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Michael Dorland

Michael Dorland (he/him)

5.0

(2)

Neurodivergent
Artist
Game Designer

2 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive

About me

With over 42 years of experience in all forms of tabletop gaming as well as 40 years of experience as a Game Master, I'm well versed in most of the games out there. As a convention organizer and convention/demo game master I also understand time management and how precious the time we get to participate in a hobby like this is. Gaming is primarily about having fun, and roleplaying is about an interesting and exciting story. It's essential to manage expectations and what people desire from the game to ensure everyone has the best time possible. While there are a lot of games I would love to run and many stories I would love to tell, the most important thing is the players and the stories they create. I plan on creating games that allow the players to not only get involved but make the adventure their own story, even if it's not the way it's "supposed" to go. I look forward to providing my experience as a Player, GM, designer, and historian of games of all types, to those interested in understanding this hobby, examining new things, and experiencing adventures that have more freedom than they ever thought possible.

GM Style

While tactical combat is always fun, the time it takes to do super detailed encounters often takes away from the story's forward momentum. Role-playing and inner party interactions play a significant role in my games, as does the ability to go anywhere and do anything. Role-playing to me is not about telling my story, it's about me giving you the environment to tell your own story. I might guide you along the way, but in the end, it's all about what the people at the table want. (except hour-long combats unless we are playing something like Star Fleet Battles and even then I have my limits).

Game Master Reviews (2)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Storytelling

Inclusive

Mike  avatar

Mike

Very open to allow for creativity and character development. Encourages players to exercise their imagination of creativity. Enjoys helping beginning players, and happy to teach the ropes!

Sara avatar

Sara

I've been playing with Michael for a while now, through Dungeons and Dragons, Call of Cthulhu, and Warhammer, among many *many* other systems. For each and every one, he took the time to work with me and make sure I understood the system and had fun. He is, hands down, the best Game Master I've ever had. He's fun and funny, and a font of knowledge for anything game-related that you might want to know. Anything I play with him ends up being a wonderful experience, and I'd recommend him to everyone who's looking for a GM. He's especially helpful for beginners, and has seemingly inexhaustible patience (believe me, I've tested that), and will manage to explain anything that confuses you in clear and concise terms.

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