Zack

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

Artist

About Zack

Hi there! I'm Zack, and I've been playing and running TTRPGs of all kinds for over 25 years. I've run games at major conventions like GenCon and PAX Unplugged, organized local tournaments, and built countless worlds and adventures from the ground up — all out of a genuine love for the craft. I believe the best tables are the ones where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and aligned on the kind of experience they're there to have. My job as GM is to facilitate a game where players pitch in together, build something shared, and leave the session genuinely excited for what comes next. My goal is to consistently deliver those electric moments — the ones where the whole table leans in and nobody wants the night to end.

At a glance

3 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, World Builder

$20 per session

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

Since I was young, I have loved creating games and stories to share with others. That led me to become a GM — it's how I love to play DnD and other TTRPGs. During a session, I can't help but sit back and enjoy watching everything unfold at the table.

My favorite system of all Time is

I love DnD, but Annalise: Stories of Pain, Hunger & Redemption changed how I play TTRPGs and expanded my vision beyond DnD. It was the first Indie game I played and holds a special place in my heart.

How Zack runs games

Every campaign has its own rhythm, and the best ones start with a clear picture of what the table is actually there for. Before we roll a single die, I make it a point to align with the table on the kind of experience we are here to play — because a dungeon-crawling combat campaign and a deep political intrigue campaign both require different stakes and pacing. I'm equally at home running a D&D table that's 90% roleplay — rich character moments, moral dilemmas, and stories that stick with you — as I am running one that's 90% tactical combat, where every encounter is a hard-fought puzzle with real stakes. What matters most to me is that it is a game we built together. This kind of alignment shapes everything. When everyone at the table knows what kind of adventure they signed up for and buys in, that is when the magic happens.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

My ideal way to prep involves having several maps, several NPC's and then seeing where the party goes. Many of my campaigns have open worlds and as long as I have a few NPC's and notes under my belt I feel ready for the players to go to where they are drawn.

Rules are...

Rules are a useful framework. While I think that creative liberties can be taken when stakes are low, rules align us to be all playing the same game. When we are all aware of the rules and the stakes, our choices can be made toward the same goals.

Zack's ideal table

I am lucky to have had many ideal tables and hope to continue to have many more in the future. An ideal table for me is one built on trust. Trust between players and DM and trust between players. When we are able to form that trust, everyone can relax and just have a good time.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

I love it when a player is able to engage in their characters story, explore the world or finds themselves asking unexpected questions based on what the game world is showing them.