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Maatlock

Maatlock (he/him)

5.0

(11)

LGBTQ+
Neurodivergent

3 years on StartPlaying

27 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Creativity

About me

Well met! I'm Maatlock. (extra "a" because the Everquest2 username I wanted 15 years ago was taken!). Software engineer by trade and dungeon master by calling, I have 10+ years' experience running games, starting with D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder 1e, then moving on to Fifth Edition in the last five years. I didn't discover TTRPGs until my late 20s, but they've been a big part of my life ever since! Nothing beats stepping out of our real world for a bit and building a new one every now and again.

GM Style

I love watching PC/NPC personalities grow organically over time as backstories, secrets, and motivations are revealed-- either over the long game or sparked in a moment of inspiration on the fly! At the end of the day, I view the roleplay as the soul of my worlds. Without it, those worlds are meaningless and hollow. I live for exciting moments at my table, and some of the most exciting are when PCs snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the final moments. It's also great when the group has the upper hand and curb stomps the baddies after a carefully laid trap or devious plan! Here's the thing, though: I'll never manufacture those moments artificially. I don't fudge rolls, and nor do I work against my players at the table. The monsters do what they do, and the math rocks land where they may, and we go from there. Sometimes the best game moments arise from the unexpected, or even when everything falls apart! A lot of my D&D world building is rooted in the classic Forgotten Realms setting by Wizards of the Coast. That said, know that I put my own unique spin on whatever settings I run. While I love the medieval fantasy aesthetic, I'll also interweave elements of steampunk, magitech, sci-fi, and cosmic horror as well. I try to keep it familiar, but also fresh and exciting.

Game Master Reviews (11)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Storytelling

Inclusive

Creativity

Grace avatar

Grace

Played 9 sessions

I'm getting into the swing of a campaign with Maatlock now, and it's been a great first experience for a professionally hosted game. He clearly has his heart set on providing an engaging experience for the players. Maatlock brings a customized rendition of the Forgotten Realms to our game and strikes the perfect balance between preparation and adaptability. If you're looking for a campaign grounded in the familiar but adventuring into the unknown, Maatlock's games are a fantastic place to go.

Iblith avatar

Iblith

Played 9 sessions

Great DM, really knows his stuff and is fantasitic at story telling.

Todd avatar

Todd

Played 9 sessions

We just had our first session last night, and it was by far one of the best RPG experiences I've had. Maat went out of his way to integrate my character's backstory into the main plot- I was able to just step into the character and start playing him the way I wanted.

Esme avatar

Esme

Played 3 sessions

He’s an amazing and kind dm who values how much the players are enjoying the game and is truly passionate about dnd

Phillip  avatar

Phillip

Maatlock has been a great GM in the past, is an excellent GM now, and expect him to be phenomenal GM in the future. He always tries to have great maps, pictures, and other handouts to help tell the story. Does well working in interesting/unique plans and can normally find a way to integrate the plans in with fair application of the rules or if need be the "rule of cool".

Jeff avatar

Jeff

Maatlock is a great GM that truly cares about the stories he creates with his players. He is fun, energetic, and knowledgeable of the game mechanics (which is great for a newer player like myself). Anyone would be well rewarded for the time spent at his table.

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