Varick (Lvl14Bard)

he/they

5.0

(8)

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Queer

Game Designer

About Varick (Lvl14Bard)

I’m Varick (He/They) aka Lvl14Bard, and I’m here to make YOUR story come to life! Back in 2015, I used my improv training and what remained of a D&D 5e PHB to bluff my way through my first campaign. Now, utilizing my BA in Game Design, I collaborate with my players to craft unforgettable tales of epic heroism, stirring dramas, and goblin puns. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🫱🏽‍🫲🏻♾️My games are always a safe space where everyone is celebrated! My love for TTRPGs pushes me towards constant improvement. Whether that’s playing a new system or trying out new techniques, I’m always looking for a new challenge. Looking to try a new RPG? Can’t find a game? Having scheduling issues? Message me: I’ll find a solution. I can’t wait to see what kind of story we’ll tell together!

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

25 games hosted

Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Storytelling

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

Featured Prompts

People are always surprised when I tell them

I'm winging it! They see the high-quality art+lighting in Foundry, hear my rich narration, fight thrilling encounters, and connect with NPCs, and expect I had it all pre-planned. I prepare for the unpreparable, creative, unbridled chaos of my players, without sacrificing style or substance!

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

designing them! I write, design, and program indie videogames. I just released my senior capstone project 100th Bug Brigade on Steam and itch.io earlier this year. Gaming helped me survive, taught me to be brave, and showed me a better world is possible. I want to keep that tradition going.

How Varick (Lvl14Bard) runs games

🌱 Newbie Ally 🌳 By teaching through gameplay, I’ll help you grow into a master TTRPG player. My table is a safe space to ask questions, try new things, and discover your strengths in a fun and thrilling environment. 📚 Player-Centric Storyteller 🖋 I go beyond player agency to incorporate everyone’s creative energy at the table. Together we’ll send your characters on unique and unpredictable adventures where your creative solutions drive the story. 🎲 Expert Game Designer 🎮 Each game is a unique mix of combat, roleplay, exploration, and relaxation inspired by your interests- designed to test your strengths and uncover your weaknesses.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

creating a massive repository of indexed audio/visual assets (tokens, maps, VFX), understanding the complex motivations of the NPCs and factions of our world, and a lot of coding. My prep focuses on adaptability, allowing me to create and immersive experience no matter what mischief you get up to!

My games focus on...

You, the players! I specialize in character-driven stories where you are the star. I incorporate your backstories, build the world based on your roleplaying choices, and ensure satisfying arcs. I might even use rules that allow players to creatively influence the world (for an exciting cost).

Rules are...

tools to tell our shared story. It can be the story of a flirty bard schmoozing his way through court, or a cunning warrior tactically out-maneuvering her enemies- often both! I use my skills as a game designer to tailor the rules to fit our table; providing you the ideal mix of depth and play.

Varick (Lvl14Bard)'s ideal table

I ensure you can always play with joy and confidence, and leave laughing, surrounded by friends. No matter your background or needs, I will always advocate for you at the table using a variety of safety tools tailor-made for our group’s needs.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

Laughs, or makes me laugh! I love it when players create insane plans together, bring out the best in one another, and connect with each other. I work hard to create a space that brings that out in people.

I think min/maxing...

is an exciting design challenge