GM My Guy (Mike I)

he/him

5.0

(2)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

Neurodivergent

Game Designer

About GM My Guy (Mike I)

I’ve been creating characters since I was twelve—starting with Basic D&D and a reckless halfling thief—and for the last decade I’ve been running, playing, or reading RPGs constantly. I’ve played or run over eighty games, from classics like D&D and Marvel Super Heroes (FASERIP) to modern favorites like Dolmenwood, Mothership, and more. I’ve run countless one‑shots and short campaigns, and I design games myself. Beginners are welcome, and I’m committed to making my tables welcoming to women, neurodivergent players, and LGBTQI+ players. I run games with diverse friends and convention groups, so this isn’t new for me. I use the simplest tech needed, with video preferred to keep the focus on people rather than platforms. You don’t need to know the rules or build the perfect character—I’ll help you learn as we play. I value engaged play: curiosity, risk‑taking, relationship‑building, and pursuing interesting stories rather than waiting for the GM to dictate the path. Bring curiosity, respect, and willingness to participate, and I’ll meet you with a world ready to respond.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Beginner Friendly, Inclusive, Rule of Cool

$10 per session

Featured Prompts

I ran my first game...

of Marvel Super Heroes (FASERIP) at 14 years old, over 30 years ago and I'm still learning new systems!

My favorite shows/movies are

In no particular order: LotR: Fellowship of the Ring & Return of the King Memento Spiderman Avatar: The Last Airbender Princess Mononoke Stardust The Princess Bride Game of Thrones Continuum BoJack Horsema6n Bubba-hotep Samurai Jack Orphan Black 2001 A Space Odyssey Interstellar

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

improvisational, adaptable, and friendly

How GM My Guy (Mike I) runs games

My games are structured but highly improvisational. I prepare the world, NPCs, factions, problems, atmosphere, and consequences, but not a script. Your character will have short- and long-term goals and in-world relationships that actually matter to the story, not just backstory. NPCs are distinct, usually through different voices and speech patterns rather than exaggerated accents. There will be plenty of roleplay, but I also like to have at least one short combat encounter per session when the game supports it. Combat can be balanced or deliberately dangerous depending on the experience you want; if it's dangerous, **I'll telegraph that clearly**. We'll establish the tone, safety tools, PC relationships, and character concepts in Session 0, or quickly at the start of a one-shot. I can create characters for you, with you, or help you finish an existing concept. I know a lot of systems, but I don't pretend to know everything. If another player knows a rule better than I do, great! **Correct me.** I'm interested in getting the game right, not proving I'm the smartest person at the table. In a rules disagreement, I will decide quickly and apply the proper rule next time. Finally, my tables are welcoming to everyone. I want everyone to feel comfortable being themselves at the table.

GM My Guy (Mike I)'s ideal table

• Character first. I care more about what your character does than whether you know the rules. We can parse out the rules together. • Your choices matter. While I don't always run open-world games, there is never just one solution. Clever ideas are always encouraged—even if it means tossing out my prep. • Everyone gets a turn in the spotlight. Everyone should have a chance to contribute and use the spotlight to voice what their character wants. That helps me understand what you'd like to see more of in the future. • A welcoming table. We'll make introductions, establish boundaries, and use appropriate safety tools so everyone can focus on having a great game.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

answers "What will you do?" from the point of view of their character.

I think metagaming...

is fine. I have plenty of other tools in my toolbox.

My table is not the place for...

- Bullying or harassment - Sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia - Disrespecting pronouns or identities - Rules‑lawyering that stalls the game - Hijacking scenes or derailing the narrative - Spotlight hogging - Pressuring players - Out of game drama - Real world politics and religion