Franbo
he/him
5.0
(6)
Timezone
Language
About Franbo
I love all aspects of RPGs, from the drama of tricky situations, through intriguing interactions to the challenges of tactical encounters, and particularly the surprises, laughter and epic memories that result from a good game. I started playing with Basic/Expert D&D and first edition Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay and have been hooked ever since. Meandering through many different games from the free-form storytelling of Vampire the Masquerade, the deep crunch of GURPs and most recently exploring the Shadowdark RPG. Every game is different, a great game comes from adapting to those around the table (or nowadays more likely: in front of the screen) and that's where the spark ignites and transports us all to whichever world, environment or character we are exploring on that particular day. I look forwards to meeting you soon. Game on!
At a glance
1 year on StartPlaying
4 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Teacher
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
... with the first red box in 1983 when a friend from school brought one over from the US... well, actually I probably first tried using the initial release of Warhammer Fantasy Battle as an RPG as I didn't get the red box until later.
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
D&D 5e... might be tempted to pick an OSR/Shadowdark now... the 2024 = ick... because it is what it is. Call of Cthulhu (any version) because the ambience is unbeatable ig you want horrort. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay because the background, lore and atmosphere are astonishingly good!
My favorite books are
All of them!!!! Lord of the Rings and Hobbit, Wizard of Earthsea, The Wheel of Time, A Song of Ice and Fire, Harry Potter, Raymond E. Feist, Fionavar Tapestry, Deryni Chronicles, all of Pratchett, the David Eddings books, Ian M Banks, Frtiz Leiber... what do you mean only 300 letters! Need more!
How Franbo runs games
I have run everything from short one-shots to epic campaigns that span more than a year. How I GM will depend on the scale and scope of the sessions we will explore together. My gaming style generally adapts to the players rather than impose a singular approach. I tend to like vivid descriptions of places that combine sights, sounds and smells (using images where possible), to help players immerse themselves into the scene. I try and bring my NPCs to life and bestow them with personality, their behaviour is indeed a hint to the part they play in the story and what they can reveal. I consider role-playing an important aspect of the game, but this does not necessarily mean long drawn-out speeches (although there is a place for that too), when playing remote a smattering of words and description of actions often conveys more about the persona than a soliloquy. I encourage players to reveal (or develop as we go) their characters emotions and thoughts. Combat is a key part of these games, I tend to balance between sufficient detail to allow incorporation of tactics but ensure a free-flowing action scene rather than meticulously counting squares. All players get a chance to participate as they prefer. If you are shy you will be gently encouraged but not pushed. If you are bold you will have plenty of chances to shine. But the general rule is that this is a group game and all will get their chance to participate equally, I am not a fan of those who try to hog all the limelight.