Novaki

any/all

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Queer

About Novaki

I started DMing in 4e. From there, I ran numerous smaller sessions for family and friends, creating custom worlds and using loose rules. I started playing published adventures closer to the rules as written as a way to expand my knowledge of D&D and the Forgotten Realms. I usually playtest sessions solo before running them and often spend hours poring over TT-RPG books and media. I have dipped my toe into other popular RPGs, such as Call of Cthulhu, Shadowdark, and Pathfinder, and would love to expand into those in the future. I do believe in starting small and working my way up, so I plan to run some quick one shots or shorter beginner-friendly adventures, such as Lost Mine of Phandelver and Dragon of Icespire Peak, to get started.

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I'm drawn to the freeform nature of ttRPGs that I can't get from any other medium. The combination of story elements, game, and social interaction is so appealing to me. I've seen people share laughs and tears. I've seen strangers become best friends. It's challenging but rewarding.

I got started GMing...

I had friends who were interested in D&D, but nobody wanted to GM.

My favorite system of all Time is

5e is the system I know, but Shadowdark is the system I love. I'd love to run more games in it once I'm more familiar with it.

How Novaki runs games

I've run the game for many types of players and playstyles, so I've had to adapt over the years to accommodate all kinds of players. I try to strike a balance between roleplay, combat, and exploration in my games to appeal to whatever desires my players throw at me. I try to make rewards and climactic story moments feel earned and strive to give my players a sense of achievement that allows them to shape the world and the narrative through their actions.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

Obsessing over modules and running through scenarios beforehand to wrap my head around them and look for potential problems.

My games focus on...

making sure everyone has a good time at the table. I try to allow players the opportunity to try many different aspects of ttRPGs, from roleplaying, survival, exploration, and combat.

Rules are...

more like guidelines. They are important for creating fairness at the table, but I've learned not to focus on them as much as I did when first learning to run D&D.

Novaki's ideal table

One where players can have fun, be themselves, feel safe, and show mutual respect for one another.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

chooses a potentially disadvantageous move or class option to remain true to their character or the story. I never punish tactical thinking, but showing that level of commitment to the story is something I always find commendable and usually reward.

I think metagaming...

is something that can ruin the experience for others. Just because you know the monster has 30 HP and is immune to fire doesn't mean everyone else knows that or wants to know that. It can take people out of their immersion and is generally frowned upon.

My table is not the place for...

people who want to cause problems and disrespect others. I have no tolerance for players who want to ruin someone else's time. Playful ribbing and joking around are expected, but being a jerk isn't.