Probably spending time with my family, playing Magic: the Gathering, writing my CoC module review newsletter, or salivating over a new one-shot/TTRPG.

I began DMing in 2015 with D&D 2014 for co-workers at the restaurant I worked for. Which truly blossomed during COVID when I discovered Roll20 and began experimenting with other systems. Notably Legend of the Five Rings, Alien RPG, and Call of Cthulhu. (Ignore the dozens of games long bucket list.)

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

"Patient", "Understanding", and "Well-prepped." (I really like my handouts, especially for investigative games and one-shots.) 

Rules should be well tested, written, and respected. Then move out of the way for a cool moment or when they don't work (At which point, I alter or ignore them.)

Most rules issues, I can resolve in less than 30 seconds by checking my rules handouts. (How I learn systems.) If I can't, I make a ruling and, post-session, look it up, sharing my findings with the group. (Includes page numbers and whatever similar corner cases I can find.)

I make sure I have visual aids (maps, handouts, and art) for anything that's important. (Especially for my beloved mystery scenarios and/or horror scenarios.) Likewise, I plot out different solutions (combat, social, etc.) to challenges players face, allowing for greater freedom.

Bigotry, sexism, racism, sadism, etc. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable around the table. And I find disproportional violence unacceptable. (Killing a bandit is fine. Dragging them through town and finding their loved ones is not.) 

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

If you're into detailed handouts, clever solutions, tense battles, and a world responding to your character's actions, you're going to love my table.

Genuinely engages with a game's characters, mystery, world, etc. Including when they bring something new to the game, from NPCs to historical information I didn't know previously.  

d20 System

Powered by the Apocalypse

Storyteller System

d6 System

Basic Roleplaying: Universal Game Engine

Discord

Roll20

“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire. 

Roleplay Heavy

“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.

Combat Heavy

A “Dungeon Crawl” is a scenario where players navigate a dungeon or labyrinth-like environment for the entirety of the adventure. It emphasizes battling monsters, collecting loot, and avoiding traps to survive to the end!

Dungeon Crawl

“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Games that are ran “Rules as Written” emphasize realism and stick to the letter of the rules, allowing players to explore creative solutions while still operating under a consistent rule set. Players have the ability to utilize the rules in creative ways to create awesome characters and moments in the game.

Rules as Written (RaW)

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Call of Cthulhu

Legend of the Five Rings 5th Edition

Alien: The Roleplaying Game

Blades in the Dark

Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition

Delta Green

Vaesen

Mothership

Cyberpunk Red

Aliens

Worlds without Number

Traveller

Avatar Legends: The RPG

Blade Runner: The Roleplaying Game

Dragonbane

Werewolf: The Apocalypse 5th Edition

Cosmere Roleplaying Game

Discworld

Mystery

Horror

Fantasy

Scifi

Sci-fi

Cosmic Horror

Hi👋, I'm Franc, better known as Golvin. I'd like to be your GM.

While I mainly run D&D, Call of Cthulhu, and Alien RPG, my real pleasure is trying new modules and systems. (Cowboy Bebop RPG anyone?) Which has led me to a specialization in running one-shots, often including highly detailed handouts, pre-made characters, and other player aids. 

I also write the Reviews from the Far Reams Substack newsletter, currently focused on helping others get the most out of Call of Cthulhu 7e modules.

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