Axel Johnston
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5.0
(3)
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Identity
About Axel Johnston
I have been playing TTRPGs since 1983, and running them almost as long. I have a lot of experience running campaigns, one-shots and convention games, in many systems, including but by no means limited to RuneQuest, Ars Magica, Traveller, D&D, Cyberpunk, In A Wicked Age, Primetime Adventures, and World of Darkness. I like games with immersive worlds that feel believable - albeit unlike the one we live in. I aim to give players agency to explore the world in their own way, with consequences that are interesting and fun. I like to provide a path that players can follow, but always with room to head off in different directions and explore the sandbox. The gaming table should always be a happy fun place for the players, although not necessarily for the characters. I do my utmost to ensure that it's inclusive and a safe space for everyone.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Beginner Friendly, Inclusive, Knows the Rules
$25 per session
Featured Prompts
My favorite books are
hard to narrow down to individual ones, so I'll list some favourite authors: Douglas Adams, Iain M Banks, M. John Harrison, Margarett Killjoy, Ursula K. LeGuin, China Mieville, Michael Moorcock, Terry Pratchett, Neal Stephenson, and Robert Anton Wilson,
How Axel Johnston runs games
My games tend to be upbeat - the real world is grimdark enough so I want gaming sessions to be exciting and rewarding. PCs are the Big Godamn Heroes in a world that needs them. Trying ridiculous things is rewarded. I bring a lot of knowledge of the system, setting, and tools we're playing, so you don't have to (although it's nice if you do). I aim for a collaborative, inclusive, democratic gaming experience (I don't like GM fiat when I'm playing and so do my utmost not to deliver that when I'm leading a game). I create an environment for players to develop their characters as much, or as little, as they want.
Featured Prompts
I deal with rules issues by...
discussing with the group to reach consensus.
Axel Johnston's ideal table
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
comes up with plot ideas for me to build stories around, tries to do crazy things that fit into the theme of the world, helps other players to understand the world and game, but mainly has a great time playing with me.
I think metagaming...
means gaming about the game. It is using using knowledge that extend beyond a game’s immediate rules and mechanics to inform game play, which is a normal part of playing a game. This is cool. It should not be used as a euphemism for cheating or bad behaviour. This is not.
Axel Johnston's Preferences
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