The Fresch GM

he/him

5.0

(8)

Timezone

Australia/darwin

Language

English

About The Fresch GM

Hi! I’m a lifelong storyteller who found a natural home behind the GM screen. I’ve been running tabletop RPGs for years, primarily as a Dungeon Master for long-running Dungeons & Dragons 5e campaigns and one shots. What I love most about this hobby is the collaboration—building stories together, watching players surprise me with their choices, and creating moments we’ll all remember long after the dice stop rolling. I’ve run everything from dark horror to high fantasy and political intrigue. Across every genre, I bring preparation, adaptability, and a focus on collaborative storytelling. For me, being a GM isn’t just about running the rules of the game; it’s about crafting a space where players feel safe, creative, and celebrated as the heroes of the story we’re telling together.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

1 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Sets the Mood, Voices

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

My GM wanted to play in our group's next campaign. I had never wanted to GM, but I picked up a copy of Curse of Strahd and read through it. I was engrossed! The world, the characters, the story—I could picture it perfectly, and I knew I had to tell this story with friends. I have never looked back!

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

hanging out with my family, playing video games, teaching my students, or planning the next TTRPG session!

How The Fresch GM runs games

My games are all about immersion, collaboration, and giving players the chance to shine. I love roleplay—both the dramatic moments that pull on the heartstrings and the lighthearted interactions that make a party feel like family. You can expect rich NPCs with their own goals and personalities, and plenty of opportunities for your character’s story and choices to matter in the world. I enjoy designing high-stakes encounters where creativity matters just as much as raw damage. Expect dynamic battlefields, environmental twists, and enemies that feel like they belong in the story rather than random obstacles. That said, combat is always balanced with exploration, puzzles, and opportunities for clever problem-solving. My GMing style blends the structure of published adventures with custom twists. I enjoy tailoring every campaign to the specific characters and players at the table, whether that means designing personal trials tied to their backstories, offering unique boons and moral dilemmas, or building NPCs who feel alive and deeply connected to the story. I use music and visuals to make each session immersive, but at the heart of it all is a simple goal: helping players feel like their choices matter and that they’re co-creating something epic and meaningful. I want players to leave each session feeling excited, invested, and like they were part of telling a story that couldn’t have happened without them.

Featured Prompts

I once ran a session...

wherein my players decided to do team building exercises. I did not plan or suggest this! They decided what they were doing & how to do. Then I ran it on the fly. This is not my usual method (at all!), but it was one of the best & most memorable sessions ever! Plus, they got boons out of it!

My games focus on...

Rich narrative arcs, engaging characters, and collaboration at the table. I encourage creativity in my players and want to provide opportunities for them to contribute in their unique ways to the stories we are telling. My games incorporate puzzles, exploration, combat, and roleplay (especially!).

Rules are...

Helpful to ensure that we are all on the same page with regard to the mechanics of play. However, if rules get in the way of fun, then we should not feel obligated to keep them. I tend to be flexible with players, offering them different options to achieve their goals & rewarding creative solutions.

The Fresch GM's ideal table

My table is welcoming, story-driven, and collaborative. I aim to create a space where players feel comfortable taking risks, exploring their characters, and shaping the story together. Roleplay is a big part of the experience—whether it’s tense negotiations, heartfelt character moments, or playful party banter—and I encourage players to lean into both the serious and the silly. The general vibe is immersive but not rigid: I set the stage with atmosphere, visuals, and strong NPCs, but there’s always room for laughter and creative problem-solving. Combat is designed to be engaging and tactical, with dynamic environments and enemies that make sense in the world, but the focus is always on making the players feel like the heroes of the story. Players who thrive at my table are those who enjoy character-driven storytelling, like to interact with the world and each other, and are open to sharing the spotlight. You don’t need to be an improv actor or rules expert—just bring a willingness to collaborate and engage. New players are very welcome, and I’ll happily guide them through mechanics, while experienced players will find plenty of depth to sink their teeth into. At the end of the day, my table is about respect, creativity, and fun. If you enjoy a mix of rich roleplay, meaningful combat, and a story that responds to your choices, you’ll feel right at home.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

finds a solution to a situation that I did not plan for! It always results in a more immersive and engaging story for the whole table, makes that player feel awesome, and encourages the rest of the table to try new things!

I think metagaming...

is boring! The fun of TTRPGs comes from stepping into the shoes of a character with their own backstory, ideals, flaws, & goals. Metagaming removes those crucial elements of discovery & authenticity. The most exciting moments come from characters making decisions based on their own perspective.