Greetings, fellow adventurers! I am Nedrapter, but you may call me Ned. Within the realm of tabletop role-playing games, I am known as the creator of the captivating homebrew fantasy world, known as the Lands of Arda, or simply Arda for brevity. I have dedicated a decade of my life to the intricacies of TTRPGs and the broader RPG sphere, where my journey has culminated in the esteemed role of a professional Game Master since the year 2020.
In days of yore, I toiled within the confines of an architectural office, allowing me the leisure of participating in a game or serving as Dungeon Master at a rate of perhaps one game every fortnight. Yet, it was a life bereft of fulfillment. The arrival of the Covid pandemic ushered in a new chapter, one filled with more free hours and a deepened passion for TTRPGs. Recognizing the call for high-quality games, dependable gaming groups, and steadfast Dungeon Masters who wouldn't falter due to their real-world obligations, I embarked on a quest to offer my services in a professional capacity, for a fee.
At the inception of this endeavor, the concept seemed peculiar, though not entirely foreign to me. Doubt lingered, uncertain of its prospects for success. Yet, four years hence, I stand before you as a full-time Game Master, orchestrating a remarkable tally of 9-12 adventures each week. This newfound vocation fills me with unparalleled joy and satisfaction. Each dawn heralds eager anticipation, as I venture beyond the confines of my abode to fulfill my role. Such sentiment had eluded me until this remarkable juncture.
Lands of Arda represents my third and most expansive homebrew creation, a world born in the year 2016 as an ambitious expansion of my prior setting. Swiftly, it took on a life of its own, distinguishing itself as a unique realm. Within its diverse landscapes and epochs, I craft homebrew campaigns, each unfolding in different locales and eras. On occasion, I venture to intertwine official adventures with the tapestry of Arda, should their narratives prove enticing to my sensibilities.
My first homebrew world, in 4th edition, back in 2010 when we still played around a physical table.
Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition stands as my most popular choice of game system, boasting unparalleled favor among players. While I hesitate to declare it my absolute favorite, its widespread appeal cannot be denied. Nevertheless, the design of 5e has presented its fair share of challenges upon my gaming tables throughout the years. Homebrew modifications have become an essential tool in rectifying these issues and forestalling the emergence of similar obstacles. Consequently, you shall discover a plethora of homebrew additions and alterations in the realm of D&D 5e, all meticulously curated to enhance the gaming experience.
In crafting these epic adventures, my philosophy centers heavily on the twin pillars of immersion and cohesion. I ardently aspire for my players to not merely engage with, but to wholeheartedly believe in the "Reality" of my meticulously crafted fantasy worlds. My aim is to render these realms comprehensible and coherent, thus enabling players to fully submerge themselves in their roles and unleash the boundless potential of their characters.
In pursuit of this lofty goal, I hold steadfast in ensuring that rules and mechanics remain crystal clear and universally comprehensible across all tables under my purview. It is my fervent desire that player characters who traverse the multifaceted landscape of Lands of Arda, or any other realm I conjure, discern a harmonious consistency that unites their experiences. Through the auspices of Foundry Virtual Tabletop (VTT), I orchestrate a symphony of simplification, imbuing our virtual gatherings with the essence of a physical gaming table, replete with convenient calculations and an array of visual enhancements that bring the immersive experience to life.
The ease of having multiple scenes, lighting, sounds and battlemaps that emulate token's sight, are some of the wonders VTTs have.
In the expansive expanse of my homebrew setting, there always exists ample opportunity for players to contribute their own creative elements. I wholeheartedly encourage participants to weave threads of lore, breathe life into NPCs of their own design, and enrich the very fabric of the Lands of Arda, thereby etching their unique imprint upon its storied history.
These grand adventures find their stage upon the digital realm of Startplaying.games, where the intricate orchestration of our sessions unfolds. The administrative aspects, including session fees, are seamlessly handled through this platform upon your registration. Therein, you shall discover a treasure trove of my games, each with available slots awaiting your presence. From this portal, you may reserve your seat for forthcoming adventures. The fee structure typically ranges between $25 and $35, contingent upon the type, duration, and timing of the game.
In embarking upon these epic journeys, you shall discover a world where immersion and cohesion reign supreme, beckoning you to partake in tales of boundless wonder and unparalleled imagination.