Before WNTR

A solo sci-fi TTRPG of growth and decay

In the aftermath of The Last War, an unlikely duo gives each other new hope. A kid who has eked out a solitary existence in a war-scarred valley gains a chance at a new life in a new land. An obsolete, battle-worn war-robot constructed to destroy gains a chance to create while it still can. 

Before WNTR is a quiet solo TTRPG that combines dice mechanics, journaling, and drawing. You play as both characters on a journey through the valley together, seeking a new home for the kid before the arrival of another bitter winter.

As this duo overcomes the challenges of their journey, the kid will learn, change and grow – observed and recorded through the logs of the robot. The robot will wear, degrade and break – tracked through the kid’s changing drawing of the robot.

What You'll Experience

• A quiet survival solo TTRPG that combines original dice mechanics, drawing and journaling
• A unique dual character sheet for tracking the kid's growth and the robot's decline, through each other's eyes
• A focused 15-30 minute session, designed for replayability

Join the Public Playtest

Before WNTR has been a solo design project with limited, private playtesting. This Public Playtest Edition is complete and fully playable and is an opportunity to gather feedback on tone, pacing, and gameplay mechanics ahead of the final release. 

You can share your playtest thoughts using the feedback form linked in the PDF, or reach me directly at nightdangergames@gmail.com 

If you enjoy the game, or think it looks worthwhile, please share it, add it to a collection, leave a comment or rating!

What You Need to Play

• The PDF (rules, printable Event cards and dual character sheet)  
• A set of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12)

Acknowledgments

This game's primary inspiration is the excellent short story, Tideline by Elizabeth Bear, which I first encountered on an episode of Levar Burton Reads.

© 2026 Night Danger Games

Image Credit: “Desert Grass” by Vernon Swanepoel. Licensed under CC BY 2.0.