DM Raven (he/him)
5.0
(9)
3 years on StartPlaying
7 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Storytelling
About me
I'm a professional DM with over 30 years of experience running games from my homebrew world, "The World of Gaian." The world itself is about 20 years old (real time) and I’ve been running games professionally in it for over three years. In addition to this, I’ve worked in game design for several video game studios and even worked at Wizards of the Coast on several D&D projects. I love storytelling and game design, often trying to come up with new and unique mechanics to make the games I’m running more enjoyable and immersive. I find the best games are the ones where these aspects are both utilized to their fullest. My philosophy towards game design is to create challenging but enjoyable experiences where players can express themselves but still be constrained by the dangers of an immersive world. I believe in not just empowering individuals, but encouraging teamwork where skills are combined to creatively overcome challenges. I believe a good D&D game is facilitated best through teamwork and friendship, employing skills that can often carry over into the real world. At the end of the day, my job is to provide a fun experience for each player and the table as a whole. Suspension of disbelief is important to me, so I'm constantly trying to balance a believable world with fun gameplay. I want my players to feel immersed by the world and their RP, but I also want them to feel challenged by the gameplay aspects. When designing, I'm constantly balancing these factors against one another to try to create an immersive, challenging experience that players will enjoy in the moment and talk about later. I believe that a group's actions and choices should matter in the world. Therefore, I allow players to determine how a story plays out based on their decisions throughout the story. That's why each alternate reality of Gaian is far different from all the others because each group shapes their world differently depending on the decisions they've made throughout the story.
GM Style
I like to define my style as “structured sandbox.” I have events taking place in the world which I insert players into to see how they change things. I don't believe in creating set solutions to obstacles, rather, I create the obstacles and let players approach them using their skills and abilities. Part of the challenge of D&D is problem-solving using resources, skills, and creativity to find effective solutions to problems. I also try my best to work with the players to incorporate backstory and ideas into an ever-changing and growing world. I find I have the most success when players feel an investment in the world and what's happening.
Games played
Game platforms used
DM Raven's Games
Game Master Reviews (9)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Storytelling
Jurijs
I have been playing with Lou on and off for about 4 years now and it has always been a pleasure. Lou is able to drive the story and engage players unlike anyone else. You can also always count on him knowing the rules for fair and consistent ruling. World of Gaian where his games usually take place is very well developed with rich and unique history that is always interesting to explore. Also games are never a cakewalk, combats are challenging and victories feel rewarding. Overall 10/10 DM, highly recommended.
Daniel Goldin
Been playing with DM Raven for a while now and its my favorite and longest running campaign to date. The world and story he has crafted is extraordinary and going through it with my party has been an absolute blast filled with both epic and hilarious moments. 10/10 would recommend!!
Taylor Judd
I've been playing with Raven for 5ish years. He's a strong story teller and does an excellent job of bringing people of different backgrounds together. He understands how to guide folks through sharing the spotlight and makes sure everyone feels engaged in the campaign. A really great balance of exploration, combat, NPC interaction, and some puzzles. A great unique world that is both challenging and very engaging. I fully recommend checking out Raven and his World of Gaian.
Lord Reyku
I’ve been playing D&D with DM Raven for years now, and I can honestly say he’s one of the best Dungeon Masters I’ve ever had the pleasure of gaming with. His balanced style makes every session feel relaxed and fun, while still keeping things on track with the core Dungeons & Dragons rules, no crazy homebrew chaos here, just solid gameplay. What really sets him apart, though, is the incredible custom content he brings to the table. The maps, the lore, the sprawling world he’s built, it’s all so detailed and immersive that you can’t help but get sucked in. Beyond the games themselves, DM Raven’s Discord community has been a game changer for me. I’ve met some amazing people there and forged friendships that have lasted well beyond the campaigns. Whether it’s jumping into one of his fresh campaigns or diving deep into an ongoing saga, there’s always something exciting happening in his world. If you’re looking for a DM who knows how to balance fun, structure, and creativity, Raven’s your guy! Highly recommended!
Deliriam
I've played in DM Raven's games since Spring 2020. His homebrew world of Gaian is well-developed and his sandbox-style allows players and parties to make unexpected decisions and experience the consequences thereof. His stories are interesting and his rulings are balanced.
Xyridion XD
Played 7 sessions
I had alot of fun in the game with Raven. He was very experienced there was music the community was great. it was overall very fun.
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