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Nick Cardarelli

he/him

5.0

(71)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

Podcaster
Published Writer
Teacher/Educator
Game Designer

About Nick Cardarelli

I specialize in creating immersive, story driven TTRPG experiences tailored to the unique playstyle of each group. Whether you're new to RPGs or a seasoned adventurer, I offer rich narratives, dynamic encounters, and engaging characters that bring the campaign to life. My sessions are designed to balance creativity, collaboration, and fun - ensuring every player has a memorable and meaningful hero's journey.

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

52 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Teacher, Creativity

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I love telling stories and bringing people together.

I got started GMing...

To give my forever GM a break, now here I am behind the GM screen for the past 3 decades.

My favorite shows/movies are

Shows: Firefly, Babylon 5, The Outpost Movies: Big Trouble in Little China, The Princess Bride, and Indiana Jones

How Nick Cardarelli runs games

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.

Featured Prompts

My games focus on...

Your character and the group of Player Characters at the table. Your characters are the stars and I make sure they each get an opportunity to shine.

Nick Cardarelli's ideal table

TTRPG gamers who enjoy my table crave deep immersion, character driven narratives, and meaningful choices that impact the fictional world around them. If you enjoy rich lore, cinematic moments, moral dilemmas, and a blend of collaborative storytelling and tactical challenges, you'll feel right at home. Whether you're a roleplay focused player, a strategic thinker, or someone who loves uncovering mysteries and forging emotional connections, my games are crafted to engage your imagination and keep you invested from session to session.

Featured Prompts

If you're into ___, you're going to love my table

immersive, cinematic, memorable fantasy experiences

I love it when a player

takes the heroic option! Making a great story in TTRPGs depends on the DM, the Dice, and the Player and I love when players do the cinematic hero risk because win, lose, or draw it makes for a memorable adventure.

My table is not the place for...

lone wolf, anti-heroes, that don't get along with others. TTRPGs are a group game so players who would create a character that doesn't work well with teams should choose to pass up my tables.

Nick Cardarelli's Preferences

Systems

Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Pathfinder 1e
Rifts
Call of Cthulhu
Dungeons & Dragons 3/3.5e
Shadowrun
Starfinder
GURPS
Kobolds Ate My Baby!
World of Darkness
D20 Modern
Star Trek Adventures - First Edition
Palladium
King Arthur Pendragon RPG
Star Wars D20
Adventures in Middle-earth
Ars Magica Fifth Edition
Vampire: The Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition
Marvel Multiverse Role-Playing Game

Game style

Rules as Written (RaW)

Sandbox / Open World

Social

Nick Cardarelli's games