DM Rob
he/him
5.0
(10)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About DM Rob
Hi, I’m Rob! I first got interested in table-top games way back in the early 90s, when I was part of the ‘Wargaming Club’ at my primary school. From there, I got into Warhammer, played all the classic D&D video games (Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2, Planescape Torment, Neverwinter Nights, etc.), and maintained an interest in fantastical worlds and stories throughout my adult life. Over the last few years, I’ve gotten into D&D in a big way, first (and still) as a player, and now as a dedicated digital Dungeon Master. As a hobby, it's allowed me to meet some awesome people, inhabit some incredible characters, and create campaigns and adventures that draw on the finest fantasy traditions and my own weird and wonderful imagination. I live in the North of England, a few minutes' walk from the cold and mysterious North Sea (though I have not yet seen a Kraken).
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Voices, Inclusive
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
Because I loved creating interesting backstories for my characters, but felt a little limited by the scope. As a DM, I get to create whole stories and worlds!
My favorite books are
I'm heavily inspired by Joe Abercrombie's First Law' books. His writing is Grimdark but with a sense of humor, which is a vibe I emulate in my games.
My favorite system of all Time is
D&D! I have dabbled with other systems, but nothing beats it for versatility, lore, and the sheer depths of materials available.
How DM Rob runs games
I run D&D (5.5e) campaigns, focusing on world-building, storytelling, and keeping my players on the edge of their seats. I supplement official materials with homebrew content (monsters, magic items, etc) and a few homebrew rules. I’m especially dedicated to creating villains my players love to hate, right up until the moment they slay them in an epic boss fight. I also love a plot twist and pulling the rug from under my players' feet. You have been warned! I lean more towards 'grimdark' than 'cozy', but I'm a firm believer that 'dark' and 'fun should always go together. So while you can expect serious and even shocking moments, my players come up for air, laughing, joking, and buzzing about the shenanigans and misadventures they've been a part of. I like to build tables where everyone is involved, everyone is laughing, and everyone feels like an important part of the group and integral to the story we build together. Players in my campaigns can expect crunchy tactical combat that's fully integrated into the story and deep, interesting roleplay. NPCs are complex, interesting, and voice-acted to the best of my ability! I use maps for almost all encounters (not just combat), with maybe 5% theatre of the mind.
Featured Prompts
My favorite trope is...
The double cross. The backstab from the trusted ally. The rug being pulled out from under the players' feet.
Rules are...
Important, but can always be stretched! RAW works 95% of the time, but I'll always consider 'rule of cool' if it's going create a fun and memorable moment.
When it comes to voices
I deploy a wide variety of voices, which I know my players enjoy! Sometimes I feel like I can't control them. Why do Fey always come out Irish and Orcs and Hobgoblins end up as cockneys? Who knows...
DM Rob's ideal table
Playing online with people you may never have met before can be daunting. But it's also a great opportunity to make new friends, encounter new playstyles, and get inspired by the creativity and awesome ideas of other players. I set up my tables to encourage a fun, welcoming, and immersive experience. The themes in my games are often dark, and there are certainly serious and emotional moments. But personally, I always play with a smile on my face, and the same goes for my players! So expect laughter, shenanigans, and creative play. My ideal players: - Love crunchy tactical combats - Get involved in roleplaying - Run fun, interesting characters (not edge-lords or 'joke' characters) - Treat each other with respect - Are inventive and love to problem-solve
DM Rob's Preferences
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