Rob Duke
he/him
5.0
(26)
Timezone
About Rob Duke
Hi, I’m Rob Duke (dukeotaku on Discord). I’m a passionate Game Master with 15+ years of experience crafting immersive, player-driven adventures. I’ve hosted 50+ games on StartPlaying and run a variety of systems – from D&D 5E classics to the newest indie RPGs. In fact, I was an early adopter of Daggerheart and Tales of the Valiant, running them from day one. Players have rated me highly for my creativity, teaching approach, and inclusive table, so you can trust that you’re in good hands for a memorable game night. “Rob’s worldbuilding and collaborative style are unparalleled – he makes every character feel crucial to the story.” – ★★★★★ Player Review 🤝🏻 What to Expect in My Games 🤝🏻 ♦️ Story First: Deep characters, meaningful choices, and roleplay-heavy sessions (about 70/30 RP to combat). ♦️ Beginner Friendly: New to tabletop games? I’ll teach you as we play. No prep required — just bring curiosity. ♦️Safety & Comfort: LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent players welcome. I use tools like the Deck of Player Safety to keep play kind and respectful. 📖 Campaign Tones & Genres 📖 I tailor every campaign’s tone to your preferences. Here are some of the flavors I love to run: ♦️ Cozy Fantasy: Warm, feel-good adventures where the stakes are personal and the world feels like home. ♦️ Romantasy: Epic tales of love and magic – heartfelt narratives where relationships drive the story. ♦️ Dark Fantasy: Gritty, suspenseful worlds with morally gray dilemmas. Every choice has weight and consequences. ♦️ Grimdark: Brutal, high-stakes quests where survival isn’t guaranteed. Perfect if you enjoy intense challenges and a darker tone. (Not sure what tone you prefer? We’ll figure it out together in Session 0 so it fits the experience you want!) 🌈 A Community That Lasts 🌈 Join our Discord community, where players hang out between games for watch parties, board-game nights, and creative collaboration. It’s a place where stories don’t end when the session does. Become a member at tinyurl.com/TheSagaForge 💰 Pricing 💰 ♦️ One-Shots: $15 (or $5 during holiday promos!) ♦️ Campaigns: $20 per session Loyalty Rewards: Discord members earn discounts and early access to new adventures. 🎲 Ready to Play? 🎲 Send me a message or book your session today. Pull up a chair — your next saga is waiting for you.
At a glance
2 years on StartPlaying
58 games hosted
Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Inclusive
Average response time: 5 hours
Response rate: 100%
Featured Prompts
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
Daggerheart by Darrington Press Star Wars Roleplaying by Edge Studios (the one from Fantasy Flight Games) D&D 5e
My favorite books are
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie. My favorite is Best Served Cold. The Gentleman Bastards by Scott Lynch. The Lies of Locke Lamora is my favorite in the series. Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
When I'm not running games I'm...
When I’m not running games, I’m usually spending time with my Discord community — helping players build characters, sharing worldbuilding ideas, and planning new adventures together. Outside of gaming, I unwind with manga, anime, and a steady diet of fantasy audiobooks.
How Rob Duke runs games
⭐️ Why Play With Me ⭐️ ✨ Passionate & Professional I don’t just run games — I craft experiences that feel inclusive, immersive, and alive. Every table is a safe, welcoming space built on open communication and trust. ✨ Seamless Online Play I use Foundry VTT, Zoom, and Discord to keep stories flowing smoothly. Immersive maps, music, and visuals bring our worlds to life — you’ll forget we’re not around the same table. ✨ Stories That Stay With You Every session is part of a larger story — one that stays with you long after the dice stop rolling. Whether you’re new or seasoned, your character’s journey will matter and leave its mark on the world. ⭐️ Let’s Begin Your Adventure If you’re ready for a story that listens, grows, and challenges — pull up a chair. The lights are warm, the dice are ready, and your saga is waiting.
Featured Prompts
I deal with rules issues by...
If a rules question comes up, I’ll make a call in the moment to keep things moving — usually in the player’s favor. After the session, we’ll confirm the correct interpretation together. Story first, teamwork always.
If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...
Probably me — not because I’m controlling, but because I care deeply about the world and the experience I’m creating for my players. Every scene, every twist, every moment matters. I want you to feel like you’re living the story, not just watching it.
My games focus on...
The journey of character and growth — how people change when tested, what they cling to, and what they’re willing to become for the sake of others.
Rob Duke's ideal table
My table is story-rich and character-driven. Roleplay is king, choices matter, and the world reacts. Perfect for players who love intrigue, drama, consequences, and collaboration — and who lift up others to help everyone shine. Bring your big character arcs and your emotional dice rolls. We’re here to tell stories that leave a mark.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
If you’re into rich character arcs, emotional storytelling, and players lifting each other up to make every scene shine, you’re going to love my table.
I love it when a player
I love it when a player really leans into their character — exploring who they are, what they want, and how they change — while still making space for others to shine.
My table is not the place for...
My table isn’t the place for spotlight-hogging, metagaming, or min-maxing. I care more about good stories than perfect builds — impress me with your character’s heart, not their stats.
Rob Duke's Preferences
Systems
Game Mechanics