Ryan
he/him
4.7
(3)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Ryan
Hey there! I’m the GM behind Crit Happens Games. I started running games off and on since 2020 and continuously since 2025, and even though I’m still growing as a Game Master, I’ve discovered that creating worlds and stories where players can do just about anything they imagine is my favorite part of the game. My goal is simple: build a campaign that lasts — with players who want to show up, have fun, and make epic memories together. I love letting players stretch their creativity, whether that means training a combat pet, forging legendary gear, or inventing something totally unexpected. If it sounds fun, I’ll find a way to make it work in the story. When you join my table, you’re not just joining a game — you’re joining a growing world that reacts to your choices and celebrates teamwork, problem-solving, and the chaos of the dice.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
3 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Rule of Cool, Teacher
Average response time: 11 hours
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
My favorite books are
The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
My favorite shows/movies are
The Dragonball franchise, Stranger Things, and Americas Test Kitchen.
My favorite system of all Time is
Dungeons and Dragons
How Ryan runs games
I run games that focus on player freedom, creativity, and teamwork. I believe the best moments happen when players think outside the box — and I’ll try to adjust the story to make your ideas possible. Want a pet owlbear? Let’s find one. Want to build your own magic item? We’ll make that part of the quest. My sessions tend to be more combat heavy with some role-play. While I am not a big role-player I do allow players to decide how much role-play they want for their characters to shape the narrative. I want your characters to become strong and powerful so that you feel proud of them. I welcome all content except for romance and adult only (18+) content. You may have a spouse and other loved ones just keep the romantic parts out of the game. I use a few home-brew rules to make characters feel strong and encourage playing to the strengths of your character — one rule that I have is called Boon and Bane: After rolling your abilities players may choose to set their two highest rolled ability scores to 18 and 16 while lowering theirs lowest rolled ability to 6. I believe that this makes failure part of the fun and gives each character a unique personality. I welcome all experience levels. And encourage veteran players to help guide newcomers so everyone can contribute to the story.
Featured Prompts
I prep by
Studying the lore for the campaign setting. Going over last session's notes so I know. I also occasionally go over player character backstories to try and find ways to incorporate them into the session or provide meaningful experiences for each player.
Rules are...
Rules are more like guidelines. Some are fixed but I will bend others if it makes more sense in the moment. If players are facing wave after wave of adversaries and no time for a long rest. I might bend the rules to allow a short rest to give long rest benefits and adjust the narrative accordingly.
When it comes to voices
I don't use character voices often, but I focus on strong narrative delivery and portraying each NPC with unique traits.
Ryan's ideal table
Players will fit well at my table if they want to get into the action and fight. While I do encourage and allow players to role-play as much as they want, my campaigns are about 80% to 90% combat. Role-playing will most likely end up being between player characters(PC) and exploring PC backstories together.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
If you're into having pets/sidekicks you're going to love my table. I once played as an artificer with a steal defender, homunculus servant and a tan bag of tricks.
I love it when a player
I love it when a player comes up with creative solutions to problems and fights or does something unexpected.
I think min/maxing...
I think min/maxing is great. Just don't be surprised when I bring out a NPC that hits just as hard (if not harder) as you.
Ryan's Preferences
Systems
Game Mechanics