Gunnhrafn (he/him)
5.0
(6)
1 year on StartPlaying
12 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Creativity
About me
Welcome! I'm Gunnhrafn (he/him), and I'm a long-time GM (26 years of experience) who loves to run a wide variety of games for a wide variety of people, including introducing new players to role-playing games and introducing players to new games. I first started GMing in 1986 and I first began playing TTRPG back in 1982. As a GM, I enjoy shared story-telling and collaborative world building. I run one-shots (which can run 1 to 3 sessions), campaigns, and can be hired to run a game for a group, run a one-to-one single-player games, or teach a game system or help with character creation. If I'm not currently offering a game you're interested in or at a time that works for you, drop me a line and we'll see what we work out. For custom bookings please contact me with an inquiry. I'm available to run one-shots, short-run games, and campaigns for groups and individuals (for one-to-one gaming). I'm also available to teach game systems. Rates will vary depending upon the request. I use Discord for communication, and a mix of theater of the mind, Foundry VTT, Roll20, and Google Sheets depending upon the game.
GM Style
As a GM, I run inclusive, welcoming tables, and I strive to balance play style to players' interests and to the game system. I approach being a GM as I do an educator: My job is try to provide the best experience I can for each player based on their interests and comfort levels. I welcome strong role-play and player-driven narratives. Is your character looking for their long-lost mentor? Role-play that by looking for that long-lost mentor. I take cues from you. My default style is theater of the mind supported with maps and images, but I also build in tactical combat situations complete with battle maps and exploration maps as appropriate. For instance, while I run a Pirate Borg game primarily through theater of the mind, naval combat often calls for a battle map.
Games played
Game platforms used
Gunnhrafn's Games
Game Master Reviews (6)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Inclusive
Teacher
Creativity
I'm a broad-spectrum geek with some RPG experience, but far from expert. I've enjoyed playing several different games with this GM and would recommend him for many reasons. He's good at working with groups with players who have different skill/experience levels. Players feel respected and heard, and players' safe/comfort zones are his first priority. You can raise any topic with him (e.g., I'm okay with coming across dead bodies, but I'm less comfortable when the NPC died by suicide) and he will address your concerns discreetly and compassionately. Gunnhrafn is someone you want to introduce young people to the joy of RPGs. In the past, I've asked him for advice on behalf of teenage gamers who were unsure of how to deal with a difficult personality in their group. He had a wealth of age-appropriate materials on game etiquette and advice on resolving their situation. If you want your kids to grow up to be good company in any RPG, let them learn with him. This GM doesn't just allow for player creativity, he thrives on it. It's like being in an advanced improv class, really. If you want rigid conformity and a script that's carved in stone, look elsewhere. If you want to hang out with cool people and go on an adventure, or travel back in time, or solve a mystery, or get in touch with your inner "Theatre Kid" (or any combination of those), ask for Gunnhrafn.
John is an excellent world-builder. He does an excellent job creating and explaining the depth of a story environment. I thought he also did an excellent job of responding to player input and player backstory into the flow of the campaign. The scenarios have depth and relate to activities going on in the larger world. He also does an excellent job making up names that really add depth to the environment.
John is great for beginners and experienced players both. He allows players to be creative as long as it's within the game's purview and doesn't interfere with other players. Very inclusive without the "long suffering" tone I've experienced with other DM's. Gives us a consent in-game checklist. His games are very enjoyable and fun.
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