The Real Michael J
he/him
5.0
(3)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About The Real Michael J
Greetings! It took me a long time to take the plunge into TTRPGs, but once I got over tabletop timidity I’ve learned I love the hobby and especially love to share it with new players. I have been playing/running World of Darkness games for the last 10 years. My imagery and influences go from Shakespeare to Bill and Ted. I love the gothic-punk setting of the World of Darkness and specifically the dark personal horror themes of Vampire the Masquerade. My love of Vampire does not preclude me from enjoying Werewolf, Hunter and Mage with you fine people however and I can’t wait to run for you and your gaming group. New players feel free to book a spot in a one of my one shots designed for players with less experience. More experienced groups looking for a campaign tailored to your group can book me for a recurring game. Can’t wait to meet your more monstrous selves. Let’s roll some dice!
At a glance
5 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Teacher
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I was tired of the bad guys being boring and 2 dimensional. The game can't be fun without an exciting and challenging foil for your player's characters.
My favorite system of all Time is
Classic World of Darkness.
My favorite books are
Currently I'm in love with The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.
How The Real Michael J runs games
My favorite types of games to run are typically heavy on RP and intrigue. I enjoy running off the wall one-shots as well and encourage players to be creative and HAVE FUN. I incorporate a lot of humor and personality into my NPCs and I always encourage my players to get into the spirit. For new players that’s my only rule, come ready to have fun and I’ll supply everything else you need. I’m not typically a rules lawyer. I find it really intimidates new players especially and usually it’s counter to everyone having a good time. I do not enjoy PvP. If that’s what you’re into that’s cool, but I like to encourage a co-operative experience at my table, so let's save each other a lot of grief.
Featured Prompts
If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...
A collaboration between John Carpenter and Kevin Smith.
Rules are...
Discussed beforehand to make the game run smoother. The rule of cool is where it's at!
My games focus on...
Making sure that: your character feels like they belong in the setting, that the setting is full of NPCs that have believable agency and initiative, and that you have fun trying to thwart or support the plans of these nefarious NPCs.
The Real Michael J's ideal table
I like to a table full of players that are interested in helping the other players have a great time. If we're all committed to the point of the game being a couple hours of community and frivolity, everyone is going to have a great time. My table is for people to come together as a gaming group, not to be individuals having fun at other player's expense.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Shows up as a stranger but leaves as a buddy.
I think min/maxing...
Creates an opportunity for me to engage with all the stats you minimize in order to make a dramatic scene. We learn more and experience more drama through our dramatic failures. They lead to more exciting future success!
My table is not the place for...
Using your character as a surrogate to engage in anti-social behavior with me or other players at the table.
The Real Michael J's Preferences
Systems
Game Mechanics