Judge Shadow (he/him)
5.0
(6)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
6 games hosted
Highly rated for: Voices, Visual Aid, Sets the Mood
About me
I have been playing TTRPGs since 2019, nearly the entire time on the GM side of the table. I have ran online, in person at home and at my FLGS, and at local conventions. I have ran both modules and homebrew and have realized I prefer the structure modules provide. I started with D&D 5E but have found the bloat of all the different books and rules to be muddy, so I have converted to Dungeon Crawl Classics and absolutely love the freedom the system provides. I embrace the randomness of all the tables and the gonzo wild moments they can provide.
GM Style
Rules were meant to be bent, player experience first. It is important to me that player agency is explored so if it adds to the story/experience/moment, I will bend the rules within reason. I enjoy roleplay and developing character story/background. I will use voices and welcome the players to do so as well, but it is not expected or required. Combat is a big part of the game and most of my encounters will take place on a map/UDT whether in person or online. While this is usually on a grid, I do not keep to a strict movement requirement so we don't bog down the game counting squares. The real world is not that exact. In person, I will use a mix of maps, terrain, miniatures and theatre of the mind. Online, I will utilize Foundry VTT with the DCC rules pre loaded, along with maps, lighting and tokens. I spend time crafting the terrain, painting miniatures, designing maps with Dungeondraft and whatever else I feel will add to the experience. I run modules from one shots (DCC has tons!) to longer campaigns. I convert many campaigns from 5E or older D&D versions to the DCC ruleset. I am currently running a party of 6 through the Goodman Games OAR Temple of Elemental Evil, converting from 5e to DCC. I have been told I manage pace well. I have run for up to 9 players and managed to keep a game flowing and progress the story within the game time limit. In person I utilize "table initiative", on VTT I utilize a ready up tool so we always know who is up currently and next.
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (6)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Voices
Visual Aid
Sets the Mood
Kreme
Played 6 sessions
Excellent at running Dungeon Crawl Classics. Judge Shadow creatively uses multiple assets to paint a vivid adventure experience, and perfectly manages to balance combat, adventure, and roleplaying together. Always looking forward to the next session!
Brenn
Played 6 sessions
Been having a blast with Judge Shadow, and given the amount of visual dressing and soundscape he uses, he probably knows his players are having a great time too.
Charlie Kilo
Played 5 sessions
I can not say enough good things about this GM. He takes great pride in being prepared for each session and does an amazing job at bringing the world to life with intricate details and role-playing of NPCs with amazing voice acting. I would highly recommend getting a seat at one of his tables. A great gm and even better gaming experience.
Charles Royston
I've had the pleasure of participating in multiple campaigns led by Judge Shadow [Marc], and each one has been an unforgettable experience, partly due to the incredible tabletop set pieces they bring to the game. From the moment you sit down at the table, it's clear that he puts in extraordinary effort to make the world come alive. The attention to detail in each set piece is astounding. These aren't just props; they're works of art that elevate the entire gaming experience. Beyond the physical elements, Shadow knows exactly how to build the immersive narrative. It’s clear that Shadow has a deep understanding of both the art of storytelling and the importance of visual elements in creating an engaging adventure. If you're looking for a Dungeon Master who will transport you to another world with the help of stunning, meticulously crafted set pieces, Judge Shadow is the one. Each session is a visual and narrative feast that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next adventure. Highly recommended!
J C
Fantastic GM. Very smooth running games and beings the NCPs to life. Does really well with story building and creates a game where the players feel immersed in the world which he brings to life with characterizations and voicing. Overall, he has been the best Judge/DM I have ever had the honor to play with, and I've been playing ttrpg for over 45 years.
Michael
I was brand new to the world of ttrpgs only a little bit of video game level knowledge and man was he great at making it such a comfortable and fun time. I've now been in multiple campaigns with him and have a blast each time. He is super patient with people of all skills whether it's a kids first time or a grizzled veteran. He is always willing to make sure it's fun even if the rules could be bent a bit for a epic take down. Also the visuals full blown landscapes and minis to rival a 40k player. Wether you have never played before or have for 30 years Marc will make it a fantastic time.
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