Mel! (she/her)
5.0
(7)
3 years on StartPlaying
35 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive
About me
I've been involved with RPGs since the early '90s -- with a bit of a hiatus in my thirties -- and I'm absolutely **loving** that we're in an a D&D Renaissance right now. What a time to be alive! What do I bring to the table as a GM? Thanks to an English Ph.D., I'm a teacher at heart. I particularly enjoy welcoming newcomers to the hobby, and helping them feel comfortable with the mechanics and structure of Dungeons and Dragons. I'm in love with the power of story, and rich characters. Fights and puzzles are definitely fun. But ultimately, I get wrapped up in the relationships and world we co-create at the table, from a single NPC's mannerisms to the reasons behind a interplanar war. For longer campaigns, I'm very big on Session Zero: it's important to get a feel for the other people at the table, and gauge whether this is a GM and group that you're in sync with. After all, it's a collaborative game! Nothing sucks the fun out of it faster than in-group fighting or deeply mismatched playstyles/expectations. If you book me for a campaign, be prepared for a free initial meet-and-greet. (For one-shots, we may have a shorter orientation conversation before beginning.) Think of it as a two-way "interview." We want to make sure we fit one another before investing time, effort, and/or money in gameplay! :-) Happy adventuring, all!
GM Style
I put the "GM Style" question to some of my current and past players. Their responses: "Creative, friendly, funny, adventurous." - G., female, 19. "Descriptive, detailed, fun! [She] put[s] a lot of effort into giving the characters and story a lot of depth." - H., female, 18. "Wry, irreverent, and intense." - M., female, 35. "An immersive dm with a deep world building style. Engages with player backstory but likes to throw a wrench into their plans. Darkly comic touches. Excellent handouts and materials ... I'd also add female-, enby-, trans-, and LGBTQ-friendly." - W., male, 39. ""Focus is on story, roleplay, and fun, but with enough crunch to keep wargamers happy." - M., male, 46. For more details, please see my reviews!
Games played
Game Master Reviews (7)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Inclusive
will
Played 32 sessions
I've been playing with Mel weekly for almost 6 months now. As a DM, she has a great balance of lighthearted fun and story development. She has a wealth of experience to pull from and works to create a game environment that engages everyone in the party. I played 2e (DM'ing) for years, and I've really enjoyed my weekly game with Mel as a way to get back into the hobby.
Bryce
Played 26 sessions
Mel has been incredibly welcoming to this first time player. She’s a fantastic storyteller and really strives to make e very one in the party feel important to the narrative.
Gremlin McCoy
Played 2 sessions
A wonderful GM with a real passion for the game. Sign up, you won't be disappointed. 10/10
Damien
Played 2 sessions
Great gm for my first time
Josh
Mel is really great at working characters' backstories into the campaign. She puts a lot of thought into this, and some of our best in-game experiences have come through connections with backstories. She also likes to build sandbox-style scenarios, with fun encounters that sometimes contain cool Easter eggs. Her NPCs are colorful and memorable. She's kind and upbeat and wants everyone in the party to have a chance to shine.
William
M. is a DM who committed to creating an immersive experience, using visual aids, music, and detailed NPCs to give you a real taste of the world. M. works closely with players and their goals for PCs while keeping lots of space for surprises. Also cares a great deal about multiple identities, and creates a safe space without sacrificing any enjoyment or sense of suspense. Highly recommend.
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