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Novaki

any/all

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+
Queer

About Novaki

I’m a story-focused Dungeon Master who values consistency, clarity, and player trust. I run D&D by the book, but never mechanically or coldly. Rules exist to support tension and fairness, not to get in the way of character moments. I’m always happy to explain rulings, slow things down when needed, and make sure everyone understands what’s happening and why. My games emphasize atmosphere, pacing, and character-driven decisions. I enjoy giving space to quieter scenes, downtime, and meaningful conversations alongside adventure and combat. I focus on creating worlds that feel grounded and responsive, where NPCs have their own motivations and the consequences of player choices feel earned rather than forced. I prioritize respectful, inclusive play and clear communication at the table. I aim to create a calm, welcoming environment where players feel comfortable exploring their characters and making mistakes without pressure. Romance and emotional themes are handled thoughtfully and only with player consent, and I avoid shock-value content in favor of tone, trust, and immersion.

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I became a GM to create thoughtful, welcoming tables where players can engage with the story at their own pace. I enjoy guiding play in a way that feels fair, immersive, and collaborative.

I got started GMing...

I got started GMing by helping friends explore the game through short adventures and character-driven moments. What began as casual play gradually became a deeper interest in running thoughtful, story-forward campaigns.

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've spent more time with it.

How Novaki runs games

I run Dungeons & Dragons 5e that’s grounded, immersive, and fair, with a strong focus on story, atmosphere, and player choice. I stay close to rules-as-written so the game feels consistent and earned, but I never let mechanics get in the way of meaningful character moments. Dice matter, quiet scenes matter, and your decisions shape the world around you. My tables are calm, inclusive, and character-driven. I prioritize clear communication, respectful play, and a welcoming environment where players can explore their characters without pressure or chaos. This is a great fit for players who enjoy immersive roleplay, thoughtful pacing, and a DM who values fairness, clarity, and player agency over spectacle.

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I prep by

I prep by reading the material closely, reviewing rules and encounters ahead of time, and thinking about how character choices might shape the session. I focus on being ready to adapt while keeping the game consistent and fair.

My games focus on...

My games focus on immersive storytelling, clear rules, and meaningful player choices. I emphasize atmosphere, pacing, and character-driven moments alongside adventure and combat.

Rules are...

Rules are primarily rules-as-written to keep the game fair and grounded for everyone at the table

Novaki's ideal table

My table is calm, welcoming, and focused on collaborative storytelling. I run games where players are encouraged to think, ask questions, and engage with the world at their own pace, without pressure to perform or compete for the spotlight. The general vibe is grounded and respectful, with space for immersion, character moments, and quiet scenes alongside adventure and combat. This table is a great fit for players who enjoy story-forward play, consistent rules, and a DM who values fairness, clarity, and player agency over chaos or spectacle.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

I love it when a player leans into their character’s motivations and lets their decisions shape the story.

I think metagaming...

I think metagaming is fine in moderation, but I encourage players to make decisions based on what their characters know whenever possible.

My table is not the place for...

My table is not the place for behavior that makes others feel unwelcome or unsafe.

Novaki's Preferences

Platforms

Game Mechanics

Game style

Roleplay Heavy

Rules as Written (RaW)

Hexcrawl / Exploration