Phil
he/him
5.0
(2)
Timezone
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Identity
About Phil
From local tables to global games, bringing worlds to life. I’m a lifelong tabletop gamer and storyteller with over 6 years of experience behind the GM screen. My journey began in the worlds of Dungeons & Dragons and has expanded to include Call of Cthulhu and other roleplaying systems. Outside the table, I’m a podcaster, writer, and worldbuilder, creating original settings, adventures, and characters that bring each session to life. I’ve run countless campaigns for players from all over the world, from first-time adventurers to seasoned veterans. I’m always excited to welcome new faces to my games. My background in both technology and creative production means I bring a polished, well-organised approach to every game I run, whether it’s a one-shot mystery or a long-form campaign.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, World Builder, Storytelling
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
I got started GMing after watching Critical Role, inspired to gather friends for an online group. Soon, I was DMing at a local store, juggling 9 players at once! That passion grew into podcasting our adventures, blending storytelling, roleplay, and shared laughter into unforgettable games.
People are always surprised when I tell them
People are always surprised when I tell them I once wrangled nine players at a single table, and still kept the story on track (mostly) without anyone setting the tavern on fire… intentionally, at least.
The three words my players would use to describe me are...
The three words my players would use to describe me are immersive, unpredictable, and hilarious. Always ready with a vivid scene, a twist they didn’t see coming, and just enough chaos to keep them on their toes.
How Phil runs games
Epic adventures, immersive worlds, unforgettable characters. My games are immersive, story-driven, and built around player choice. I blend rich roleplay, engaging challenges, and dramatic pacing to create sessions that feel like stepping into a living world. You can expect: Atmosphere: tailored background music, sound effects, and visuals to draw you in. Memorable NPCs: voiced characters with distinct personalities and motives. Collaborative storytelling: your character’s goals and backstory matter, and shape the events of the game. Balanced play: a mix of roleplay, exploration, problem-solving, and exciting combat, tuned to the group’s preferences. Whether it’s a tense mystery in Call of Cthulhu or an epic quest in Dungeons & Dragons, I aim to create moments you’ll talk about long after the session ends. Every dice roll matters, every choice has weight, and every player has a place in the story.
Featured Prompts
If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...
If my games were movies, they’d be directed by Guillermo del Toro. Rich in atmosphere, brimming with strange beauty, and always tinged with a little darkness lurking beneath the wonder.
My favorite trope is...
My favourite trope is the seemingly harmless NPC who turns out to be far more than they appear, whether they become an unexpected ally, a secret villain, or the key to unravelling the entire mystery.
Rules are...
Rules are a framework, not a cage. I’m not a stickler, and I’ll happily bend them for the rule-of-cool if it makes the story more epic and the table more fun.
Phil's ideal table
My table is a place for collaborative storytelling, big character moments, and plenty of laughter between the drama. I welcome players of all experience levels, whether it’s your first time rolling dice or you’ve got shelves full of minis. You’ll fit in here if you enjoy immersive roleplay, love leaning into character flaws and quirks, and can roll with unexpected twists (sometimes literal, sometimes tentacled). I run a mix of cinematic combat, mystery, and player-driven choices, with rules as a guide but the rule-of-cool always on the table. The vibe? Think epic fantasy meets strange horror, with a side of chaotic fun. We cheer for clever ideas, high rolls, and heroic fails that make great stories. Everyone gets spotlight time, and respect for each other, both in and out of character, is non-negotiable. If you’re here to build a story together, surprise your GM, and have the occasional “I can’t believe that just happened” moment… you’ll feel right at home.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
If you’re into immersive worlds, unpredictable twists, and characters that feel alive, you’re going to love my table.
I love it when a player
I love it when a player takes a wild swing, whether it’s a bold in-character choice, an offbeat problem-solving idea, or leaning into a flaw that complicates things. Those unexpected moments often become the stories we’re still laughing or talking about months later.
I think min/maxing...
I think min/maxing misses the point. I’d rather see a flawed, well-rounded character who makes interesting choices than a hyper-optimized build. The best moments at my table come from creative problem-solving, risky roleplay, and characters who feel like real people, not stat sheets.
Phil's Preferences
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