Sawyer
he/him
5.0
(32)
Timezone
Identity
About Sawyer
I’m a storyteller at my core, and tabletop role-playing games are one of my favorite ways to tell those stories. What makes them special is that they aren’t just mine—they’re shaped by the players at the table, whether we’re in person or online. I was introduced to Dungeons & Dragons in middle school when my dad ran a game for me and my younger brother. He’d grown up playing in the early days, and that first session sparked my imagination in a way nothing else has since. Not long after, 5th Edition released, and I dove in—picking up the books and running games for anyone willing to play, from family to friends. As I got older, I discovered shows like Critical Role and saw how much the game was growing. That pushed me to take DMing more seriously, develop my own style, and keep improving. I ran games throughout high school and college, introducing new players along the way. There’s a moment every new player has—when they realize just how much freedom they have—and helping bring that moment to life is my favorite part of this work. In recent years, I’ve expanded into other systems to offer a wider range of stories and experiences. I’m always working to improve and refine my craft. Whether you’re brand new or experienced, my goal is simple: you leave the table feeling excited, engaged, and like you helped create something meaningful with others. I’d love to run a game for you and see what kind of story we build together! I do not use any form of generative AI in any portion of my gaming process and prefer that my players do not either.
At a glance
5 years on StartPlaying
10 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Teacher, Sets the Mood
Featured Prompts
My favorite shows/movies are
Arcane, Sinners, House of the Dragon, Clue and The Shining.
The three words my players would use to describe me are...
Attentive, Imaginative, Immersive
When I'm not running games I'm...
Napping; preferably.
How Sawyer runs games
I come from a strong theater background, and I bring that into my games through character work, story arcs, and engaging NPCs. I believe TTRPGs should feel immersive and alive. When I run games in person, I lean into that fully—candles, curated playlists, ambient sound, and occasionally even themed food and drinks. For online games, I’m always experimenting with new ways to create that same sense of immersion in a digital space. I also prioritize pacing, especially in combat. In larger groups, I keep things moving while still making encounters feel dynamic and memorable. I’m comfortable using the rules to their fullest, but I’m just as willing to go rules-light when it serves the players and the moment. Roleplay is something I care deeply about—the depth it brings to characters and the world is where these games really shine. That said, I always respect each player’s comfort level. I have tools and exercises to help newer players ease into roleplay and find the style of game they enjoy most.
Featured Prompts
If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...
Me. No one can recreate what my players and I do;)
I prep by
Obsessively curated playist/Pinterest board combos.
Rules are...
Important only insofar as they are an engine or piece of story machinery.
Sawyer's ideal table
I think people that are open and ready to have an experience with others, and gain just as much joy at watching their fellow players do and say amazing things in combat and roleplay; just as much if not more than doing those things themselves. I am very inclusive and open to talk about anything, and creating a table where everyone can have space to actually connect to "play" as adults most often have trouble doing is paramount to me.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
If you love X-Men, The Magnus Archives, Star Wars, Teen Wolf, Old Gods of Appalachia, Stormlight Archive, Arcane I could go on; but the characters and the tension and symbolism between them are the most important thing; and I want you guys to have the spotlight!
I love it when a player
Writes down notes of any kind from my sessions and tries to connect the dots of the lore and story. I LOVE IT. It makes all the hard work worth it if I know my games are engaging enough that people are thinking about it when we stop playing and they go about the rest of their week.
My table is not the place for...
Anyone who's only goal in playing is to have the spot light ONLY on them, and can't let other people shine as well. Also, those who are really ONLY interested in playing out a power fantasy of some kind. If those are your only two motivations; there are so many video games for that kind of play.
Sawyer's Preferences
Systems
Platforms
Game Mechanics