Tantris
n/a
5.0
(13)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Tantris
Ever since I was young stories about epic quests, brave (and sometimes not-so-brave) heroes triumphing over fearsome creatures and dreadful foes have mesmerized me. Finding out about tabletop role-playing games changed the way I saw fantasy. The change from static narration to being involved in the world and story blew me away. Since that first session on my friend's back porch in the summer heat, I have played and run several systems, campaigns lasting several years of weekly games, and experienced all kinds of worlds. So far I have introduced over 2 dozen new players to Dungeons and Dragons, Shadowrun and Pathfinder, and I would love to bring this experience to as many new players as I can. My campaigns include things like fully soundtracked adventures, all maps custom made by me, and a loose, friendly atmosphere at the table. I am available for specific game requests in addition to my posted offerings. I can run games in various fantasy settings, sci-fi, cyberpunk, and space operas. If I do not know the system you want to use, I can study it prior to game start, I am always happy to learn a new system!
At a glance
2 years on StartPlaying
358 games hosted
Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Storytelling
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I love world-building and creating interesting scenarios for characters to engage in. Used to write short stories and novellas, but learned that I could make games out of the stories and get other people involved too. Seeing/hearing the expressions from players as a plot twist hooks them is so fun!
My favorite books are
The Dresden Files, The Wheel of Time, The Black Jewels Trilogy, and The first 4 Dune books.
When I'm not running games I'm...
Writing, playing my bass guitar, or working on one of the small indie game dev projects I am involved with. I am first and foremost, a full-time GM. After that, I focus mostly on writing interesting stories and making fun video games.
How Tantris runs games
At my table you can expect to have a balanced blend of roleplay, exploration, and combat. I encourage creative solutions to the puzzles and challenges that I present in play, and am always down to commit to the bit. My puzzles come in the form of riddles, pictograms, and seeing how many rolls the party will make before anyone tries to open the perfectly normal door. Character voices are a big part of my roleplaying style both as a player and GM, and I will absolutely ham it up at times. When it comes to combat, I am firmly in the camp of PC death should really only be a threat during critical battles and design my encounters that way. PCs should feel like the heroes they are against regular enemies, and then sweat bullets against the bosses.
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
that I wasn't expecting to run, and instead of having prep I ran encounters based on what I drew from themed Magic the Gathering decks! It worked out surprisingly well and the GM I was filling in for adopted a similar system for travelling.
My games focus on...
collaborative storytelling and engaging challenges to overcome. From esoteric riddles, to pictograms, all the way to tactical combat against extreme threats, my games strive to provide a balance of roleplay and exploration with deep, satisfying battles.
When it comes to voices
I like to just go for it with fun voices and accents. I don't care if I sound goofy or silly, I'm here to make this fun and engaging! After years of being a theatre kid and doing improv I am not going to shy away from it now!
Tantris's ideal table
My tables aim for a blend of serious storytelling with wit and whimsy. Players who want to be immersed in the world and in their character's mindset while still enjoying banter and humor around the table will find themselves at home here. The hard "no"s of my table are simple: -No giving orders to the other players at the table -No trying to force another player character out of their role -No real world political discussions
Featured Prompts
I am for a vibe that's...
relaxed and natural, with jokes flowing in all directions while a great story grows from those interactions.
I love it when a player
gets really invested in roleplay and draws the rest of the table in.
My table is not the place for...
Real world politics or drama. We're all here to have a good time, and bringing up divisive subjects just kills the mood.
Tantris's Preferences
Systems
Platforms
Game Mechanics