Josh H (he/him) (he/him)
5.0
(5)
2 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Visual Aid
About me
Hello! I'm Josh. Imagine a crazy-haired burned-out gnome became somehow human-shaped, got trapped in a costume box, and decided pirates have the most comfortable outfits for an era of climate change. I've been making up worlds since I could dream, and GMing various 5e games since before the world went indoors. Switching from in-person to Zoom or Discord meant I could really flex some artistic muscles, streaming dynamic encounter maps on Photoshop. Over the years I've patched together a living out of good fortune, working in escape rooms and kid's parties, doing house removals and event management, but my crazy ambition is that I might pay rent with storytelling. I am neurodivergent with ADHD, somewhere in the LGBTQIA+ rainbow, and I love watching the delight on people's faces when I reveal a plot twist. I have been known to work miracles, but to paraphrase Mr Pratchett: most of magic is just knowing one extra thing.
GM Style
Before sessions with new folk, I take everyone through Session Zero. This hour-long micro-session involves all the players but has a special focus on anyone who hasn’t played before, anyone new to the virtual format, and people who don’t know each other. We go over the simple safety tools I use during my sessions, everyone’s characters (including private discussions for secrets), and more in-depth descriptions of the world to help blend in backstories. We clarify rules as we go, and I support new players. I encourage my players to let me know if they are uncomfortable for ANY reason, especially if it’s coming from me. Everyone is fallible. I take criticism very well, appreciate being corrected swiftly, and will adjust accordingly. Maybe there’s a Teachable Moment™ that we can gently make our way through before returning to the game. I really enjoy bringing new folks into D&D, clarifying what the rules are but also why they are that way. I believe in Rule of Cool, so understanding the rules is better than memorizing them. For example, if a Kraken throws a shark into the muzzle of an airship’s arcane cannon, how many damage dice should the occupant wizard roll if the shark’s confused and angry thrashing catches his prosthetic leg? All we can do is muddle through together. Yes, the above example did happen one time. It was great. As much as possible, I create combat situations where the goal is more than just eradicating the enemy. I love slow-burn chaos, surprises, unexpected solutions to impossible problems, and innovative ways to use spells or abilities. One of my players had this to say: "What sets Josh apart as a Dungeon Master is his remarkable balance between flexibility and rule adherence. While he values player input and is open to incorporating their ideas, he doesn't lose sight of the game's structure and balance. Josh skillfully weighs the feasibility of each suggestion, ensuring that the campaign remains cohesive and the mechanics of the game stay intact. This balanced approach ensures that players are encouraged to think creatively and explore new possibilities…" I have found the best technique for allowing folks to attend sessions is to have one-shot adventures set in persistent worlds, sorta like a West Marches type situation. This allows players to drop-in & drop-out, solves the perpetual scheduling problem, and keeps team dynamics fluid while still remaining invested in the locals and lore. It means fewer cliffhangers but if you come back after a couple of missed sessions then you get to describe your character's downtime activities. Do you like rich world-building? Because this is great: "Josh's talent lies not only in creating memorable characters but also in designing awe-inspiring places that leave players breathless. His imaginative landscapes feature ancient ruins shrouded in mystery, enchanting forests teeming with magical creatures, and sprawling kingdoms bustling with life. Each location feels meticulously handcrafted, with attention to even the smallest details, immersing players in a living, breathing world that sparks the imagination. It is this careful world-building that allows players to lose themselves in the beauty and wonder of their surroundings." Reading that makes me blush. I love fleshing out an imaginary world, and I’ve been doing it since I could talk or hold a pencil. I dislike the laziness of planetary monocultures when it’s both more realistic and more fun for the world to be unfathomably diverse. Communities inherit eccentric traditions, build new industries over ancestral ruins, tangle themselves up with conflicting laws, explore new fashions, react as best they can to unforeseen challenges, and then heal in unexpected ways. I also love to make interesting characters. I am what some might call a ‘silly voices’ GM, but a silly voice does not always mean a silly character. Likewise, characters are more complex than the alignment grid. A ragamuffin rogue might collect embroidered pillows, a loving mother might be a corrupt politician, an oozing vampiric myconid witch might be lonely on date night. Is a character chaotic or lawful if they’re guided by the iconoclast tenets of an anarchist movement, the fractal etiquette of a fey court, the unique superstitions of obsessive compulsion? Even though I do the character’s voices, I can’t always predict whether the players will make friends or enemies. For me, the extreme player agency provided by TTRPGs is their major advantage. Unexpected solutions will likewise have unexpected consequences that a GM can include like no video game ever could. I don’t just build worlds out of simple narrative bricks, they’re like twisted flowers with players causing all kinds of strange new branches. In conclusion, one of my players had this to say: "Through his skillful world-building and the integration of narrative and setting, Josh creates an immersive experience that transports players into a realm of limitless possibility. With him at the helm, adventurers embark on an extraordinary journey that unfolds within a tapestry of captivating people and places, forever etching their names in the annals of Dungeons and Dragons lore." Come join me in creation!
