Maddie
she/her
5.0
(7)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Maddie
When I first became obsessed with tabletop roleplaying games (ttrpgs), it was 2015 and the D&D renaissance was only just starting to take off. No one in my university town was hosting open games, so I proceeded to indoctrinate friends, family, and strangers on my quest to play the kind of games I enjoyed. In 2016 I helped found a ttrpg club in my hometown, and I have spent the last ten years since constantly playing and GMing in games both in person and virtually. Though I have GMed several long-running campaigns over the years, I've found that I get the most satisfaction from bringing new players into the fold and helping them gain confidence through their gameplay. My focus is on one-shots and mini-campaigns that introduce new players to the world of ttrpgs and teach both the mechanics of new systems as well as the often more elusive skills of roleplaying, character building, and immersion. If you are new to tabletop gaming or you just feel like you've never been able to fully settle into a character, my games might be the right space for you. My goal as a GM is to create a welcoming, fun, and low-stress environment that rewards risk taking and embraces failure as part of the journey.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
5 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Creativity
Average response time: 4 hours
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
initially because I was the only one who knew the rules! Classic tale. After becoming a player in the D&D club I helped co-found, I realized that I enjoyed GMing more and have been running games ever since. I love the creativity and problem solving that being a GM requires.
My favorite shows/movies are
Everything Everywhere All At Once - no explanation needed I hope The Nice Guys - a criminally underrated 2016 flick starring Russel Crowe and Ryan Gosling. Treat yourself Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood - GOAT. Perfect TV does exist
When I'm not running games I'm...
working on my PhD in art history! I am currently writing my dissertation, which focuses on the intersection of environmental exploitation, colonialism, and luxury culture in the ancient Roman Empire. Telling stories is an important part of my life both professionally and personally.
How Maddie runs games
The focus of my games is undeniably on roleplay, but I aim to keep a good balance between combat, puzzles, and encounters with characters in the world. My goal is to encourage players to remain immersed even when in combat, extending roleplay throughout the game rather than "switching in" only when talking to NPCs. However, I am always willing to step back from the game immersion to clarify things or answer questions.
Featured Prompts
I prep by
knowing the world and my storytelling goals well. Over time I have become much more comfortable improvising while in the GM chair, to the degree that I now rarely plan out the details of individual sessions. If I know where I want to take my players I can move around my assets to get them there.
My games focus on...
having fun, building community, and creating a world and characters that the players can get lost in. Since so many of my players are beginners to ttrpgs, I try to make sure each game is welcoming and exciting for everyone.
Rules are...
guidelines to help keep the game fair and consistent! I try to follow the rules-as-written as much as possible, but I will bend them if I feel it makes for a better or more engaging story. The rules are there to serve my game, not the other way around.
Maddie's ideal table
My ideal table is one of giving players who want to build each other up and make the game better for everyone. A willingness to listen and participate is key, even if you find it hard to open up. The players are equally if not more important than the GM, and you will be the ones to set the tone!
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
Aabria Iyengar I have followed Aabria's work for a long time and consider her one of my biggest inspirations and teachers in this field. Her balance of impactful combat, engaging roleplay, and descriptive world-building is something I'm always striving for.
I love it when a player
makes a choice that isn't necessarily the best strategically in service of better roleplay. I will always reward commitment to immersion!
Maddie's Preferences
Systems
Game Mechanics