Ryan

he/him

4.7

(3)

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Language

English

Sign Language (American)

Identity

Disabled

Multi-lingual

About Ryan

Greetings, adventurers! My name is Ryan (he/him), a Deaf Dungeon Master who thrives on storytelling, emotional arcs, and collaborative roleplay. I run inclusive, welcoming games that prioritize character-driven narratives, dynamic worldbuilding, and player growth. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned veteran, I create a space where everyone’s voice matters—literally and figuratively. I’m bilingual in English and American Sign Language (ASL), and I love working with diverse groups of players—especially those who are neurodivergent, disabled, queer, or otherwise underrepresented in TTRPG spaces. I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table. I’ve been DMing for over 4+ years and even founded the Dungeons & Dragons Club at Ripon High School to bring together fellow fans. I specialize in Curse of Strahd and dark, emotionally rich campaigns—but I also enjoy lighthearted adventures. Whether you’re into gothic horror, dramatic twists, or just making memories, I’ve got you covered. Need accessibility or communication accommodations? Just let me know—I’m flexible and happy to make it work for everyone. Let’s roll some dice and tell unforgettable stories together!

At a glance

2 years on StartPlaying

10 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Rule of Cool, Voices

Featured Prompts

People are always surprised when I tell them

I'm Deaf.

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

Baking bread, writing, or hanging out with friends.

How Ryan runs games

I am a story-driven Dungeon Master who prioritizes narrative, character arcs, and emotional depth over strict rules and number crunching. My goal is to create an immersive, collaborative world where players feel like protagonists in a living, breathing tale. While I understand the mechanics and will use them to keep the game fair and exciting, I don't let the rules get in the way of a great moment. I’m flexible with rules if it means enabling creativity, drama, or cinematic action. Think of me more as a storyteller and world-builder than a referee. If you're the kind of player who enjoys roleplay, character development, mystery, moral dilemmas, and story twists, you'll feel right at home at my table.

Ryan's ideal table

My table is a place for story-first adventurers, where narrative, character growth, and meaningful choices take center stage. I love players who dive into their characters' flaws and all, and help shape the world with their decisions and roleplay. If you enjoy rich, emotional storytelling, in-character conversations, mystery, and moral dilemmas, you’ll fit right in. I’m not a rules-heavy or number-crunching DM. I understand the mechanics and respect the core structure, but I’m open to creative solutions and cinematic moments. That means I won’t stop a great scene to argue over technicalities—we keep things moving and focus on what feels right for the story. I primarily use Roll20 for maps, tokens, and virtual gameplay, and I often bring in music, visuals, and handouts to help immerse you in the world. The vibe at my table is friendly, inclusive, and collaborative. I want players who support one another both in and out of character, and who are here to build something memorable together, not just rack up XP or hoard magic items. I welcome both newer players and experienced roleplayers, as long as you're open to communication, creativity, and having fun.