Golvin - One-Shot GM

he/him

4.9

(123)

Timezone

America/new York

About Golvin - One-Shot GM

Hi👋, I'm Franc, better known as Golvin. I'd like to be your GM. While I mainly run D&D, Call of Cthulhu, and Alien RPG, my real pleasure is trying new modules and systems. (Cowboy Bebop RPG anyone?) Which has led me to a specialization in running one-shots, often including highly detailed handouts, pre-made characters, and other player aids. I also write the Reviews from the Far Reams Substack newsletter, currently focused on helping others get the most out of Call of Cthulhu 7e modules.

At a glance

3 years on StartPlaying

376 games hosted

Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Knows the Rules

Average response time: 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

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I got started GMing...

I began DMing in 2015 with D&D 2014 for co-workers at the restaurant I worked for. Which truly blossomed during COVID when I discovered Roll20 and began experimenting with other systems. Notably Legend of the Five Rings, Alien RPG, and Call of Cthulhu. (Ignore the dozens of games long bucket list.)

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

"Patient", "Understanding", and "Well-prepped." (I really like my handouts, especially for investigative games and one-shots.)

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

Probably spending time with my family, playing Magic: the Gathering, writing my CoC module review newsletter, or salivating over a new one-shot/TTRPG.

How Golvin - One-Shot GM runs games

Normally, I run rules as written with a preference for tense combats and clever solutions. Which is why I, if feasible in the rules, always say "yes" to players' hair brained schemes, dice willing. (It's why I come up with multiple solutions to most challenges in a module while prepping.) Part and parcel, I try to give sentient NPCs their own desires and quirks to be played with. Though there are some, like man hungry beast and terminators, you can't come to an understanding to. What's the upshot? If you enjoy role-play, you're going to like me.

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I deal with rules issues by...

Most rules issues, I can resolve in less than 30 seconds by checking my rules handouts. (How I learn systems.) If I can't, I make a ruling and, post-session, look it up, sharing my findings with the group. (Includes page numbers and whatever similar corner cases I can find.)

I prep by

I make sure I have visual aids (maps, handouts, and art) for anything that's important. (Especially for my beloved mystery scenarios and/or horror scenarios.) Likewise, I plot out different solutions (combat, social, etc.) to challenges players face, allowing for greater freedom.

Rules are...

Rules should be well tested, written, and respected. Then move out of the way for a cool moment or when they don't work (At which point, I alter or ignore them.)

Golvin - One-Shot GM's ideal table

I'm a good GM for players new to TTRPG, or are looking for a slightly casual game with a prominent story element. And are willing to lean into whatever the campaign's shtick is. Beyond that, I have a tenancy towards - High tension (and horror). - Mysteries and other scenarios where a lowly guard is more than an obstacle to kill. - Fast paced game-play. (My 1 to 20 D&D campaigns usually take less than 50 sessions.)

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

If you're into detailed handouts, clever solutions, tense battles, and a world responding to your character's actions, you're going to love my table.

I love it when a player

Genuinely engages with a game's characters, mystery, world, etc. Including when they bring something new to the game, from NPCs to historical information I didn't know previously.

My table is not the place for...

Bigotry, sexism, racism, sadism, etc. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable around the table. And I find disproportional violence unacceptable. (Killing a bandit is fine. Dragging them through town and finding their loved ones is not.)