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Aidan

he/him

5.0

(7)

Timezone

Etc/gmt

Language

English

About Aidan

Hey! I’m Aidan - a 29-year-old Dungeon Master from England, and I’ve been playing Dungeons & Dragons for around 12 years now. I’ve spent plenty of time on both sides of the screen, but my real passion lies in storytelling: guiding players through long-running adventures filled with deep lore, big moments, and unexpected twists. Whether you're completely new to D&D or a long-time veteran, my goal is to create immersive worlds where players feel excited, supported, and free to shape the story in their own way. I bring energy, creativity, and a good bit of heart to every table - with a strong focus on making sure everyone feels welcome and included. Inclusivity is something I care deeply about. I’m firm on maintaining a table where everyone’s voice is valued, and where respect and kindness come first. That’s the kind of space I want to run, and the kind of players I want to play alongside. If you’re after a DM who’ll help you get lost in a great story, cheer on your wildest ideas, and make sure everyone has their moment to shine - let’s roll some dice. Drop me a message or book a session any time!

At a glance

5 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Rule of Cool, Storytelling

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I wanted to craft worlds where people could truly be themselves - but also step into the shoes of an orc, elf, or whatever character they dreamed up. Giving players that freedom to explore who they are and who they want to be, all within a world I built, is what hooked me from the start.

My favorite books are

anything by Darren Shan. His mix of horror and fantasy, and the way his worlds feel gritty and real, has been a huge inspiration for many of my campaigns. I love stories where the wonder and the darkness walk hand in hand.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

Creative, fair, and invested. I care deeply about the story and the people at the table - and I think that shows in the games I run.

How Aidan runs games

People always talk about the “rule of cool,” and for me, it’s more than just a phrase - it’s how I build the kind of games that stick with you. I focus on character-driven stories, where rules help shape the world, but never get in the way of a great moment. My table is all about giving players the freedom to explore, take risks, and tell the kind of story they want to be part of - all while feeling relaxed, welcome, and involved. I’ve been running games for over a decade now, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with everyone from complete beginners to players with 25+ years under their belts. That experience has taught me how to tailor a story to the group - whether it’s guiding someone through their first campaign, or helping a veteran player dig into a complex character arc. My prep style leans on building rich, believable worlds full of history, factions, and consequences. I like things to feel lived-in. Where choices matter, NPCs remember you, and the world reacts to what you do. That said, I also love spontaneity. Some of the best moments I’ve ever seen at a table have come from player choices I never saw coming...and I’ll always make space for those. Whether it’s political intrigue in a capital city, a desperate battle on a crumbling bridge, or a quiet conversation by the campfire, I try to bring each moment to life with energy and intent. I use music, maps, visuals, and plenty of narrative flair to keep things immersive and memorable. At the end of the day, I’m here to help you tell a brilliant story. One you’ll laugh about weeks later, one that gives you goosebumps, or maybe even makes you tear up a little. That’s the kind of DM I aim to be.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

building the world first; factions, motivations, consequences, then layering in plot threads for the players to pull. I always leave space for improvisation, because players will surprise you (in the best way).

My games focus on...

character-driven storytelling, big emotional moments, and player choice. Whether it’s exploring dark ruins or navigating political intrigue, I build the world, but the players shape the story.

Rules are...

there to guide the story, not restrict it. I lean toward RAW most of the time, but if bending a rule makes for a better moment or keeps the table flowing, I’ll always consider it - as long as everyone’s on the same page.

Aidan's ideal table

My table is all about character-driven storytelling. I have a few key plot points to guide the story forward, but how we reach them is entirely up to the players. I build the world, and you shape the journey. I aim for a good balance of roleplay, exploration, and combat. While my strengths lie in RP and world-building, there’s nothing like a well-timed battle to shake things up and keep everyone on their toes. Players who get the most from my table are those willing to fully immerse themselves - not just playing a character, but being them for a few hours. That said, I enjoy running games for all kinds of players, whether it’s someone’s first-ever natural 20 or a veteran with a dozen characters behind them. The real magic is seeing players light up during those unforgettable moments, and that’s what keeps me DMing. Sessions run with digital maps (usually through D&D Beyond or similar), and I always have music playing to keep the atmosphere alive. There’s nothing worse than trying to deliver a villain’s monologue into awkward silence! I mostly follow the rules as written, with a few homebrew tweaks here and there, all agreed on during Session 0. Inclusivity and group chemistry matter a great deal to me. Everyone should feel welcome, heard, and able to contribute, no matter their experience or background. I strive to create a friendly, collaborative space where players feel supported to make bold choices, show emotion, or simply share a good laugh. Campaign styles vary depending on the group. I’ve run slow-burn, multi-year epics, as well as shorter, fast-paced arcs over a handful of sessions. I weave key story beats into the world and let players find their own way to them - with the occasional gentle nudge if needed. At the end of the day, I write and run stories for you. Whether you’re after heartbreak or heroics, chaos or catharsis, there’s always space for it at my table.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

fully throws themselves into their character. Whether that means making bold choices, embracing their flaws, or just getting a bit daft when the moment calls for it. Those moments of genuine immersion are what make the game come alive.

I think it's a red flag when players...

consistently ignore the group’s vibe or refuse to engage with the story or other players. Gaming is a shared experience, and when someone treats it like a solo show, it can ruin the fun for everyone.

My perfect party mix is

A group that balances drama and fun. A mix of players who love character development, some who enjoy tactical combat, and a few who keep things light-hearted with jokes and banter. Everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, and respect is a must.

Aidan's Preferences

Game style

Dungeon Crawl

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Sandbox / Open World

Realm Building