About me

I've been a tabletop role-player for 35 years. Started playing in 1989, AD&D, Middle Earth Role Playing, Palladium Fantasy RPG, White Wolf's World of Darkness and Call of Cthulhu. In 2000, I established a local gaming club for 40+ gamers over 6 years. I learned so many great games during that time, ShadowRun, GURPS, Serenity, Justifiers, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, everything D20, too many to even list. I retired from the club in 2006, when my first child was born. Played campaigns and one shots with close friends. 2010, I introduced my children to tabletop role-playing games. My wife and I have played rpgs with our children such as HeroKids RPG, Mermaid Adventures, Camp Myth RPG, Pathfinder, Starfinder, Star Wars D20 and SW FFG, Mutants & Masterminds, Dungeons & Dragons, StarTrek D20 and StarTrek Adventures, and in recent years, Call of Cthulhu and Vampire the Masquerade. In 2013, I began running tabletop role-playing games online at Roll20. I've run over 360 hours for over 250 different players from around the world. In 2019, I became the host of Raised on DnD podcast which inspires families to play tabletop role playing games together through interviews, actual-play episodes, and live events. Currently, over 90 episodes featuring over 106 guests. In 2021, I published my first tabletop role-playing game module for DnD 5e. I have given away other original modules for several different game systems over the years. In 2022, I became a Professional Game Master for Hire, either One Shots or Campaigns at Startplaying.games and you can read reviews by my players at https://startplaying.games/gm/cardarelli

GM Style

Players frequently mention Nick's ability to weave captivating narratives that fully engage players. His detailed descriptions, creative character voices, and exciting pacing transport players into richly imagined worlds. From epic adventures to nuanced character interactions, Nick’s storytelling creates memorable and immersive gaming experiences. Many new players have praised Nick for his patience and skill in teaching tabletop RPGs. His approachable demeanor and clear explanations help beginners quickly grasp game mechanics, making their first D&D experiences enjoyable and accessible. His ability to balance detailed rule explanations with engaging gameplay is particularly noted. Nick’s creativity shines through in his game design and smooth handling of unexpected player choices. His ability to adapt stories on the fly, manage game transitions seamlessly, and incorporate player creativity ensures that every session is fresh and dynamic. Experienced players appreciate Nick’s dedication to giving every character their moment in the spotlight. His deep knowledge of game rules and effective table management ensure that all players, regardless of experience level, feel included and engaged. Players highlight Nick's thorough preparation and professionalism. His detailed maps, well-crafted adventures, and use of sound effects and visual aids contribute to a polished and enjoyable gaming experience. Nick is celebrated for his outstanding storytelling, exceptional teaching abilities, and creative game management. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of TTRPGs, Nick offers a gaming experience that is both professionally crafted and deeply immersive.

Games played

Game platforms used

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