Ethan Van Akin (he/him)
5.0
(5)
4 years on StartPlaying
10 games hosted
About me
Ethan Van Akin Dungeon Master For Hire Born in '88 Ethan grew up with rpgs and jrpgs, with his father sharing a love for fantasy and classic stories of heroes overcoming all odds to save the day. However, with time, all fantasy is tempered, and this has developed and honed his Dungeon Mastering Style into one with high fantasy and high magic, combined with realistic combat and futuristic weapons. Deadly and intelligent enemies abound, threats that won't hesitate to use their deadliest weapons to their fullest potential combined with custom monsters sure to make any party quiver at initiative rolls. These things combined with thematic and interesting story elements create shared stories for the ages and build bonds between groups like few other tales can. Playing primarily Pathfinder Second Edition, Ethan has experience running multiple single-page party rpgs but tells the deepest tales using Pathfinder and its supplemental books combined with custom items and creatures. His stories tend to make its heroes feel as though they've earned their place on the pedestal amongst other fabled champions, while not quite the Dark Souls of DMs, be sure to bring a back-up character! https://www.reddit.com/user/PolyhedralDestiny Feel free to reach out to schedule games or discuss story options, Ethan is open to any setting or running pre-written games or a homebrew campaign if you have a setting you've always wanted to explore!
GM Style
I like to run my games with attention to the players and what they are looking for, my goal is a happy table! Want a beer-and-pretzels hangout game where you and your buddies have a bunch of laughs and smash some baddies? I'm your guy! I bring the humor and the fun and know how to bring a table to life. Want an in depth exploration of fantasy and magic where players use their character voices and really dig into their characters and their motivations incorporating backstories and ties to the world around you? I'm your guy! I can use voices and acting skills to build immersion to really buy into the world and live the life of your characters! My style specifically is that I enjoy following RAI and allow flexibility for fun but try to stick to the rules for combat, for players and enemies. I like to build the world around my players and always get feedback so subsequent sessions can be tailored to the wants of my players.
Games played
Game platforms used
Ethan Van Akin's Games
Game Master Reviews (5)
BearInPants
Mr. Van Akin has a very artful way to both his world building and his encounters. He makes challenges that are difficult yet very rewarding. His worlds and maps bring the setting to life. In addition, his re-flavoring of classic monsters and trials bring a nostalgia I just love. I have enjoyed every single session I have played and eagerly look forward to the next.
M. den Hartigh
Playing at Ethan's table is something I can recommend to any player looking for a fun challenge and a genuinely enjoyable atmosphere, which he maintains with a very open and personal touch and by welcoming feedback that really makes you feel like you're playing the game alongside your DM, rather than against him. - Being bi and nonbinary, I was apprehensive about joining a table with a bunch of randos from the internet. But Ethan knows how to make a fun and inclusive space for his players to play in. His worlds feel rich and alive. His stories will have you contemplating your actions and their possible ramifications. And whether you won by playing smart, or died because things went wrong, his encounters, difficult though they may seem, always feel fair. If you have the opportunity to get him to run a game for you and your friends, or there is a slot open at his table, get in there. Because he puts in the work, and you're the ones who are going to get to enjoy that.
Mister Gville
Ethan has been a stellar DM. He really makes sure each of the players understand anything he's storytelling. All while creating a very welcoming and collaborative environment to play in; as a gay gamer he made a point to state "the table" was an inclusive safe place for everyone. Leaving himself available for feedback if any player needs to. Ethan has prepared an arsenal of tools that he let's the players have access to, and is willing to alter them based on player needs/wants. This even sprawls out to homebrew and character development if a player needs help. It's been great to play at Ethan's table and would definitely recommend 100%
Paige Remde
Ethan is a great DM! The stories have large impacts but there's always room for humor. Be prepared for fun and difficult encounters!
SpclAgntDanaZoe
Ethan has been my DM for multiple campigns/one-shots for the last two years and I've watched his storyteller skills improve exponentially. He takes his time to meticulously build the world, and is amazing at improv, as well. He's always developing new ways to torture, I mean, entertain his players. I am constantly in awe of his skill. He has been DMing a group of DMs for the last couple months and everyone looks forward to the next session! When I wanted to change to a different character, he found an emotional and memorable way to end the character's storyline that furthered the story. He also loves weaving in character backstories to enhance the main plot and make the world feel more real to us. I never have to worry that my time will be wasted.
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