Evan Baker
he/him
5.0
(6)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Evan Baker
I played a lot of DND as a teen, took a break to study acting and writing, then reconnected with it when my brother in-law started an online game to help weather the social distancing during COVID. That game ended in a TPK but I‘d started listening to Critical Role by then and was hooked. The first game I DMed was a homebrew I’d created for my brother and his kids. They live in a different state and it was a wonderful way to connect with family. The game is still going on and it is immensely rewarding to see them engage with the story. What I’ve learned the most from the experience is that every player is valuable and deserves equal playtime. I understand that every game I run isn’t about me. It’s about the players, their decisions, and where they would like to go next. This philosophy served me well when I ran a game for adults because their choices ran counter to what I had prepared for the campaign. Ultimately, I accepted their decisions and the game became a collaborative endeavor with each player contributing to the story with equal weight. I get excited when the story goes off the rails because that means no one knows what will happen next, including me, and that is where I thrive as a GM. I have a good sense for when the story needs rails and for when the party needs space. I have an excellent grasp of pacing and will strive to make the game exciting when there seems to be a lull. Most of all, I want the experience to go well for my players. If something is slow, fast, confusing, I am open to changing things at a moment’s notice. If there is confusion about rules, I allow two to five minutes to look it up. If there are no solid answers in that time frame then we roll for the result and move on. Arguing about rules is fun for a few people but not everyone. In conclusion: story is more important than whatever game we’re playing. We’re here to have fun and do cool things. So let’s do something awesome, slay something wicked, blow something up, and be home in time for dinner.
At a glance
1 year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Rule of Cool, Storytelling
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I love guiding players through a story. Even combat can be a story-driven situation. I have training as an actor and screenwriter. Through my training, I learned my favorite way to develop stories is through collaboration, and there’s no better way to collaborate than with players and dice.
How Evan Baker runs games
I prefer role play and character development. The players are my main focus. If you're not having fun then the game isn't a game. I will run a session zero for character introductions and development. It really helps to know what your character wants and where you want them to go. If you give me a backstory then I will stay true to it. If you don't give me a backstory then I will work with you to create one. I’m here to help, not judge. I care about story above all things and your backstory is the story that makes your character believable. I'm comfortable with most accents but if one isn't working out I'll retcon it and find another. Feel free to bring a voice for your character or just use your own. I'm fairly competent at reading the table and I'm open to player feedback. I make sure to give all players an equal spotlight through pacing and checking in to see where a character is if they haven't contributed in a bit. I want the world and the story to be grounded in relative reality. I believe in motivation, authentic reaction, and consequences. If you start a conflict then you will have to resolve it. What I want most of all is for you to enjoy yourselves. If you need to be murder hobos, then go for it. If you want to start a business stealing cheeses from the upper class and giving them to the lower, then go for it... but the cheese barons might find a way to hunt you down or hurt your beneficiaries. It's all part of the game. I'm just here to keep it exciting.
Evan Baker's ideal table
I want role-players, folks who are dedicated to creating a character and immersing themselves in the world. My ideal players take turns with their role-play and encourage each other to participate. More importantly, I love having players who are willing to take risks. It’s a game so play!
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Takes an ill-advised chance. Conflict is the heart of a good story.
I think metagaming...
Has its place as long as it makes sense. If your character automatically knows a creatures’ resistance or vulnerabilities, you better have a good reason for why they know it… and be ready for that backstory to come back for you.
My table is not the place for...
Ridicule or solo players. We’re playing a game so everyone needs to be ready for the game to happen. I will not allow out of game insults.
Evan Baker's Preferences
Systems