Andrew | Mamachew

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/toronto

Language

English

Identity

Teacher/Educator

Game Designer

About Andrew | Mamachew

From cozy one-shots to high-stakes campaigns, I bring energy, creativity, and a love of storytelling to every table. Hi, I’m Andrew — lifelong gamer and storyteller. From painting my first Warhammer minis to collecting Pokémon cards and building a board game library, I’ve always been drawn to worlds overflowing with imagination. My first TTRPG was Call of Cthulhu during a university anthropology course in 2010 (best homework ever), and I’ve been hooked ever since. Since then I’ve run everything from indie gems (Dread, Godbound, Mythic Bastionland) to big systems like Star Wars FFG and old-school OSR favorites (Mork Borg). What defines my tables isn’t the rule set, but the experience: immersive soundscapes, evocative visuals, and character-driven moments that make the story feel alive. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, low-stakes one-shot or a high-tension campaign where fate hangs by a thread, I’ll bring the tools and energy to anchor you in the world and keep the adventure flowing. Let’s tell a story you’ll remember long after the dice stop rolling.

At a glance

2 years on StartPlaying

1 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Sets the Mood

Featured Prompts

My favorite books are

Dies the Fire - S. M. Stirling - Technology and guns stop working, the world grapples with the new reality. Divine Misfortune - A. Lee Martinez - Gods exist, you can find yours on GodFinder.com... what could go wrong? Too like the Lightning - Ada Palmer - Earth is a Utopia, a child might upend it.

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

Playing board games, PC gaming, windsurfing, camping, winter skiing, or out with my dog.

How Andrew | Mamachew runs games

My tables are built around memorable moments. Expect dynamic character voices, atmospheric soundscapes, and visuals that make every scene feel alive. While I often default to theatre-of-the-mind for fast, flowing play, I’m equally comfortable diving into tactical, grid-based combat when the group craves crunch. Every player deserves their spotlight. I focus on pacing and table dynamics so that everyone has a chance to shine. With my background as an educator and board game enthusiast, I especially enjoy guiding new players into the hobby and making them feel at home right away. Think of me as a “table chameleon” — I adapt to your group’s energy, whether you’re after cozy camaraderie, dark intrigue, or epic heroics. Each table is unique, and my role is to translate your goals into an unforgettable adventure together.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

Make a ruling at the table as best we can, with fairness in mind. I will look it up after the fact and we as a group can decide how to incorporate (or not) any implications of that rule when we see each other next.

My games focus on...

Worlds that excite players and invite collaboration. At my table, you don’t just play a character; you help shape the setting itself! The best moments often come from what players invent, and I love making space for those surprises to change the story in memorable ways.

When it comes to voices

My accents may not always hit the mark, but dang it I'll try!

Andrew | Mamachew's ideal table

You’ll enjoy my games if you: - Like a fiction-first approach where story drives the action. - Want to shape the world with your choices, not just play in it. - Enjoy roleplaying your character and exploring curious, unexpected moments. - Value collaboration, keeping the game fun for everyone at the table. - Find satisfaction in moving the story forward together, wherever it may lead. I especially enjoy running games that: - Use first-person narration to anchor us in the scene. - Balance serious tension with levity and bursts of creativity. - Share the spotlight so every character has a chance to shine. - Invite players to co-create the world alongside me. My table may not be the best fit if you: - Only want combat without consequences. - Prefer chaos or disruption over collaboration. - Expect a GM-led story without player-driven choices. - Struggle to respect others’ time, focus, or enjoyment.

Featured Prompts

I think min/maxing...

…misses the point of what I love most in roleplay. My games celebrate choices that drive story and character, not spreadsheets. Take the risky option, follow your flawed instinct, or make the “less optimal” move; that’s where the unforgettable drama happens.