Old Dad

he/they

5.0

(7)

Timezone

Australia/sydney

Identity

Streamer

Teacher/Educator

Game Designer

About Old Dad

Hey, there, I am a seasoned GM with a rich history dating back to the early '80s (the Satanic Panic era). With over 40+ years of experience, I've immersed myself in every role-playing genre as a player and a GM, honing my skills and gaining a deep understanding of the game. You can trust my seasoned expertise to guide you in your role-playing journey. My passion, my true love, lies in the art of storytelling within role-playing games. A compelling story must always include conflict, investigation, and problem-solving elements. Regardless of the system, it's a rare session that only incorporates these three core elements. Let my passion for storytelling inspire your narratives. While I often run Call of Cthulhu and Dungeons & Dragons 5e, my gaming history is a treasure trove of diverse experiences. I've played and owned a plethora of games in all genres, and I'm ready to accommodate your unique gaming preferences. Just ask, and I might have something special in store for you. Happy rolling!

At a glance

2 years on StartPlaying

9 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

I got started GMing to tell stories that hit harder than the dice. What began with classic modules and gritty homebrew grew into a passion for immersive worlds, flawed heroes, and meaningful choices. I’ve been behind the screen ever since—and loving every session.

My favorite books are

My favorite books include Lord of the Rings, The Black Company, Fafhrd & the Gray Mouser, Dune, and Lovecraft’s mythos tales. I also love sprawling space opera like Peter F. Hamilton. Give me flawed heroes, vast worlds, and consequences that echo.

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

When I’m not running games, I’m swimming, parenting, reading sci-fi or history, playing poker, and brainstorming new ideas. I thrive on originality, strategy, and stories that stick with you long after the dice stop rolling.

How Old Dad runs games

My GMing style is traditional yet flexible. I blend combat, investigation, and problem-solving to keep every session engaging. Roleplay is the heart of the game, making NPCs feel real and giving players a reason to care about the world and their place in it. I don’t get bogged down in the minutiae of rules—my philosophy is simple: "If nobody died, let’s keep the story moving. We’ll fix any mistakes next session." More than anything, I prioritize player agency and character growth. Your choices and character’s story matter, and the game evolves based on what you bring. Whether you love deep roleplay, strategic combat, or clever problem-solving, my goal is to ensure everyone has their moment to shine.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

I prep with care and flexibility—balancing story, mechanics, and player agency. Every session includes tailored encounters, reactive NPCs, and tools for improvisation. I automate what I can in Fantasy Grounds so we can focus on story, choices, and character moments at the table.

My games focus on...

My games focus on immersive storytelling, meaningful choices, and character-driven drama. Expect rich settings, morally grey decisions, and cinematic pacing. Whether it’s horror, intrigue, or adventure—your choices shape the world, and consequences always matter.

Rules are...

Rules serve the story, not the other way around. I follow 5E (2024) closely, but I’ll bend or improvise if it keeps the game flowing or makes a moment shine. I reward creativity and fair play, and I always aim for rulings that feel consistent, logical, and fun.

Old Dad's ideal table

At my table, you’ll find storytelling with teeth—gritty plots, clever twists, and characters who matter. I run immersive games with cinematic pacing, moral ambiguity, and space for roleplay, tactical play, and big character moments. I don’t railroad, I do expect players to engage with the world and make meaningful choices. Depending on the story, the tone can shift from grim to pulp to poetic, whether it's eldritch horror in Greyhawk, a cursed jewel in Lankhmar, or a heist gone wrong in the Forgotten Realms. What ties it all together is respect for the game, each other, and the table time we share. Ideal players: storytellers, tacticians, and improv artists. Not ideal: spotlight hogs, edge-lorders, or rules lawyers looking to argue. If you're here to build something memorable, take a seat. Let’s play.

Featured Prompts

If you're into ___, you're going to love my table

If you’re into character-driven stories, rich worldbuilding, moral dilemmas, and cinematic pacing, you’re going to love my table. I run games where choices matter, the stakes are real, and the most memorable moments aren’t always on your character sheet.

I love it when a player

I love it when a player leans into their character’s flaws, makes bold choices, or surprises me with creative problem-solving. Whether it’s roleplay, tactics, or chaos—if it’s true to the character and drives the story, I’m all in.

I think it's a red flag when players...

I think it’s a red flag when players focus on mechanics before knowing who their character is. Min-maxing can be fun, but story and personality come first. If you’re here to win D&D, this might not be your table.