Richard

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

DMs Guild Writer

LGBTQ+

Neurodivergent

Teacher/Educator

About Richard

I am an experienced Game Master with experience in a variety of systems but a special love for Dungeons and Dragons, including Organized Play through Adventurers' League. I am experienced teaching how to play through clubs with children and adults for several years. I tend to run shorter online game sessions (2-2.5 hours) because my personal capacity can't handle long (4 hour) computer sessions. I first started playing Dungeons and Dragons in 1979 and continued through middle school, high school, college and beyond. I was wrapped up with adulting for 3rd and 4th edition, then returned to the hobby for 5th edition. Along the way I was introduced to World of Darkness games, Hero System, and too many one shots to remember them all. Together these have made me an eclectic gamer. I have taken turns at game mastering all along my journey, and now am almost always a game master. I am a public school teacher by day, and the skillset that makes me a good teacher also make me a good game master. I have taken an interest in 3D printing and computer coding which have elevated the games I run.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Knows the Rules, Creativity

Featured Prompts

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

teaching math, playing board games, and 3D Printing. I have over 200 modern board games (Some of my favorites are Mansions of Madness, Gloomhaven, Dice Throne, Root, and Twilight Imperium). I 3D print terrain, miniatures, artistic and practical things.

I became a GM because

someone needed to do it. I became a good GM because the skillset for a GM and a teacher overlap so much and improving my abilities as one improves my abilities with the other. I love teaching games of all kinds and run clubs with students and adults to introduce RPGs and Board Games.

My favorite system of all Time is

HERO system because it lets you fairly build whatever character you want to have. However, it is very hard to teach, and not well supported for online play, so I mostly play Dungeons and Dragons because it is popular and easy to teach.

How Richard runs games

I enjoy cooperative story telling (role-play) that can come from a regular campaign group. However, role-play is limited in one shots and DDAL play because as the DM is often unaware of character backstories and motivations. I work to develop tactical combat situations with meaningful non-combat objectives, interesting terrain, and challenging enemies. I enjoy introducing mini-games or temporary fun mechanics to situations. I must admit that the 2024 combat balancing system appears to work better than the 2014 system. I enjoy choices that matter, exploration with consequences rather than failure, and stories that encourage creative problem solving. My favorite published campaigns are Dungeon of the Mad Mage (because it goes to level 20, develops a relationship with the BBEG, and uses humor in the adventures) and Dungeons of Drakkenheim (for the faction intrigue and importance of character choices).

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

looking at what is fair, most enjoyable, and tells the best story. I generally follow Rules as Written, but see value in Rule of Cool when fun but not abusive. I would classify myself as a NARATIVELY CORRECT DM.

When it comes to voices

i try, but I am still working on it. I have a few accents I do well and tend to have everyone in a particular faction or organization speak with the same accent.

Rules are...

accepted social norms that allow us to work together but should not come in the way of telling a great story. We come together to play a game, which necessitate rules to function together. However, I can read a room and can tell when the rules are getting in the way of everyone's enjoyment.

Richard's ideal table

My ideal table is a diverse group of people laughing and having fun telling a worthwhile story with surprising twists. According to the DnDBeyond article by Riley Silverman, I am more a "Plotter" than a "Pantser." I can and do improvise, but usually in a "Beer Holder" situation. My "Plotter" personality shows itself in planning every stop the "Taxi Driver" could possibly take.