Emma
she/her
5.0
(10)
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About Emma
I was a part of playtesting for Draw Steel (find me in tiny print in the books!) and have been directing it since its release. It's currently my go-to TTRPG system! I was in grad school when some friends introduced me to Pathfinder. I couldn't believe there were mechanics for all the world building I used to do for fun. I've been hooked on TTRPGs since! I enjoy a wide variety of systems and love learning and teaching new games. I focus on fun and providing a collaborative storytelling and problem-solving experience.
At a glance
3 years on StartPlaying
5 games hosted
Highly rated for: Teacher, Knows the Rules, Inclusive
Featured Prompts
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
a collaborative worldbuilder, like Microscope; a tactical puzzler, like Draw Steel; and a fast, fun, pulpy system like Savage Worlds. And 3 good friends to be stranded with and allow our schedules to finally align!
How Emma runs games
I like to be my players' biggest cheerleader! I want to set up challenges that allow you to do really cool things and cheer you on when you pull it off (and I'll help with mechanical details as needed!) I always try to make sure that rules and stakes are clear; there are no "gotcha" moments in my games. We'll play primarily with theatre of the mind, then move to grid maps for tactical encounters. Foes, terrain, and dynamic environments are the obstacles to important objectives; you won't just slog through a bag of monster HP and you'll get to make decisions beyond which baddie to hit with your sword. I score each session with music and ambience to set the scene, but players have full control over volume and can choose to mute it entirely. Overall, I use minimal digital tools/automations. My virtual table is a bit like playing around a physical table (and you can roll your own physical dice if you prefer!)
Featured Prompts
Rules are...
...the framework that keep our expectations and reality in line. They are important to keep us on the same page about the world we're imagining. However, where they break verisimilitude or are ambiguous, I'll make rulings. Player choices may always be changed as rules are clarified.
Emma's ideal table
My ideal table is one where every player who joins with good intent is welcomed, feels like they belong, and has a whole lot of fun. It's a table where players bring vibrant characters with flaws, goals, and relationships. They enjoy dynamic tactical encounters where their strategy matters, but are also excited to lean into their character and choose story beats over optimal moves. It's a table full of players who are looking for a cooperative experience. They want to share the spotlight, support each other in and out of character, and work as a team to face challenges.
Emma's Preferences
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