The Rob of Wonder

he/him

5.0

(22)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

Published Writer

Artist

Voice Actor

Game Designer

About The Rob of Wonder

Greetings! With 30+ years of experience as a player, GM, writer, actor and storyteller; experience running multiple TTRPG systems including D&D, Pathfinder, Maelstrom, AFF, Doctor Who RPG and MERP; and as the owner, head writer and primary artist at Eye Wonder Artistry & Games I like to prioritize collaborative storytelling over strict adherence to rules and emphasize the players as the protagonists and heroes at the center of the story. However, I'm certainly not a stranger to a more traditional dungeon crawl or a more mechanics heavy approach. My main goal is to make sure that my players get the experience that they want and that everyone is having fun. Whether you're looking for an extended campaign, a one-shot adventure or something in between and whether you're a beginning or experienced player, I'll tailor a game for your needs. At the end of each campaign I create commemorative character sheets for the players, complete with original character art.

At a glance

3 years on StartPlaying

219 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Inclusive

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I love collaborative storytelling and for me, TTRPGs provide a fantastic opportunity to get together with other creative people and craft a story in which we get to be the characters and the people that we want to be.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

storyteller, fun and patient.

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

sketching, painting, illustrating and writing most of the time, but I also spend a lot of time at the theatre where I run a program producing staged readings of new writers' works. I spend my time immersed in art of all kinds and gaming!

How The Rob of Wonder runs games

My preferred style is collaborative narrative storytelling with an emphasis on roleplaying over rules, but I am happy to tailor games for the preferred style of the group. If you prefer a strict, rules-based game or a balanced mix of combat and RP, that's what I shall endeavor to provide. If your style doesn't fit in with the majority of the rest of the group, I will likely have a group that fits your style better, or I will endeavor to find or create you one. There is no "wrong" way to play, just players that mesh better in their playstyles. I have a background in theatre and storytelling spanning 30+ years and my aim is to keep everyone at the table entertained and engaged. I also find that it helps if everyone has a role to play in keeping the game moving, so I ask anyone who is comfortable doing so to take a role in keeping track of story notes, treasure, bonuses and penalties etc. This gives everyone a role in the game even when their character isn't at the forefront of the action, and allows me to keep the game moving more smoothly. Of course, if you'd rather just concentrate on playing your character, I've got the bases covered!

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

making a judgment to avoid slowing down the game. That judgment only becomes a precedent for a firm rule after the session when I have a chance to study it properly. If an incorrect ruling goes against a player, then I'll grant a boon to right the scales.

My games focus on...

what the group prioritizes. I am flexible and providing a service. If the group wants a strict RAW game, I'll provide it. If the group wants to place more empahsis on fun and silliness, that's what we'll do. If the group wants to play an entire party of gnome druids then it is my job to do that!

Rules are...

there to assist, not restrict the storytelling. Not all rules are good for all tables. A rule that isn't working should be discarded, and a new rule that helps advance the story and is fun deserves to be tested.

The Rob of Wonder's ideal table

While I see it as my job to provide the group with what they want, I like to run a relaxed table that encourages creativity to everybody's comfort level. The vibe is relaxed and fun most of the time, but I don't shy away from emotional scenes and moments if they're required. I'm not one who plans to "beat" the players, and min-maxing isn't my default style, so I'm not an encyclopedia of perfect builds and the monsters to challenge them - but I will give it a go if that is the type of game you want to play!

Featured Prompts

I think metagaming...

hurts storytelling. It's entirely possible to know every detail of a plot or a monster and yet deliberately choose the wrong or difficult path to tell your character's story in a fun and rewarding way! My philosophy is that winning at TTRPGs is when you're having fun. I find metagaming doesn't help!

I think min/maxing...

is a perfectly acceptable style of play if it fits the table, but unless the whole table is down for playing a game where rules checks are common and the focus is on maximg effects and/or exploiting rules loopholes, somebody is likely not having much fun. It has its place, but not at every table.

My table is not the place for...

trying to beat the DM. If that's what you're trying to do, you'll find better challenges elsewhere. I'll do my best to give you challenges, but unless specified, my default choice will be to further the story and take the most interesting or fun option over the most tactically sound one.