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (5)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Inclusive
Creativity
Visual Aid
Behind every remarkable Dungeons and Dragons campaign lies a visionary Dungeon Master (DM) who possesses the unique ability to breathe life into fictional worlds. Among these extraordinary DMs stands Josh, a masterful architect of imagination, renowned for his captivating storytelling and the creation of vibrant, personality-infused realms. Today, we delve into the enchanting worlds crafted by Josh, exploring his gift for bringing people and places to life within the realm of Dungeons and Dragons. One of the distinguishing features of Josh's campaigns is the remarkable attention to detail he invests in building his worlds. Every nook and cranny, from bustling cities to the farthest reaches of uncharted lands, feels meticulously crafted and imbued with its own distinct personality. As players traverse these realms, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations, quirks, and stories to tell. From wise and enigmatic sages to mischievous and quick-witted rogues, the inhabitants of Josh's worlds are brought to life through his vivid descriptions and compelling role-playing. Moreover, Josh's talent lies not only in creating memorable characters but also in designing awe-inspiring places that leave players breathless. His imaginative landscapes feature ancient ruins shrouded in mystery, enchanting forests teeming with magical creatures, and sprawling kingdoms bustling with life. Each location feels meticulously handcrafted, with attention to even the smallest details, immersing players in a living, breathing world that sparks the imagination. It is this careful world-building that allows players to lose themselves in the beauty and wonder of their surroundings. In Josh's campaigns, the worlds he creates go beyond mere backdrops; they become integral players in the unfolding story. The settings often have their own unique histories, conflicts, and secrets, which players can explore and unravel. By interweaving the narrative with the fabric of the world itself, Josh elevates the game to new heights, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. Another remarkable aspect of Josh's world-building prowess is his ability to strike a delicate balance between consistency and spontaneity. While his worlds are meticulously designed, he understands the importance of leaving room for player agency and improvisation. This allows for unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that the players' choices and actions have a meaningful impact on the story. By blending structure with flexibility, Josh creates an immersive and dynamic experience that keeps players on their toes. What sets Josh apart as a Dungeon Master is his remarkable balance between flexibility and rule adherence. While he values player input and is open to incorporating their ideas, he doesn't lose sight of the game's structure and balance. Josh skillfully weighs the feasibility of each suggestion, ensuring that the campaign remains cohesive and the mechanics of the game stay intact. This balanced approach ensures that players are encouraged to think creatively and explore new possibilities while maintaining the integrity of the game. In conclusion, Josh is a Dungeon Master extraordinaire whose talent lies in his ability to craft imaginative worlds brimming with personality and life. From the vibrant characters that populate his realms to the awe-inspiring places waiting to be discovered, his campaigns are a testament to his creative vision and meticulous attention to detail. Through his skillful world-building and the integration of narrative and setting, Josh creates an immersive experience that transports players into a realm of limitless possibility. With him at the helm, adventurers embark on an extraordinary journey that unfolds within a tapestry of captivating people and places, forever etching their names in the annals of Dungeons and Dragons lore.
Oh my gosh the maps! Seriously, so creative and intricate and interesting. Always a great time when we get a new map. Also the voices, and watching Josh name things 😂. It’s always super endearing. His creativity and imagination really should be experienced. As a new player playing a Non-binary character Josh not only helped me with my build, gave me insight into my backstory, helped with levelling up, STILL has my back if I need help with anything. I could say a lot more positive things but honestly I think you should book a session and see for yourselves. You won’t regret it.
They were my first DM, I played two different types of campaigns with them, a text based one set in a fantasy medieval setting (homebrew) on the cusp of revolt, with an ever revolving storyline, many different factions vying for control and their various hostilities or uneasy alliances. It was a West Marches style campaign where you signed up to adventures. Great intro to the game you got to do really cool stuff as essentially a sort of resistance fighter. The second one was a west marches Pirate campaign online with a similar format but much more adventury and more relaxed and comedy based. Two different vibes but two awesome intros to the game. I had a lot of fun and it was extremely beginner friendly. The GM makes their own maps, world build their own home-brews, does voices, is extremely quick on the draw at improvising and just in general a pleasure to game with. Another example of note: we had a friend in common we used to play with who sadly passed, as a tribute to them the GM created a one-shot session inspired by their character (A dwarf forge cleric who never healed) where we all played pre-made dwarf clerics, none of which had healing spells. Then they created a small dungeon where the final puzzle was directing beam of light through various mirror and crystals to activate something. In the map they built, once the light was directed, it spelt the name of our friend's character. Not a dry eye at the table. Hire them.
Josh is a fantastic GM - he is highly imaginative and creative and brings this to all his sessions. He listens to players and adapts to feedback well, ensuring everyone is included and having a great time. His use of photoshop to create immersive maps and environments is really fun and helps you visualise more complex puzzles and battles.
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