Kevin D

he/him

5.0

(7)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

Veteran

Disabled

About Kevin D

I started playing AD&D way back in 1979. I almost immediately fell into the role of "Forever GM" (with only a few exceptions here and there). In the intervening years I have also game mastered for many audiences in many places, fair and foul (including GMing for my fellow soldiers in an active warzone). In 2005 an old friend once commented that if he ever became rich, he would put me on retainer as a professional in-house GM. That joke stuck with me and now that I am retired, its time to put that to the test! In terms of rules sets: I've run many systems and genres, but I am currently focusing on storytelling and innovating with Pathfinder 2E and classic high-fantasy play. In terms of my style: I like to mix historically informed settings, light hearted in-genre joking, a blend of classic Tolkienesque/Gygaxian dramatic plotlines, tactical gameplay and puzzles, and player triggered improvisations. The goal is always to craft a game you'll remember and recount in fond tales.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Knows the Rules, Teacher, Inclusive

Featured Prompts

My favorite books are

either the Chronicles of Amber series or the Discworld series. It depends on what day you ask!

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

imaginative, fair, and entertaining.

When I'm not running games I'm...

raising my foster children! It's a fulltime job!

How Kevin D runs games

I like to mix historically informed settings, light hearted in-genre joking, a blend of classic Tolkienesque/Gygaxian dramatic plotlines, tactical gameplay and puzzles, and player triggered improvisations to generate a well crafted game. The play is the thing and memorable entertainment is the objective. The story should follow an understandable arc in which the stakes increase towards the climax, but never get so dark that you can't have an occasional laugh.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

consulting the books when there is time or indulging the Rule of Cool and Law of Fun when there isn't.

I prep by

knowing the setting, the characters, the enemies, the stakes, and how they weave together to form an entertaining story.

My games focus on...

the story being told, the challenges met, and the fun of the players.

Kevin D's ideal table

A lot of care an preparation goes into each session. The stories always incorporate nostalgia, iconic archetypes, and heroic aspiration. My tables also include a pretty potent dose of props and quirky NPCs. Team players, role players, and nostalgia junkies may prosper at my table. So will those who love a fully rendered, three dimensional dungeon crawl.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

comes up with an in-character solution or perspective on a situation that is totally unexpected.

I think metagaming...

can be a problem when it involves trying to gain a personal advantage. Yet, it is perhaps the greatest help one can offer when it is employed to get the party together and assist the GM in moving the story along. Motives and intentions matter!

My perfect party mix is

almost anything; the "perfect party composition" is a myth! The best party is composed of characters that fit the setting and are enjoyable for their players. A challenge can be crafted for nearly ANY party composition!