Curtis
he/him
5.0
(2)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Curtis
I run Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition as my core system, but I’m always experimenting—adding new mechanics, subsystems, and tools when they serve the story and the table. If it enhances immersion, player choice, or roleplay, I’m interested. I’ve been playing D&D since the 1980s, and after decades across multiple editions, 5e is where I’ve found my sweet spot—flexible, approachable, and perfect for storytelling. Teaching the game is one of my favorite parts of being a DM. If you’re brand new, nervous, or unsure where to start, you’re not behind—you’re exactly who I design my tables for. In the real world, I own a Instructional Design Consulting company and am program director for Tabletop Gaming at Common Ground Games in Dallas, Tx.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Knows the Rules
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
5th Edition D&D when it first came out and started Adventurers League at Common Ground Games. I have been DMing off and on since the 80s.
The three words my players would use to describe me are...
Fair, Engaging, Creative
When I'm not running games I'm...
Writing content for publication and organizing TTRPG play at Common Ground Games in Dallas, Tx
How Curtis runs games
I run Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition as my core system, but I’m always experimenting—adding new mechanics, subsystems, and tools when they serve the story and the table. If it enhances immersion, player choice, or roleplay, I’m interested. My games are world-driven and character-focused. I put a lot of care into worldbuilding, NPCs that feel real, and situations that invite players to roleplay first, roll second. Combat matters, but story, relationships, and player agency are always at the heart of the experience. Rather than long, years-long epic campaigns, I specialize in shorter campaigns and contained story arcs. This keeps the pace tight, lowers commitment pressure, and makes it easier for new players to jump in, learn the game, and tell a complete story without feeling overwhelmed. I’ve been playing D&D since the 1980s, and after decades across multiple editions, 5e is where I’ve found my sweet spot—flexible, approachable, and perfect for storytelling. Teaching the game is one of my favorite parts of being a DM. If you’re brand new, nervous, or unsure where to start, you’re not behind—you’re exactly who I design my tables for. My goal is simple: welcoming tables, clear rules, strong stories, and players who leave more confident than when they sat down.
Featured Prompts
My games focus on...
telling an amazing story and making sure that everyone has their time to shine. I love teaching new players the game in a relaxed and inviting way.
Rules are...
Meant to be followed but aren't meant to be so ridged that you can't make them work for a unique situation. Rules as written do not always allow strict guidance for all situations. Rule of Cool has its place.
When it comes to voices
i really suck at them, but I try. I avoid accents because they tend to come across as insensitive stereotypes.
Curtis's Preferences
Systems
Game Mechanics