
Randy (he/him)
2 years on StartPlaying
About me
Hello, I'm Randy a young-at-heart nerd that hasn't figured out I'm as old as my body tells me I am yet. Juggling various roles as a father, IT specialist, and chef at a tea shop and cafe my wife and I own, I still try to find time amidst the busyness for my cherished hobby: gaming. My fascination with the gaming world began with the purchase of the 2E Dark Sun boxed set, solely because the box art had an irresistible allure. Initially, my friend took on the role of Dungeon Master as we fumbled through the rules and eventually took the full commitment and crafted our own adventures, mainly set in the world of Krynn. As life progressed beyond high school, circumstances shifted, people moved, and gaming editions evolved. I transitioned into the digital realm of gaming, embarking on an unforgettable journey with Everquest from its launch in 1999, which held my attention for a solid five years. Eventually, my path led me to World of Warcraft, where I immersed myself until Cataclysm (back when it was at its prime). However, the allure of gaming with friends tugged at my heartstrings too strongly to ignore. Thankfully, my friend—still an avid player—and her husband, the perpetual Dungeon Master, graciously welcomed me into their gaming circle. Participating in a few sessions reignited the flames of gaming passion within me, prompting me to create custom content for one-shot adventures that I would lead at a local hobby shop. Concurrently, I started a regular campaign with my friends when 5E launched, and to this day, we gather monthly to continue that same epic saga. During this time, I fell head over heels for live-play podcasts, relishing in their unscripted charm before they morphed into scripted performances. My horizons expanded at gaming conventions, where I discovered a wealth of captivating narrative systems, including personal favorites like PbtA and FATE. Just before the onset of COVID, life took yet another turn, leading my wife and me to embark on a business venture. As our new endeavor demanded considerable time, I've had to postpone attending conventions for the time being. Nevertheless, I proudly host a monthly "Tea & D" game at our shop, where enthusiasts gather to embark on their own fantastic adventures. Still, my passion for gaming continues to burn brightly, yearning for further exploration and discovery.
GM Style
As a rules-lite Game Master, I prioritize the collaborative art of storytelling over intense tactical heroics. I find immense joy in crafting shared experiences where moral dilemmas, PG-13 horror, and the triumph of underdogs are recurrent themes. In my games, success is not always a straightforward path and players sometimes discover that achieving their goals comes at a price. While I deeply appreciate the characters within the story, I strive to ensure that their journey is not only engaging but also that success is meaningful and memorable. Despite the gritty nature of my storytelling, I firmly believe in maintaining a healthy balance through moments of levity and adoration. Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is of utmost importance to me, both in face-to-face sessions and online settings. I actively cultivate a culture of safety, ensuring that all participants feel comfortable and respected throughout the gaming experience.
Games played
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