Against the Wind
In the lands where the wind howls like a beast untamed, you forge your path. They say the gales here shape not just the land, but the very spirit of those who walk it. You are one of those souls, a wanderer amidst the churning skies and the earth that bites with frost.
Against the Wind is a solo/coop fantasy-adventure sandbox game in a land ravaged by fierce winds and biting cold, all infused with a subtle pinch of fairy tale ambiance. In this world, players step into the roles of magical nomad heroes, confronting the relentless climate, traversing diverse landscapes, and following their own unique paths.
The game blends traditional and modern styles of play, merging the classic elements of fantasy adventure — like wilderness exploration and dungeon delving — with contemporary, narrative-driven mechanics.
- Play solo or with your friends: no need for a GM, the game procedures guide you through your adventures.
- Create your own world: rules on how to draw your map and discover the world as you travel the lands.
- Unique characters: 19 random tables to create a character unlike any other.
- Classic and modern: dungeon delving and wilderness exploration with modern, story-driven mechanics.
- All-in-one: 60+ tables to create locations, challenges, features, people and more, with step-by-step guides on how to do so.
Here's a sample character, entirely created by rolling on some of the tables in the book:
A single resolution mechanic takes care of all kinds of actions. Here's how it works:
Pretty easy, right? In the book, you'll learn how to create prolonged challenges, leverage your character traits for a better chance of success, and spend and recover your resources.
Your purchase includes:
- 100-page, full-color, totally hyperlinked and bookmarked PDF, both on-screen and printer-friendly versions.
- The Book of Tables, a PDF with all 195 tables to create anything, from characters to locations, from features to dungeons.
- Custom character sheet, both classic and form-fillable versions
- At-cost print-on-demand coupon for the 7.44 x 9.68 in (189 x 246 mm) book, both in paperback and hardcover options, and for the Book of Tables (same size, saddle stitch)
- Every purchase adds +1 community copy
► This game was made possible by the support of my amazing patrons. Join today and get all my future games for free!
- A six-part written actual play by Marc André Ueberall
- A series of playthrough/review videos by Ithaquas Bane
- A review/playthrough by the Amazing Aaxor
- A review on Geek Gamers
Purchase
In order to download this adventure game you must purchase it at or above the minimum price of $10.43 USD. You will get access to the following files:
Every purchase = a new community copy
Support this adventure game at or above a special price point to receive something exclusive.
Community copies
If you're in need and can't afford a copy of the game, help yourself to a community copy.
Consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!
• Every PDF sale adds 1 extra community copy
Development log
- Typos and Fixes + New Physical CopiesApr 25, 2025
- The game is fully released! + PoD couponsJan 29, 2024
- Version 1.0 is out! Here's all the newsJan 22, 2024
- Version 0.9 is out! Changelog and updatesJan 08, 2024
Comments
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Hi,
I was really hyped to try Against the Wind. The vibe of the game is great, artworks stunning, and the Book of Tables is incredibly rich for building a world and filling it with life. I also enjoy how simple the 5d6 resource system is. It keeps things tight, clear, and easy to track. After setting everything up, I jumped into play right away.
But once I got into the action roll, I started running into trouble. I beleve I understand the intent: rolling isn’t a skill check, it’s a choice to open the moment to uncertainty and complications. If I don’t want the story disrupted, I simply don’t roll. If I do want uncertainty, I roll.
But the odds behind that choice feel difficult. With the target being 10+ on 2d6, the chance of reaching that level without spending resources is extremely low. So rolling almost always means: “I expect/want this moment to be complicated,” because the default unassisted outcome is almost guaranteed to bring issues and drain resources. In practice, I guess most players will only roll in scenes where the difficulty matches what they’d treat as a “hard DC” in other games: moments where trouble already feels likely. That means there’s no surprise in trivial moments unless I choose to create it, and a chosen twist... isn’t really a twist anymore.
This also affects the behaviour of hazards. The drifting net and damaged road I encountered in the early scenes cease to be a hazard unless they are linked to an already loaded scene. If I don't expect the risk, I don't roll the dice, and nothing happens. If I roll the dice, I force chaos into something that should seem simple. Hazards thus become either color elements of the setting or chaos, closer to the tone of Aendvari's I Hate Mondays, where most of actions are a mess but without the comedic aspect that game embraces.
The result is that surprise fades outside of the big crossroads.
Since rolling is optional, I only roll where I expect trouble.
When I expect things to stay calm, I never touch the dice.
So I end up choosing where drama appears, rather than discovering it through play.
But stories often shift in small moments.
