Alex (Weirdlyllama)
she/her
5.0
(3)
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Identity
About Alex (Weirdlyllama)
My first experience with TTRPGs was a heavily homebrewed DnD campaign. From the first Nat 20, I knew I was hooked. I specifically loved the goosebumps I'd get when a single roll would determine the course of an entire battle. I played DnD in various campaigns and one-shots for four years after that. I realized that I craved more heart-pounding moments and the feeling of desperation. So I looked for a system that would cater to similarly minded folks and found Call of Cthulhu. I love running games. I still play various systems, DnD, Daggerheart, etc. But my one true love is seeing the excitement (and fear) from players unraveling a mystery.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Teacher, Storytelling, Inclusive
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
When I couldn't find a CoC GM. I made my friends sit down for a game as my birthday present. It was long, confusing, and went about as well as most first games do. But despite that, I loved the game. I took all the feedback and used it for my next game, and then the next game, and the next...
My favorite shows/movies are
Slasher horror flicks like Saw, and Final Destination. I also like fictionalized crime shows like Criminal Minds.
When I'm not running games I'm...
Playing in them! I love learning new systems because every game can teach me something new about GMing. It also means I know what it's like to be the new person at the table.
How Alex (Weirdlyllama) runs games
Characteristics of Games I Run: * Player satisfaction + The Story > Historical Accuracy. * Levity and horror are next-door neighbors. * Roleplay is encouraged * Combat is used sparingly * I love new players! Whether that's new to Call of Cthulhu or TTRPG!
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
With only one player. I had to guide them to clues more often (but more covertly) than in a typical game since there aren't others to brainstorm with. They solved the mystery and had a good time. I learned a lesson in showing, not telling. Now my other games are better for it.
I prep by
Considering the big reveal and working backward. What clues are left at the scene? What signs are seen from 100 yards away? What do faraway people know or witness? Players should know what's at the end of the tunnel as soon as they reach the entrance. After all, what's scarier than a certain death?
When it comes to voices
I'm not the best, but I make up for it in other ways. When talking to NPCs I display their picture so you know who is talking. I also make their personalities distinct from one another.
Alex (Weirdlyllama)'s ideal table
I aim for a relaxed table where everyone feels they can get a beer from the fridge and laugh along with new friends. People are encouraged to reference their characters in terms of movie characters, and someone proudly informs the group of a cool historical tidbit that relates. Then when the horror starts to set in, everyone locks in, and only quick strategical communication is used. Hoping their efforts will save them from a terrible fate. By games end, everyone’s smiling at the result, whether that’s was a total win or a TPK. And they find they forgot to finish their beer.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
… pushing buttons just to see what happens…
I love it when a player
Makes the game their own. I love when they tell me how their character’s family/friends would act. Or when they use improvised weapons that would reasonably exist in the location. I try to give a lot of creative freedom and reward greatly for taking the initiative.
My table is not the place for...
Hate. I believe in vintage style, not vintage values. So even though some CoC games are set in the 1920s, racism, sexism, homophobia, and similar ideologies aren't welcome. If an adventure touches on such ideas, I will clearly disclose it. Also, mods can be made for player safety and enjoyment.
Alex (Weirdlyllama)'s Preferences
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