Ben
he/him
5.0
(5)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Ben
I'm an actor, writer, and comedian who loves to bring stories to life and collaborate with other creative people. I've been roleplaying and GM-ing for over 10 years. I started playing Pathfinder with my improv, but I've grown to prefer the streamlined ease of D&D 5th edition so that my players and I can focus on the story unfolding rather than math and mechanical crunch. Most of my players in my home games are Dungeon Masters themselves (several of whom are professionals themselves) but I'm also comfortable introducing new players to the game and helping them learn the ropes. I'm funny, creative, and tactical in my approach to every game. Ever since I was a kid, I've always had a desire to create new games for my friends to play and storied worlds to lose myself in, but I never had the perfect outlet for that drive before I discovered the world of ttrpgs.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
1 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, World Builder, Inclusive
Average response time: Under 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
I got started GMing because one of the seniors on my college improv team taught me how to play pathfinder and gave me his copy of the Crypt of the Everflame module. I brought it back home to San Diego, ran it for a couple friends and was hooked for life!
My favorite books are
It's always hard to pick favorites, but the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett will always have a very special place in my heart. I think Pratchett's satire finds the perfect balance between silly fantasy and meaningful commentary.
The three words my players would use to describe me are...
Rather than make up an answer, I asked my actual long term players and they said: "Comedy improv proficient? Would that fit?" "Communicative, Immersive, Creative" "Adaptable, insightful, fun" "Lore-rich, player-focused, whimsical"
How Ben runs games
I have a strong background in improv, acting, and playwriting, so I specialize in creating a cast of interesting and unique NPCs capable of laugh out loud comedy one minute and heartbreaking drama the next. That said, I know that my players aren't just here to talk, they're here to play, quest, fight, and explore. I want my players to feel immersed in a fantasy world they grow to love so that the stakes of each battle feel real and tense. I love creating combat encounters that inspire my players to do more than just sit in one place and smack a stat block with a stick every turn until it falls over. I strive to always give my players high stakes situations that challenge them enough to sweat without making them feel hopeless, both in and out of combat. Above all, I believe in clear communication, mutual respect, and collaborative storytelling.
Featured Prompts
I deal with rules issues by...
If it can be solved with a quick google or reading through a spell's text, I usually play by the book. If not, I go off of my gut to make a decision that feels satisfying and fair so that the whole game doesn't shut down for 20 minutes while I silently read dry text. The flow of gameplay matters!
Rules are...
Rules are important because they help keep things fair and ground the players in knowing what they can and can't do. That being said, no rule is more important than telling a good story or having a good time, so the most important one will always be the Rule of Cool.
When it comes to voices
I go all in. It's as much to entertain my self as my players. Using my natural speaking voice for an NPC just feels...naked. Whether it's an accent, a change in pitch, or a unique cadence using voices for my NPCs is essential to helping them feel distinct from each other.
Ben's ideal table
My ideal players are creative, collaborative, empathetic, and not afraid to fail. I think tabletop is a hobby where making the interesting decision will always lead to a more entertaining game than making the "Right" or "Smart" one. The vibe at my table is typically friendly and casual, but I do occasionally like to turn on the pressure cooker to make people sweat a little. I love it when players embrace conflict between their characters without letting it bleed into real life. Constant communication about what people are excited about and comfortable pursuing is an absolute must at my table. I'm not afraid to make a big last minute pivot if it helps ensure that everyone at the table is having the best experience possible.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Takes risks and embraces failure. Nothing makes for a better story than a character who struggles, stumbles, and picks themself back up. Obviously it's fun when things go our way, but some of the best moments happen when you're scrambling to make the best of a bad situation.
I think min/maxing...
is a valid way to enjoy the game, but needs to happen at a table where everyone's on the same page. A balanced party ensures that everyone feels important. It's also difficult to provide an appropriate challenge when there's a big gap in the power level between characters.
My table is not the place for...
Homophobia, transphobia, racism or intolerance of any kind. I believe everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. If anyone at the table finds themselves unable to treat me and the other players at the table respectfully, they will be swiftly removed.
Ben's Preferences
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Game Mechanics