Gifts from Above

It’s a bittersweet afternoon when you receive the three boxes full of items your Granny left you after she passed away. As you explore the boxes, you are struck by echoes of the past. 

“Gifts from Above” is a cozy, solo journaling zine to help you recall your most precious memories. Inspired by strong Black women of the American south, this one-page micro RPG is meant to be a reflexive journaling exercise to trigger memories you may have forgotten. You are encouraged to use think about actual people, places, and events that are personal to you. However, if you find it hard to recall enough details to complete your entries, feel free to create fictional ones! 

Created for the 2026 1100 Words TTRPG Kitchen Jam by Kinayla #1100WordsTTRPGKitchen.

Check out the spotify playlist featuring songs from the game plus others my own grandparents, family, and I love.

To play you need:

• One six sided die (1d6) or random number generator
• Method to record your entries

How to play:

• Roll the dice.
• Read the prompt.
• Recall the memory.
• Record the story.

Printing instructions:

This zine can be printed on single sheet of paper and folded with no cutting required. Use this video for assistance.

Designer Note:

This game is created based on experiences of Black communities and you may encounter content that is unfamiliar to you. I encourage you to use the oppurtunity to be curious and research the rich history/culture of Black Americans. Playing this game is not permission to appropriate Black culture. I hope you enjoy my game!

Credits

Fonts: Hangyboly (Roland Hüse Design), Barrio (Omnibus Type), Haunman (Danh Hong)

Assets: Music Box (Mi Ho Digi), Dice (BarvArt), Journal (Varvara Kurakina), Boxes (BeNeDak) use with Canva Pro Content Commercial License

Zine Format: Pocketfold design from 3 Skulls Pub