Troy

he/him

5.0

(5)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

Veteran

Teacher/Educator

About Troy

From the Marine Corps and cybersecurity to the digital dungeons of Foundry VTT -- I've spent 40 years mastering the skills necessary to become the "Techie DM". I bought my first D&D book in 1982, while on a family vacation in Disney World. I played off and on but it wasn't until recently that I've become obsessed. I was surprised to learn how big the online D&D community was and how many people were playing using virtual table tops. Being a geek and a techie I played around with different VTT platforms and started a Discord server and hosting one-shots, primarily for people wanting to learn to play D&D. I have since fallen in love with Foundry VTT and have been hosting campaigns and one-shots alike. My style as a DM is relaxed, story-driven, and collaborative. I focus on creating a table where everyone feels comfortable participating and where the story grows naturally from the characters' choices. Rules matter, but fun and narrative always come first. I especially enjoy welcoming newer players and helping them feel confident jumping into the game. I love the teaching aspects of being a GM and provide a zero-judgement environment for "silly" questions. ZERO EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED! Before retiring, I spent 35 years in the technology industry and started a cybersecurity software company that grew to over 150 employees across the US. A big part of that work involved designing technical systems and teaching courses around the world. I regularly led training sessions and workshops for diverse groups, which helped me develop a strong sense for explaining complex ideas clearly, guiding groups through collaborative problem-solving, and adapting to different personalities and experience levels. Those experiences carry directly into my games. I work to keep the table organized, welcoming, and easy to jump into whether you're brand new to D&D or have been rolling dice for years. Sessions start on time, the atmosphere is respectful and inclusive, and the focus is always on telling a memorable story together. If you enjoy character-driven adventures, collaborative storytelling, and a friendly table where everyone gets their moment to shine, you'll feel right at home in my games. 🧙‍♂️

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Teacher, Knows the Rules

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

...now that I’m retired, I have time to run games the way I always wanted as a player: character-driven stories, not just following a campaign book. I like weaving player backstories into the adventure and creating encounters that feel meaningful rather than random.

People are always surprised when I tell them

...I served in the U.S. Marine Corps many years ago. I was a bit of a goofball even then, but I worked hard and ranked in the top 10% for physical fitness. Ironically, my actual job in the Marines was computer programming. Yep—Cpl. Geek.

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

Flexible; Entertaining; Imaginative

How Troy runs games

For one-shots, sessions tend to be combat-focused with the occasional puzzle or twist. The group can decide how challenging the game should be, or leave that choice to the DM. Either way, the goal is simple: have a great time. Campaigns usually feature a mix of roleplaying, combat, and unique encounters. I like to let the players naturally influence that balance through their choices and play style. My goal is to give players the freedom to drive the narrative and shape the story together while going beyond the standard d12 rollable encounters table. Personally, I enjoy games where combat feels dangerous and the stakes are real - one major mistake could change everything. I try to bring that sense of tension to my games as well. Adventurers aren't superheroes, after all. That said, my top priority is always that everyone at the table is having fun. Why pay me to play a game? First of all I guarantee you professionalism. I am punctual, I have a zero-cancellation policy, and I invest hours of time and thousands of dollars to provide the best player experience possible. Paying for games has benefits for the entire table. Players who are paying to play games are serious players. They tend to show up a lot more and they tend to be a more mature and team-focused player. "Troy has been running a Mines of Phandelver game for us over the past several months and it's been really fun! He also does lots of One Shots so please check him out!" - Apex Jaggi "Newbie or seasoned players will absolutely enjoy Graypes' games!" - Jeannie "I met and started playing one-shots now and then with this GM last fall (Autumn 2025). He's very friendly, super patient, kept a pleasant group setting, and was always willing to teach and explain things. I was already familiar with DnD but learning the VTT and programs was a bit tricky but Graypes was awesome at going over things and helping us learn. You cannot go wrong with this DM." - Shallis Kluey

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

...first listening to the player’s concern. If a rule applies, we follow it. If the rules are unclear or don’t cover the situation, I make a ruling based on what seems fair. I’m open to player ideas as long as they can give a reasonable explanation.

I prep by

...spending many hours building encounters, shaping story arcs, and fine-tuning Foundry VTT. I’m also constantly learning more about the game’s lore and rules, while exploring what the community creates—adventures, maps, encounters, and other resources that can enrich the experience for my players.

Rules are...

...there to give structure to an open-ended game, so I generally follow the written rules to keep expectations clear. I do use some homebrew, but it’s usually additive—expanding the game rather than replacing the core rules.

Troy's ideal table

My ideal table is one where players can joke around but still stay engaged in the story. I value teamwork and players who think about the party first. Using video on Discord helps recreate the in-person feel, and I love when players really step into their characters and roleplay their decisions. I include my use of Foundry VTT as a part of the table dynamic. I take full advantage of animated maps, dynamic lighting, integrated soundscapes, and automated events (oops, you just stepped into a trap!) Have a specific character concept or a group of friends looking for a home? Send me a message - let's see if we can build a world together.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

...says or does something they personally would never do, but their character absolutely would. Those moments really bring the character—and the story—to life. Sticking with the character's backstory and alignment are key.

I think metagaming...

...can take away from immersion and the story. I encourage players to make decisions based on what their characters know and believe, not what the player knows. I also ask players to let others determine their own actions.

My table is not the place for...

...toxic behavior, disrespect, or players who only focus on themselves. D&D is a collaborative game, and I value teamwork, good humor, and players who want everyone at the table to have a great time.