Josh

n/a

5.0

(3)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

Neurodivergent

About Josh

I am a nerd through and through and I loved reading and playing all kinds of games for as long as I can remember. I loved shows like Hercules, Xena, and Highlander growing up and reading all kinds of obscure fantasy and science fiction. I discovered TTRPGs late in life, but I have quickly became an enthusiast of the TTRPG genre, with many systems being a part of my growing collection.

At a glance

2 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Knows the Rules

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

I began GMing when I couldn’t find a D&D group. After a rough GM stint, I devoured the Starter Set and ran my first game with coworkers. We laughed through my mistakes, and I fell in love with guiding stories. Now I run games from home tables to GenCon!

My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be

Basic Fantasy, Stargate SG-1 RPG, Power Rangers RPG

My favorite shows/movies are

My favorite shows are Stargate SG-1, Star Trek, Firefly, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and Xena: Warrior Princess. My favorite movies are the Alien franchise, Predator franchise, the Mythica franchise, and all of the Dungeons & Dragons movies.

How Josh runs games

In my GM style, I view my role as a facilitator and referee. I present the world, adjudicate the rules fairly, and resolve the consequences of player choices. I do not try to direct the story or decide outcomes in advance. Player choice drives my games. There is no fixed plot the party is meant to follow, even in a published adventure. Adventures provide locations, factions, dangers, and problems; the story is what emerges from how you choose to engage with them. The game world exists independently of the party. NPCs, factions, and threats pursue their own goals and respond logically to what happens around them, not to player convenience or narrative pacing. I adjudicate the rules consistently and transparently. When rulings are needed, I explain my reasoning and keep the game moving. I prioritize clarity and fairness over loopholes or improvisational hand-waving. Most importantly, failure is part of play. Losses, setbacks, and hard decisions are not punishments. They are how victories are earned and are more meaningful to my players.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

I handle rules issues with fairness and flow. If a rule’s unclear, I make a logical ruling, note it, and check later. “Rulings over rules” guides my table. Rules shape play, not restrict it. Creativity thrives within structure.

My games focus on...

...player choice, consequence, and immersion. Every action matters. I run living worlds where smart play, teamwork, and creative problem-solving drive the story. Victories feel earned because the rules and the dice mean something.

Rules are...

...the framework that keeps the game fair, consistent, and meaningful. I follow a “rulings over rules” approach, where creative play should work within the system, not around it. Success feels better when it’s earned through fair play, smart choices, and real risk.

Josh's ideal table

My ideal table is made up of engaged players who are invested in what’s happening beyond their own turn or character. When you’re not acting, I expect you to be listening, thinking, planning with the group, asking questions, and staying aware of the situation as it develops. This is a cooperative game. The spotlight is shared, decisions are discussed, and success comes from working together rather than acting alone. Characters can disagree, but players should approach the table in good faith and with respect for one another. I value players who engage with the world as it is presented. That means paying attention to details, asking for clarification when needed, and accepting the outcomes of decisions, whether good or bad, without disengaging or blaming another player. This table works best for players who enjoy thinking through problems, assessing risks, and participating actively in the unfolding situation, not just rolling dice or waiting for moments to role-play.

Featured Prompts

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

If you're into The Witcher, Game of Thrones, or The Lord of the Rings; gritty worlds where choices have weight and heroes earn their victories, you’ll love my table. Expect rich lore, moral dilemmas, and adventures that reward wit, courage, and consequence.

I think metagaming...

...breaks immersion and cheapens the experience. The fun comes from thinking like your character, not the player. Stay in the world, trust the dice, and let your choices, not your outside knowledge, shape the story.

My table is not the place for...

...spotlight hogs, rules-lawyering, or players who treat the game like a power fantasy. If you can’t respect the world, the rules, or your fellow players, this isn’t your table. We’re here to build something immersive together.