Maiia

Meet a GM: Maiia

Our professional Game Masters are an awesome group of people, ready to facilitate an amazing game experience for you. What’s it like being at their tables? And what do they love most about running TTRPGs? We asked our GMs these questions and more. Get to know our Game Masters in our Meet a GM series!
GM Maiia at the table

When did you start playing TTRPGs?

I think I was playing since 17! My first ever D&D session was actually an improv: I was staying at my friends’ place after pride march in Kyiv, and out of boredom we started planning our mini-campaign.

When did you start playing TTRPGs?

I have been GMing since January 2023, with my volunteer organized play group. My first adventure was Journey through Radiant Citadel.

What kinds of games do you run (in terms of theme & genre)?

I love a good mystery, especially a small town horror where I get to add all those quirky local denizens! Aside from this, I love a good campy sci-fi, or experimenting with non-conventional fantasy settings.

Where do you fall on a balance of combat/rp/puzzle/exploration, etc?

I usually try to balance them all out, but I sway a lot towards a roleplay/exploration element. I often build the module the way players can solve it without a single combat encounter.

What's one of your favorite NPCs you've ever created?

I love Aubrey Silverbane, captain of werewolf pirates. She is a morally grey middle aged woman whose past mistakes still shake small towns. If you ever meet an older lady with a pipe and pet corgi in my game- don’t hesitate to say hello!

What's your favorite TTRPG system to run? What's your favorite to play?

I love running lasers and feelings: it is beautifully elegant in design, and has very fun aesthetic. I love playing D&D, though. Nothing is better than a good power fantasy after office work!

What's a memorable moment you've had at the table?

I am still very proud of one of my puzzles that is a birth date of a scientist person in story. It is tricky to figure out, but solution is so easy the players reaction is always impeccable.

What's your favorite monster?

Honestly, a humble dragon. They come with very distinct theming and behavior, and meshed with a good lair and henchpeople they create a solid adventure.

What snack/beverage pairs best with gaming?

Dark beer and french fries.

What's your favorite thing about running TTRPGs?

I love sheer creativity and collaboration that comes from it. Anyone can be anything, and for a lot of people it creates a safe space to explore and introspect.

GM Maiia runs a game at flying fox

Why are you excited to run games with Crystal Sword Games?

I love the community! Sara, Jett, DMs, and players are so so cool meeting each of them is like a small Christmas present!

Why should people sign up for your games?

I am an emissary of chaos, who never abandons responsibility to say Yes And. If you enjoy wild magic, absurd humor, evil women, and goblin polycules, my table is for you!

Do you have any games/campaigns coming up you'd like to say more about?

Great question! This Sunday (October 11th 2026), I am starting my campaign “Bone Affaire.” The story starts from players waking up as skeletons, and explores existentialism and class consciousness through lens of spooktacular shenanigans around city-state of Korvum.

Any other fun facts about you or your games you'd like to share?

I draw a lot of inspiration from Eastern and Central Europe culture 🙂 in fact, some NPCs are based on people I’ve met before growing up in Ukraine, as well as famous writers and scientists of the region.

Want to play a game with GM Maiia?

See their upcoming games below!