog Post - Dungeon Merlin
Or: Growing a digital garden out of a Zettelkasten about RPGs
dungeonmerl.in
February 8, 2026 at 6:05 PM
Wrote about the process that turns blog posts I read into lots of tiny little plants for my new digital garden:
dungeonmerl.in/3meeit5e7522w
This turned out both stranger and longer than expected.
dungeonmerl.in/3meeit5e7522w
This turned out both stranger and longer than expected.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
There are a LOT of good games in this bundle, starting at $10.
And as always, F**K ICE.
Take a look:
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
And as always, F**K ICE.
Take a look:
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
No ICE in Minnesota by jesthehuman and 651 others
No ICE in Minnesota: 1439 items for $10.00
itch.io
February 10, 2026 at 1:43 PM
There are a LOT of good games in this bundle, starting at $10.
And as always, F**K ICE.
Take a look:
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
And as always, F**K ICE.
Take a look:
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
HOME: MECH x KAIJU focuses on the pilot rather than the mech, creating a powerful story. I wrote about it during MECH WEEK at Skeleton Code Machine: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/mech-week-...
February 10, 2026 at 1:21 PM
HOME: MECH x KAIJU focuses on the pilot rather than the mech, creating a powerful story. I wrote about it during MECH WEEK at Skeleton Code Machine: www.skeletoncodemachine.com/p/mech-week-...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
The delightful "Veritable Tales: An illuminated Manuscript Party RPG" by @pidj.bsky.social, has just launched.
Having played some of Pidj's games before and seeing the intriguing medieval marginalia theme, I warmly recommend this!
Quick, multiplayer.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/sun...
Having played some of Pidj's games before and seeing the intriguing medieval marginalia theme, I warmly recommend this!
Quick, multiplayer.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/sun...
Veritable Tales: An Illuminated Manuscript Party RPG
Create your own illuminated manuscript and play role-playing minigames set in an interconnected medieval period.
www.kickstarter.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:38 PM
The delightful "Veritable Tales: An illuminated Manuscript Party RPG" by @pidj.bsky.social, has just launched.
Having played some of Pidj's games before and seeing the intriguing medieval marginalia theme, I warmly recommend this!
Quick, multiplayer.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/sun...
Having played some of Pidj's games before and seeing the intriguing medieval marginalia theme, I warmly recommend this!
Quick, multiplayer.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/sun...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
My first RPG pub is for sale now! just in time for #ZineMonth
130 even-level Feats. 135 Quirks. Grounded options for Shadowdark that give characters texture and teeth. May your PCs be unique before they die.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
130 even-level Feats. 135 Quirks. Grounded options for Shadowdark that give characters texture and teeth. May your PCs be unique before they die.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Shadowfeats: OSR Feats and Quirks for Shadowdark - Dream Shrike Press | DriveThruRPG
Add Depth, Danger, and Flavor to Your Shadowdark Characters
Shadowdark’s advancement rules already give you a rich mix of rolled talents and bonuses as you level, but what if you want even more ways t...
www.drivethrurpg.com
February 10, 2026 at 4:30 AM
My first RPG pub is for sale now! just in time for #ZineMonth
130 even-level Feats. 135 Quirks. Grounded options for Shadowdark that give characters texture and teeth. May your PCs be unique before they die.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
130 even-level Feats. 135 Quirks. Grounded options for Shadowdark that give characters texture and teeth. May your PCs be unique before they die.
www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/5...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
🚨BLOGGIES NOMINEES ALERT🚨
There's so much good stuff this year. More diversity in terms of play-culture niches (folks from story games / outside the OSR-sphere) and geography (congrats to the Indonesian delegation)!
There's so much good stuff this year. More diversity in terms of play-culture niches (folks from story games / outside the OSR-sphere) and geography (congrats to the Indonesian delegation)!
The Bloggies Nominees are here!
We are 1 week away from voting, so I need everyone's help spreading the word. Congrats to all the nominees and blogs submitted—this last year was incredible. Forming the lists was equal parts rewarding and painful.
www.explorersdesign.com/this-years-b...
We are 1 week away from voting, so I need everyone's help spreading the word. Congrats to all the nominees and blogs submitted—this last year was incredible. Forming the lists was equal parts rewarding and painful.
www.explorersdesign.com/this-years-b...
This year's Bloggies Nominees
Over 90+ blog posts. And a surprise category for 2026.
www.explorersdesign.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:32 AM
🚨BLOGGIES NOMINEES ALERT🚨
There's so much good stuff this year. More diversity in terms of play-culture niches (folks from story games / outside the OSR-sphere) and geography (congrats to the Indonesian delegation)!
There's so much good stuff this year. More diversity in terms of play-culture niches (folks from story games / outside the OSR-sphere) and geography (congrats to the Indonesian delegation)!
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
The No ICE in Minnesota Charity Bundle has officially LAUNCHED!
