Nick Grotto

he/him

4.8

(11)

Timezone

America/phoenix

Identity

Veteran

Game Designer

About Nick Grotto

What’s up, players! I’m Nick Grotto, an Air Force veteran from Brooklyn, NY, and a lover of immersive sandbox gaming since 1986, when I first played The Legend of Zelda as a kid. In the early ’90s, I bought one of the Ravenloft modules but couldn’t figure it out or find people to play with, so I mostly stuck to RPGs on PC and console. That changed when a book club friend suggested we play D&D 5e—a moment that completely shifted the trajectory of my life and introduced me to a world of immersive gaming I never thought possible. I’ve supported the hobby by running games in bookstores and at conventions, and now I want to bring that experience to you! The systems I run are Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Starfinder, and my own Open Development 3d6 Game System (ODGS) made for Death Mesa my homebrew campaign setting. Pricing: I offer group rates for players who sign up with a single account for multiple players. Starting at $15 each for a group of 6, or $25 each for a group of 3. I also offer private gaming sessions restricted to 1 or 2 players at $40 per player per session. I keep my session times to 3 hours with a 10 minute window on either side. If a session goes long it is with 100% player agreement at no extra charge. If for unexpected reasons a game gets cut short, I will discount the next session accordingly. I've only had that happen once. The best way to contact me is to Direct Message me on Discord or Startplaying games.

At a glance

3 years on StartPlaying

38 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Storytelling

How Nick Grotto runs games

At times, my games get chaotic! I grew up in a large ethnic household where everyone talked at once during dinner, and I love fostering that same energy when the action heats up. But it’s not all action—I also love deep character drama and storytelling, so expect quiet, introspective moments of growth and development as well. The best way to understand me as a GM is to know my values. 🎲⚔️ Challenge ⚔️🎲 I am committed to providing players with dynamic and engaging experiences that push their gaming skills to the limit. Through tactical maneuvering, innovative map design, and thought-provoking moral dilemmas, players will face a myriad of challenges that require both technical prowess and creative problem-solving. My goal is to empower players to actively engage with the game world, fostering a sense of agency and accomplishment. I have had character deaths in my campaigns, it's a game and sometimes the dice are unkind. 🌌🎭 Immersion 🎭🌌 I believe in the power of immersive storytelling to transport players to new worlds and ignite their imaginations. By placing player decisions at the center of the narrative, I create dynamic and ever-evolving game worlds where every choice has consequences. With no predetermined storylines, each campaign is a collaborative journey shaped by the actions and decisions of the players, ensuring a truly immersive and personalized gaming experience. I don't always do voices but sometimes I vibe with a character and find one for them. 🏳️‍🌈⚧️ Inclusion 🤝🌍 Tabletop Role Playing Games are for everyone, and I am dedicated to creating inclusive and welcoming spaces where players of all backgrounds and identities feel valued and represented. Regardless of race, gender, sexuality, ability, or belief, all are welcome to join the adventure. My goal is to break down barriers and build bridges, fostering a diverse and vibrant gaming community where everyone can come together to share in the joy of storytelling and exploration.