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Kari

Kari (he/him)

5.0

(8)

Teacher/Educator

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, World Builder

About me

I have been playing D&D for 47 years and DMing for 45 years with a break in my 20's. Role playing has been part of my life for a long time and brought me and my friends a lot of joy. During that time I have created my own fantasy realm, Varadia, which I run all my sessions in. I like my players to enjoy themselves and can improvise sudden twists in the story seamlessly. I like to think that I adjudicate difficult situations fairly that make sense within the context of the scenario and characters' actions.

GM Style

I can adapt to a number of styles, combat heavy or role play although I tend to go for a mix of all styles. However, I am capable of altering the blend to suit my players' needs. I think I make intersting choices for the players and adjudicate them fairly. Each player will be given their fair share of attention and I will accomodate backstory during the campaign. I have created my own fantasy world, Varadia, which there are familiar tropes but with intersting differences. This gives the characters intersting political backdriops for their adventures that they can engage in as they wish.

Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (8)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Knows the Rules

World Builder

PTheB avatar

PTheB

I had a fantastic game with Kari. It was a beginner's one shot and he patiently explained all the rules to us with a special focus on combat. I can definitly recommend his game's and hope to play one of this games soon.

Baeren avatar

Baeren

I had a great time with Kari as DM of my first real D&D game and felt very welcomed.

Steve Robert avatar

Steve Robert

Kari is an exceptional DM and a great friend who has been running games for our group for years. His deep experience and passion for storytelling bring a unique spark to every session. Kari knows how to keep the game engaging, balancing structure with flexibility so everyone feels like their choices truly matter. He’s incredibly skilled at adapting to the unexpected twists we throw at him, making each game unpredictable and memorable. Playing with Kari isn’t just about the game itself; it’s about sharing in a journey with friends. I can’t imagine our adventures without him at the helm, and I highly recommend him as a DM to anyone looking for an incredible experience.

Alex Massey avatar

Alex Massey

I have been playing RPGs with Kari for many, many years and absolutely recommend him to any player (be they a novice or more experienced gamer) that wants an exciting and immersive gaming experience. He is an excellent world builder, exemplified by his creation of the world of Varadia, and the depth and detail he brings to his world is breath-taking. He allows his players plenty of freedom in terms of character building and which paths they want to follow during their adventure, but is also adept at subtly manoeuvring them if necessary! His knowledge of the rules is extensive, but he is no stickler and knows when to be flexible. His aim is always to ensure his players enjoy their adventures and I have no hesitation in saying he is the GM for you!

Lewis Gowers avatar

Lewis Gowers

Kari is a very good DM, whatever your role playing ability and strikes an excellent balance between fun and challenging dungeoneering.

Lawrence Widdicombe avatar

Lawrence Widdicombe

From a Fellow DM's Perspective As an experienced Dungeon Master myself, I can confidently say that Kari stands out as an exceptional DM who masterfully balances the needs of both veteran and novice players. With decades of experience, Kari's dedication to creating an inclusive and engaging tabletop expertise is evident in every session. Strengths Accessibility & Patient Teaching Exceptionally welcoming to newcomers. Takes time to explain rules and mechanics clearly Answers questions thoughtfully and without judgment Perfect for beginners testing the waters of TTRPGs He makes complex game elements easy to understand Storytelling & World-Building Creates rich, immersive narratives Weaves character backgrounds seamlessly into the story Builds compelling worlds that draw players in Balances narrative depth with accessibility Table Management Ensures every player gets their moment to shine Fosters genuine team collaboration Expertly handles mixed groups of varying experience levels Creates an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere Maintains a fun, positive gaming environment Combat & Mechanics Runs engaging, well-paced encounters Flexible with rules when it enhances fun Balances challenge with enjoyment Keeps combat accessible while maintaining depth Notable Qualities Prioritizes player enjoyment above all Willing to adapt and work with players Demonstrates remarkable patience Maintains consistent energy and enthusiasm Fosters a collaborative storytelling experience Overall Recommendation Having experienced Kari's DMing firsthand, I wholeheartedly recommend him as a Dungeon Master for any group, especially for tables with newer players or mixed experience levels. His extensive experience, patient teaching style, and dedication to player enjoyment create an ideal environment for learning and having fun. Kari exemplifies what makes tabletop gaming unique: the ability to bring people together for shared storytelling and adventure, regardless of their experience level. Whether you're a complete newcomer to TTRPGs or a veteran player, you'll find yourself in capable hands at Kari's table. His ability to weave engaging narratives while ensuring everyone feels included and valued makes him a truly exceptional Dungeon Master.

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