Douglas

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/toronto

Language

English

Identity

Artist

Game Designer

About Douglas

Hello! I'm Douglas Johnson. Over the years, I've developed and collected a wide range of tools, techniques, and philosophies that I believe create a unique, highly collaborative, and communication-driven tabletop experience. Before becoming a professional game designer, I spent eight years as a District Trainer and Public Liaison. That career taught me how to lead teams, manage different personalities, communicate effectively, and—most importantly—create an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed rather than avoided. For the past two years, I've worked professionally in game development, focusing on map design, gameplay mechanics, and encounter design. The strategic thinking and systems knowledge I've gained there continually improve my work as a Game Master, while my years of GM experience have, in turn, strengthened my abilities as a designer. My specialty is Pathfinder 1e, particularly with the Spheres of Might and Spheres of Power systems. I've been running Pathfinder for 13 years, and I've also GMed Star Wars Saga Edition, Call of Cthulhu, and Starfinder. I don't claim to be a perfect Game Master. What I do strive for is exceptional communication and collaboration. I run roleplay-heavy campaigns filled with detailed worlds, meaningful choices, and varied gameplay. Behind the scenes, I intentionally "soften the fourth wall" by encouraging players to collaborate openly—not just through their characters, but with each other as storytellers. My goal is to help every player create, develop, and showcase the character they want to bring to life. At the table, I put a great deal of effort into making every session both immersive and easy to play. I invest heavily in preparation, organization, visual presentation, and quality-of-life tools so players can focus on the game rather than the mechanics. I'm always happy to welcome new players, and I maintain an open-door policy when it comes to feedback. One of the design philosophies I value most is: "All criticism has value. Even if you disagree with the proposed solution, the feeling behind that feedback comes from somewhere. It's a clue that something deserves to be re-evaluate ." That mindset has shaped both my career as a designer and my approach as a Game Master. Every campaign is an opportunity to learn, improve, and build a better experience together.

At a glance

2 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, World Builder

$25 per session

Average response time: 2 hours

Response rate: 100%

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I've always loved people and storytelling. Game Mastering became the perfect blend of both, letting me create memorable experiences through collaborative storytelling. More than a hobby, it's a passion that's become a defining part of who I am.

I got started GMing...

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved acting, cinema, and fantasy. A high school literature class sparked my passion for storytelling, and Pathfinder gave me the perfect stage to bring it to life as a GM. I can't imagine ever giving it up.

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

Effort – I take pride in the time and care I put into preparation, encounter design, and creating a polished player experience. Negotiator – Clear, open communication helps resolve issues, build trust, and keep everyone working toward the same goal. Extrovert – I genuinely enjoy meeting new people

How Douglas runs games

What You Can Expect From My Games ✦ A world that is emotionally grounded, immersive, and gritty. ✦ Roleplay-focused gameplay with meaningful character interactions. ✦ Strong voice acting to help bring NPCs to life. ✦ Varied skill challenges with meaningful stakes and creative solutions. ✦ Expanded skill usage that encourages negotiation and inventive problem-solving. ✦ Purpose-driven combat with layered objectives, where victory and defeat are defined by more than simply defeating every enemy. Encounters are designed to make opponents feel intelligent and motivated by believable goals. ✦ Multiple avenues for character progression, rewarding in-game accomplishments and personal growth alongside traditional leveling. ✦ Carefully designed mechanics, encounters, abilities, and rewards, informed by my professional experience as a video game designer specializing in gameplay systems and balance. ✦ A polished, high-quality Roll20 experience. ✦ Consistent visual support through maps, handouts, tokens, and other visual aids. ✦ Custom character sheets and quality-of-life macros designed to streamline play. ✦ A collection of player resources, including a character-building workbook, action economy reference, personality and goal worksheets, and enhanced action buttons with detailed descriptions. ✦ A highly collaborative table where players and GM work together to create the best possible experience for every character. ✦ Open, proactive communication through regular check-ins, session reviews, and in-game prompts that encourage deeper roleplay (such as, "What is your character thinking right now?"). ✦ Constructive, solution-oriented feedback. Drawing on eight years of experience as a District Trainer and Public Liaison, I treat criticism as an opportunity to improve the game for everyone.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

I'm considered A "Maximum Effort" GM. My rule of thumb, "The more solid my foundations are, the easier it is to play flexible in game". Does this guarantee that all my sessions will be bangers. Probably not, but I like running games that are reliable. Playing online is already hard enough as is.

My games focus on...

My games are built on communication. I encourage a softer fourth wall when it improves clarity, collaboration, or roleplay. I'd rather everyone understand what's happening than let confusion get in the way of a better story and a better game.

Rules are...

1. Work with the GM - Communicate with me when something is or isn't working. 2. Work with the players - Recognize and put in effort. If a player is trying to engage you, engage back. 3. Engage with the game - Don't hold back! Help everyone push the story, even if you don't like what's happening.

Douglas's ideal table

Your Table My table is built around variety, balance, and collaboration. Sessions can shift between gritty challenges, heartfelt character moments, political intrigue, magical mysteries, and moments of wonder. I enjoy moving between tense situations and lighter, uplifting moments to create a world that feels dynamic and alive. Players can expect a fair challenge where creativity, preparation, and teamwork are rewarded. Experience level is not a requirement; what matters most is the willingness to engage with the story and the group. The players who thrive at my table are those who enjoy problem-solving, finding creative solutions, and actively participating in the world around them. I value players who reach out to their fellow party members, help create shared moments, and are open to change, growth, and developing their characters throughout the journey.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

I love when players support one another. Your characters are allies, but so are the people at the table. When everyone works together to help each other shine, collaboration comes naturally—and the whole group has a better experience.

I think metagaming...

I believe metagaming is often misunderstood. Player decisions usually come from a place of uncertainty and wanting the story to continue. I prefer a softer fourth wall, focusing less on secrets and more on creating a story everyone at the table can enjoy together.

I think min/maxing...

Min/maxing isn't inherently bad. Some of my best players have been optimizers who simply needed the right direction. When that energy is focused on improving the whole table—not just their own character—they often become some of the most helpful and engaged players.