Mel O. (EqualityGnoll) banner

Mel O. (EqualityGnoll)

they/them

5.0

(4)

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Language

English

Identity

Queer
BIMPOC
Asian
Neurodivergent
Women/Femme Identifying

About Mel O. (EqualityGnoll)

I have been a player at Dungeons and Dragons 5e tables since 2017, but a DM since 2019. Before the pandemic, I played only in-person games; however, I have become a strictly digital DM. I utilize programs/services like Roll20, Inkarnate, and World Anvil to stay organized and consistent in my storytelling. Though it was short-lived, I studied acting and storytelling in college, and I love to perform, so role-play and improv come easily to me. Non-D&D Info: I am queer and Filipino-German. Currently, I'm studying Social Work and Human Services while also working and growing my DMing business. That being said, I take the comfort of my players very seriously. Though everyone is welcome at my table, I do not tolerate any forms of bigotry or hatred.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Inclusive

Featured Prompts

My favorite shows/movies are

The Great North, Star Trek: DS9, The Orville, All the LotR extended editions, Secret of NIHM. What I like about these stories is the character depth and character growth illustrated throughout their journeys.

How Mel O. (EqualityGnoll) runs games

Role-play is my bread and butter. Coming from a theatre background, I love telling a story through character interactions and internal strife. Role-play doesn't stop at the table. I will write backstories or journals for NPCs that can become accessible through wiki-style articles on WorldAnvil. Combat-wise, I do not pull my punches. I utilize the "dynamic lighting" feature on Roll20 and do take the environment into effect. Enemies will not stand in one place and let you beat them to a pulp; they want to live and see you fall, and will do everything they can to achieve one or both of these goals. Consent and communication are very important to me. I do start every group off with a session 0 before any dice are rolled. There, we will talk about our boundaries and limits to what can be discussed in a game. I utilize the Red/Yellow/Green light system, meaning if you throw out a Yellow Light, I will pause the game for us to discuss what happened that made you uncomfortable privately, and if you throw out a Red Light, then the game is over for the night, and we will discuss what happened when you are ready.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

utilizing World Anvil and creating wiki-style articles for aspects of my games. By doing this, I can see the gaps in the story or the lore and fill them. It also helps me stay organized.

Mel O. (EqualityGnoll)'s ideal table

My table encourages creativity and cooperation. If you like role-playing and building a character with a rich, detailed background, then this is the table for you. Now that isn't to say you won't have fun if you have trouble thinking of a backstory. I will happily sit down with you to come up with a character with a story that you would love to play. Beginner players are always welcome at my table, as well as experienced players. If we do have a mixed group, I ask that our experienced adventurers have some patience for our up-and-coming champions as they learn the ropes, as you did at your first table.

Featured Prompts

If you're into ___, you're going to love my table

Role-Playing and character development

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

say "it's what my character would do" when an issue involving another player's comfort is brought to their attention. I believe it is a form of deflection that can cause real harm to everyone involved. We need to treat everyone with respect and take the concerns of others seriously and with empathy.

I think metagaming...

can't be helped. Sometimes this is your 5th time dealing with a beholder while it's your character's first. I ask that you try to play the game through your character's perspective and refrain from meta-gaming. In the end, I want everyone at the table to have fun.

Mel O. (EqualityGnoll)'s Preferences

Game style

Roleplay Heavy

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Play By Post

West Marches

Sandbox / Open World

Social

Mel O. (EqualityGnoll)'s games