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Stephen

Stephen (he/him)

5.0

(16)

Teacher/Educator

3 years on StartPlaying

120 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Visual Aid

About me

Hi there! My name is Stephen. I'm an experienced DM that has ran over 300 sessions on FoundryVTT. Providing my players a cinematic and immersive experience is important to me, as I'm a video producer in my day job. I was also an elementary/middle school film teacher for 5 years before returning back to the film industry. Great audio, visuals, narration, voice acting, and encounter-design are things you can expect from our sessions. Come try out a game with me - I know you'll have fun!

GM Style

My GM style involves patience and flexibility, while at the same time providing a fun and fair challenge to my players. I incorporate the three pillars of TTRPG's - social interaction, exploration, and combat - into each of the sessions I run. I believe the potential for character death should be frequently present to have thrilling adventures, but at the same time I'm not a vindictive GM looking for "gotcha" moments.

Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (16)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Storytelling

Visual Aid

Shelden Misquadace avatar

Shelden Misquadace

Played 7 sessions

I wasn't with Stephen for long but he is an amazing DM, very accompanying, great story telling, combat encounters and overall brings a great atmosphere to the table.

DmytroGM avatar

DmytroGM

Played 27 sessions

I had an amazing time playing in Stephen's D&D campaign—it was the most fun I've ever had in the game! His storytelling is top-notch, bringing the world to life in a way that keeps every session engaging and immersive. His preparation is excellent, ensuring a smooth and well-paced experience. Now, I’m even more excited to dive into our next game in Pathfinder 2E. If you're looking for a skilled and dedicated DM who knows how to craft an unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend Stephen!

Deth avatar

Deth

Played 43 sessions

My wife and I have been playing Chains of Asmodeus with Stephen and we've had a wonderful experience. Stephen works with players to help create a comprehensive character to really fit them into the world(Be prepared to answer questions you hadn't thought about before!). He will reward player creativity in both social and combat interactions, not necessarily "rule of cool" but if it sounds feasible then go for it! He has wonderful improvisational skills that our party constantly tests as well xD. We would recommend Stephen for anyone wanting to play in a campaign where they can truly immerse their PC.

Tessa avatar

Tessa

Played 13 sessions

Stephen is an incredible DM! We're a few sessions into a high-level Chains of Asmodeus adventure and I'm already hooked. Stephen knews the rules back-to-front, is very inclusive and creates a very fun table atmosphere, and the use of visual aids, music, and Foundry comes together for a really nice remote playing experience. Not to mention the NPCs are really well fleshed out, have their own distinct voices, and respond the way real people would in a situation. Can't recommend Stephen as a DM enough!

Kelland avatar

Kelland

Played 4 sessions

Stephen runs an excellent game! Lots of creativity and collaboration from the the get go. He has cultivated a table of players that work well together, enjoy friendly character-driven banter, and move forward productively through the story. I’ve had an awesome experience and look forward to playing again!

Clemens avatar

Clemens

Played 25 sessions

If you're looking for an incredible Dungeon Master (DM) to guide you through the icy and treacherous world of Rime of the Frostmaiden, look no further than Stephen. I recently had the privilege of being a player in Stephen's campaign, and I can confidently say that his mastery of storytelling and his dedication to creating a captivating and immersive experience are second to none. From the moment we began our adventure, Stephen's passion for the game was palpable. He meticulously crafted a rich and detailed world, capturing the chilling essence of Icewind Dale and bringing it to life with his vivid descriptions. Every location we visited, every character we encountered, and every obstacle we faced felt uniquely real and captivating. Stephen's ability to paint such a vivid picture with his words is truly remarkable. One of the standout qualities of Stephen as a DM is his ability to adapt and respond to the actions of the players. He seamlessly weaved our character backstories into the main narrative, making us feel like integral parts of the story. He listened attentively to our ideas, encouraging creativity and rewarding us with unexpected twists and surprises. Stephen's improvisational skills were impressive, ensuring that the game remained engaging and unpredictable throughout our journey. Another area where Stephen truly excels is his commitment to providing a fair and balanced experience for all players. He carefully considered each player's strengths and weaknesses, tailoring encounters and challenges to suit our individual abilities. His meticulous attention to detail in game mechanics, rules, and character progression ensured that everything ran smoothly, creating a sense of fairness and ensuring that everyone had a chance to shine. Furthermore, Stephen's ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere at the gaming table is commendable. He encouraged open communication, actively listened to our ideas, and ensured that everyone had an opportunity to contribute to the story. His enthusiasm and positive attitude were contagious, creating a welcoming environment that fostered camaraderie among the players. In summary, Stephen's talents as a Dungeon Master are truly exceptional. His storytelling abilities, adaptability, fairness, and dedication to the enjoyment of all players make him an outstanding DM for Rime of the Frostmaiden or any other campaign. If you have the chance to join one of Stephen's adventures, consider yourself fortunate and prepare for an unforgettable journey. I can't recommend him highly enough.

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