Modnar Wylde banner

Modnar Wylde

he/him

5.0

(5)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English
Spanish

Identity

DMs Guild Writer
Neurodivergent
Artist
Teacher/Educator
Game Designer

About Modnar Wylde

Hi, I’m Modnar — a lifelong storyteller, worldbuilder, and professional Game Master. With decades of experience running tabletop RPGs across editions from 1st Edition AD&D to 5e, I specialize in immersive campaigns, flexible player-driven narratives, and unforgettable moments. Whether you seek epic quests, sandbox exploration, or tightly crafted one-shots, my table is a place where every character matters and every session brings the story to life. Let’s roll for initiative — your next adventure awaits.

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Creativity

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I love the result of co-creating compelling narratives. Working with players creates solutions (and problems) that I rarely find even in my favorite books.

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

building tools for gamers, players and dungeon masters as well as reading books and researching systems.

How Modnar Wylde runs games

As a GM I strive to balance: Player-Centric Storytelling: To craft compelling narratives that are not only engaging and cultivate the main quest line, but also directly integrates player backstories and choices - to give each player and their characters a significant role in the world and its collective lore/story. (This includes a focus on rewarding good role-playing.) Narrative Flexibility and Improvisation: In my experience (professionally and in hobbies) I've developed adaptability and real-time in response to player decisions, keeping things moving, dynamic and reactive, while.... Keep a Balanced Approach: While some DMs specialize, a highly desired play style is one that blends different aspects of the game. This often includes a mix of engaging exploration, role-playing, challenging social & combat encounters, as well as cerebral puzzles, foreshadowing of related mysteries. Empathy and Communication: Clear communication about rules and expectations, active listening to player feedback, and managing the group's dynamic to ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Organizational Talents: My professional life has benefitted from my RPG skills, around how to manage the game effectively through deep preparation, depth of knowledge of the rules, time management to keep the session flowing smoothly, on schedule, and pacing. Rich NPC personalities and Worldbuilding

Modnar Wylde's ideal table

Player-Driven Narrative: GM preparation is a foundation, not a rigid script. Expect the story to evolve based on the party's and individual character's decisions. For example, if players decide to befriend a supposedly villainous goblin tribe instead of fighting them, I will improvise and build on that choice, perhaps introducing a new quest to help the goblins against a greater threat, and their help and culture factoring into final conclussion. Balance of Gameplay: Sessions are not just long combat slogs or endless role-playing. A session might include an intense social/role-playing scene negotiating with a faction or Nobel, followed by classic option for a tactical dungeon crawl (with puzzles) and culminating in a encounters, and a challenging boss fight with unique tactics and mechanics. World-Building: While I do put significant thought into the world, with (I hope) enjoyable NPCs which have distinct personalities and goals; towns and cultures that are living things; and a lore that is rich and consistent. Player's and their character backstories are woven into the that as are their suggestions building into this world's fabric, making the adventure feel deeply personal. Several NPCS you'll run into are prior player's characters. Clear and Consistent Rules: While I am flexible and open to "Rule of Cool," a firm grasp of the game mechanics for consistancy, unless the group rules to changes these rules -- are maintained. Being consistent means transparency and fairness are ensure. Ultimately, the GM is the ARBITARTOR for the co-created narrative, not a Malicious God. I strive to develop a collective narrative. Types of Players Who Would Fit Well: Collaborative Storytellers: Players who enjoy creating a narrative together and are not just focused on their own character's power level. People who are excited to contribute to the story and react to the world the GM has built. Role-players and Character Actors: Individuals who love getting into character, speaking as their persona, and exploring their character's motivations and flaws. I reward this with in-game benefits or story developments (see Character Points) for being consistant. Strategic Thinkers: Players who enjoy the tactical combat and problem-solving aspects of the game. They are not afraid to face challenging encounters and are eager to figure out creative solutions to puzzles. Respectful and Inclusive Teammates: The game is, after all, a social game. So an ideal player is someone who values the fun of the group above their own. They are respectful of others' play styles, empathetic to their characters, and contribute to a positive and welcoming atmosphere. The General Vibe: The vibe is one of shared creativity and mutual respect. It’s an immersive, engaging, and welcoming atmosphere where new players find a love of the game, where experienced players learn to run their own worlds and co-create the one they are in. It is where laughter, dramatic moments, and collective triumphs are common. As GM I act as a facilitator and arbitrator. Not the sole storyteller. The players are the heroes (or villains )of the narrative. The table is a place for building friendships, cultivating epic adventures and lasting friendships, all framed within the parameters of a casual game.

Modnar Wylde's Preferences

Systems

Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Pathfinder 2e
Pathfinder 1e
Dungeons & Dragons 1e
Shadowrun
Dungeons & Dragons 2e
Earthdawn
Dungeons & Dragons B/X
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 1e
Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2e
Ars Magica Fifth Edition

Game style

Dungeon Crawl

Rule of Cool (RoC)

Play By Post

West Marches

Sandbox / Open World

Modnar Wylde's games