There are 1,439 games to discover for a $10+ donation to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota!
Purchase the bundle here: itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
There are 1,439 games to discover for a $10+ donation to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota!
Purchase the bundle here: itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
February 9, 2026 at 2:33 PM
The No ICE in Minnesota Charity Bundle has officially LAUNCHED!
There are 1,439 games to discover for a $10+ donation to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota!
Purchase the bundle here: itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
There are 1,439 games to discover for a $10+ donation to Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota!
Purchase the bundle here: itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
The NO ICE IN MINNESOTA bundle is up. There's a lifetime's worth of good games in this! If you submitted something or just want to shout something out, reply here and let's reshare it and spread the word on this thing.
The NO ICE IN MINNESOTA bundle is up. There's a lifetime's worth of good games in this! If you submitted something or just want to shout something out, reply here and let's reshare it and spread the word on this thing.
February 10, 2026 at 1:34 AM
itch.io/b/3484/no-ic...
The NO ICE IN MINNESOTA bundle is up. There's a lifetime's worth of good games in this! If you submitted something or just want to shout something out, reply here and let's reshare it and spread the word on this thing.
The NO ICE IN MINNESOTA bundle is up. There's a lifetime's worth of good games in this! If you submitted something or just want to shout something out, reply here and let's reshare it and spread the word on this thing.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I’ve been nominated for a Bloggie!!
But more importantly, so have a huge amount of other cool writers. Do yourself a service and read the incredible pieces that have been collected here, and get ready to vote for your favorites when voting starts in 1 week!
But more importantly, so have a huge amount of other cool writers. Do yourself a service and read the incredible pieces that have been collected here, and get ready to vote for your favorites when voting starts in 1 week!
The Bloggies Nominees are here!
We are 1 week away from voting, so I need everyone's help spreading the word. Congrats to all the nominees and blogs submitted—this last year was incredible. Forming the lists was equal parts rewarding and painful.
www.explorersdesign.com/this-years-b...
We are 1 week away from voting, so I need everyone's help spreading the word. Congrats to all the nominees and blogs submitted—this last year was incredible. Forming the lists was equal parts rewarding and painful.
www.explorersdesign.com/this-years-b...
This year's Bloggies Nominees
Over 90+ blog posts. And a surprise category for 2026.
www.explorersdesign.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:15 PM
I’ve been nominated for a Bloggie!!
But more importantly, so have a huge amount of other cool writers. Do yourself a service and read the incredible pieces that have been collected here, and get ready to vote for your favorites when voting starts in 1 week!
But more importantly, so have a huge amount of other cool writers. Do yourself a service and read the incredible pieces that have been collected here, and get ready to vote for your favorites when voting starts in 1 week!
Heya folks. Check out these lovely nominees and be sure to keep an eye out for the Bloggies voting, which starts next week.
Almost all of my favorite posts were nom'd, and I'm grateful for my own nomination in the Series category for "Books in TTRPGs."
Almost all of my favorite posts were nom'd, and I'm grateful for my own nomination in the Series category for "Books in TTRPGs."
The Bloggies Nominees are here!
We are 1 week away from voting, so I need everyone's help spreading the word. Congrats to all the nominees and blogs submitted—this last year was incredible. Forming the lists was equal parts rewarding and painful.
www.explorersdesign.com/this-years-b...
We are 1 week away from voting, so I need everyone's help spreading the word. Congrats to all the nominees and blogs submitted—this last year was incredible. Forming the lists was equal parts rewarding and painful.
www.explorersdesign.com/this-years-b...
This year's Bloggies Nominees
Over 90+ blog posts. And a surprise category for 2026.
www.explorersdesign.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Heya folks. Check out these lovely nominees and be sure to keep an eye out for the Bloggies voting, which starts next week.
Almost all of my favorite posts were nom'd, and I'm grateful for my own nomination in the Series category for "Books in TTRPGs."
Almost all of my favorite posts were nom'd, and I'm grateful for my own nomination in the Series category for "Books in TTRPGs."
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I'm trying to connect more with the ttrpg community in general at the moment. I make short video reviews of a different #ttrpg game every week on YouTube and I'm keen to find more games to review. What games are you looking forward to in 2026?
February 9, 2026 at 2:11 AM
I'm trying to connect more with the ttrpg community in general at the moment. I make short video reviews of a different #ttrpg game every week on YouTube and I'm keen to find more games to review. What games are you looking forward to in 2026?
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
you know what time it is. another valentines day right around the corner, another set of indie tabletop rpg valentines
February 7, 2026 at 9:54 PM
you know what time it is. another valentines day right around the corner, another set of indie tabletop rpg valentines
Get this funded!
For the reader in your life who may have enough books, but will never have enough stories.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/201...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/201...
Coming soon: I Have Lived A Thousand Lives
A solo journaling TTRPG about changing and being changed by stories you love.
www.kickstarter.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Get this funded!
