Shiv

he/they

5.0

(6)

Timezone

Europe/rome

Language

English

Italian

Identity

Educator

Multi-lingual

No Gen AI

About Shiv

Heyo, I'm Shiv! I've been playing D&D for over a decade now, and I've been enamored ever since. I have also branched out to other systems, to learn lessons from all of them that i can bring to the table. I tend to really take to heart what my players tell me about the game, and I make sure everyone at the table has a say AND has fun. My favourite moment at the table is when everyone is screaming for a roll and tension rises until they all erupt with emotions. I love to see my friends and players have fun and succeed. I truly believe that as the GM you should always challenge your players while being their first and best fan. Because of this difficult balance of challenge and heroism, I tend to check up on my players often, especially in the beginning of a campaign, to ensure that what was discussed outside of the table is being implemented at the table. I've had experience as a tutor and teacher so I like to teach new people how to play RPGs together, so I have an easy time explaining the rules and helping players create characters that best fit their ideas.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Beginner Friendly, Knows the Rules

$20 per session

Featured Prompts

I ran my first game...

During a Oneshot in 3.5e in my friend's world. I just had read what a Deck of Many Things was... You can piece together the rest!

I started running games because...

I love using TTRPGs as my creative outlet, and having fun with friends, creating something together at the table is unrivaled!

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

Inclusive Diligent Cooperative

How Shiv runs games

My strongest side is the improvisation I need to get into when things inevitably go off the rails. I always have something ready in my mind. My tables like to keep me on my toes, and I've now practiced enough that I know whatever they throw at me, I can handle. I like a mix of things, roleplay and combat alike, to show my players that they can't always solve every problem with a sword. What I usually do is set the scene, describe a situation, dungeon, roleplay scene, and then let the players go at it. Almost anything at my table can be solved by asking a question or two. That means the players are centre stage in all my campaigns. I know the rules very well, but I use them to help us tell the story, not to stop us from having fun.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

talking to my players. Usually I give a ruling and go on, and before next session we can see what to do about that ruling. 99% of issues can be solved by letting the player read aloud their ability and deciding together what makes sense in the moment.

I prep by

Reviewing what happened last session, what was done and what was not, how to integrate it better for the next adventure, and I prepare sections for every single player and their backstory.

My games focus on...

A mix of everything. As a multi-system GM, i tend to gravitate towards what that system runs like. I love mysteries and political intrigue. For D&D, if I had to choose, I focus on exploration, combat and some roleplay here and there.

Shiv's ideal table

Inclusive, friendly table that can sometimes crack jokes but still keep on rolling with the adventure. I do not condone bigotry in any way, shape, or form. I do not use AI for any of my games, and I expect my players to do the same. At my table, most people are welcome if they behave like an adult and are there to have fun. Respecting each other's boundaries and time, especially at a paid table is tantamount to a good experience. That is the most important rule. I like a table that plays off of each other's scenes and helps each other bring the best out of their characters. Sometimes i nudge players in that direction until it happens a bit more organically.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

takes initiative describing what they see, and wants to integrate their character into the story in an organic way.

I think metagaming...

is a good thing when done right. What's better than the reveal that the paladin was evil? Knowing they're about to betray you but never know when! OOOOH the AGONY!

My table is not the place for...

bigotry