Reece

he/him

5.0

(3)

Timezone

Europe/london

Language

English

Identity

Teacher/Educator

About Reece

D&D is my legacy. I was practically raised at the table, inspired by my Stepfather’s absolute love for the game. When he passed, I took up the mantle and stepped behind the screen to keep that spark alive. For me, these sessions aren't just games; they are a way to carry on a tradition of storytelling and build real, lasting connections. A Professional Backdrop With a decade of experience in education and private play, I bring a unique perspective to the table. Much of my professional background involves working in Alternative Provision with young people navigating neurodivergent and behavioural challenges. I’ve seen firsthand how D&D acts as a brilliant tool for building confidence and social growth, but more importantly, I know how to read a room. If I can manage a high-stakes classroom, I can certainly ensure your Friday night game is seamless, inclusive, and high-energy. What to Expect at My Table I’m a firm believer in the "Rule of Cool." While I know the mechanics inside out, I’ll always prioritise a cinematic moment over a rigid rulebook. My goal is to create a supportive, trauma-informed space where everyone—from absolute beginners to grizzled veterans—gets their chance to shine. Whether we’re exploring high-fantasy ruins or a custom Sci-Fi setting, you’re getting a polished experience. I am fully Enhanced DBS checked and tech-ready for online VTT play or in-person sessions around Ipswich. If you’re looking for a GM who balances deep technical knowledge with a genuine, patient approach to teaching the game, let's chat. I look forward to seeing you at the table! — Reece Johnson, lead storyteller at Forge & Folio.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Teacher

Average response time: 24+ hours

Response rate: 100%

Featured Prompts

People are always surprised when I tell them

That I once successfully ran a high-stakes dragon finale for 12 players at once! > Most people think 6 players is a crowd, but with the right systems, turn-timers, and energy, I managed a dozen students and tutors through a seamless, epic showdown that players still talk about.

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

ADAPTIVE, ATMOSPHERIC, and EMPOWERING. > My education background allows me to adapt to any group's needs instantly. I use music and vivid descriptions to create an immersive atmosphere, and I focus on empowering my players to be the heroes of their own cinematic story.

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

Leading woodland schools, coaching sports, or helping students at heritage sites like the MSLR. At home, I’m a dedicated miniature painter and world-builder, usually relaxing with my fiancé and our two cats. I live to create stories, whether I'm behind the screen or out in the world.

How Reece runs games

"How do you want to do this?" Those seven words are the heart of my table. I believe the best games happen when you feel empowered to take risks and follow your curiosity. My style is narrative-first, heavily inspired by the cinematic, "Rule of Cool" approach of GMs like Matt Mercer and Brennan Lee Mulligan. I prioritise character-driven drama over strict rules-lawyering—if it makes the story legendary, we’re doing it. I aim for total immersion. I don’t just describe a room; I build an atmosphere using curated soundtracks, dynamic lighting, and detailed battle maps. I love setting the scene and will always push you to elaborate on your actions—I want to know exactly what your magic looks like and how your steel meets the foe. Because of my background in specialist education, I’m an expert at managing group dynamics. My table is a safe, inclusive space where neurodivergent players can thrive. I use standard safety tools, but I also incorporate "check-ins" and "check-outs" to help us grow as a team and improve as players. Expect the world to be dangerous. I enjoy tactical, high-stakes combat where enemies use real strategy, alongside complex puzzles that require genuine teamwork to solve. Whether we’re deep in a high-fantasy vault or navigating the gritty technicalities of my custom Sci-Fi reskin, I am here to facilitate your story. I provide the obstacles, but you provide the heart. Let’s roll for initiative.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

Prioritising the "Rule of Cool" and narrative momentum. If a rule is unclear, I make a fair call in the moment to keep the story moving and check the specifics after the session. I’m always happy to explain mechanics to beginners, ensuring the table remains a supportive, fluid space.

I once ran a session...

I led a high-stakes dragon finale for 12 players at once! Most GMs find six a crowd, but I used bespoke systems to keep the pace electric. Watching a dozen students collaborate, manage their nerves, and land the final blow as a team is exactly why I use D&D for specialist education.

My games focus on...

Narrative-first immersion where the "Rule of Cool" reigns. I prioritise character-driven drama, sensory descriptions, and tactical combat. Whether supporting beginners or specialist students, my focus is on empowering you to take risks and ensuring every player finds their hero moment.

Reece's ideal table

My table is a place where "Rule of Cool" meets cinematic storytelling. If you are looking for a game where your character’s background actually matters and your creative risks are rewarded, you’ll fit in perfectly here. THE VIBE The atmosphere is high-energy, inclusive, and deeply immersive. I use curated music, lighting, and vivid descriptions to bring the world to life. It’s a "safety-first" environment; I use check-ins and check-outs to ensure everyone is having a great time. We take the story seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously—expect plenty of laughs alongside the high-stakes drama. WHO FITS WELL? The Curious Beginner: If you’ve never picked up a d20 before, you are my ideal player. I specialise in teaching the game in a way that feels natural and never overwhelming. The Narrative Explorer: Players who love to stay in character and describe how their spells or sword-swings look will thrive here. The Team Player: My games focus on collaboration. I love players who look for ways to help their fellow party members shine. Neurodivergent Adventurers: Because of my background in specialist education, my table is specifically designed to be a supportive space for those with SEMH needs or autism.

Featured Prompts

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

High-stakes drama, cinematic "Rule of Cool" moments, and total immersion. Whether we’re in person with dynamic lighting or online with rich soundscapes, I create a supportive space where all voices thrive. If you love narrative-first games and "How do you want to do it?"—this is for you.

I love it when a player

Takes a narrative risk or describes their action with flair! I love it when you lean into the "Rule of Cool" to do something legendary, or when you use a "check-in" to help the group gel. Seeing a player's confidence grow as they find their character's voice is why I do this.

My table is not the place for...

Rules-lawyers who prioritise mechanics over the "Rule of Cool" or narrative flow. It is also not a place for any form of bigotry or exclusionary behaviour. If you prefer a "lone wolf" playstyle over teamwork and collaboration, my focus on group storytelling won't be the right fit for you.