Kriven
they/them
5.0
(7)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Kriven
I have been professional GMing for over four years now, and I’m looking to expand my adventures to the Start Playing online space. Tabletop DnD showed up in my life when I was in college, trying out the hobby with a game of DnD 3.5. I’ve been hooked ever since.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
9 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Sets the Mood, Storytelling
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
Cyberpunk Red-Character customization offerings are astounding D&D 5e-For my classic style d20 system fix Adv D&D- One word....ThunderCougarFalconBird (Spelljammer).
My favorite books are
Ever changing but nearly always can be found in the fiction section. Fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mystery, and romance tend to be my favorite genres. I do enjoy history or historical fiction as well. But what I enjoy most is a story with interesting characters on the good and bad spectrum.
When I'm not running games I'm...
Reading novels, painting miniatures, playing video games, plotting my villains revenge, and playing TTRPGs.
How Kriven runs games
As a GM I like to provide a healthy mix of roleplay, combat, sandboxing, and intrigue. I also aim to provide an experience that rounds out the character experience making them feel lived in and have life outside of the adventures. I use downtime, time-skips, vignettes, and home brew table systems/rules to enhance the experience players receive. When it comes to combat and difficulty my intent is to make it difficult, brutal, and bloody. I like to challenge my players with outside of the box monsters and combos. I build a lot of tension and anticipation with combat. I like to refer my style as on the daggers bleeding edge of hard difficulty mode in video games.
Featured Prompts
I deal with rules issues by...
Always refering to the raw rules first. Then if a decision needs to made at the table I will present my solution with some room for discussion. I'm always open to new information being reviewed or a group wide choice being made.
I prep by
Over the years I have adopted many tools and practices for my game prep. Most importantly to me is a note taking app called Notion that lets me organize all my thoughts, recaps, NPC info, scenes, session outlines and extras that I put into my games on top of what the book provides.
When it comes to voices
I like to use a voice to make characters lovable or not. My goal is to make the NPC hopefully memorable and distinct. Though I will admit some times all the guards sound the same for some odd reason. I have many voices in my library and I am not afraid to use them!
Kriven's ideal table
My table is a welcoming, laid-back space where players can dive deep into their characters, explore the world at their own pace, and share in a mix of dark storytelling and goofy D&D fun. I run the game with a relaxed attitude—there’s structure, but there’s also flexibility, patience, and room to breathe. New players and veterans alike are welcome, as long as you bring curiosity, creativity, and respect for the group. The vibe shifts between lighthearted roleplay and serious, emotionally charged moments. You might find yourself laughing at a ridiculous NPC one session, and navigating a haunting mystery or brutal combat the next. It’s a table where both drama and dumb jokes are encouraged, and where characters are given the time and space to feel like real people with lives beyond the dungeon. I especially enjoy playing with folks who: Love character-driven stories. Are down for both whimsy and darkness. Appreciate a good tactical challenge in combat. Don’t mind if things get weird, intense, or heartfelt. If you’re the kind of player who likes immersive storytelling, flavorful characters, and the freedom to make real choices—you’ll feel right at home. My goal is always to build a collaborative experience where everyone has fun, feels safe, and gets their moment to shine.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Really leans into their character—flaws, quirks, goals, and all. Whether it’s roleplaying, making a bold decision, or just committing to the bit. Ultimately, I love when players are invested, curious, and ready to play—not just to win, but to experience the world and leave their mark on the story.
I think min/maxing...
I think min-maxing is fine if it serves the character. Optimizing is good and can be satisfying, but your choices should be backed by story. Who are you? Why do you fight that way? The answers should come from your backstory, not just the stat block. Character and story first, power second.
My perfect party mix is
More than anything, I love a party that clicks, supports, and wants to co-create.Whether it’s dramatic, ridiculous, tragic, or all of the above. My perfect party includes a balance of personalities and playstyles. I love groups that bring a little chaos, a lot of heart, and creativity.
Kriven's Preferences
Game Mechanics