Ria
she/her
5.0
(5)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Ria
I had the stereotypical terrible first experience with TTRPGs, with an unkind, unwelcoming, and too hardcore table, and figured it wasn't for me. Years later, a partner asked me to play in a game he was GM-ing, and I discovered I did actually love to play at the right table. A few years after that, my husband and some friends wanted to start a campaign, and I volunteered to GM. I was certainly ambitious, homebrewing an entire universe for this first game, but it was a blast and a great learning experience. After a full three-act story and almost four years, that campaign came to a natural close, and since then I've GM-ed another 2 full campaigns, 3 mini campaigns, and a one-shot, as well as playing in 5 other games, including D&D 5e, Pathfinder, Monster of the Week, Kids on Bikes, and Good Society. I've learned a lot as both a player and a GM, and I absolutely love TTRPGs as collaborative storytelling games. My other hat is as a fiction writer, and I think my love of stories is what drives my storytelling in TTRPGs as both a player and a GM. I love TTRPGs as a storytelling medium, and how everyone at the table plays an active part in shaping the story and taking characters on their journeys. Characters are at the heart of my games, and giving them satisfying stories is my priority.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, Creativity
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
When I'm not running games I'm...
writing stories inspired by fairytales, folklore, and mythology. I also knit, bake, read, play video games, and play with my cat, Knick Pnack!
How Ria runs games
I run roleplay-driven games, and I encourage players to let their characters interact with the world and each other as much as possible. I'll give you NPCs to engage with and drive the story, but my goal is to let the player characters shine. I ask for as much character information as you can give me beforehand, in order to craft a story tailored to the players and their characters. I try to stick to the rules as written, but I view the role of GM as being in service of the story; if something makes for a better story, I'm willing to be flexible. I want you to be able to use your cool stuff, so there'll be combat, but don't expect a combat-heavy campaign. I love to homebrew, and I'm flexible with creating items/feats/etc that suit your character to customise your experience. Before session 0, I'll ask everyone to fill out consent forms, and we'll discuss our safety settings and table agreements in session 0. I want my players to be comfortable and happy at the table, so I encourage players to communicate with me about what's working and what isn't. I view it as the GM's responsibility to ensure conflicts are resolved and problems are addressed, so please always feel free to come to me for help with anything. The games I run are always the players' stories; I view my role as the GM as being a facilitator. Ultimately, my goal is to make sure all my players have a great time crafting their own story. I hope you leave my table feeling the same way you do closing a great book.
Featured Prompts
If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...
Guillermo del Toro. Heavily inspired by fairytales, full of meaning in the smallest details, fulfilling and heart-warming in the end, if heart-wrenching along the way. And always willing to question what makes a monster, and who the real monsters are.
I prep by
finding out as much as I can from my players. Who is your character, what do they want, what do they not want, what secrets are in their past that you're comfortable with me playing with? I want my games to be as character-driven as possible, so I let players take the lead as much as I can.
Rules are...
working for me, and not the other way around! I do try to honour them when I think the situation calls for it, but I'm willing to bend the rules in service of a good story. I'm open to negotiation, but will take a stand when needed.
Ria's ideal table
If your aim is to make friends and create a great story together, you'll fit right in. My table focuses on roleplay, character interaction, character arcs, and exploring themes based on player preferences. I let characters drive my tables and I craft stories to fit what players and characters are seeking. An open mind and an open heart will be perfect at my table.
Featured Prompts
I am for a vibe that's...
cosy, funny, welcoming, and fun. Ultimately we are telling a story together, and I value collaboration and teamwork in making our story one we all enjoy telling.
I love it when a player
uses a spell or item in an interesting and creative way. I love to reward creativity, cleverness, and kindness.
My table is not the place for...
Hardcore rules lawyers, gritty grimdark vibes, or players looking for combat-heavy adventures. If you view this as a game to win or lose, we're not a good match. My table is for collaborative storytelling and aims to be a place that is safe and welcoming for beginners and experienced players alike.
Ria's Preferences
Systems