River
she/her
5.0
(7)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About River
I came to tabletop games a little later than some, I started playing D&D at the beginning of 2019, and I’ve basically never stopped since. I cut my teeth as a player in home games and online groups, and I’ve now completed five full campaigns as a player, several of them right here on StartPlaying. More recently I’ve fallen in love with Daggerheart as well, and I keep up with both systems actively. As a GM, I’ve run two successful long-form campaigns: a character-focused Vecna: Eve of Ruin game and a high-level, horror-flavored Crooked Moon campaign over the summer. Both were rich in roleplay, personal arcs, and collaborative storytelling, with players getting chances to resolve backstories, face hard choices, and have big spotlight moments. Outside of gaming, I’m a high school history teacher and published historian, so I’m very comfortable prepping complex stories, explaining rules clearly, and managing a variety of personalities with empathy and structure. At my tables you can expect a welcoming, queer-inclusive space, consistent communication, and a GM who genuinely cares about your character’s journey as much as you do.
At a glance
2 years on StartPlaying
2 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Rule of Cool
Average response time: 3 hours
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
People are always surprised when I tell them
that I Ride a motorcycle and prefer it to a car.
The three words my players would use to describe me are...
Creative, Patient, and Fair
How River runs games
I'm a story-first Dungeon Master who loves character driven campaigns, rich roleplay, and giving every player a space to shine. When you sit at my table, you can expect character arcs that actually matter, where your backstories won't just be a paragraph on a sheet. They will come back to hurt or help you depending on your choices. I'm especially drawn to emotional roleplay and relationship dynamics between characters. I'll create scenes where you can flirt with danger, confront your past, argue with gods, or comfort a friend on their worst day. I want you to feel safe exploring messy decisions and personal growth. Combat in my games is intentional, but not a constant. Battles are there to raise the stakes, show who your character is under pressure, and create cinematic moments you'll remember. I favor tactical choices, creative problem solving, and rule of cool over strict rules lawyering. If there is something that you want to do, you are always welcome to make your case. Above all, my games are collaborative. I care deeply about safety tools, clear communication, and respect at the table. I know how much it matters to feel seen and welcome. If you join my game, you can expect a supportive space where your character matters, your voice is heard, and we build unforgettable stories together.
River's Preferences
Game Mechanics