I’ve seen a lot of RPGs over the years, but Nuna is something different. It won the 2024 BRP Roleplaying Design Contest, which is no small feat. Built on Chaosium’s d100 system, Nuna adds a few twists that bring this frozen, post-apocalyptic world alive in ways you don’t expect. This one was a clear standout, combining smart mechanics with storytelling and respect for its roots. The designer—a NunatuKavut (Labrador Inuit) and professor—pours personal history into this game. Nuna isn’t just another game; it’s an experience worth exploring.
The core of Nuna’s gameplay is something simple yet powerful: community. Nuna has a Community Building system that’s more than a gameplay gimmick; it’s a survival tool. In a frozen, often hostile world, the community is what keeps you going. Characters need to work together, pool resources, and build a real foundation to tackle the challenges that come at them, from mythic creatures to extreme environments. This mechanic isn’t just about keeping score; it’s about creating a world where survival isn’t possible without cooperation.
“Nuna (The Land) is a world where ice entombs the old cities of men and mystical beasts stalk the tundra. Here, Inuit and Settlers (Vikings, Whalers, & Scientists) cooperate to survive, uncover the lost treasures of the frozen world, and bring them back to build their communities.”
With Nuna, you’re looking at an old-school RPG feel but with updated social mechanics that add depth to your encounters. The enhanced social rules make NPC interactions more dynamic, bringing in-the-moment responses that are essential when dealing with the unique mix of people and creatures populating this world. The game’s rooted in Labrador’s real history, a place where early 20th-century explorers saw the last true frontier. The world of Nuna projects that legendary land into a future where the Inuit rule once more. Here, the old cities of men are buried under ice, and the world teems with life and danger. The familiar beasts are back, but so are monsters brought by outsiders—Vikings, whalers, and scientists—and Inuit heroes need to share resources and skills to survive.
This isn’t your average post-apocalyptic RPG, either. Colonialism, capitalism, mega-cities, and all the other dividing forces are history here. Instead, there’s a sense of balance: the land has revived, the animals have returned, and the idea of “enough for all” reigns. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. You’ll face monstrous threats, and if your community isn’t strong, it could fall apart fast. That’s why this game feels real. You’re not just fighting off random creatures; you’re working to keep your people safe, your resources sustainable, and your home strong.
The game’s creator clearly poured a lot of personal history into Nuna. Inspired by family—an uncle who was a polar bear spotter and a great-grandfather who was a skilled trapper—the designer captures that same grit and skill in Nuna. Playing an Inuit character is designed to feel as formidable and “badass” as any Viking or monster-hunting whaler, and their survival skills are key to thriving in this world.
Nuna is live on Kickstarter with several support options:
- Inukshuk – A show of support, guiding the way.
- Wanderer – Grab the e-book and save a tree.
- Northern Lights – Get the PDF and corebook and dive in.
- Old Mokami – The full setup with the PDF, corebook, and zine adventures.
If you’re after something fresh, culturally rich, and built with respect for both gameplay and history, take a serious look at Nuna. It’s a place where adventure and survival are as real as it gets, and the community is your best shot at a future. This is a game that could change how you think about RPGs—definitely one to keep an eye on.
For more details, check out Tabletop Gaming News, Chaosium’s Blog, and Bell of Lost Souls.
