Shelley
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About Shelley
I'm a neurodivergent non-binary pal who loves creating fantasy worlds that players can immerse themselves in. One of my favourite things to do is to adapt when players do something completely unexpected. I've been a GM since my very first session of D&D and I love it. My games are inclusive and LGBTQIA+ friendly, I want to make sure everyone at the table feels safe and can have fun. I've dealt with party dynamics problems and conflict, and feel confident I can do this in a respectful way. I've run sessions for beginners as well as experienced players and I've also taught completely new players how to play D&D. I love to role play and use voices/accents (some good, some not so much). I enjoy helping players craft backstories that are part of the campaign so they truly feel like part of the world. I mainly play D&D 5e, but am also interested in other systems like Daggerheart, Call of Cthulhu, Lasers & Feelings, Deadlands and Blades in the Dark.
At a glance
1 year on StartPlaying
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I've always been interested in ttrpgs and after I ran my first game, I was hooked. Being able to tell stories and see people explore their creativity and imagination makes me very happy.
My favorite shows/movies are
it varies, but recently my favourite movie is KPop Demon Hunters, I'm not really a KPop fan, but I love well animated movies. Sony has been doing really well on that front lately (also with the Spider-Verse movies).
When I'm not running games I'm...
drawing or playing video games. I like bouldering and hiking too.
How Shelley runs games
Roleplay: I love to craft stories that involve players' characters and help them become a part of the world. I enjoy roleplaying and encourage it at the table, giving everyone a chance to be creative and have fun. Combat: I stick closer to the rules when it comes to combat and add extra elements to encounters to make things more dynamic (terrain, time factors, hazards, traps and more). Combat is only high stakes if that's what players want. Rule of Cool takes precedence. Social: I'm an adaptable GM, which is why I run a Session 0 and do regular checkin's with players. It's important for me to know what players want from their game, what they like and what they want to avoid. I want people to enjoy the game they play, so I create an open space for feedback and for players to try new things.
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
in which the party Paladin (level 6) got slapped in the face by an Ancient White Dragon (this creature is waaaaay too strong for level 6). In my defence, the party was drunk and stole part of the Dragon's hoard... they got off easy.
Rules are...
good for managing the world, but can be bent. If you do something cool that makes sense, I'll happily bend the rules.
When it comes to voices
I enjoy doing them, but I'm no voice actor, I just have fun and do my best. Players are most welcome to do the same at my table if they like.
Shelley's ideal table
Players who love storytelling and role play will fit well at my table. This includes players who are not experienced with role play, but would like to try it out and get more comfortable with it. There is no pressure to be an actor or do voices, just do what feels fun. The vibe at my table follows the story. Serious or dangerous moments take on those elements. However, I always keep things light above table. It's important that players separate what happens in-game from above table. I encourage players to be creative and try out things, if you feel like swinging from a chandelier to do a backflip onto the shoulders of your enemy, I won't stop you, but you WILL roll for it.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
does something I wasn't expecting and didn't plan for, it makes my brain work in the best way.
I think metagaming...
should be kept to a minimum and is okay above table. If you know something, but your character does not, we will always go with your character's knowledge.
I think min/maxing...
is fine within reason. If a character ends up far surpassing the rest of the party, it becomes incredibly difficult to manage combat encounters, so I usually buff the rest of the party with crazy magic items.
Shelley's Preferences
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