Nico (he/him)
5.0
(73)
3 years on StartPlaying
977 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Knows the Rules
Average response time: 4 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
What's good, adventurers? I’m Nicolae, a full-time Dungeon Master with over 11,000 hours logged on Roll20 and about 1000 games run on StartPlaying. From mastering macros and APIs, introducing intrigue, to weaving tactical combat encounters, I bring depth and efficiency to every session. My goal is to deliver immersive storytelling where your characters truly shape the world—no two games are ever the same. Inclusivity and respect are at the heart of my table. I strive to ensure each player feels heard and has a genuine impact on the unfolding narrative. Whether you live for intense role-play, thrilling battles, or creative problem-solving, you’ll find a warm, open environment where you can shine. Beyond the tabletop, I’m a musician and producer pouring that same passion into my art. If you'd like a glimpse of my musical adventures, follow me on Instagram @musicbyNicolae. Dope. Now let's roll some initiative! Join me, and let’s create stories you’ll be talking about long after the dice have finished rolling.
GM Style
Refined GM Style Welcome to a world where every decision shapes the adventure! At my table, Roll20 isn’t just a platform—it’s a gateway to richly immersive experiences that transcend typical gameplay. I harness the power of API scripts and macros to ensure that our sessions are smooth, engaging, and tailored to amplify your enjoyment. Balancing the Pillars of D&D I am dedicated to maintaining a perfect equilibrium among the three foundational pillars of Dungeons & Dragons: combat, roleplay, and exploration. My encounters are thoughtfully designed to reflect both the immediate objectives and the pacing of our campaign, ensuring variety and relevance in each session. Enhancing Combat and Strategy While tactical combat is a thrilling aspect of D&D, I incorporate house rules to add grit and challenge, enhancing the excitement. I equip Player Characters with additional feats, skills, and Ability Score Improvements, preparing them for a campaign that demands cleverness and bravery. For those who relish a robust challenge, I embrace the concept of the "six encounter day," interspersing skill challenges and extended downtime to provide a well-rounded adventure. Tailored Experience and Progression My use of random tables and encounters ensures spontaneity, but the core of my games is always driven by your choices and their consequences. I reward experience points, allowing for organic character growth. New players start with less XP to integrate smoothly, but they still receive access to all the perks acquired by the party, fostering creative and unique character builds that have no problem keeping up, and eventually, being the team player you are, your XP will be on par with those there from the start! Supportive Onboarding New to D&D? No problem! I streamline the onboarding and character creation process, providing you with all the necessary tools, macros, and insights to confidently dive into your new campaign.
Games played
Game Master Reviews (73)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Knows the Rules
Peter
Played 17 sessions
Great DM, keeps the creativity flowing and the players on their toes.
Arturo
Played 7 sessions
Nico’s effortless style comes from a ton of experience and an open mind—rare gifts! Expect dynamic and challenging combat, immersion, and a relaxed yet precise and present vibe. And lots of fun!
T.
Played 18 sessions
Nico is an awesome DM who knows his stuff, creates a lot of room for player creativity/roleplay, and keeps the game fun. He's a master of the macros on Roll20 with a ton of dazzling effects that add to the game. And he's a really cool guy. Highly recommended!
Piv
Played 131 sessions
I have been with Nico for a little over 2 years now. Nico is knowledgeable in both the rules and the lore of D&D. If you enjoy powerful characters then you will like Nico's enhanced characer progression and he is really good at balanceing encouters despite the powerful characters. He has great voice acting and helps you feel immersed in the world. One thing to note is that he uses xp so not all PC's are the smae lvl but Nico has a nice system in place that helps even it out. One example is the player with the highest xp there xp is shaved off and given to the players with less xp. this prevents one PC from geting over lvled while at the same time helps the lesser ones catch up. This is definitely a DM I would recomend to others.
Jeff
Played 50 sessions
Fun again in the session. Nico is a master of adapting to his group's vibe and loves to dial it up for the fun of all. I really believe the key to a great DM is no ego, quick wit, and willingness to go the group's ride, just as the group is willing to go along with the DM's. Nico has all of this in spades. Thanks again, bud, you're the best.
Kofi
Played 6 sessions
I had the wonderful opportunity to try out SPG with Nico in his Ghost of Saltmarsh campaign. Nico is a skilled DM who has put a lot of time and effort into his craft, from the in-depth storylines to the behind the scenes Roll20 customizations. Nico is laidback, knowledgeable and creates an environment of true collaborative storytelling. But when you join an existing game you not only get the DM but the existing players, and I could not have asked for a better party to adventure with. Funny, considerate and with a zeal for roleplaying, I felt welcomed and included from the very beginning. I had a lot of fun and look forward to rejoining the Saltmarsh campaign (or any others that Nico is DMing) when my schedule allows.
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