Dan the Cake Boss

he/him

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

German

Identity

Multi-lingual

About Dan the Cake Boss

Compared to many, I'm pretty new to TTRPG, but I am in love. I love helping new players get a grasp on the rules. I love when a more experienced player sees an angle on the story that I didn't consider. The game and the story are living breathing things that everyone (including the dice) have a hand in writing, and that is beautiful. I'd love to tell a story with you sometime!

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

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I got started GMing...

…for my wife and kids. I wanted to play DnD but didn’t have anyone to play with, so I taught my family. My wife and 2 of the kids don’t play anymore, but one still does. We still both play as characters in a regular game. It’s a great bonding opportunity

My favorite books are

Probably my favorite series right now is The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. I love the world building. The protagonist’s dry/dark wit also speaks to me deeply. Not to mention a lot of fun, weird action sequences. I don’t re-read many books, but these are like comfort food.

When I'm not running games I'm...

Usually just doing “Dad Stuff”. I have a 40hr/week job. I drive my kids to their activities. I’ve started making dice recently. And, in case you were worried that DnD was my only niche hobby, I’m also a licensed Ham Radio operator.

How Dan the Cake Boss runs games

I very much believe in Rule of Cool. The story comes first and technicality comes second. I personally thrive a little more in combat, however, combat is often meaningless unless you justify it via some role-play. I also love an unforeseen left-turn, and I will "yes, and" the crap out of whatever the players come up with. The DM isn't the sole "writer" of the campaign, and I see myself more as a scene-setter. The actual telling of the story is shared between DM, players, AND dice. I may try to "herd the cats" toward certain plot beats to keep a little structure to the game, but I'll do my absolute best to avoid railroading you.

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I prep by

Figuring out as much about the setting and the world as possible, so I’m able to think on my feet. You never know what a party will want to do. I plan the start circumstances and the central conflict. A few NPCs.But most of the story beats come from how the party decides to interact with the world.

Rules are...

made to bent. Rules are important. They give the game and the story shape. Constraints are also good for fostering creativity. BUT I’m here to have an adventure. If a technicality is standing between us and a fun idea, I’m happy to ignore the technicality (as long as there’s narrative justification)

When it comes to voices

Do whatever feels fun and comfortable for you. I’m no voice actor, and don’t expect you to be either. I might add a slight accent, play with vocabulary, or alter my cadence. But at the end of the day, they are all just takes on my own voice.

Dan the Cake Boss's ideal table

I enjoy tables with a sense of humor. Players who find the light, even when the story is dark. I love players who improvise and make me think on my feet. I’m not just guiding you through MY story. We’re writing it together in real time. Surprise me!

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I love it when a player

surprises me. Even if it means I have to throw away an hour of prep work. Wacky for the sake of wacky doesn’t always do it for me, but a crazy plan that fits your character’s personality AND that I didn’t see coming. Chef’s kiss. I’m here for it.

I think min/maxing...

is fine as long as it isn’t your entire personality at the table. I personally prefer characters with some flaws. Characters who feel like real people rather than purpose built game pieces. I’m more interested in your character’s actions than I am in your “build”.

My table is not the place for...

Rules lawyering. All rules are open to interpretation. As the DM, I’m going to make rules calls based on what benefits the story. I might ignore rules. I’ll explain myself briefly if needed. What we will not do is litigate every rule decision. It wastes time that should be spent having fun.