Even ordinary scenes can spark new directions when something minor goes wrong at the wrong time. History itself had moments like this: a king dying by hitting a low branch during a hunt, changing an entire kingdom. These abrupt turns matter because they aren’t planned.
In Against the Wind instead of being surprised, I’m steering the trouble. At that point, the dice feel less like a source of tension and more like a confirmation of drama I already expected
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.
I naturally roll an oracle whenever I meet a hazard, just to keep it as a real moment of uncertainty. I’ll ask something simple like “Do we pass through smoothly?” and let the oracle shape what happens.
With a Yes/No And-But oracle, the plain “Yes” result has the same 1-in-6 chance as the 10+ outcome in the ATW action roll. But because I also treat “Extreme Yes” as a smooth continuation with a bonus, that gives me two chances in six for things to go well. The remaining results usually mean we still move forward, but with some kind of twist or complication. So the odds feel more balanced: there’s a small chance of everything going perfectly, a decent chance of complications, and a clear possibility for mundane scenes to surprise me.
That keeps minor hazards lively in situations where ATW normally wouldn’t require any roll at all. It also helps me feel that even simple moments can shift the story a little, which is something I enjoy.
I also tend to use a couple of likely/unlikely steps, inspired by other oracle tools. For example, "Dark" and "Choppy water" might count as two steps “Highly Unlikely” (–3 on a d12), while the "Sailor" trait brings it back toward one step “Unlikely” (–2). It’s just a modest way I play the game, but it lets the fiction influence the odds naturally without making any outcome certain.
Thank you for giving the game a shot, and especially for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. Your evaluation is very valid, and your experience is absolutely legitimate. I really appreciate how clearly you articulated it.
I’d like to point to a small passage in the rules (page 34), where I say that rolling is not about how risky, difficult, or unpredictable the action is. It’s about how invested you are in leaving that moment to chance. So yes — you’re right that when you choose to roll, there’s only a 1-in-6 chance of not spending resources. But the design assumption isn’t that you roll only for “hard” or “dangerous” tasks. It’s that you roll for any moment where you, as a player, want to open the door to dramatic possibility.
Even something trivial like flipping through a book can be a moment where you decide, “Let’s see what the dice does with this.” That’s the tone the game aims for: a harsh world where even small actions can shift the story.
That ties into something you mentioned: the desire for surprise in quiet moments. AtW does put the choice in your hands. I wanted the game to let players jump between two stances:
1. Acting as your character inside the fiction. Making decisions, navigating the landscape, surviving the winter.
2. Stepping back into the writer’s room / director’s chair. Choosing when to invite complication, tension, or unexpected change.
For some players, this framing feels empowering. For others, it can initially feel like they are “choosing” their own surprises rather than discovering them. It really is a different style of play, and there’s no right or wrong preference. But AtW is very much built on that dual perspective.
And you’re also spot-on about the pressure. The game is designed so that you will burn resources regularly. That creates the push-forward momentum of a sandbox game without quests. Replenishing resources becomes its own source of wander, discovery, and complications.
With that in mind, your approach of rolling an oracle on hazards is completely valid, and honestly, a great idea. If that makes the world feel more alive to you, it’s absolutely worth doing.
Maybe I can invite you to try one more session with this “different stances” idea in mind. For example, even during a quiet night at camp or while cooking a meal, you might think: “If I were the GM, this would be an interesting moment to shake things up a bit.”
Roll the action, and not necessarily to introduce big drama. Even if it just means burning a few resources, it pushes the fiction forward and reinforces the survival tone without forcing a twist every time.
But again, that’s just one approach. I really appreciate your oracle method. It aligns beautifully with the spirit of the game, and might be something I highlight as an alternative mode of play in a future update.
Thank you again for such generous feedback. I’m glad you shared your experience, and I hope you continue shaping the game in whatever way feels the most alive and exciting for you.
gorgeous! if I'm ever gonna get a solo game to the table, it's probably gonna be this one. I didn't pick it up when I saw it at Breakout and have regretted it since. will you or the game be there this year?
Thank you! I personally probably won't, but there's a chance the game might be!
I bought the physical copy. Now I am searching for the book of the tables alone, but I see I can only buy it as a set?
Hi there! Shoot me an e-mail at capacle@gmail.com and we'll sort it out!
I wanted to know about community copies as well
Do you have any more community copies? Would love one!
I have played the digital one, loved it so much I bought my first ever physical book to play with, thank you so much for all the effort you put in to it! I am a great fan of your games!! I hope to buy more soon, Think I forgot the coupons, but hey, I dont mind cause I know how much time it takes to create beautiful games like this! :D
Thank you, I really appreciate your kind words!
looks amazing, can’t wait to try it
Thank you!
