Peterson

he/him

Timezone

America/detroit

Language

English

Identity

Published Writer

About Peterson

I've been playing TTRPGs since the West End Games' Star Wars 1st Edition (1988-ish), and have been a full-time Gamemaster since then. While I have proficiency in a decent amount of systems, I have a current fondness for Savage Worlds, with approximately 10 years of experience running it. I tend to be what I fondly call a "reactive GM", as my home table(s) is quite fond of avoiding plot hooks, or going straight off the rails in pursuit of their own goals. As this is something I often encourage, being a reactive GM is a skill that I have honed over many decades of gaming, both with large and small groups. I often approach gamemastering with the thought process of "this is YOUR story, I'm just here to provide backdrop". While I enjoy creating characters and story beats within the rules of the system, I am also perfectly comfortable adjusting (or even creating) mechanics to help meet specific needs as they arise. I also have created a couple independent TTRPG systems throughout my time as a GM, and even dipped my toes into online publishing during the d20 heyday for a time, with moderate success. I've joined the online TTRPG community as a way to continue improving my GM skills, as well as to grow the community overall.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

A childhood friend bought the required books but then decided they had no interest in actually reading them. I devoured them in less than a week and was running a game by the following weekend. I haven't looked back since.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

Adaptable, Balanced, and Conducive/Safety. I had to ask them and this seems to be the consensus.

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

trying to travel the Continental United States of America, or spending time out in the woods. Otherwise, I can usually be found reading or writing.

How Peterson runs games

As a fan of the players as a default, I tend to find ways to help tell your characters' stories as they weave in, through, and around the world we play in. I use the system mechanics to help shape those stories and am adapt at a "failing forward" style of storytelling when needed. The Rule of Cool has a place at my table, as well as playing to your character's flaws. I'm equally at ease running entire sessions without a die being rolled to grid-based combat measured in inches. Overall, I'm not a fan of Player vs Player (PVP) but if folks at the table are comfortable with it, it is allowed. I believe in having conversations "above the table" to check in with others about courses of actions as well as any issues that may arise before dropping back into character to continue the story.

Featured Prompts

I once ran a session...

where E.T. (yes, that one, from the 1982 movie) was the adventure's bad guy. It was quite interesting watching the realization slowly dawn on the players.

My games focus on...

The players' characters, their place in the world, and the story we are trying to craft together.

When it comes to voices

I just can't. I'm terrible. Despite years of trying, I've never quite got the hang of it and I apologize in advance if you happen to find yourself on the receiving end of my most recent attempt to gain this elusive skillset.

Peterson's ideal table

Ideally, I'd like players who have a wide range of interests, and/or are looking to push themselves to expand their roleplaying skills (whether that be to learn a new system, mastering mechanics, or different ways to approach telling a story). I also would enjoy people who have never experienced a TTRPG before, as I have a passion for the TTRPG community overall and welcome new blood to the hobby.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

chooses the path that isn't mechanically superior in favor of the one which crafts a more satisfying storyline, especially if it plays to the character's flaws.

My table is not the place for...

PVP. Overall, I feel it causes more issues than it resolves, but I can be swayed if the entire table is onboard and believes it can lead to a better storyline that we are all excited to tell others about.