SaladProof

he/him

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

Podcaster

About SaladProof

Hi, I'm SaladProof! I'm an old-school TTRPG player. Started before D&D had editions. Now, I run 5e, Castles & Crusades, and the occasional Shadowrun campaign. Currently, my friends and I run a podcast called the Curse of Ever After, and I am DM'ing our Dark Tales campaign using 5e and based on the fairy tales we all know and love. We are a small podcast, just broke into the double digits for followers on Spotify, but we have fun and that's what we like about it. I've been a player and GM for years. Took a break shortly after high school, then came back in after reconnecting with an old friend (RIP Colter, love you brother). Now, aside from running the Dark Tales game remotely through VTT, I also like to do in-person games with another group that includes my oldest son and some family friends. I found this site through the Arcane Almanac, and by just cruising around found that I might like to be a professional GM. I'm not sure about availability just yet, there are some days that are absolutely off the table, but I am flexible and just like to kind of roll with it, see what everyone likes.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

$10 per session

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I love watching the players shape the story. I love giving them the tools, the materials, and the direction (while doing my best to not railroad, mind you) they need to tell their story. I love seeing new approaches to old puzzles. It's fun.

My favorite system of all Time is

Castles & Crusades. There is a simplicity to the game that just makes it fun to play. I got my first taste at GaryCon in 2018, hooked immediately. Went and bought the Castle Keeper's Guide, Player's Handbook, and Monsters & Treasures right after the session.

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

Usually playing Minecraft. Or some other relatively "chill" game. Don't judge, but Powerwash Simulator is low-key relaxing. It feeds my desire for completion, and watching the dirt disappear line by line is just...divine.

How SaladProof runs games

I like roleplay in my games, though I'm not into anyone who pulls the "well, that's what my character would do" to get away with something nasty. Combat can be as detailed as the players like: we can do cut and dry, straight to the point combat, or we can get into the details of each hit and how it impacts the combat overall. I am open to using situational modifiers, environmental interactions, and the like. I am a big fan of crit tables. Something more than just automatic double or max damage should happen if roll that 1 or 20, something that really impacts how things are going. Sometimes it can be minor or an embarrassment, other times it could have much more long-term and devastating impact. I love the telling of the story. That's what this is all about. I'm just the narrator, playing the part of several background extras or maybe a few major parts, but the players are the stars. They write it, they act it, they are the focus. I just want to facilitate their imagination, for however long we are together.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

Prep? People do that? Honestly, there is some prep involved, but mostly just a bare framework of what might happen during the session, or what NPCs the players might run into. I just make sure that I have notes ready from last session, locations are good, and off we go.

Rules are...

FLEXIBLE. Seriously, the books are there for guidance, in my opinion. If a player wants to try something unconventional, and it's a gray area on the rules, I'll let it fly and see how it turns out. Strict adherence to rules is a sure way to bring the fun down.

When it comes to voices

I try. I really do. Sometimes it works out. Most times it's just every single NPC in the game sounding exactly the same. Oh, the Dwarf might have a bit of a Scottish accent, but what Dwarf doesn't? Voices are cool, but not expected, at least not with me.

SaladProof's ideal table

My table is relaxed, conversational, and easy. Everyone feels safe and welcome, and they can chat with each other as much as they like. Pay attention when it's your turn, though, because we want to be respectful of everyone's time. The players get along well enough. We all understand conflict can come up, but we also understand the best way to deal with it is to talk it out, say your piece, and let the other person say theirs. We all agree on certain Lines, and accept that some Veils will likely happen, but nobody is left to feel like their opinion doesn't matter. I like to have fun when running a session. It is a game, after all, and if you're not having fun, then we need to find a way to correct that. If that means helping you find a GM or group that meshes better with you, then that's what we do.

Featured Prompts

I am for a vibe that's...

Relaxed. Tell jokes. Chat about your characters and what they might do on their turn. Wonder out loud about that one shopkeeper who kept giving you a weird look. Was she part of some conspiracy, meant to find you out and turn you over to the guards? Have fun. It's what we are here for.

I love it when a player

Comes up with crazy or unconventional ways to do things. Challenge the rules a bit, push them to the limit. Push ME to the limit, see what I will allow and what might be a bit too far from reality. The games we run depend on imagination. Let it run free, see where it takes you.

I think metagaming...

Happens, but should be controlled. If I have experienced players at the table, and they run into something they have dealt with before but their character has not, then their character doesn't know anything. I get that actions and decisions will be affected, but let's keep it to a minimum.