Looks so fun!! Would love to try. Any chance community copies will be updated soon?
One of the best solo tabletop games I've ever played. Cezar has put so much thought into each and every procedure. Not only do you end up with worlds and locations that feel alive, making them through dice rolls feels perfectly natural. A game I will be revisiting many times over.
I have been writing up my sessions over on my blog - http://popcult.blog/2024/08/11/solo-tabletop-rpg-review-actual-play-against-the-...
Thank you so much for your kind words, that really warms my heart! Fantastic playthrough, you really put the game's procedures to great use. I was cheering along Aelwen, that final encounter was brilliant. Mind if I link to your sessions on the game page?
I don't mind at all, link whatever you wish. Thank you for all these incredible games.
Hey there, any chance of community copies dropping?
Yes, there’ll be some more added soon!
When I go for the Pods, they seem high for at cost. Are they really $29.69 for the HC and $21.62 for the SC?
Thanks!
Unfortunately, yes. This game is a bit bigger in dimensions, and it ended up a bit more expensive, I am afraid. As you can see, revenue is set at 0.00
No I did not. But no worries, I just wanted to make sure before I purchased them. Thanks for the response!
Awesome stuff by the way!
Ah, my bad. I posted a screenshot, but apparently it didn’t upload 😅
Anyways, thank you!
Hi, this looks amazing! Any more community copies coming soon? 🤞
Hi, there! Thanks! Yup, I keep updating them frequently! ^^
There are some more up now!
Thank you! Guess I was not quick enough, I missed em. 😶
Hello, I was also introduced to your work via Geek Gamers! Are you still offering community copies, or do you drop them at random?
Hello! I keep updating them, as new sales come ^^
So hopefully there will be more up soon!
There are some more up!
Thanks so much! I'll hit you back soon and leave a review! 💖🙏
Cezar, vc está vendendo esse jogo em alguma loja em BRL? Nem precisa ser em pt-br, queria apenas comprar em real.
Brother, ainda não! Mas belisca uma das community copies aí, adicionei mais!
Pessoal, já pegou tudo ahhahahahahahaha. Mas não tem problema não, eu espero. Muito obrigado!
For anyone wondering about the illustrations (which are fantastic, great choice!) – it looks like most are public domain, by Kay Nielsen, from the book East of the Sun and West of the Moon (1914). https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/east-of-the-sun-and-west-of-the-moon-illustrated-by-kay-nielsen-1922-edition/
That is correct! You can also find them here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Kay_Nielsen
I also was sent here from Geek Gamers and am super impressed by your work. Thank you for this amazing solo resource!
That’s very kind of you to say, thank you for your support!
Hello Cezar,
seen on Geek Gamers and immediatley fell in love with your work, I purchased the digital and hard cover
Cheers and thank you.
That’s awesome to hear, thank you so much!
Hey Cezar,
The POD links are showing up as $35+ Canadian for me. Is Lulu printing actually that much (if so, wow) or are the links not adding the proper discount?
Thanks in advance!
I'm afraid so. Just double-checked here are the prices for the paperback version (as you can see, zero revenue added):
Thanks for confirming. I'll keep an eye out in case you do a print run and sale in the future as I would like to support your work over just paying the printing company for theirs.
Against the Wind is such a treat to play and honestly just read through from a world building and art admiration perspective. You have created something truly amazing with this and I wish you all the best into the future.
Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say, I deeply appreciate it ^^
I stumbled upon your game on Geek Gamers’ YouTube channel, and it really grabbed my attention! I’m eager to play it, but at the moment, purchasing a copy isn’t feasible for me. Would it be possible to grab one of your community copies? I’ll be sure to show my appreciation with a review!
Hi, there! Absolutely, I'll be updating the community copies soon!
Thank you! I haven’t been this excited about a game in a while - Can’t wait to dive into the game!
Just added some more!
When do we get our codes for order the physical copy if we pre-ordered? I ordered mine ~80 days ago, and I see that Geek Gamers already got hers for her channel! Thanks! Can't wait to get this on the Dungeon Dive!
Hi, there! The coupons are within your file downloads here! (They’ve been out for 42 days now!). The last three “files” are actually external links that will lead you straight to Lulu.
Sorry for the confusion, I mentioned the instructions on the last update but I know those emails are easily missed :)
Let me know if that works for you! I’m excited to see it on the Dungeon Dive (long time fan).
oh cool! I guess I was expecting a different kind of announcement. Lol. Missed it. Thanks! Glad to have supported the game.
