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Calvin

Calvin (he/him)

4.8

(13)

DMs Guild Writer
Artist

Less than a year on StartPlaying

26 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Teacher

Average response time: Under 1 hour

Response rate: 100%

About me

Born and raised amidst the stunning landscapes of Cape Town, I've been a lifelong adventurer in the realms of Dungeons & Dragons, ever since I was a child. The rich tapestry of Forgotten Realms lore has always captivated my imagination, and I find immense joy in bringing those worlds to life as a Dungeon Master. For me, the heart of D&D lies in the collaborative storytelling experience. It's about crafting unforgettable adventures that cater to the unique personalities and playstyles of my players, empowering them to become the heroes of their own epic tales. I believe that every player brings something special to the table, and I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. By trade, I'm a graphic designer and illustrator, and I love to infuse my artistic skills into my games. Whether it's designing custom maps, crafting unique character sheets, or creating visual aids to enhance the immersion, I believe that aesthetics play a crucial role in elevating the tabletop experience. So, if you're looking for a Dungeon Master who's passionate about storytelling, dedicated to creating player-centric experiences, and committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity, then let's embark on an unforgettable journey together!

GM Style

Expect a Blend of Styles: Collaborative Storytelling: We'll weave a shared narrative together, where your choices matter and shape the world. I value player agency and enjoy seeing your characters grow and evolve throughout the campaign. Trauma-Informed Approach: We'll navigate sensitive topics with care and respect, creating a safe space for everyone at the table. A "Dollop of Everything": A balanced mix of roleplay, exploration, and combat encounters await, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Permissive and Encouraging: I love to see players try new things and think outside the box. Feel free to push boundaries and experiment with your characters – failure is just another opportunity for growth! Rules as Guidelines: While I appreciate the structure that rules provide, I believe they should serve the story, not hinder it. Expect flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the needs of the group. "Prop Guy" and Visual Storyteller: I'm all about enhancing immersion through visual aids and props. Expect custom maps, handouts, and other surprises to bring the world to life. As My Players Have Said: "Collaborative and thoughtful." "A needlepoint balance of everything." "Permissive and encouraging." "Creative and all about the shared improvement of the story." "Not super anal about the rules." "Will let players try and fail things." So, if you're looking for a DM who fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, values storytelling and player agency, and isn't afraid to get a little silly on Discord, then pull up a chair and let's roll some dice!

Game Master Reviews (13)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Inclusive

Teacher

KeepGoing_West avatar

KeepGoing_West

New review

I am new to DnD and Calvin is my first DM - and what an experience it has been! Approachable and accommodating, and just a whole lot of fun. It is because of Calvin that I stuck with it, and would join any game he hosts. I could keep saying nice things, but I think it'll be best if everyone just experiences it themselves.

MaxQLinity avatar

MaxQLinity

Played 15 sessions

Calvin has a masterful grasp on both the game mechanics and the VTT we use for play. Peppering us with amazing NPC's backstories and feeding information at just the right times. What a wonderful experience it is to be a player!

Meg avatar

Meg

Played 14 sessions

I'm spoiled after having Calvin as a DM! He is hilarious, allows for collaborative gameplay, mods both the game and Discord well, and allows for an ideal DnD experience. If you're looking for the best, look no further than Calvin!

Flax avatar

Flax

Played 5 sessions

Pros: Dynamic combat, goblin voice, VTT setup and Music were great. The DM was punctual, enthusiastic, and responsive. Cons: Session 0 was NOT as advertised and there were no safety tools. The DM has bad conflict resolution skills and ended the campaign over a playstyle conflict without attempting to fix it. Not a fit for me: Consequences that would make you feel guilty, moral dilemma, no importance on party cohesion.

Ryryk avatar

Ryryk

Played 11 sessions

Calvin was a stellar dm that I was fortunate enough to play with. I learned a lot from Calvin and was inspired to try my own hand in dming. He has great feel with his players and really immerses you into the world he is describing with his talents. If you ever have the chance to play his games I would definitely recommend.

Adam avatar

Adam

Played 12 sessions

Plain and simple: Calvin does Fun!

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