A Long December

It’s cold. So cold you can see your breath in the air before you as you trudge down the ice crusted road. Your fingers are shaking as you tuck them into your armpits, trying to glean the least bit of body heat to ward off frostbite. 

As you walk around a tight bend in the road, a dilapidated sign welcomes you to Glenn’s Hollow, population 72, “Home of the Timberwolves Hockey League,” established 1943. Taking in the view of the town, you shiver. 

You know it in your bones: You’re alone. There’s no one here to help you. And you’re going to die if you don’t find shelter and supplies, and find them soon.

A Long December is a game about the inherent will to live found in all creatures, even in the face of overwhelming odds. The major themes include isolation, fear, and overcoming the odds.

You are an average person with a basic working knowledge of survival tactics in a frozen rural environment. You’ve been walking in the freezing cold temperatures for hours, and you are tired and hungry. As you stumble into town, you realize two things: You’re alone here and, if you don’t find supplies and shelter, you are going to die.

A Long December is directly inspired by the video game The Long Dark, as well as the shows Alone and Keep Breathing, and the books I Am Still Alive by Kate Alice Marshall and Hatchet by Gary Paulson.

This game requires a deck of playing cards, at least 1d6, and a pen and place to chronicle your journey. Not required is a tumbling block tower, but it is recommended. 

Some of the prompts in A Long December lean heavily into the themes of the game: Solitude, fear, cold, loneliness. Some are violent, or may have violence as a potential avenue for resolution. These themes are reflected in the text of the game.

Specific content warnings to be aware of: The cold and associated health risks such a hypothermia and frostbite, isolation, solitude, death of wild animals, stalking or being hunted by wild animals, starvation, and dehydration.

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The downloads for this game come with two versions: 
A text only version, for folks who want no frills or an easy version to print. 

And a printable booklet version, for folks who want the full 'zine experience. This version should be printed at 100%, back-and-front, with your printer settings adjusted to print a booklet. Alternately, this could be printed on a site like Mixam.com for professional quality printing. 

Additionally, there is a downloadable file of extra character sheets, should you want to play more than once.