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Sam the Coffee Man

Sam the Coffee Man (he/him)

5.0

(46)

3 years on StartPlaying

165 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Sets the Mood

About me

Greetings, Adventurers! My name is Sam, and I am a UK-based actor, musician, and barista running both in-person D&D sessions at my coffee shop and online games through my Discord server. Having grown up living above a board game shop, I have developed a passion for gaming that is unparalleled across all realms. Coupled with my background in acting, D&D has evolved into a veritable obsession for me. So, bring your most intriguing character flaws, and let's jump in!

GM Style

With a background in acting, you can anticipate roleplay and individual character development at the core of my table. I always reward players who act in accordance with their PC's disposition, as story-first play is my preferred style. Moreover, growing up above a board game shop has given me a keen nose for strategy and game design in combat and puzzles. I'm equally enthusiastic about running a straightforward dungeon crawl or puzzle-style adventure as I am about crafting grand story arcs and delving into intricate backstory quests. However, please inform me if you have a preference for the former, as my default setting leans towards the latter. To quote my favourite D&D source, my monsters know what they're doing. Expect to bring creativity to encounters and combat at my table. I delight in developing robust story arcs and leaving pivotal decisions to my players. A firm believer in the dice, I don't shy away from character deaths, but fear not! With a strong inclination towards the rule of cool and story-driven play, I prioritise having fun and weaving unforgettable narratives. I am familiar with the majority of the preset official adventures and have expanded many into new territories. Additionally, I run games in the entirely original homebrew world of Samhain, meticulously crafted over several years by my brother and me. I am well-suited for both new players and seasoned veterans. That's it! Feel free to ask any questions you might have. I look forward to playing with you. A note to experienced players: Please be aware that my gameplay utilises rules as guidelines to enhance the story and maintain its momentum. I may slightly adjust the functionality of familiar rules, spells, and more to better suit the situation, flow, and story as it unfolds. I encourage roleplay, even in my one-shots. If you prefer a RAW, mechanically driven, wargame-style; my games may not be the best fit for you. I welcome and encourage outlandish and rule-breaking suggestions if they enrich the story and make sense with your character. I will always ensure that everyone involved agrees on a fair and fun ruling. Story>Rules :) "As a referee, the DM interprets the rules, decides when to abide by them, and when to change them." (Page 4, 5e DMG)

Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (46)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Storytelling

Creativity

Sets the Mood

Patrick avatar

Patrick

Played 73 sessions

I have been with Sam for almost 3 years, come next year February. During this time I have grown to understand and even GM games of my own. I would not have been able to do so as well as I have, without taking inspiration from Sam. When I first joined I played a Human Variant Barbarian who spoke broken Common. He was a tall and muscular hybrid of a Leonin and Human, yet I felt had a heart of gold. We went on 4 adventures with this character before he died. Now I know how that may seem, but no. It's no ones fault but my own as he sacrificed himself to help others run away. The way Sam described this characters last stand, his amazing defense and ultimately his death, brought tears to my eyes and I'm quite sure it almost did the same to the other players. His knack for describing events and details, his ability to listen to the players and pick up on ques. If this man was a book writer, he'd be a legendary one in all aspects, rivaling the likes of J.K Rowling, Harper Lee and H.P Lovecraft. His patience with players, is astounding. I can admit I myself am a problem player. When an Idea comes into my mind I cannot let that Idea go, unless I share it in text or verbally in some way. What can I say I'm imaginative? Sam has put up with my ideas for the longest and even now it makes me laugh. Some of the things he's provided feedback on, is from me shooting out just the silliest ideas that could never work in the story, but he somehow makes it happen that fits the narrative. He can even divvy up the story in one single session, to focus souly on 5 different people in less than 3 hours. I have seen this man do some amazing things that absolutely baffles me!! I wish I was joking. Sam is an amazing Game Master. - If you are looking for someone who can take your character, and give them a story that has meaning. Sam is the man for you. - If you are looking for a patient man when it comes to ideas and reply and provide adequate feed back to said ideas. Sam is the man for you. - If you are looking for someone who can provide a challenge, open your mind to the world and ACTUALLY MAKE TENSE SITUATIONS TENSE. Sam is the man for you. Sam is one of the greatest GM's I have ever known. I look up to him and his reviews speak for themselves honestly. If you are looking to join, please by all means! Come hang with us! Tell'em Agni sent ya!

Ffin avatar

Ffin

Played 21 sessions

An amazing GM for both veteran and new players, super patient and helpful! The detail put into the world building is meticulous and it allows for an immersive and compelling experience. Always look forward to the next session :)

Barge Lambo avatar

Barge Lambo

Played 22 sessions

The world Sam has built is really special. It leans into the natural world as a deep part of the lore and makes the environment a player in the game. This added texture has really brought the games to life for me as a player. An encounter with a mythical rabbit god blessing one of our party was particularly memorable. I’ve not played through foundry before so having the world come to life through all of the audio visual aids, party icons and battle maps really helps to place my character in the scenes and helps me to role play effectively and most of all have fun. As a DM Sam is knowledgable and exacting while always making room for fun and lighthearted interactions. Even when things don’t go the party’s way he has knack for making it all feel true to the world and as if the course of events that are unfolding are either a lead to a new path or a lesson to be held dearly for the future.

Flug avatar

Flug

Played 19 sessions

Sam was very Knowledgable of the rules and Characters/Skills, he allowed us to be creative but also kept the story going, he was great at describing the scenes, doing the voices for various enemies and ensuring that all had a great time!

Michael Salinas avatar

Michael Salinas

Played 7 sessions

Sam is an incredible DM! I am a new player to D&D in general so I do not have experience playing D&D but let me tell you this is an amazing introduction to my first campaign as a player! Sam is able to create an atmosphere and tell the story in a fantastic way that keeps us engaged, while still making the players comfortable and apart of the story at all times. He allows us to shape the story with our choices as well, no matter how silly or dangerous our actions as players may be. I have had incredible fun playing with Sam and the adventure that me and my companions are on is great! Sam is a DM who will have set a high standard of pure awesomeness for the DM's I might meet in the future. All in all, I hope you choose Sam as a DM for your next adventure, you cant possibly go wrong with him.

Prince Dinos avatar

Prince Dinos

Played 11 sessions

Sam from were beginning (even before session zero) reached out to check my experience, explain a little bit of rules needed for PC creation and told about his style of the game. He was a great support in creating my character (which is not a simple one) and flavour some of the content to better suit it. The only thing we can expect during game nights is that we will have fun. Sam keeping us on our toes, gently guiding us through the story without making it feel like pushing into necessary direction. This feels like we are building story as much as him (or maybe even more). I would recommend Sam to anyone looking for theatre of ming kinda game. You won't regret it a bit.

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