Carl
he/him
5.0
(17)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Carl
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit my profile. My name is Carl, and I've been playing tabletop roleplaying games—primarily Dungeons & Dragons—since 1986. I've been running games and creating campaign settings since 1989, for groups as small as two players and tables so large they had to be split into multiple adventuring parties. My longest-running gaming group met in person 45 out of 52 Saturdays each year for over five and a half years. I served as an Adventurers League Dungeon Master during the first five seasons of D&D 5th Edition at my local game store, where I had the privilege of introducing countless new players to the hobby. Many of those players eventually went on to become Game Masters themselves. Over the years, I've run games for players ranging from age 5 to their mid-70s, from complete beginners rolling their first dice to veteran adventurers who remember exploring Undermountain when it was new. I believe tabletop gaming is at its best when everyone feels welcome at the table. My games are inclusive, respectful spaces where players of all backgrounds can come together, create memorable characters, and tell unforgettable stories. No matter who you are or where you come from, there's a place for you at my table. After all, everyone has a story to tell—so let's tell yours together.
At a glance
4 years on StartPlaying
208 games hosted
Highly rated for: Beginner Friendly, Storytelling, Creativity
$15 per session
Top Game Master
One of StartPlaying's top-rated GMs, a player favorite and highly recommended.
Featured Prompts
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
FFG Star Wars, AD&D2e, G.I. JOE.
The three words my players would use to describe me are...
The three words my players would use to describe me are: immersive, adaptable, and supportive.
When I'm not running games I'm...
When I'm not running games, I'm a veteran, musician, artist, sculptor, storyteller, and lifelong adventurer chasing good stories, good company, and the occasional dragon. I have recently taken up lessons at a HEMA sword school, and will be starting blacksmithing and knife/sword-making classes soon.
How Carl runs games
With more than 40 years of tabletop gaming experience, I've had the privilege of running games for every kind of player—from dungeon-delving hack-and-slash veterans to dedicated roleplayers who love developing character voices and deep personal stories. My goal is simple: create a game where every player has an opportunity to shine and enjoy their character in the way that is most fun for them. For me, storytelling is the heart of tabletop roleplaying. I strive to create immersive worlds that feel alive, where players can lose themselves in the adventure. Rather than simply describing actions, I bring scenes to life through vivid narration and cinematic descriptions. Whether you're standing atop a windswept mountain pass, negotiating with a suspicious noble, or squeezing through the narrow entrance of an unexplored cavern, I want you to experience the world through all your senses and feel like your character is truly there. Combat receives the same attention. Every swing of a sword, desperate parry, spell cast, and heroic sacrifice is part of the story. Battles should feel exciting, dramatic, and meaningful—not simply a series of attack rolls and damage numbers. What I Expect From Players Treat fellow players with kindness and respect. Help create a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. Work together to tell a memorable story and ensure everyone has a chance to participate. What You Can Expect From Me A welcoming and inclusive table where players can comfortably be themselves. A balance of roleplay, character interaction, exploration, problem-solving, and tactical combat. Opportunities for every character to contribute and influence the story. Patience and support for new players learning the game. A collaborative environment where mistakes become memorable moments and great stories. A game focused on building friendships, shared experiences, and unforgettable adventures.
Featured Prompts
My games focus on...
My games focus on immersive storytelling, meaningful character moments, cinematic action, and player-driven choices. I strive to create living worlds where every character matters and every adventure becomes a story worth retelling.
Rules are...
Rules are the framework that keeps the game fair, but the story comes first. I make rulings to keep the action moving, encourage creativity, and focus on fun, respectful play where every player has a chance to shine.
When it comes to voices
When it comes to voices, I do my best to give each NPC their own personality and mannerisms. While I'm no professional voice actor, I focus on bringing characters to life through roleplay, characterization, and memorable interactions.
Carl's ideal table
My table is welcoming, collaborative, and story-focused. Players who enjoy roleplay, character growth, teamwork, and immersive adventures will fit in well. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or completely new to the hobby, you'll find a supportive environment where creativity is encouraged, everyone gets a chance to contribute, and memorable stories are built together. Expect a balance of roleplaying, exploration, meaningful choices, and exciting combat, all with a healthy dose of humor and camaraderie.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
I love it when a player surprises me with a creative solution, stays true to their character even when it's difficult, or does something that makes the entire table laugh, cheer, or sit in stunned silence. Those unforgettable moments are what tabletop gaming is all about.
I think metagaming...
I think metagaming is best kept to a minimum. Characters should make decisions based on what they know, not what the players know. That said, we're all human, and the occasional slip happens. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating an immersive and enjoyable story for everyone.
My table is not the place for...
My table is not the place for toxic behavior, personal attacks, or making others feel unwelcome. Respect, cooperation, and good sportsmanship are expected so everyone can focus on what we're here for: telling unforgettable stories together.
Carl's Preferences
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