Sam
he/him
5.0
(6)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Sam
The name is Sam but I usually go by Gazer. I started GM-ing around 3 years ago now, first TTRPG game I played was sometime before then. Funnily enough my introduction to playing was through AD&D and it showed me what roleplaying can really do in a system so chunky like AD&D. Then came my first ever experience with GM'ing and that was through Delta Green, and I jumped into the deep end with a Fully Homebrewed Mini Campaign. After that 5E, PF2E are my usual Go-To but I've dabbled in more homebrew 5E such as StarWars5e and MassEffect 5e. I started GM-ing when I was in my junior year in college. Back then I had the dream of running a game with a bunch of my friends. But over time I've had many players and also with having consistent campaigns I've found myself really enjoying unique outlooks each player brings to the table. My love for TTRPG and GM-ing mainly comes from really having a table where people can create bonds and have moments that they can fondly look back on. To tell stories that are not only unique but relevant to each players vision of the story. TTRPG is collaborative and for me fun in GM-ing comes from seeing those moments where players are finding their own investment in the story.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Inclusive, World Builder
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
Honestly I just wanted to see people in a world that i imagined up. My enjoyment comes from creating deep factions, lore and stories that players can really interact with. Every GM has their own styles and their own worlds and I wanted players to experience something I made.
My favorite shows/movies are
Mass Effect Series (Not a Show I know, but lets be fr that series is a cinematic experience). Huge inspiration for my story path style and also directly inspired me to be a GM. I really enjoy the Game of Thrones, but may be a hot take (Battle of the Bastards is my canon ending).
When I'm not running games I'm...
My go to when I'm not running games is, - Being out and about just hanging out and going to places - BOBA runs are the GOAT - Caffeine is life - Reading Manhwas and Web Novels - Prepping Sessions
How Sam runs games
Prefacing with my enjoyment of worlds and playing games where I had the thought, “ What if A was B”; I love running games where players feel like they can influence the world deeply and change. Player agency is important for this. And I believe Roleplay goes hand in hand with Player Agency. I love both getting feels for players and their characters through and through. Zero Session works this but I also run Demo Sessions, Solo's and Duo's. Letting players in a long term campaign really develop their own groove in my story. And every step of the way I love reviewing back and modifying the story beats. Story also develops the same way, Players know what kind of story to expect. I love running Dark-Fantasy Worlds where morality and ethics are grey. Player agency also makes this more fun as the world is as is and they can influence it. I've seen players go from Righteous Knights to Scheming Spies and Evil Nobles to Vigilantes. Since player influence is clear the story will also feel extremely high-stakes as PC backgrounds are deeply integrated to the story ahead of time, as developments happen this creates a natural push and pull. I enjoy combat but I usually like to make them less hit everything and more like goal driven encounters. Players may be in a large scale raid gathering evidence while also tactically taking down cultists or it may even be a high speed chase where players are jumping from carriage to carriage. Regardless, the craft is ever-changing and always fun.
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
I once ran a session with 10 players for about 12 hours straight. We had 2 breaks and the craziest part is it was my first time GMing. I still gotta say, greatest most cursed experience ever hahaha! I could feel myself improving by the minutes.
My games focus on...
Usually my focus is on large scale situations, I love to push players into Grandeur. Dark fantasy campaign can mean focusing on ethical dilemmas to straight up espionage. Quests are connected. Large main quests can be tackled as players want. Side quests may lead to new options opening up.
Rules are...
Rules are a nice baseline to work with. Usually since I run my games roleplay heavy they help to mamage scenarios where skill is required. BUT RULE OF COOL IS THE RULE. When Running DnD it's more true than anything else. When running PF2E it can be really fun to snap it in with the crunch.
Sam's ideal table
I like to treat my table like a team. Gotta help cultivate those synergic moments. Sometimes players will find themselves naturally making bonds and creating character moments. Sometimes I gotta push. My campaigns focus on building into large plots and grand moments so, players that meddle and want to involve themselves will find themselves right at home. Same goes for players that are communicative. I listen and I change, I hear players say "Hmm I wanna try being a noble, I'll say hmm maybe this quest could lead to a noble rank in this kingdom." So It can be fun for both players and me when I see people be interactive.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
Grandeur and crazy stories, Your PC is gonna get involved in some crazy things that will change up the map. They may become famous or infamous.
I think min/maxing...
Honestly its cool. Some players enjoy the gamey aspect and I can respect that. For most of my campaigns though I do like to distinguish the role a player character is playing. Sometimes heroes are really good and sometimes heroes are scuffed up.
My perfect party mix is
Perfect party mix is like making a plate at a BBQ. Every party finds their own dynamic. The Meat: Players willing to take the fight. The Potato: These players are always a good vibe. The Veggies: Players that keep the priorities up front. The Dessert: These players bring the fun and jokes.
Sam's Preferences
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