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Arek C

Arek C (he/him)

5.0

(18)

1 year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Sets the Mood

About me

Greetings fellow traveller! My name is Arek (pronounced ah-rec) and I would like to entertain you with a story. For 10 years I have been working as a physicist and I have loved it a lot. However, the one thing that I loved more than that was gaming. I played lots of video games, board games, roleplaying games, and LARPs – I even designed a few! As a GM, I have run over 1000 sessions in more than 30 different RPG systems for more than 300 people over a span of 15 years. Through all of that, I learned that a lighthearted approach focusing on telling a great story is what works best for me. Last year I left my job as an academic and dedicated my life to giving players the best experience they could get – I designed and opened a place in Warsaw (Poland) dedicated to professional in-person gaming. I also started running paid RPG sessions tailored to the players' needs and expectations. I have witnessed time and time again, that sharing the experience of creating a great story through an RPG campaign brings us all closer together and unites us. Let me share this joy with all of you. If you are looking for an adventure of your lifetime, please join me as we discover the secrets of the world together! My Full RPG Resume can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/6n62ajey0gneon0etuvq6/A_Ciesielski_CV_RPG-ENG.pdf?rlkey=okjsexwoab3wjy8c7crb1mqc6&dl=0 Join my Discord Server, so that we can talk and hang out: https://discord.gg/YkvFcDv5mN

GM Style

At the table, I prefer a lighthearted approach, where fun and telling a great story 📖 take priority over game mechanics 🎲. I strongly believe that great stories can only be told through a collaborative effort of the GM and the players, and Immersion plays a vital role in this. That said, I do not mind metagaming if the players find it to be fun. I am also a great fan of the 'Rule of Cool' 🚀, though not to the point where it breaks the game. When playing with me, you can always expect a good laugh now and then, but also some serious scenes - though rarely dark and depressing - we are playing to have fun after all. While I strive to maintain a good balance between roleplay 💬, investigations🔍, puzzle solving 🧩, and tactical combat ⚔, these proportions can be skewed to better suit the player's needs. My players tell me that I am a great World Builder 🌎 and Storyteller 📚. In my campaigns nothing is random and everything is part of a greater narrative. Places, NPC, and characters are interlinked 🔗 - every meeting, every discovery, and every combat are there for a reason and give players new information about the lore of the world 📜. Heroes matter in my stories and it is their journey, that my games tend to focus on.

Game platforms used
Social
Game Master Reviews (18)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Teacher

Sets the Mood

Ellahar Vesna avatar

Ellahar Vesna

A Masterful GM Who Puts Player Joy at the Forefront I recently had the pleasure of participating in a gaming session with a truly exceptional GM. This master storyteller demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to ensuring the joy and engagement of every player at the table. The setting for our adventure was Iron Space, and from the moment the session began, it was evident that the GM had invested considerable time and effort in crafting a compelling story. What truly set this GM apart was their ability to adapt seamlessly to the unpredictable choices made by the players. Despite the meticulous preparation evident in the storyline, the GM demonstrated an impressive flexibility when the party diverged from the expected path. This skill not only showcased their improvisational prowess but also ensured that the players felt a sense of agency and influence over the unfolding narrative. One of the standout features of this GM's style was the focus on individual player enjoyment. In a large party, it can be challenging to cater to the diverse preferences and playstyles of each participant, but this GM excelled in creating an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone. Each player had moments to shine, and the GM made a conscious effort to allow each character to leverage their unique strengths, preventing any player from feeling sidelined or uninvolved. The GM's dedication to fostering fun was particularly evident in their attention to pacing and player engagement. The session never felt bogged down or monotonous, even with a large party. The ability to maintain a lively and entertaining atmosphere throughout the adventure is a testament to the GM's skill in balancing storytelling, player agency, and the overall flow of the game. In conclusion, this Game Master stands out as a true maestro of the gaming table. Their commitment to player joy, adaptability to divergent paths, and focus on individual player engagement make them a gem in the world of tabletop role-playing. If you have the opportunity to join a game with this masterful GM, don't hesitate – it's bound to be an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and, above all, joy.

Justina avatar

Justina

Wholeheartedly recommend this GM! I've played several campaigns with him and always had an amazing time: great atmosphere, captivating narratives, exciting surprises, and memorable NPCs guaranteed. GM knows how to make sure everyone feels included and is having fun, from newcomers to seasoned adventurers. As a newcomer myself, I never felt lost or overwhelmed with this GM; quite the opposite. He also values players' inputs and creativity, working with them to create an unforgettable adventure for the whole team. Professional, welcoming, and engaging, this GM will make you fall in love with RPGs if you're not already.

Maurice to frajer avatar

Maurice to frajer

Amazing choice if you want to start playing without any experience. Great at explaining stuff, and offers challenging encounters that at the same time do not seem to be designed just to annoy or kill PCs. Always leaves some room just for roleplaying and bonding time between the PCs. What I like the most is the fact that he always follows players' needs, even if it means a huge change in his plans.

Maciej avatar

Maciej

Meet GM, the mastermind behind our unforgettable gaming sessions! With an unparalleled knowledge of the gaming world, GM effortlessly guides us through thrilling adventures, infusing each session with boundless fun and an infectious enthusiasm for creativity. Playing under GM's guidance is not just a game; it's an immersive experience where laughter and excitement blend seamlessly. Our time together is a testament to GM's skill in creating a dynamic and enjoyable atmosphere, making every moment a memorable one.

Johnny avatar

Johnny

Arek is an exceptional Game Master. His narration skills are impressive, almost as much as his world-building abilities. He is capable of creating highly detailed campaigns with immersive plot that can easily captivate. I took part in several campaigns led by Arek, mainly in the Dragon Age universe and I wholeheartedly recommend his sessions for both experienced and novice players.

Radosław Paweł Sebastian Trzepałka avatar

Radosław Paweł Sebastian Trzepałka

I have participated in two games moderated by Arek. Both od them where carried out with attention to details. Arek knowlage allows him creation od nonschematics worlds.

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