Ivan

he/him

4.3

(6)

Timezone

America/north Dakota/center

Language

English

Identity

DMs Guild Writer

Veteran

About Ivan

Hi there! Names Ivan, and I have been a GM for 4 years of experience. I am a military veteran and I host Dungeons and Dragons campaigns for many players all across the world during my time in service with soldiers who also enjoy Dungeons and Dragons and want to make time to play. Quick warning that my DMing is descriptive as well other profanity you will hear and experience. If this is isn't your cup of tea, I won't blame you for finding another DM to host. I know not everyone will be please, but I will host to give the best experience I can. I been using the FoundryVTT server to host multiple sessions, who I team up with TheForgeVTT to have players to enter the server and enjoy the adventures. For new players, you need to sign up TheForgeVTT in order the server invite will work. Don't worry it is free to sign up to play. I have enjoy creating homebrew on campaigns, items, backstory etc. to bring the players to enjoy of their characters being involved and mentioned during sessions. I also like to homebrew original campaigns. My most successful Homebrew Campaign I run is Tyranny of Dragons. I alter the chapters, locations, enemies and plots, but still retain the original plot of the story and have players enjoying the alternate story line. I also do original campaigns, leaving the homebrews off the shelves for players who wants to keep it original. I do Discord to make text and/or call for the group when we do Session zero before we begin the campaign. Content Warnings and Safety for players to be comfortable to play. Just let me know and I will keep it in note to keep this a safe environment. I will do my best to answer questions for new players or vet players if anything involves the session. So... ready to go on an adventure?

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Rule of Cool, Storytelling

Average response time: 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

Back in Poland, almost four years ago when I am in the military. We didn't get much, but I volunteer at the USO (United Service Organization) and I begin GMing Dnd to the soldiers. I had little no experience, but I learn to grow and was able to hold a campaign for fours years and still going.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

Engaging. They tell me my sessions have not brought boredom to the players. Creative. They tell me they loved the homebrew creations I made for them and the story I alter that keeps surprising them. Attentive. They tell me I listen to them as I hear them out, via advice, questions, review.

When I'm not running games I'm...

I go to the gym and work out to keep my body and mind sharp. Go for walks to reflect or need some nature from time to time. Play video games with my friends and spend time with the family. I also draw whenever I want to create a character or background, wanting to get my 'Artist' way back.

How Ivan runs games

My type of style of being a GM is to focus on the story in the campaign and character's backstory to be linked as they experience the world building they will venture. I also take time to do zero sessions with players as they create characters, background and back stories as well advice before we begin the first session. Approx. within a day before or sooner based on schedule. I want to have the players who create the characters matter. I also enjoy creating Homebrew story, worlds, items etc. To make things fresh and unique for players to have within a fair length of difficulty to the story. I also make the Nat 1 and 20 matter. Instead of "Oh! You land a crit!" I ask "Describe how you execute (Attack, Action or Save)" then I add a quick scenario/dialog that they can tip the balance in their favor while making the Nat 20 or 1 leaves an impact to the players. I allow the "Rule of Cool" to settle it with either a contest roll or a single roll and the player calls it. If it lands, I'll allow it. Fail and I will narrate the scene of the failed attempt. I have done Dungeons and Dragons within my years of service to soldiers and veterans who've I worked with to enjoy weekend sessions and hear the stories as their dice unfolds their fates. Four years of experience were thanks to them for giving me the chance to bring the story and passion to life. And I can't thank them enough. I add other add ons to make the campaign more surreal. Such as nemesis system, remembrance, and bonds.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

Setting up FoundryVTT, check the tokens, upload maps, NPCs, scripts, that I create. The I mic check on the voice changer to make sure it is operating in the Discord call. As well prep snacks and drinks on the side to keep me fed and hydrate. Doing GMing while hungry and thirsty is blasphemy.

My games focus on...

Role-Playing, Combat, Story telling and World building. Giving the players the full experience of going through the campaign.

Rules are...

Rule of cool. Customized Inspirations (Maximum of 4) per players can cash in and turn it into an Advantage or counter Disadvantage. Nat 1s and 20s will matter. I will ask to describe how the execute their actions and will determine the tip of the balance. Nat 1s can lead to the opposite.

Ivan's ideal table

My table is the players who can work well together, play the role of the characters and act on how they would do or say. Players who keeps tabs on notes, mission logs and creativity.

Featured Prompts

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

Long campaigns. I have done long going sessions of a homebrew Tyranny of Dragons within fours years and on going. I alter the chapters, enemies and added more lore that I create that fits the Hoard of the Dragon Queen all the way to Rise of Tiamat.

I think metagaming...

Is ill advice. Yes there are moments we let it out, but for the sake the new player's experience. It is best not to spoil the fun.

My perfect party mix is

Who can role play as the character. Character have developments within the series. Work as a team. Bond as they go through the hard ships of the events they will endure. Note taking and remembering the moments that may feel important.