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
Hit me with your hot tips to get the last $80 funded (and do it with a comment and a QT 👀)
For the reader in your life who may have enough books, but will never have enough stories.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/201...
www.kickstarter.com/projects/201...
Coming soon: I Have Lived A Thousand Lives
A solo journaling TTRPG about changing and being changed by stories you love.
www.kickstarter.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Hit me with your hot tips to get the last $80 funded (and do it with a comment and a QT 👀)
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
LIVE NOW!!!
February 7, 2026 at 6:08 PM
LIVE NOW!!!
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
I'm honored.
I will note that I have put up my temporarily-embargoed teaching vlog for last week now for all free subscribers. (it's still not listed on YT, for now)
(I try not to paywall, but am using Extra Credit subs as a place to workshop stuff that is delicate)
I will note that I have put up my temporarily-embargoed teaching vlog for last week now for all free subscribers. (it's still not listed on YT, for now)
(I try not to paywall, but am using Extra Credit subs as a place to workshop stuff that is delicate)
February 7, 2026 at 6:24 PM
I'm honored.
I will note that I have put up my temporarily-embargoed teaching vlog for last week now for all free subscribers. (it's still not listed on YT, for now)
(I try not to paywall, but am using Extra Credit subs as a place to workshop stuff that is delicate)
I will note that I have put up my temporarily-embargoed teaching vlog for last week now for all free subscribers. (it's still not listed on YT, for now)
(I try not to paywall, but am using Extra Credit subs as a place to workshop stuff that is delicate)
People are on the Skyline, dreaming of what they could do with the neopets IP.
Me? I'm shooting my shot with @roadshowpbs.bsky.social. Hire me to make this RPG!
Me? I'm shooting my shot with @roadshowpbs.bsky.social. Hire me to make this RPG!
Antiques Roadshow: The TTRPG, but someone brought an eldritch artifact and the show goes completely off the rails.
February 7, 2026 at 6:13 PM
People are on the Skyline, dreaming of what they could do with the neopets IP.
Me? I'm shooting my shot with @roadshowpbs.bsky.social. Hire me to make this RPG!
Me? I'm shooting my shot with @roadshowpbs.bsky.social. Hire me to make this RPG!
@friede.bsky.social's Intro to Lit Studies and Gathering My Parties series have been highlights of my last 3 weeks.
And as a small-time designer I want to express gratitude too. Because regardless of topic, she's displayed SPINE in her background / on her desk in her videos.
That's thoughtfulness.
And as a small-time designer I want to express gratitude too. Because regardless of topic, she's displayed SPINE in her background / on her desk in her videos.
That's thoughtfulness.
Week 5 -- 1/3 of the way through a weird semester.
This week, we had a last-minute pivot, which is why I keep @lackingceremony.bsky.social THE QUIET YEAR in my back pocket. Our discussion touched on people, pacing, & what we even CALL this game.
"Close playing" via @edmondchang.bsky.social
This week, we had a last-minute pivot, which is why I keep @lackingceremony.bsky.social THE QUIET YEAR in my back pocket. Our discussion touched on people, pacing, & what we even CALL this game.
"Close playing" via @edmondchang.bsky.social
Close Playing The Quiet Year (Introduction to Literary Studies)
YouTube video by Critical Prof
youtu.be
February 7, 2026 at 6:09 PM
@friede.bsky.social's Intro to Lit Studies and Gathering My Parties series have been highlights of my last 3 weeks.
And as a small-time designer I want to express gratitude too. Because regardless of topic, she's displayed SPINE in her background / on her desk in her videos.
That's thoughtfulness.
And as a small-time designer I want to express gratitude too. Because regardless of topic, she's displayed SPINE in her background / on her desk in her videos.
That's thoughtfulness.
Reposted by Asa Donald | Backwards Tabletop
New #ttrpg review day!
This time a look at Astroprisma by @crescentchimera.bsky.social
It's an absolutely gorgeous, tightly designed and packed-full-of-fun solo+ space exploration game that does nice things to my brain.
I love it so much.
Video link: youtu.be/6bApVrhSxmM
This time a look at Astroprisma by @crescentchimera.bsky.social
It's an absolutely gorgeous, tightly designed and packed-full-of-fun solo+ space exploration game that does nice things to my brain.
I love it so much.
Video link: youtu.be/6bApVrhSxmM
February 7, 2026 at 2:23 PM
New #ttrpg review day!
This time a look at Astroprisma by @crescentchimera.bsky.social
It's an absolutely gorgeous, tightly designed and packed-full-of-fun solo+ space exploration game that does nice things to my brain.
I love it so much.
Video link: youtu.be/6bApVrhSxmM
This time a look at Astroprisma by @crescentchimera.bsky.social
It's an absolutely gorgeous, tightly designed and packed-full-of-fun solo+ space exploration game that does nice things to my brain.
I love it so much.
Video link: youtu.be/6bApVrhSxmM