StartPlaying logo
game master profile header image
Ben Ravensdale

Ben Ravensdale (he/him)

5.0

(39)

LGBTQ+
Veteran
Game Designer

4 years on StartPlaying

304 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Knows the Rules

About me

Hello, adventurers! I come to you bearing stories of fearsome monsters, terrible foes, and legendary artifacts! Take your seats around the table and add your names and deeds to these tales, that you may be remembered as heroes! My name's Ben and I have been DMing for almost 30 years now. I have extensive experience with Dungeons & Dragons across various editions, and I am especially familiar with 5th edition. I also run other systems and genres, including sci-fi, super heroes, and modern fantasy. I'm a big believer in collaborative storytelling, and I like weaving characters into a campaign's story. I run adventures ranging in scope from personal to epic, depending on what the players are looking for, and I enjoy combat just as much as role-play. I have all supplements available in D&D Beyond and a Pro membership on Roll20, with over 700 hours played. I'm familiar with many of the advanced lighting features on Roll20, and I use several tools to create custom encounter maps and tokens. Whether you're looking for a tough-as-nails tactical challenge, a complex web of intrigue, or something in between, I'm the DM that can conjure up the perfect game for you and your friends.

GM Style

I love all aspects of RPGs. I love sprawling stories, complex heroes, compelling villains, dynamic combat encounters, and social intrigue. I'm not great at voices, but I still try to make NPCs unique, memorable, and interesting. I am very flexible as a DM. I can run games for almost any group and adapt my style to suit the players' preferences.

Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (39)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Storytelling

Creativity

Knows the Rules

Sarah avatar

Sarah

Played 11 sessions

Ben is great! He is both very fun and professional. Right now I'm playing VTM and Hunter with him. He cares a lot that his players are having a good time and that he as GM knows what exactly makes your character tick. Me and fellow players have lovingly called him an 'evil genius' more than once. Don't worry, we meant it in the best way. So go! Sign up for that game your looking at! These seats don't last!

Erin Dancer avatar

Erin Dancer

Played 10 sessions

We've only had one session so far, but in the time setting up for our game and its characters, Ben has been constantly available and friendly. He's also facilitated and participated in RP channels to help establish our characters and their place in his world of Vulnere. Vulnere is unique from other settings in its cosmology and concept, but still fits very nicely into D&D and has a place for all concepts. Our campaign is focused in the Drakehold Isles - which are dominated by competing noble dragonborn families ruling over a population of dragonborn, lizardfolk, kobolds and humanoids.

Jack Kent Cameron avatar

Jack Kent Cameron

Played 25 sessions

Ben has done a great job of helping me and my friends who are new to the game have a great time! He is excellent at explaining the mechanics and has been super patient with the new guys! I highly suggest him if you are new to D&D 5e or want to introduce some new friends to the game!

Matthew avatar

Matthew

Played 13 sessions

Ben is very welcoming and great with newer players. Facilitated the group getting to know each other very well. Used my new characters background to tie into the group within minutes. Very funny.

Naomi avatar

Naomi

Played 40 sessions

Ben is awesome! He always has some helpful tips and fun dialogue with NPC's. Abounding with humor and cheer, always a positive experience.

Sia avatar

Sia

Played 17 sessions

Ben is an amazing Storyteller! He knows the rules, builds amazing world, creates memorable characters. But the most important and great - he's very adaptable. I've played 2 different campaigns with him and he always finds the way to shape his narrative to fit the certain players. He doesn't push his style of game but rather let's players create the most memorable experience. No matter if you have never played the system or you are a veteran, Ben will find a way to make it fun!

What's StartPlaying?

Tabletop Roleplaying Games Run by Game Masters

  • Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.

  • Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.

  • If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.