Josh Shannon (he/him)
5.0
(8)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Sets the Mood
About me
Hi there! I’m Josh. I’m passionate about the magic that is group storytelling. I love the unique way that role-playing games allow people to come together and not just experience stories together, but create them together. I've had the privilege of GMing for players from all walks of life, and as a queer man myself, I have a personal appreciation for the uniquely compelling stories that blossom from embracing diversity in the role-playing community. My games focus on creating a fun environment where every player feels heard, valued and confident to express themselves. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of tabletop role-playing games, I tailor the games I GM to meet the needs and desires of my players. From epic battles to heartfelt character moments, we’ll create a story together that we'll both look back on fondly. Join my table, and let’s embark on a journey where everyone’s story matters.
GM Style
I'd describe my GMing style as character-focused. I enjoy placing the spotlight on the unique stories and growth of every player’s character. I love weaving player backstories into the narrative, creating opportunities for characters to shine as heroes in their own tales. Whether it’s through dynamic combat encounters or dramatic roleplay moments, I aim to make every session feel meaningful and immersive. I thrive on crafting high-energy, cinematic battles where characters feel powerful and their choices matter. Homebrew content is a key part of my approach—I enjoy customizing rules, mechanics, and settings to fit the unique needs of my players and the game. Whether it’s tweaking official content or creating something entirely new, I’m always looking for ways to enhance the adventure and ensure it feels tailored to my table. Above all, my games are designed to be inclusive, fun, and safe. I work closely with my players to create a collaborative experience that balances excitement, challenge, and storytelling.
Games played
Josh Shannon's Games
Game Master Reviews (8)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Inclusive
Sets the Mood
I’m proud to say I’ve had the privilege of being a player in many campaigns and one-shots that Josh has GM’d. Each story is carefully woven with the players, and Josh always creates a world where the narrative feels as much our own as it is his. He is a GM who truly understands that TTRPGs are a collaborative storytelling experience. I’ve never felt like a passive participant! My character, and the characters of my fellow players, were always treated with care and attention. Josh is as invested in our characters as we are. Josh has an incredible ability to make everyone at the table feel included and encouraged to bring their own unique style into the game. His worlds are not only creatively designed but also wonderfully described. Even campaigns from six years ago still linger in my mind, from the names of places to the unique physiological traits of the characters and details in worldbuilding I haven’t encountered anywhere else. I’ve played in everything from beginner campaigns to high level ones with Josh. He has an amazing knack for making new players feel comfortable and immersed in the game, and I’ve seen friends who were new to TTRPGs quickly find their stride thanks to the inclusive, welcoming environment Josh fosters. I truly can’t recommend him enough! Whether you're new to TTRPGs or an experienced player, Josh creates experiences that will stay with you for years.
Josh is a master of the 'Rule of Cool'. Not only that but it's really clear to me he puts a lot of thought into making sure everyone's characters felt unique and important. He is incredibly invested in everyone's backstories, weaving them into the narrative in really interesting ways. If you're looking for a DM who cares about you not only as a person but as a player then you're in the right place!
I would 100% recommend Josh as your next GM. I always look forward to our next sessions as I can never predict what's to come! It's so clear the time and effort they put into creating the story and I'm always grateful to have a fully fleshed out world to explore. They make it so fun to role play and I look forward to those moments in every session. It's so easy to get lost in the story and immerse myself in the game. Their enthusiasm and commitment makes every game really special. I can’t say enough about how great it's been to have Josh as a GM!
Josh is one of the most fun, off the wall but somehow also deceptively well thought out storytellers I've ever played with. He never sets up a situation and expects his players to follow his plan, instead he crafts deep, complex stories and then lets them try any insane idea that comes into their heads to run through them. He's an expert at setting up a scene and putting the power in his players' hands to explore it however they want, making sure they always get to feel like the main characters of these incredible stories. He always makes sure everyone at his table is heard, everyone's story and voice matter and are given equal weight. He's willing to let you goof around at times but is equally capable of utterly terrifying you the next moment or pushing you to think strategically as he puts your back to the wall in an intense and cinematic combat. Josh's biggest talent is in setting up mysteries and guiding you through them without handholding, instead I'm always blown away when we put together the pieces he sprinkles throughout his stories. I've had the privilege of playing two of his campaigns along with numerous oneshots across various systems and am always giddy with excitement to see what this mad scientist has cooked up next.
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