Calvin

he/him

4.9

(23)

Timezone

Africa/johannesburg

Language

English

Identity

DMs Guild Writer

Artist

About Calvin

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! Best Seller (Copper) on DM's Guild

At a glance

1 year on StartPlaying

109 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Inclusive

Featured Prompts

My favorite books are

The Wheel of Time Series, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Peanut, Calvin & Hobbes, Marvel Comics (Wolverine fan)

My favorite shows/movies are

Star Wars (All of them - Andor was phenomenal!), Lord of the Rings Movies, Sleepy Hollow (The headless Horsemen was a favourite childhood story for me), Fawlty Towers, Monty Python, Logan, Deadpool vs Wolverine, The X-Men Animated Series (90's & recent).

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

The three words my players would use to describe me are collaborative, creative, and engaging, oh and the "Props Guy!" Is that more than 3 words? Oh well...

How Calvin runs games

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. Thriving Community Hub: Beyond the game table, you'll find a vibrant Discord community. Enjoy a boosted server with large file uploads for sharing hobbies, pet pictures, or memes. We even have custom D&D character emojis voted on by the community of players! This safe and communal environment allows everyone to thrive creatively and be themselves. Play-by-Post Between Sessions: Keep the adventure alive between our scheduled sessions with optional roleplaying chats between characters or with NPCs on Discord. Whether it's a long rest conversation or downtime activities, you'll have opportunities to deepen your character's story and get right into the action in our scheduled sessions. Dedicated Campaign & Community Spaces: Each campaign and one-shot has its own dedicated space, tailored to the players' needs. Plus, enjoy a connected community space where players from all my games can interact and share their experiences, memes or hobbies. **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, isn't afraid to get a little silly on Discord, and provides a supportive community to connect with fellow adventurers, then pull up a chair and let's roll some dice!

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

When rules issues crop up, I believe in collaboration. If my ruling is wrong, I'll admit it; players often correct me, leading to a quick discussion. I generally rule for "cool" moments, always ensuring it benefits the story and fun for everyone.

My games focus on...

My games focus on collaborative storytelling, impactful player choices, rich character development, and immersive world exploration. Expect a dynamic blend of roleplay, combat, and unexpected twists, all within a safe and fun environment where your creativity truly shines!

When it comes to voices

When it comes to voices, I love to flex my range! I quickly shift from a homicidal goblin (grunts, squawks, chaotic laughs) to a refined noblewoman with a chip on her shoulder. My players love these distinct transformations; I focus on making each voice memorable to immerse you in the story.

Calvin's ideal table

Welcome to a table where storytelling, exploration, and fun are at the heart of every adventure! We love a good mix of immersive role-playing and digging deep into the lore, but we're definitely not afraid to get a little silly and have a blast. If you're a collaborative player ready to dive in, you'll fit right in. I thrive on the energy you bring, so expect a game where your enthusiasm is matched with exciting opportunities and personalized plot hooks. Thriving Community Hub: Beyond the Game Table Beyond our sessions, you'll find a vibrant Discord community. Enjoy a boosted server with large file uploads for sharing hobbies, pet pictures, or memes. We even have custom D&D character emojis voted on by the community of players! This safe and communal environment allows everyone to thrive creatively and be themselves. Play-by-Post Between Sessions: Keep the adventure alive between our scheduled sessions with optional roleplaying chats between characters or with NPCs on Discord. Whether it's a long rest conversation or downtime activities, you'll have opportunities to deepen your character's story and get right into the action in our scheduled sessions. Dedicated Campaign & Community Spaces: Each campaign and one-shot has its own dedicated space, tailored to the players' needs. Plus, enjoy a connected community space where players from all my games can interact and share their experiences, memes, or hobbies.

Featured Prompts

If you're into ___, you're going to love my table

If you're into collaborative storytelling, personal character growth, creative problem-solving, and a supportive community, you're going to love my table!

I love it when a player

I love it when a player embraces their character's journey, engages with the lore, delves into the unknown by asking "what if", and collaborates to tell an unforgettable story, bringing energy and creativity to every session.

I think metagaming...

I think Meta Gaming is using out-of-character knowledge to influence in-character decisions, which can sometimes detract from the narrative immersion. However, I believe there's a spectrum to it, and some forms, like strategic discussion, can actually enhance the game for the group!