Ben (he/him)
5.0
(8)
2 years on StartPlaying
5 games hosted
Highly rated for: Sets the Mood, Rule of Cool, Creativity
Average response time: 16 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
I started my journey to becoming a Dungeon Master for DnD5e because I was fascinated by the ability to turn stories I write into playable worlds that my friends and I could enjoy. From there I got more and more bewitched by the freedom of play that Dungeons and Dragons provided and the amazing moments it can provide like when a few bad rolls for me, a few lucky Nat 20s and a great plan leading to my players defeating the BBG that I had created for the campaign within their first encounter with her. Seeing how much they enjoyed something I created had me hooked. Now I have more stories and ideas than my two groups can manage, and I am looking to put them to good use giving other people the ability to have those awesome moments with their friends. I'm of the philosophy that if it's fun and viable then let's leave it to the dice. The few things you will want to know about me as a DM is that I am characters first, story writing second. I think the best way to write a good campaign is to find out about your heroes (or villains) first then write your story around the goals of these characters in a way that provides the characters a narrative in which they progress as people as well as puppets for the players, creating a more authentic and engaging narrative.
GM Style
I really enjoy role-playing in tabletop games. I find that often the most memorable moments for players is when they interact with characters they love however I do understand that for some players they just are not comfortable role-playing their characters. When it comes to character voices, I've divided races up with accents from our world that I can do, although they are not region specific. (I'm not good enough to separate East German accents from West German accents yet. For example the high elf is a stereotypical French to emulate the elegance and delicacy that I would anticipate from their voices. Orcish races are Scottish due to one of my PC's deciding to play a half orc in a kilt which has stuck with me. I like to try and keep my stories in Faerun as it is the world I am best versed in however that also includes the other planes of existence linked to it, so it's hardly a small space. Additionally, I have learned how to run a gothic Victorian horror setting using systems from Steinhardt's Guide to the Eldritch by Monkey DM. When it comes to combat I like to take the tough, but fair approach for most fights however throw the occasional very difficult fight that will require proper tactics and teamwork to get out of alive. I am very pliable in the tone of the story whether that be serious with comedic moments, completely silly or true grimdark. If you couldn't tell by now I am all about making sure my players get to play the story they will enjoy and can connect because that's when we all can have the most fun.
Games played
Game platforms used
Ben's Games
Game Master Reviews (8)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Sets the Mood
Rule of Cool
Creativity
Ben has a natural ability to bridge the gap roleplaying scenarios in an enthusiastic and passionate way that I have yet to come across as of yet. He makes it really comfortable and really enables player autonomy while also sticking to rules! I’m excited for what he has in store for me and my friends lol. There’s a nice mix of him being in our corner and giving us a challenge. 10/10 especially if you’re new to start-playing. I hopped on this site with lots of hope, but no expectations. Basically all on a whim based off of a TikTok I saw. Ben delivers.
Ben is an amazing person, and by far a fantastic DM. His campaign and the sessions we've had have been the best DnD I've played ever. The care he takes with our characters and their backstories/interests and weaving them into the plot is phenomenal. His storytelling and world building are top tier as well. He is also incredibly helpful and willing to work with you as well, to make sure the campaign will be awesome for everyone. I very highly recommend Ben as a DM. You won't be disappointed.
Ben has been an incredible DM for us. He's created a world that makes our characters feel important. His attention to detail, his creative story telling and world building, along with his player creativity are all such a welcome experience. I've had some bad history with past campaigns, but playing with Ben has taken me back to the fun and excitement that I felt when I first started playing D&D. Now I can't go a day without thinking about next session!
Ben has DM’d a few sessions for me in the past, we met in a dnd club. He was a great DM that clearly had a love for being a Dungeon Master and you feel that when your playing with him. The stories he writes are great, usually with a overarching story that leaves a lot of player agency. He is also great with working on the fly if players decide to go off the beaten path and it leads to some great improved sessions.
I have always had an amazing experience when playing as Ben as the DM. I have played 3 unique campaigns DMed by him now and every single one has been not only gripping and dramatic but also with fun and laughs mixed in. You can really feel the passion and love for DMing in Ben's storytelling. He is excellent at bringing players from all experience levels together with rich world-building and storytelling. I highly recommend him for your next campaign!
Amazing DM. Great for beginners or people getting back into TTRPGs. Good storytelling and world building making gameplay very immersive. Allowing of player creativity, if the move is cool enough it's allowed. Whether you want to learn the game, RP in the tavern all day or go to war. Ben is the DM.
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