
Branden The Bard (he/him)
5.0
(39)
2 years on StartPlaying
265 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Rule of Cool
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
I have had 19 years of experience with Tabletop Role Playing games (TTRP), 14 of which I have been a Dungeon Master (DM). I have been creating my own content for years, but I also use official Dungeons & Dragons publications for my stories. I flexibly cater my playstyle to my group, customizing each campaign to ensure each new adventure is unique. I prioritize the “rule of cool” to make all players feel like heroes and further enhance their experience. I own both D&D 5th edition source material, as well as Roll20 content, giving my players an array of material to choose from.
GM Style
I am a “Story Teller” when it comes to my approach to be the Game Master (GM). I prioritize planning and working with inspiring backstories to give my players the ultimate experience. I bring engagement to the table with unique voices and expressions and strive to nurture character development. I embrace creativity from my players and reward those who think outside of the box. I use an assortment of both official D&D content and my own homebrew material to create a personalized and refreshing adventure for each group of players.
Game platforms used
Branden The Bard's Games
Game Master Reviews (39)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Rule of Cool
Well prepped with content and materials allow for smooth gameplay and roleplay; no lengthy pauses searching for info. Set ground rules up front to cut off possible future conflicts and set expectations for the game. Enjoyed the enthusiasm of his narration and delivery of material. Would play again!
First time playing online and Branden has made it a awesome experience! His "Rule of Cool" in his 100% Homebrewed games allows user to come up with amazing ideas and if you can make it convincing, Branden will most likely allow it. E.G. Our Fighter is semi-possessed for using a cursed weapon which also grants him unique powers. Our Paladin is using a skeleton hand with a beholder's eye as a weapon. Even in battle, wacky thing's can happen if you roll a Nat 1. My magical weapon got stuck in boss during a fight and made him even more powerful...then ran away, so we had to hunt them down!! Outside of combat, your characters are not just in the story, they are the story. Once Branden understands your character and what they want to be, he will take that info and create stories that reflect your character to add on to the main quest at hand. Overall, My experience with Branden has been nothing short of fantastic and I'd recommend him for new or experience players alike!
My friend and I had the privilege of playing our first D&D game with Branden The Bard, and it was unforgettable. From the moment we started, he took the time to guide us through each step, explaining the rules patiently and making sure we were comfortable even when we needed things repeated a few times (thanks for putting up with our endless questions, lol). His storytelling skills were top-notch, bringing the world to life in a way that had us completely immersed. What really stood out was how he customized the game to suit our preferences, tailoring the adventure to our interests and making it feel uniquely ours. If you’re looking for a fantastic introduction to D&D or just a great game experience in general, I’d highly recommend Branden. He made it all feel magical and fun. Can't wait for our next campaign!
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