Whispers in the Dark: Horrors of Newfaire

I have the pleasure of being in two of Nikko's current games, and both have been amazing experiences. To start, his onboarding process included a very detailed map and as much info about the setting as I wanted. I could see how passionate he was about the world and he was great about tailoring my character ideas into the current events. It felt as if it was a real place and I couldn't wait to visit! He is also very welcoming and easy to talk to. I'm sure he greets each person as if they're already a good friend. Then came game time, I was blown away during the first session by his narration, character voices and the adept way he interacted with each player and bounced off their unique play style. We began with a story told to a child that hinted at things to come and then were swept off to a windblown icy stronghold where each of our characters got a moment to shine. It was very cinematic and dripped with style! There have been multiple times, someone has made a remark that Nikko has weaved into a truly memorable character moment or a moving scene. Someone else might have let the moment pass but not Nikko. Because I play in two different games, I've gotten to experience Nikkos flexibility in tone. He is able to do it all - whimsy, cozy, flippant, sinister, foreboding, tense. You name it. He is able to read the mood of the players and pivot scenes and tone with ease. Also, I will mention how great the community is, he's fostered such a great atmosphere and I really enjoy all my fellow players. Long review to say, book a game with Nikko!

Great DM! Friendly & inclusive table. Nikko knows his stuff, but doesn't take himself so seriously as to not make it enjoyable. Highly recommend.

I wasn't sure about playing in the new ttrpg Candela Obscura but Nikko was so welcoming that it was hard not to easily fit in. His style is very fun, laid-back, and engaging. Highly recommend!

Nikko is by far one of the best Game Masters on StartPlaying! I have had the wonderful opportunity to join in one of his Exandria games in the middle of an on-going campaign. It was clear from the first session I found someone who has mastered their craft. The way he introduced my character to the party and narrative went far beyond a simple roleplay encounter. Nikko created an immediate hook and incited action with high stakes that got the party and my character immediately working together! I will never forget that first session with him! Nikko has a talent for writing NPCs that feel alive within the world. They are each unique and have defined personalities that make interacting with them feel like you’re actually building a real relationship with these fictional characters. My favorite NPCs are his chaotic little guys (from egomanical, gnome wizards to wacky, bungling kobolds), and the enemies/rivals that I’ve been introduced to so far have a habit of making the hairs on the back of my neck rise up when they’re in a scene! Nikko also manages game balance in such a wonderful manner. Every session, there is always some action building to keep the players engaged. He is very skilled about keeping game sessions balanced by providing interesting roleplay encounters, curious and immersive explorations, and opportunities for combat (whether players want to actually take the bait or not is up to them). I am constantly tuned in because Nikko knows how to direct the flow of the game and how to keep his players on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next scene. If you ever have the opportunity to sign up for one of his games, I strongly encourage you to do so! It is very clear that Nikko is passionate about the TTRPG community and he even has his own dedicated TTRPG website, Elven Firefly (elvenfirefly.com) to prove it. I’ve absolutely loved having Nikko as a Game Master; he has given me the opportunity to play the hero I’ve always wanted to be. If you hire Nikko as your Game Master, I’m confident you’ll love having him run games for you, too!

Nikko is an exceptional GM. He enables compelling stories, is quick on his feet, has an nearly endless supply of voices and NPCs and does a fantastic job of keeping everyone involved. I've been GMing and playing TTRPGs since the late 1970s, and Nikko is one of the 2 best GMs I've ever had the pleasure of playing with. I cannot recommend him enough.

Nikko is one of the best storyteller, I know. Give him a try!