Andrew James Woodyard (he/him)
5.0
(7)
2 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Voices, Storytelling, Creativity
About me
I've been DMing since 1998 and run have 3-5 games a week ever since. I DM in Forgotten Realms, Greyhawk, Ravenloft and Planescape. I run both campaign modules, and my own original material. I'm a trained illustrator who creates original fantasy cartography maps that I used in my games, many of which have become the default maps of particular cities and regions in Forgotten Realms and parts of Greyhawk.
GM Style
I run my games with a solid mix of combat, roleplaying and exploration. I would prefer to give the players leads on where they want to go, and see what choices they make to get there. The best games involve the players being challenged, even if they are very high level and have seemingly broken characters. I also use a variety of voice-work in my games and I love to use descriptive detail.
Game Master Reviews (7)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Voices
Storytelling
Creativity
I knew nothing about DnD but my husband wanted me to play so I agreed with very low expectations. After a few sessions with Andy, I was hooked and could not wait until the next game. Andy is very patient with the group, especially with beginners, and he was always available to answer my questions at any time. I really appreciate how he changes his voice for the various characters, and he also plays suitable music. There is a good mix of role playing and combat to keep the game interesting. Andy is extremely passionate with his work, and I appreciate his efforts.
Andy is an awesome GM. He accepted me into his Keep on the Borderlands 5th edition game in May of 2020 and I have been in weekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions with him ever since. Andy has incredible character images and maps, many of which he has created himself to which he adds personality and unique voices to all NPCs. The worlds he builds around old and new settings are amazing. He also knows how to set the mood with music. Andy also knows how to balance role-playing, downtime and battles for experience. He is a great story teller and keeps extensive notes on campaigns which he references and intertwines into current and new storylines. He allows players to be creative and really get into character, but also creates a space where all players are welcome, yet people feel safe. He knows the rules, but will also allow the rule of cool if it fits into the story and does not totally break a class, race or character. With Andy, I have taken two characters from level 1 to 10 and one past level 20. He can work with experienced players and help guide players with zero experience. In addition to VTT and online role-playing, Andy has GM'ed one game for me in real life (we physically live very far apart) and I plan on playing another in real life game with him next year. You can't go wrong with him as your GM because it puts a great deal of work, plus heart and soul into his games.
Andy is really good at story telling and does a great job changing voices to match the character. This makes the game feel more immersive and real. He has a great sense of humor and is witty in his responses, while remaining respectful. We've been playing with Andy for almost 4 years and continue to enjoy it. I highly recommend him as a GM to anyone.
I have been playing in a number of Andy’s D&D5e games for the past 3 years and he is an outstanding DM/GM! His games are always enjoyable and he really knows how to enhance the player’s experience. From weaving a great story, to the awesome maps he uses on Roll20, to all the different voices he uses as the NPCs and sound effects and music. Before I started playing with Andy, the last time I had played D&D was back in the late 80s with 1st Edition. He is very patient and helpful towards new players and took the time to explain the game. He knows the rules and is a very fair DM/GM. In the small amount of times there is a disagreement, Andy will research the issue and come up with a resolution. I am glad I got back into playing D&D and am happy Andy was there to make it a fun a and easy transition. I highly recommend Andy as a DM/GM and you will not be disappointed if you chose to play in one of his games.
Andy was my first re-introduction to DnD after a many year hiatus. He knew the rules I knew, and was totally able to integrate a couple of bumbling re-newbies into an existing campaign. We play that campaign out, growing my character from a joke "I'll do this for 2 sessions" idea to a full fledged member of the team, even when other players came and went as life impacted. When we paused that campaign 2 years later, we had learned so much about DnD, played through fun and terrifying sessions, and built a comradery amongst players. I had to leave the next campaign, this time with a much more thought out joke character, that Andy took and ran with the back story, dribbling in details to the story line in ways only I new. Andy inspired me to DM again, and I have been thankful since. Also if you play with him, just make sure there are gnomes, just for the gnome voice. You will not regret it.
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.