Nikola | Podlox

he/him

5.0

(8)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

About Nikola | Podlox

Well met, adventurers! I’ve been GM-ing for about 10 years now, and in that time I’ve run everything from gritty dungeon crawls to high-stakes space operas. While Dungeons & Dragons 5e is my mainstay, I’ve also loved exploring a wide range of systems, including Star Wars FFG, Daggerheart, Witcher RPG, and Call of Cthulhu (with a few others sprinkled in along the way). Each game system offers something unique, and I enjoy adapting my style to fit the kind of story my players want to tell. At the core, I see TTRPGs as collaborative storytelling. I love helping players bring their characters to life, crafting worlds that react to their choices, and building memorable moments that we’ll be talking about long after the session ends. Whether it’s heart-pounding combat, deep roleplay, or lighthearted shenanigans, I aim to create a space where everyone feels engaged, excited, and safe to play. If you’re looking for a GM who’s flexible, enthusiastic, and just as invested in your character’s journey as you are, I’d be honored to help bring your adventure to life.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

7 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Sets the Mood

Featured Prompts

My favorite books are

I’m a huge fan of Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere — The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn especially. I love how he builds worlds full of deep lore, intricate magic systems, and morally complex characters. I’ve also enjoyed The Lord of the Rings, The First Law Trilogy, and The Green Bone Saga.

My favorite shows/movies are

Grew up on Marvel and Star Wars, still keep up. Big fan of shows like Dark, Sandman, Fallout, and From, plus classics like LOTR, Harry Potter, and Game of Thrones. Basically, give me epic worlds and I’m in.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

Creative, engaging, and adaptable — I build campaigns full of roleplay, tension, and space for players to shape the story.

How Nikola | Podlox runs games

My GM style leans heavily into roleplay and collaborative storytelling. I love giving players space to really embody their characters, explore who they are, and shape the world around them with their choices. Backstories matter, character decisions have consequences, and I enjoy weaving those elements into the larger narrative so every player feels like the story is truly theirs. I keep my games fast-paced and cinematic, and while combat does happen, it’s not about strict grids or rules-heavy precision. Instead, I prefer dynamic, story-driven encounters where creativity, clever ideas, and the rule of cool often carry more weight than rigid mechanics. This keeps the action fun, fluid, and exciting without slowing the game down. Overall, you can expect a flexible and player-focused table: lots of roleplay, memorable character moments, and a world that responds to your choices. My goal is always to create an engaging, collaborative story where everyone gets their spotlight.

Featured Prompts

I once ran a session...

I once ran a session where a simple tavern night spiraled into a trial by combat, a courtroom drama, and a heist — all because the players wouldn’t back down from one insult.

Rules are...

Rules are important, but the story comes first. I keep the game fair, but if breaking a rule makes for a better roleplay moment or epic scene, I’ll do it.

When it comes to voices

When it comes to voices, I’ll give NPCs their own flavor — sometimes serious, sometimes silly — but always to help bring the world to life.

Nikola | Podlox's ideal table

My table is all about immersive storytelling, creative problem-solving, and high-stakes adventures. Players who love roleplay, character development, and making meaningful choices will fit best here. I encourage collaboration, clever strategies, and improvisation — the story evolves with the players. The general vibe is engaging, dramatic, and fun. I mix intense moments with lighter, humorous scenes, and I’m happy to adjust rules if it makes the game more exciting or keeps the story flowing. Combat, puzzles, and social encounters all get equal weight, so players who like a mix of tactics and storytelling will feel right at home. I love when players take initiative, explore their characters’ motivations, and contribute to worldbuilding, but there’s no pressure to act or perform — just bring your creativity and willingness to dive into the story. Expect surprises, twists, and moments where your choices really matter.

Featured Prompts

If you're into ___, you're going to love my table

If you’re into high-stakes adventures, rich worldbuilding, and deep roleplay, you’re going to love my table.

I love it when a player

I love it when a player fully embraces their character, takes creative risks, and makes bold choices that shape the story — the kind of moments that make every session memorable and high-stakes.

I think metagaming...

I think metagaming happens, but I encourage roleplay first. Creative thinking is great, but the fun comes from letting your character react to the world, not just what you, as a player, know.