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Aether42

he/him

4.8

(5)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

About Aether42

Greetings, adventurers! I'm a seasoned Gamemaster with over 30 years of experience in tabletop RPGs and more than 25 years of running games. I strive to create immersive, story-driven experiences where realism and narrative depth take center stage. My goal is to craft engaging worlds where players can lose themselves in the setting, make meaningful choices, and, most importantly, have fun. I run a variety of systems, including D&D, Pathfinder 2nd Edition, GURPS, and World of Darkness (Chronicles of Darkness). I favor non-standard games that break away from the usual tropes, offering fresh and unique adventures. Player feedback is always welcome—I believe a great game is a collaborative effort. If you're looking for a game that values story, immersion, and creativity, I'm here to make that happen. I look forward to gaming with you!

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

24 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Teacher

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

Started DMing D&D 2nd Edition for my brother and me, then expanded to friends. I’ve always focused on collaborative storytelling in custom, homebrew worlds—crafted with players and tailored to their characters. That passion continues to guide my games today.

How Aether42 runs games

I strive for an immersive and story-driven experience where realism and narrative depth shape the world. My games emphasize player agency, meaningful choices, and a living world that reacts to their actions. I enjoy blending roleplay, tactical challenges, and engaging storytelling to create a well-rounded adventure. While I don't rely heavily on character voices, I bring NPCs to life through their personalities, motivations, and the world they inhabit. I prefer running non-standard games, offering unique twists on familiar settings and mechanics. Tactical combat is present when appropriate, but I balance it with exploration, intrigue, and character-driven moments. I welcome player feedback and enjoy collaborating to ensure everyone is having fun and fully immersed in the setting. If you're looking for a GM who values deep storytelling, immersive world-building, and player-driven narratives, I’d love to roll some dice with you!

Aether42's ideal table

My table focuses on intrigue, moral dilemmas, social conflict, and thoughtful challenges, with combat woven in when it suits the story. I take the narrative seriously—fun is welcome, but there’s a shared respect for the plot and our collaborative contributions. I encourage participation, but players who fully engage with the setting and carve out their own niche tend to thrive at my table. Ask questions, take risks, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If you need a bit of encouragement, I’m happy to help—just let me know how I can support you.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

I love it when a player surprises me with a unique idea that shifts the story’s direction—it makes the world feel alive and responsive in a way no video game can match. Those moments of organic change are what make tabletop roleplay truly special.

Aether42's Preferences

Systems

Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Pathfinder 2e
Chronicles of Darkness
GURPS
World of Darkness

Game Mechanics

d20 System
d6 System
Dice Pool System
d10 System

Game style

Roleplay Heavy

Theater of the Mind

Sandbox / Open World

Aether42's games