StartPlaying logo
game master profile header image
Neal D.

Neal D. (he/him)

5.0

(24)

3 years on StartPlaying

276 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Voices, Creativity

About me

Hi there! My name is Neal Driscoll, I'm in my mid-to-late twenties, and I have a passion for storytelling. Whether it's spooky stories around the campfire, historical/mythological anthologies, or epic campaigns of heroes and villains, I just can't get enough of the world's many and varied stories. Growing up, I had only heard whispers of tabletop RPGs, and it wasn't until uni that I got my first experience in the worlds of D&D 3.5. As a long-time lover of wonder-tales, suffice it to say that I ate up that experience with a hunger for more, and it made sense when I became a GM shortly after those first few sessions. I have been running games ever since, and now I want to help facilitate this wonderful experience with a wider audience. I am a firm believer in tailoring the experience of TTRPGs to my players for the goal of maximizing the fun for everyone involved. This is evidenced by creating my own elaborate homebrew system over the course of a still-running, 6+ year, multi-party campaign that specifically encourages limitlessness. I aim to be fair, inclusive, equitable, and always open for communication. I have extensive experience working with children and adults from ages 5-75+. At the end of the day, I try my best, and I promise that will always be the case for you, my potential players.

GM Style

I do love roleplay! -I try to accommodate all comfort levels for roleplay from 1st person character voices to 3rd person action descriptions. I do my best to create an immersive world with living NPCs, but I never expect my players to go outside their comfort zone. I will, however, regularly check in with each of my players to ensure their fun and approval of what we are all creating. I do love crunchy tactical combat! -With a strong background in JRPGs and tactical turn-based games, both digital and analog, I run a mean (but fair!) combat scenario with environmental hazards and unexpected twists. I love to throw out the bread n' butter goblins and orcs just as much as whatever new creatures I have just learned about from my most recently encountered absurdly obscure reference material. This includes low-level play and higher levels of play alike, so buckle up for just about any scenario you can (or can't yet) imagine! Mystery? You got it (cue spooky music). Puzzles? Sure thing, I've got loads of resources and often make my own. Sociopolitical intrigue? The countrysides will never be the same again. If you, as my player, want to explore a new type of story device, I will gladly hear you out, do my research, and plan something for your enjoyment. I love trying new things, but above all else, I try to stay in constant communication with my players for what they (and you) enjoy and want out of their experience.

Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (24)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Storytelling

Voices

Creativity

Tyler avatar

Tyler

Played 8 sessions

Amazing storytelling, weaves a fantastic mental images with clear descriptions that you can easily picture in your mind. Gives each player their chance, if they want it, to be in the spotlight. Encourages roleplay and descriptive story telling that is great to join in, for people of every level of skill.

Chad  avatar

Chad

Played 77 sessions

Neal is extremely player-friendly and welcoming. Runs a very hands-on campaign, with detailed storytelling, recaps and help with notes, inventory and more. Playing in his game for over 2.5 years now and not once has there been a session that wasn't an absolute blast. Couldn't recommend him more!

DAVID avatar

DAVID

Played 45 sessions

Neal is an excellent DM. Combat is brisk and efficient, with lot of imagination. World building well-realized and NPCs have life and cool voices.

Abishai James avatar

Abishai James

Played 6 sessions

Neal is a great storyteller and very good at giving each player the spotlight so everyone gets to feel like they're really affecting the world around them. Great GM!

Donovan avatar

Donovan

Played 2 sessions

Neal was a wonderful DM. I was able to jump into an existing campaign seamlessly. The group was wonderful and Neal gave everyone the chance to shine. Hope to play at his " table" again.

Brynne avatar

Brynne

Played 96 sessions

Had a great time. Would recommend.

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.