Matthew

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Neurodivergent

Artist

About Matthew

With a vivid imagination that often drew me into fantasy worlds, I was captivated by Dungeons & Dragons the moment I discovered it. I quickly stepped up to lead our sessions, falling in love with the role, not just for the creative challenge, but for the responsibility of bringing players’ stories to life. Over the years, I’ve run many RPG systems and groups, and my passion for collaborative storytelling remains as strong as ever. I care deeply about the characters my players create, ensuring each challenge feels meaningful and reveals something unique about their journey. RPGs have always been more than entertainment for me; they’ve been a safe space. As a queer person, they’ve allowed me to explore and understand identity and gender, while creating a sense of belonging for everyone involved. It’s a team effort, and that’s something I cherish.

At a glance

5 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Teacher

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

Because it was the perfect outlet for shared creativity and social connections, all centered around something so personal to everyone involved.

My favorite shows/movies are

Always shifting, especially with how quickly streaming services pilot and cancel new content. That said, the media that shaped me includes Star Wars, Batman: The Animated Series, Xena, Buffy, Supernatural, Conan, Willow, The Dark Crystal, The Last Unicorn, She-Ra, He-Man, and ThunderCats.

When I'm not running games I'm...

Playing video games (from Baldur's Gate 3 to The Sims 4), building Lego sets with my husband, keeping up with Rupaul's Drag Race, watching the latest horror movies, watching comedic commentary videos on YouTube, painting miniatures, and spending quality time with my cats (Bigby and Kanan).

How Matthew runs games

In my games, you can expect a blend of character-driven roleplay and high-stakes action. The heart of any campaign is the characters and their growth. I love watching them evolve through their choices, flaws, and relationships. The story is shaped by what the characters do, not a set plotline. I focus on balancing story and action to ensure every moment matters, whether it’s navigating social situations, solving puzzles, or diving into tough battles. Flexibility is key to keeping the experience immersive, fun, and meaningful.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

Siding with the player if the rule isn’t easily accessible, as I prefer not to interrupt the game’s flow. After the session, I’m open to discussing the rule and clarifying it for future sessions. Rules I’m firm about serve the narrative or are grounded in common sense.

I once ran a session...

Where players were stuck in a Groundhog Day loop, an even more interesting twist since it took place in a Curse of Strahd campaign.

My games focus on...

Moral ambiguity, the consequences of actions, political intrigue, mystery, personal stakes, and combat encounters that challenge players' skills.

Matthew's ideal table

Players who enjoy roleplay, exploring their character’s backstory, and engaging with the world will fit right in. I appreciate players who are engaged, collaborative, and open to meaningful character development. There’s room for fun, humor, and drama, but mutual respect for time and comfort is always a priority. If you’re into a balance of character growth and a little chaos, you’ll likely enjoy my table.

Featured Prompts

I am for a vibe that's...

Immersive, collaborative, and full of character-driven moments. I want players to feel part of a living, breathing world where their decisions matter. It’s about striking a balance between drama, humor, and action while ensuring everyone is having fun and working together.

I love it when a player

Provides a list of bullet points about their character’s history instead of a full novel. It leaves room for growth and discovery while giving me a sense of what they want to explore without boxing them into anything too specific.

My table is not the place for...

Lone wolf characters. While tension and drama between characters can create compelling moments, ultimately, the party is a team and should strive to work together as one.