
Stephan (he/him)
5.0
(12)
4 years on StartPlaying
27 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Inclusive
About me
Hi! I'm Stephan and I'm basically a golden retriever in human form. I've been playing TTRPG's since the early 1980's and have been running them just as long. I have a degree in Theatre where I studied stage combat and improvisational theatre and have worked many renfaires throughout the Great Lakes region (Ohio and Michigan). I have a lot of interesting stories to tell that need heroes. Do you have a particular story you want to tell with one of your characters? Looking to explore realms that have yet to be explored? Or do you just want to spend a few hours rolling some dice with friends? Whatever experience you're looking for, I'll help you create it. See you on the other side!
GM Style
I prefer to generate RP experiences for players that help them engage their goals and foibles. Things that make the question who they are and where they're going. While I've used VTT platforms before, I prefer to use screenshots of maps (that I have prepared) and work with those in combination with a theatre of the mind aspect of playing and combat (when it happens). I enjoy a descriptive style that has an effect on the landscape (NPC's and environment) and work to relate that to the games I run, involving the Characters with a vibrant chapter in their lives.
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (12)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Storytelling
Creativity
Inclusive
I have played with about a dozen or so GM's here on start playing, and Stephan is a clear cut above the rest in terms of his world building and storytelling. I have been impressed with how seamlessly he works unpredictable player shenanigans and backstories back into the main plotline.
He doesn't JUST know the rules, he understands the rules and how to use them as a tool to make gameplay a fun and engaging experience. But beyond that he's happy to help you, as a player, to make the most of your character and your time in-game. It's a partnership, it's collaboration, not adversarial or antagonistic, even when his NPC's are trying to kill me I get the feeling like he wants me to succeed and most importantly he wants me to have fun.
Stephan is very creative, caring and fun to interact with. He is knowledgeable, interesting and invested in both his players and the campaign experience yet challenges you every step of the way. I feel comfortable to be myself and try anything, within reason, to test my creative side (which isn't always easy for me). All-in-all, he sets a remarkable climate to play in and has held my interest from start to finish. He is easily accessible to interact with if issues arise. All told, he has his arms firmly around the D&D experience and goes the extra mile every session to make the game ultra enjoyable.
GM BaldBeasty has put a lot of work into a custom world that really allows the players to engage with it on their terms. Players can play as practically any character and motivation they want and the GM builds upon that, working hard to engage all the players. The GM is also super responsive when interacting in between sessions, both to answer questions and to handle downtime activities. Definitely looking forward to seeing what BaldBeasty comes up with next!
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