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Paul L. (theOGRE)

Paul L. (theOGRE) (he/him)

Veteran

Less than a year on StartPlaying

About me

Forged in the fires of the late 1970s, when AD&D 1st Edition was still a fresh and dangerous frontier, theOGRE took up the Dungeon Master’s Screen and never looked back. From the first clatter of polyhedral dice on a wooden table, he wove a world of peril, adventure, and deep storytelling that would span decades. Beginning in dimly lit basements filled with Coca Cola, Jolt and stacks of Dragon Magazine, he honed his craft by delving into The Keep on the Borderlands, Tomb of Horrors, and homebrewed campaigns that pushed the limits of what a fantasy world could be. The Art of the Game Through the years, theOGRE has mastered the ancient ways of AD&D 1E, where THAC0 was king and the Dungeon Master's Guide was as cryptic as it was sacred. His campaigns have seen heroes rise, kingdoms fall, and villains that players still speak of in hushed whispers decades later. With an encyclopedic knowledge of Gary Gygax’s original intent, he upholds the spirit of classic dungeon crawling—where choices matter, the dice are merciless, and every session carries the weight of legend. A Professional Dungeon Master Not just a home game storyteller, theOGRE has also brought their mastery to the public, running high-stakes campaigns and tournament-style modules at major gaming conventions. From the early days of EveCon and NoVAG to modern-day gatherings, he has entertained, challenged, and inspired players from all walks of life. Having worked as a professional Dungeon Master, he has overseen epic multi-table events, classic module adaptations, and custom scenarios tailored for competitive play. Whether it’s an old-school meat grinder or a narrative-driven high-fantasy saga, his ability to balance fairness, creativity, and brutal challenge has earned them a reputation among seasoned con-goers. Legacy and Influence After running thousands of sessions across countless modules, homebrews, and player-driven narratives, theOGRE remains a storyteller at heart, keeping the torch of classic roleplaying alive. He has mentored new DMs, taught the virtues of hex-crawling and resource management, and has seen characters grow from mere fledgling adventurers to rulers of entire realms. His tables have hosted players from all walks of life — witnessing the birth of lifelong friendships, epic rivalries, and the kind of war stories only true grognards understand. The Ongoing Adventure Even now, after 40+ years behind the screen, theOGRE continues to craft adventures that challenge, inspire, and terrify. He has remained a staunch believer in the golden rule: the DM is not the enemy, but the world itself is unforgiving.

GM Style

So, you wish to know the tale of the one who has ruled these realms for over four decades? Very well, pull up a chair, pour yourself a flagon of ale, and listen well. For this is the story of a Dungeon Master forged in the fires of the late 1970s—when Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition first beckoned adventurers into the unknown. my dominion was never confined to a single table. No, my legend grew beyond the humble confines of home games, spilling into the great halls of gaming conventions. From Gen Con to Origins, I have stood before legions of adventurers—some fresh-faced and eager, others hardened veterans with years of experience. I have run high-stakes tournament modules where the price of failure was final death and sprawling multi-table epics where the fate of an entire realm rested in the hands of a dozen parties at once. In these halls of legend, I honed my craft, mastering the delicate balance between fate and free will. For I am not merely the storyteller—I am the world itself. The mountains rise at my command, the dungeons twist at my whim, and the villains laugh in the face of fate. But always, the dice remain impartial, their judgment swift and merciless. Even now, after more than forty years behind the screen, my watch is not yet ended. I still weave new tales, still challenge the bold and the foolish alike. Whether in the halls of a convention or a candle-lit chamber, my voice echoes in the hearts of those who dare to dream. So tell me, traveler—do you have what it takes to step into my world? If you do, then take up your dice and ready your character sheet. Adventure awaits, and the story is far from over…

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