Bardic Markus

he/him

5.0

(4)

Timezone

America/denver

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Neurodivergent

No Gen AI

About Bardic Markus

I’m Bardic Markus, a game master who can turn 1) a phrase and 2) the party (into frogs). I’m a long-time fan of fantasy, an avid enjoyer of D&D, and a storyteller to my core. I've DM'd in-person and online, for newbies and veterans, for roleplayers and tacticians alike. If you love Fantasy, Mythology, and drama, come try me out!

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Knows the Rules, Inclusive, World Builder

$22 per session

Featured Prompts

I started running games because...

I wanted to call people into the TTRPG hobby by showing them the magic and fun of the game. Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to hear it.

My favorite shows/movies are

character-driven and set in fantastical worlds. I also love a good musical. My current favorites are Avatar the Last Airbender (2005), Hazbin Hotel, Hadestown (2026), She-Ra (2018), Wheel of Time, Wicked (2024), Barbie (2023), Game of Thrones, and The Magicians.

People are always surprised when I tell them

I have degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering. My curiosity, imagination, and knack for math drove me to study those things. The same traits also drew me to TTRPGs.

How Bardic Markus runs games

I like high-energy, high-stakes combat that feels important to the players. I have a good grip on the rules, so if you want deadly monsters and tough battles, be careful what you wish for. I've GM'd at tables will all skill levels, so the level of complexity and tactics required will depend on the campaign I'm running. To make it exciting, I want to draw players into their character by engaging them in roleplay and incorporating their backstory into the plot. I think the combat and roleplay go hand-in-hand. I like doing funny voices and writing up memorable NPC's. My main goal as a GM is to make my players laugh and think about the story after the session.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

making quick rulings that favor the rules as written. In cases where the rulebooks are ambiguous and/or I don't know a specific rule, I will make a ruling that benefits the player in the moment.

My games focus on...

the player characters. When I build worlds, or even run modules, I lovingly craft all locations and NPC's to give you as many opportunities to make meaningful choices and play a fun game.

When it comes to voices

I have fun with it. I'm no voice actor, but I have been a singer for years, so I know how to mess around with my voice in fun ways. In more lighthearted moments, you'll definitely hear me pull out a few fun voices. You'll know things are serious when I use my normal speaking voice.

Bardic Markus's ideal table

In my professional games, my top priority is consistency and fun. I love players who show up on time to have a good time. Players who are invested in the game, especially in their fellow player characters, get by far the most out of my (and any other) TTRPG. Every player brings something to the table, and I love seeing your excitement for the game. In my longer campaigns, though, I appreciate a player who puts time and thought into their character's personality and backstory in a way that enmeshes them in the world and story. This way, your choices feel important, and your character's growth is meaningful. When combat happens, it matters to you and your character.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

describes their characters actions in combat in a unique way. Whether it's a re-flavoring of your class features, a vivid description of your spellcasting, or even a description of your character's facial expressions, I love to see into your mind's eye.

I think min/maxing...

is fun! I like to do it when I play. Yet, it has a time and place. At tables of mixed experience levels and playstyles, keeping players excited about combat means there should be a balance of power levels. If you are an optimizer, look for "tactical/crunchy" games or one-shots of mine.

My table is not the place for...

disrespect or discrimination of any kind. I work hard to keep my games safe and inclusive for all involved. TTRPG's are for everyone. My table welcomes people of all gender identities, races, ages, nationalities, neurotypes, etc. If you have a problem with that, find another table.