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Phil

he/him

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Identity

Game Designer

About Phil

I'm a storyteller fortunate enough to be a professional game developer. I've been game mastering since I discovered Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, and my experience with all tabletop games runs deep.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I love surprising and delighting groups of people. This aspect also shaped my career choice - making games professionally!

I got started GMing...

...when my friend, Johnny, brought his three AD&D hardcover books on the bus and said "my Mom told me I have to sell these or she's going to burn them." I bought all three for $11.

My favorite books are

My favorite books are definitely the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. At least now. Before then I would have said either Dune, the Lord of the Rings series, or the Stormlight Archive. Honestly, I'll need a decade to know for sure.

How Phil runs games

I’m Phil, a storyteller at heart, a professional game developer by trade, and an eternal lover of quests, epic and pocket-sized. My journey into the world of tabletop roleplaying began long ago with my very first encounter with Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. That spark ignited a passion for immersive narratives and spontaneous, laughter-filled sessions that has only grown stronger over time. My approach as a game master is rooted in crafting unforgettable experiences, whether that means dramatic roleplay moments, intriguing mysteries, tactical high-stakes combat, or delightfully absurd challenges tailored to each group’s preferences. In my role as a game master, I seamlessly blend the precision of professional game development with the unpredictability and joy of tabletop adventures. I specialize in building dynamic worlds rich with opportunities for roleplay, intriguing puzzles, and surprising twists. Whether I’m designing intricate quests or improvising encounters on the fly, my games are all about creating safe, inclusive spaces where players feel encouraged to explore their creativity. I firmly believe that the best gaming experiences are built on a foundation of collaboration, spontaneity, and a good dose of humor; even dragons need a laugh sometimes! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of guiding players through perilous dungeons, enchanted forests, and even the occasional absurd realm where gravity is optional and the rules bend just enough to keep things interesting

Phil's Preferences

Systems

Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Lancer
Monster of the Week
Ashen Stars
Uncharted Worlds
Apocalypse World 2e

Platforms