DM Kage Kral

he/they

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/phoenix

Identity

Neurodivergent

Published Writer

Artist

Cosplayer

About DM Kage Kral

Hi, I’m Kage—Lead DM and Creative Director at Shadow, Shield & Sorcery Games. I’ve been building worlds since the late '80s and running games that blend dark fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and heartfelt storytelling. Whether you're new to tabletop RPGs or a seasoned player, my table is a place where your character's story truly matters. At my games, you can expect immersive roleplay, animated maps through Foundry VTT, bold NPCs, and a strong narrative focus. I use the S.P.E.C.S. session format (Social, Player moments, Exploration, Combat, Surprise) to make sure each session is balanced and engaging. My games are tailored to player interests and often draw inspiration from your favorite books, movies, TV shows, or video games—whether that’s Stephen King, Final Fantasy, Stranger Things, The Witcher, or something else entirely. Every player gets access to our private Discord community, where we share updates, memes, character lore, and session recaps. You'll also have access to my full D&D Beyond library of expanded character options, homebrew subclasses, magic items, and more. My tables are inclusive and beginner-friendly by design. I'm patient, supportive, and great at helping new players learn as they go. Whether you’re neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, or just figuring out what kind of story you want to tell, I run an open-door table where you can speak up, ask questions, or message me any time with what you need to feel comfortable and empowered. Safety and trust come first. Every game includes session zero tools, X/N/O safety signals, lines and veils, and optional consent checklists. No edge-lording, no gatekeeping—just collaborative storytelling with real emotion, epic stakes, and room to laugh in between. Let’s go play pretend instead.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, Storytelling

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I genuinely enjoy building worlds and adventures for people. I like to see people fight their demons, get out their aggression or silliness and just escape into a world where they have some control of their destiny. You truly get to know someone when you play games together.

I got started GMing...

when I couldn't find a GM after getting into D&D. Very quickly I discovered I had a talent for cooperative storytelling and managing groups. I prefer to be behind the screen.

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

preparing for games, 3D printing and painting minis, crafting terrain and absorbing as much content as I can to build bigger, better, more immersive worlds

How DM Kage Kral runs games

I run the kinds of D&D games I always wanted to play—where the world feels like it keeps turning, even when you're not looking. If you play at my table, expect to *feel everything*. My games are story-first, with a deep love for roleplay and character-driven arcs. You’ll get space to explore your backstory, make hard choices, and become someone you didn’t expect. This isn’t just dice and numbers—we’re telling a story together, and I’ll meet you there with layered NPCs, evolving relationships, and consequences that matter. Combat in my games is high-stakes and tactical. I design encounters like puzzles—built to challenge not just your stats, but your creativity. Terrain, enemy tactics, and moral ambiguity all come into play. You might be fighting a beast, but *why* it’s fighting back will matter just as much. I homebrew almost everything. No cookie-cutter modules here—my worlds are unique, built to feel alive, grounded in myth and meaning, yet still familiar enough to jump right in. You'll encounter custom monsters, strange magic, and lore that unfolds naturally as you explore. Expect themes of mystery, moral gray areas, and moments that hit harder because *you* made the call. I run games for players who want to get messy, get weird, and walk away changed. If you’re here for rich RP, unforgettable battles, and the kind of fantasy that lingers long after the session ends—you’re in the right place.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

finding an agreeable compromise in the moment and then following up on the rule for further clarity to see if it is a misunderstanding, if further clarity has been provided by a developer or PSTM. (Person Smarter Than Me) If needed, I bring the info back to the party for a final decision.

Rules are...

important until they get in the way of fun. Then the rule needs to be bent, modified or broken. Always with the overall acceptance from the players.

When it comes to voices

I'm no Matt Mercer, but I try to give all my characters their own voices and personalities. I have more than a few characters that are fan favorites among my repeat players.

DM Kage Kral's ideal table

If you like a laid back, comfortable atmosphere with intense combat and role play, my table is for you. My games range from the dark and gritty to fun and off the wall. I always bring a challenge but its NEVER the DM versus the Players. Fun is rule #1, so Rules Lawyers won't do well here.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

creatively wrecks my narrative. Not maliciously, or even on purpose, but when a player comes up with that perfect solution that undoes a whole scenario. Improv is where I thrive.

I think it's a red flag when players...

are contrarian just for the sake of going against the grain or "to be random". Those players tend to take away from the enjoyment of others at the table in my experience. Theyre usually the type to use the "Its what my character would do." excuse for being awful.

My table is not the place for...

bigotry, hatred or intolerance of any kind. My tables are inclusive and welcome diversity.