RyLee

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

About RyLee

Howdy! I’m RyLee, a long-time DM with a passion for immersive storytelling and character-driven adventures. My journey with D&D started back in 2017, and I've been hooked ever since. I cut my teeth running campaigns like Lost Mine of Phandelver and Dragon of Icespire Peak before diving headfirst into the mists of Curse of Strahd. That campaign ran for a year and a half, and it’s easily one of my all-time favorites. I’ve been itching to run it again ever since. I started running games because I love bringing worlds to life and watching players really dig into the stories we build together. I put a lot of work into crafting immersive experiences, whether it's adding richer lore, fleshing out NPCs, or making sure your character’s backstory actually matters. I want the game to feel alive, where your choices ripple out and shape the world in real ways. What makes my table different is the attention to detail and the personal investment I bring to each session. I’m not just running a module I’m expanding it, adding layers, and making it our own. I’m looking for players who are excited to dive deep, who respect the effort that goes into it, and who are just as eager as I am to make something truly epic. If you’re looking for a game where your character’s story matters and the world responds to your actions, you’re in the right place.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

10 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Sets the Mood, Teacher

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

I got started GMing back in 2017 because I was the one in the friend group who had the gumption. And I just never stopped. It’s become one of my favorite creative outlets and ways to connect with people.

When I'm not running games I'm...

When I’m not running games, I’m usually playing them. Minecraft, Elder Scrolls, and way too much Baldur’s Gate lately. I’m also a drummer, and music is a huge part of my life. I’ve basically got something playing from the moment I wake up to when I crash for the night.

How RyLee runs games

I’d describe my style as a Taxi Driver DM. I create a living, breathing world with its own momentum and history, but the direction the story takes is up to you. My campaigns are immersive and character-driven, balancing moments of lighthearted adventure with darker, serious tones that reflect the stakes of the world. I believe every character should feel like they matter, weaving backstories into the plot and offering unique opportunities for growth, choice, and consequences. Expect thoughtful world-building, meaningful player choices, and a mix of tactical combat, roleplay, and exploration. I also love sprinkling in homebrew elements like custom magic items, unique feats, and special abilities that are earned through heroic (or sometimes villainous) deeds. My goal is to create a collaborative storytelling experience that feels like your own personal epic. And while I’m no master of voices, I’m absolutely willing to throw myself into a role, even if it means sounding a little foolish, because I think that kind of energy makes the game more fun for everyone. If it gets a laugh or helps bring the story to life, I’m all in.

Featured Prompts

My favorite trope is...

Hubris. There’s just something fun about watching someone fly a little too close to the sun whether it’s a power-hungry villain, a god getting cocky, or a party member biting off more than they can chew.

Rules are...

more what you'd call 'guidelines' than actual rules.

When it comes to voices

Listen, I do my best 😂

RyLee's ideal table

I run a pretty laid-back and collaborative table. I’m all about telling cool stories together, so if you’re the kind of player who gets excited about roleplay, loves getting into character, or just enjoys vibing with a group of weirdos - this is your kind of table.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

I love when players bring big character ideas or messy flaws to the table, and I’ll always work with you to help them shine in the story. You don’t have to be a master thespian or rules expert; all I ask is that you show up, stay engaged, and help make the game fun for everyone else too.

I think metagaming...

Is kind of the cardinal sin of TTRPGs-it breaks the immersion and cheapens the experience for everyone. Part of the fun is making decisions your character would make, even if you know it's a terrible idea. I love when players fully lean into their character’s perspective, flaws and all.

I think min/maxing...

I think min/maxing can be fun and has its place, especially if that’s what brings you joy - but for me, it should always come second to making a character that’s interesting, flawed, and fun to roleplay.