I played in a charity one-shot where Ian was the Storyteller. He did a great job setting the stage for the scenario and found way to allow the players creativity to become part of the story while making sure each player the time and opportunity for their characters to shine in the spotlight.

He puts characters first, taking time to learn how players want to approach the game and what they wish to get from the experience (whether that's finding your place in the world, cool fight scenes, or cathartic moments facing a villain from your backstory). He also sent a list ahead of time with common themes, phobias, and trigger warnings with a check-in system so he could adjust the plot hooks (red = don't bring ______ to the table, yellow = talk with me ahead of time about _____, green = I'm okay playing out a scene that may involve _____). He is flexible with rules, prioritizing building a story around the table rather than halting gameplay to a stop to look up one rule on page 200. He leads our Call of Cthulhu game, where all players are new to the game, and is great with pacing the overall story each week along with making sure each character gets to move the plot forward. He even gives a heads-up when our action may not have the best outcome (which in this game can quickly turn deadly).

Wether you are a veteran or “what are those numbered rocks for? SIN?!” He is the gm that has an amazing set of communication skills for everyone to feel safe and have fun while gaming! Clever and interesting, Knows MANY systems of play, knows how to take a joke and turn it into your DOOM or salvation, Ryan is someone you can trust to lead a Session toward a fantastic experience (maybe not for your character lol) that I simple say you won’t get with other GM. Also a great guy and very easy to talk to. (For personal “I don’t know this and don’t want to embress myself, or “I really want to do this with my character!”)

Ian is a fantastic GM and tech coordinator. I have immensely enjoyed his games and his detailed touch to sessions. If I had to choose one aspect to his GMing though, I think I respect and value his dedication to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for his players and his staff the most!