

Dave (he/him)
5.0
(26)
5 years on StartPlaying
362 games hosted
Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Knows the Rules
About me
Wow, what an interesting journey I've been on when it comes to running games on Start Playing. I joined up when it first started, and it's amazing to see how it's grown. I'm a school teacher by day and have no problems teaching people the game systems I run. I started playing Advanced Dungeons and Dragons in the 70's when I was around 10 and fell in love with it. I really got more into RPGs in my later teen years and started to gamemaster for my friends for all kinds of systems. As time went by, I was sanctioned through FASA when they were in business. Shadowrun always has a place in my heart. I was approved to write for Decipher when they controlled "The Lord of the Rings" RPG, but never was published. I've also play tested for Ars Magica in the past. As a gamemaster, I feel that games are driven by players. They are the stars of the game and I give them challenging obstacles to overcome. My over all style is that where I present the game to the players and let them solve the conflict. I also want players to have fun! It is a game after all, and it should be enjoyable. I let the group decide if they want more roleplaying, more combat, or puzzles. I like them all, I try to stay flexible. I'm also a school teacher by day. I am use to helping people learn, and have taught people different systems in the past. I love introducing people to new games and I have no problems walking you through tutorials before you play the game! I've ran games meant for young teens, to families, to a mature audience. I like to think of my rating around "PG-13" when it comes to content.
GM Style
My style is more about world immersion. I want the players to feel that they can sense where they are at. If I'm running Shadowrun, I want them to feel as if they can sense the neon lights hitting their skin. If they are playing Call of Cthulu, I want them to feel the suspense as if they were reading a Lovecraft story. I tend to stay away from high end tactical combat situations though I do view combat as the icing on the cake to games. Roleplay is encouraged! I prefer descriptions of events and locations on my end. I'm not a "rules lawyer", but I realize that it is a game and that the majority of rules should be followed. Any house rules will get discussed in advanced, and if a rule changes it will be based upon mutual agreement.
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (26)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Teacher
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Dave is simply a wonderful DM, there is no doubt his focus is on ensuring the group has a rewarding experience. We are a group of adults and their children and as other can attest this mix can often be a challenge. Dave is teacher in the real world and this shows in his ability to indulge the kids while ensuring the adults are still engaged and challenged. He makes it fun for everyone and there is no doubt in my mind he is at the center of why we are so tight and have retain our core group for so long. He offers flexibility and fairness and will always ensure their are opportunities for roleplaying and combat (again looking at the desire of the group). His knowledge of the game is strong, but even when we find a crack in his knowledge he is quick to find a reasonable solution. So I would highly recommend Dave and hope others are able to enjoy his campaigns as much as we have.
He was incredibly communicative, made himself available to answer questions leading up to the session, and was beyond patient with a newbie like me, diving into a *very* complicated class for my first time ever playing the system. It was one of the most welcoming experiences I've ever had in roleplaying, hands down.
Dave knock it out of the park last night so I'll highlight the really great parts. I loved how much effort he clearly put into it from just keeping communication up to date via email, taking time to sit one on one to set up characters and answer questions before hand and teach the game as we played. Clearly a vast knowledge of the world helped us feel immersed, as well as his personality and fellow players making it comfortable to get into character. Kept it fun and enjoyable the whole time, even just chatting about ourselves really put nerves of playing with complete strangers to bed. To top it off nothing ( that was within reason) was off the table to try even as we took the game in an unexpected direction a few times as players. Definitely considering making this a monthly thing if possible! And assuming Dave you read this thanks again for a fun night!
Dave (and Dan) do an excellent job coordinating various sized groups and making sure everyone has the opportunity to have fun and feel included in the game. He is very patient and does a wonderful job teaching new players the mechanics and yet leaving the choice open to them on how to move forward. He is also accommodating with D&D veterans on play style and encouraging role play. He does a great job balancing the various aspects of the game and making the whole experience enjoyable for everyone
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