Matt Martin (he/him)
5.0
(9)
3 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Teacher, Rule of Cool, Storytelling
About me
Hey all! My name is Matt (he/him) and I love to play and DM games of D&D. I started playing just a few years ago. I initially got in to the hobby to introduce it to my children, long before they were able to play D&D. We started playing with a rules-light TTRPG called Hero Kids. I had never played any TTRPG before, so I went online to learn how to be a DM (or GM, as you'd say it in a system agnostic way) and discovered a world of online streaming shows like Critical Role and Dimension20. Those shows taught me how to DM for my kids and we had a blast, but they also filled me with a desperation to experience real D&D as a player. And, so, I found a friendly local game shop and started playing in public, Adventures League-style games there, before joining a campaign with folks I met there. Over the years since I have played in and DMed several D&D campaigns, and I'm even now transitioning my oldest daughter over to D&D proper from Hero Kids!
GM Style
I enjoy roleplaying and combat a lot. When I run one shots they tend to be very combat heavy. For longer campaigns there's a lot more opportunity for roleplaying, and my style as a DM is to sit back and allow the roleplay to happen between players. I don't force situations to move fast if players are enjoying a roleplay moment. In roleplay I like to do character voices for my NPCs and I love it when players engage in roleplay in a similar way, but I don't expect everyone to do so. I'm no Matt Mercer and I don't expect all my players to be at the same level, either. For combat, I enjoy tactical combat and I try to put in place as much tactical combat as I can. I have absolutely no problem with players who want to approach the game from a tactical, crunchy point of view and optimize their characters, but it's not a requirement. I can adjust things to fit the group. I once ran a multi-session "one shot" for a party with a Twilight Cleric (a very overpowered subclass) with REALLY good rolled stats and a Wizard who rolled so low her Intelligence was a 10 (I offered to let her reroll but she opted to keep it and let the dice guide her to a fun story). Essentially, everyone is welcome at my table as long as you are welcoming of everyone else at my table. People who can join me in play include: - People who don't yet know what a d20 is... or people who helped Gary Gygax playtest the first Monster Manual* - Powergaming, munchkin min-maxers who optimize their character by reading Reddit all day long... or people who build a Wizard with a 10 intelligence because it's a quirky character to play In other words, no matter your level of experience or your preference of playstyle, you are welcome at my table. * lol, jk Gary Gygax never playtested anything
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (9)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Teacher
Rule of Cool
Storytelling
Allison K
I greatly look forward to campaigns run by Matt for his compassion, humor, and ability to bring a story to life. These are difficult feats for virtual D&D sessions. I have been playing D&D with Matt for approximately one year. When he has narrated our stories, or even when he is playing as a character in a different campaign, he always makes sure that everyone's voice is heard and included. Through encouragement and positivity, Matt is able to create a safe space for players of various levels- beginner to experienced- which makes the game fun! Additionally, I also enjoy that he takes time to create a storyline, minor characters, entertaining battles, and visual scenes for the game. These components make our characters feel alive with fluidity. If you're looking for a game with: substance, thrills, adventure, and amusement, Matt is your guy!
Jamie Mady
The combat was smooth and fast. if a mistake was made they would resolve it quickly. they allowed for alot of cool and creative things the players thought of. was just an absolute blast to play
Fabian Urbanek
Matt has run a fun little one shot for a group of us on discord. He‘s made the game very accessible for newcomers and it’s been overall a fun experience!
DMBob
Good pace. Would be good for new players.
Dan
It's not easy walking down the path of a DM/GM, but Matt did a great job and everyone had fun. It's rare as a forever DM/GM such as myself to have the opportunity to put on the player hat once in awhile so I just wanted to say thanks to Matt for inviting me to his game.. I definitely had a good time. So if you want a casual fun game I would recommend Matt.
Mitchell Schubring
Matt is a really nice guy very welcoming I just finished my first ever session with him that I had even voiced I was really nervous and therefore lacking more so on the roleplaying side and he was completely cool about it and giving me really good feedback supporting me and the others. Set the scene really well and allowed some serious creative play the rogue lit a bugbear on fire and ran away
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