Pax (he/him)
5.0
(24)
1 year on StartPlaying
178 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Inclusive
Average response time: 1 hour
Response rate: 100%
About me
Hey there! I'm Pax (also known as Cody), and I’ll (hopefully) be your new game master! I’ve been running games regularly since 2008, but I really honed my skills when I started GMing for Adventurer’s League in 2015. Since then, I’ve been running at least two games a week and have had the pleasure of guiding many successful campaigns. I have a deep love for taking established modules and tweaking them to create smoother gameplay, give characters more meaningful connections to the story, and expand on content to make the narrative feel dynamic and impactful. If you're looking for a reliable GM with a strong understanding of the rules, experience handling large groups, and a passion for teaching new players, you’re in the right place! Let’s create something epic together.
GM Style
My GMing style has been referred to as "compelling and diabolical". I tend to stick closer to rules as written, ignore physics, and do my best to adjudicate disputes and murky rules fairly and consistently. I like a balance of combat, roleplay, and investigation in each session but tailor the specifics to fit the group's playstyle. I'm a firm believer in rolling openly at the table as a GM, as well as the philosophy of 'there's always a bigger fish' for more ambitious players. I do my best to do character voices for NPCs and encourage players to invest themselves as well. I enjoy rewarding creativity, risk-taking, and resourcefulness.
Games played
Game platforms used
Pax's Games
Game Master Reviews (24)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Inclusive
Moss
Played 16 sessions
When you know, you know. That is how it is for me as a player. I know when I belong at a table, and Pax lets me know that I belong at his table, and it's abundantly clear everyone at his tables feel the same way. He is incredibly skilled at 'herding cats' -- those sort of chaotic players who have a desire to tell stories, talk in funny voices, do silly and ridiculous things. He tells you that you bring great gifts to the table and makes you smile and grin and feel good about who you are as a player and cultivates your creativity and doesn't squish you for it. He notices the nuances in the things you do and gives you more things to play with. He's wonderful with players like me -- neurodivergent players who simply get excited and need a little help being reigned in like a happy little red balloon on a long string -- he gives a gentle tug and brings me back down but never cuts my string and makes me feel unwanted or like I'm annoying. He attracts good folks because he is good folks. I just joined another game of his -- a home-brew world and I am so happy that I did. (I loathe home-brew) but it's clear this DM has dumped so much time and effort into this world and I feel honored to be a part of it. Seriously, Pax is a top notch DM. Professional. Kind. Silly. Terrific, truly. I look forward to every session, and it's taking a lot of will power to not sign up for another. Give him a try, I don't think you will regret it.
Timothy Hansen
Played 7 sessions
Pax is THE BEST!
Rich Grassmann
Played 17 sessions
Pax is a wonderful DM and does a fantastic job at building a fun and engaging game! He does a very good job at setting the scene and really immersing the players into the game, while still allowing for some shenanigans. He makes use of some house rules that don't feel unfair, or game breaking, but rather add to the fun of the game. Only one session in, and I'm already pumped for the next session!
Jack
Played 1 sessions
He was very fun and inclusive. Some of the most DnD fun I've had in a while!!!
Nate
Played 6 sessions
Pax is awesome, he welcomed me warmly and guided me where I was unsure as it was the first time I had played online. Really enjoyed the session and cant recommend Pax as a DM enough. Definitely give his sessions a shot if you see a slot open!
Gem
Played 6 sessions
Pax is an amazing DM! He's very knowledgeable and all around fun, while also managing a large group of players. Highly recommend him!
What's StartPlaying?
Tabletop Roleplaying Games Run by Game Masters
Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.
Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.
If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.