Ethan (GM Viper)

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How Ethan (GM Viper) runs games

I specialize in long-form homebrew campaigns set in worlds I build from the ground up. I put a lot of preparation into making those worlds feel alive; creating lore, maps, encounters, NPCs, factions, and storylines that can change depending on what the players actually choose to do. My games tend to be roleplay-forward with meaningful combat, rather than treating either side of D&D as an afterthought. Some sessions might revolve around a dangerous battle or monster hunt, while others may be almost entirely character interaction, exploration, investigation, or the consequences of choices made several sessions ago. I'm also a Rule of Cool GM first. The rules give us a shared foundation, but they shouldn't get in the way of creativity. If you have an awesome idea that isn't perfectly covered by the rules, my instinct is usually to figure out a fair way for you to attempt it. Most importantly, I don't believe every table should feel exactly the same. I've run for brand-new players, highly experienced groups, roleplay-heavy tables, combat-loving tables, and everything in between. I pay attention to what the people at your table enjoy and adapt the game accordingly. I want every campaign to feel like a story actively being told.

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Ethan (GM Viper)'s ideal table

My ideal table is story-first, character-driven, and genuinely collaborative. I give players a living world full of people, conflicts, locations, and opportunities rather than a single "correct" path through the campaign. You're encouraged to explore, investigate, scheme, form relationships, chase personal goals, and occasionally derail everything I thought you were going to do. There is a larger story unfolding in each of my campaigns, and I put a great deal of time into creating it, but the players decide how they engage with it. Follow every thread, ignore one completely, make an unexpected alliance, turn an enemy into a friend, or become fascinated with something I originally thought would be a minor detail. I'll follow where the table takes us. My games work best for players who enjoy taking initiative. You don't need to be the loudest person at the table or an experienced roleplayer, but I love players who give their characters motivations, interact with the other PCs, engage with NPCs, and make choices that push the story forward. There is plenty of room for jokes, chaos, weird plans, and ridiculous dice rolls too. I take the world and your characters seriously, but that doesn't mean the table has to be serious all the time.

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