heysparky (Karen)
she/her
5.0
(12)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About heysparky (Karen)
"What do you do?" is one of the most magical phrases in all of gaming. I've been playing and running tabletop games since the D&D cartoon aired. D&D in particular, even as a flawed system in its many iterations, has been a decades long golden thread connecting great things in my life. One of my first jobs was at a game store and I remember selling a Concerned Mom on the magic of D&D based on its promise of social engagement, math, and creativity all in a bundle. I stand by that decades later. Systems I've loved: - Bunnies & Burrows - Palladium's TMNT - Shadowrun - D&D 2e, 4e, 5e D&D in every incarnation has held a special place in my heart. Let's play!
At a glance
1 year on StartPlaying
94 games hosted
Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Storytelling
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I love sharing this hobby with people and there's no better way to do that than from behind the GM screen.
People are always surprised when I tell them
It took me 40 years to try a voice as a player in a D&D campaign. Feel free to ask me about Murnald, Harengon Warlock Accountant.
When I'm not running games I'm...
...designing them. I am a professional game designer, writer, and educator. My tagline on nearly every social platform is 'I love to explore, build, and play.'
How heysparky (Karen) runs games
I want to help tell your story. You as a player and what you want to explore through your PCs. What excites you about your character? Their backstory full of hooks, a mechanic you haven't tried, a meta or narrative goal? I'm all about it. And world building. I love world building. An article in "Kobold's Guide to Worldbuilding" by Wolfgang Baur described worldbuilding as (paraphrase) 'not making plots, but stacking dynamite.' Basically, that my responsibility as a designer and GM, is making a place where stories can unfold that feels alive, not because the table etiquette for the isolated Riverfain goblin tribe is defined in detail (quite fascinating and more nuanced than you'd imagine), but because what players choose to do has weight. Consequence. Simply put, at my table, in our world, you matter.
Featured Prompts
I deal with rules issues by...
...making a call in the moment and revisiting the rules layer. Keeping things moving is key.
I prep by
...reading any published material or watching videos if available. I review the last session and - if it wasn't clear what was next - brainstorm several directions things could go; collect tokens, statblocks, and info I'll need; pick one or two to center, but be ready for players to surprise me.
My games focus on...
... making my players' characters have impact on the world in large and small ways.
heysparky (Karen)'s ideal table
I like to laugh when we play and I love when players make creative use of their spells and resources. PERSONALLY, I like tracking arrows and rations and the logistics of adventuring, but I know that's not everyone's vibe.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
A) getting Heroic Inspiration for puns (in or out of character) or B) learning about D&D in a low-stress environment
I think min/maxing...
...is an entirely valid way to enjoy this hobby. If it causes stress or one player's PC ends up dominating the experience... that's on me. It's my job to give everyone a chance to shine.
My perfect party mix is
Everyone playing what they're excited to play. I love 'concept' groups, like All Rogues or All Druids. A balanced group is fun, too. The people behind the party matter much more than the classes or roles they choose.
heysparky (Karen)'s Preferences
Systems
Game Mechanics