Hi, on designer's note on page 34 the chances to hit a 10 with 2d6 should be 1 in 12 not 1 in 6
Hi, Steve! Thanks for the comment! The text mentions a chance to hit a 10+, which is indeed 1 in 6 :)
https://anydice.com/program/34be3
You are right! It says 10 or more. It's 1 in 6 indeed.
A really good narrative system with a lot of contents and flavour. A marvelous gift for soloists.
Thank you, Alex! Appreciate it
could you provide a standard link to Lulu please? I can't find it...
Hi, there! I certainly can! I just can’t post it here or on the page because I don’t get any revenue from physical sales. That’s why I offer the link as a complementary option for PDF buyers. If you purchased the game, but couldn’t find the link, I ask you to email me at capacle@gmail.com and I’ll send you the links directly. I hope this helps! :-)
That’s surprising. Why would you not sell the book on its own (without buying the PDF)?
Because of the higher cost of PoD, I'd have to lower my margins significantly in order to offer the book at a reasonable price.
That's a shame. Thanks for explaining. ;-)
Of course! In any case, if you are interested in the physical book, drop me a line, I’m sure I can work something out for you :)
Cezar, I suggest you print on demand on Amazon (KDP), it’s much cheaper than Lulu and you can certainly make a profit.
That is a great suggestion, actually! I'll look into it!
Looks really cool! I want it but I can't really spend the money right now. I'll do my best to share it around though.
Appreciate that! Every now and then I am updating the community copies so you’re welcome to grab one :-)
Hello Cezar, how essential is map-drawing to the game? I’m not the best at drawing maps thanks to my visual impairment. Is it still playable without drawing up maps?. Thank you for your creations, can’t wait to play.
Hi, there! Thanks for the question! Not really essential, I’d say. It is perfectly playable with a pre-made map, or even without a map at all, just by keeping track of the places you visit on any kind of journal or document of your choosing.
Hi, there! I’ll be replenishing the community copies soon! Hope you’re able to grab one! ^^
They are up!
Phenomenal! Love the execution of the dice resolution system. Been playing solo for a bit, my ex-soldier with a shadow rapier has been having lots of fun. Can't wait for you to finish this. Really gorgeous game.
Just one little tiny teeny gripe I have with it: I think "Factor" as a stat doesn't really comunicate anything, I think "Circumstance" would be a better name for it. But that's it, just a tiny nitpick lol
Looking forward to playing this with some friends!
Thanks for reporting back, I’m glad you are enjoying it! And I hear you, I’ll bring it to my revision table ^^
Crossing my fingers and hoping for some more community copies as a Christmas gift 😂 Happy Holidays!
Thank you, likewise! Some more copies are up!
There are some more up! Happy Holidays!
I must have just missed them! But I'll keep checking back, really appreciate you adding community copies, thank u 😊
Some more are up!
I'm loving the system. Really inspiring. Can't wait to see it finished.
Thank you! Working on it right now ^^
Hello César, good afternoon! Any chance of seeing this material in Portuguese?
Hi, there! Yes, there is a chance! Let's see if I can make it happen ^^
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
Will... you... please... slow... down??? I have a backlog of your games I want to feature already!!! hahahahaha - Once again this looks amazing!!
Hahahaha! Thank you, Scott!
I hope this is a good kind of trouble I am giving you!
Looks great! Christmas is a little tight this year but I’ll grab it as soon as I can!
Appreciate your support! Just put some more community copies up if you want to check it out ;)
Baha missed it. Thanks though. Awesome to see how popular your work is getting though! Good work
Thanks! Yes, they're going out so fast! I'll be replenishing them throughout the campaign.
The Dungeon Dive sent me here from his paetron
Awesome! Thanks for checking out the game.
The dungeon dive sent me here - will have to wait for a community copy unfortunately but best of luck!
Thanks, more to come soon!
BTW, where was it shared, exactly?
I saw it on the Facebook group myself :) also I just got a community copy, thank you!
Perfect, I hope you enjoy it ☺️
Looks really interesting.
Thank you very much!
BTW, thank you so much for sharing it with your followers! Deeply appreciated ^^
My pleasure!
Backed! This looks really great Cezar. loving the clean layout and Nielsen's work. looking forward to a physical edition
Thank you so much! Can't wait to release it ^^
Purchased! The Dungeon Dive sent me here and excited to check it out!
Appreciate your support, thank you!!
did i miss the community copies? or will there be more someday?!
They all went really fast!! I'll be adding some more soon ^^
This looks great. I'll be purchasing it as soon as 1.0 is out!
Thank you! Appreciate your support