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Pete - StenBjorn

Pete - StenBjorn (he/him)

5.0

(28)

Published Writer
Artist
Voice Actor
Game Designer

3 years on StartPlaying

651 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, World Builder

About me

Hey folks! I'm Pete, known online as StenBjorn! I run Stone Bear Crafting, a business dedicated to painting miniatures, 3d printing, building terrain, writing adventures, and helping customers have an awesome gaming experience! I've been playing D&D since family introduced me to the game in the late 80s. I have played and Game Mastered through a multitude of editions, learned other game systems, and never stopped loving storytelling through games - and hanging out with cool people! It's very important to me that everyone is welcome at my table. I'm happy to teach and believe learning is constant, and that when we're sitting at the table, we're all working together as a team. In that spirit, I don't tolerate bigotry of any sort. I want my games to be a safe space for group fun and growth and amazing storytelling!

GM Style

I'm a flexible Game Master who specializes in custom, unique, character-first stories. Massive, fast paced, dramatic battles and challenging social and exploration encounters are my bread and butter. I'm good with voices and embodying NPCs, I delight in creating campaigns that are very story and roleplay driven! I want you, your characters, and your choices to decide the story, but I'm going to give you an amazing backdrop to do that in! I love incorporating the history of D&D(and other TTRPGs) and real world mythology into my games, bringing the best things forward to create an awesome, unique experience for my players. I emphasize story and role-playing, but I also want to entertain you with interesting, exciting puzzles and challenging combats that are meaningful to the story. I really enjoy new design and adding fun layers like mech or ship combat, intrigue systems, base building, etc. and I'm constantly making custom maps and cool encounters. You'll see stuff with me that you can't find anywhere else!

Game platforms used
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Game Master Reviews (28)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Storytelling

Creativity

World Builder

Nina avatar

Nina

New review

Have you ever felt so, so tired that you're like, gosh, I need a day of rest, so I'll call out of game day? Well, when I'm on those days where I just need to rest and recharge, I think about Pete's game I'm playing in and smile and think, I still want to play, cause playing will help me feel better. That is a testament to how GREAT Pete is <3

Brooklyn avatar

Brooklyn

Played 102 sessions

I have been in two of Pete’s games: a low-magic Bronze Age fantasy and a dark fantasy post-apocalyptic game set in the near future. I might be biased since Pete is the only DM I’ve played with in the Cypher System, but I couldn’t imagine a better DM. I had very little idea of what to expect going in, but I was blown away by the creativity and world-building. The melding of well-researched historical technology in the Bronze Age fantasy game and the implementation of magic in the futuristic apocalypse game were incredible. In both games, the worlds feel expansive and unrestricted. The stories have been intricate and compelling. Every decision feels meaningful, and there have been some truly touching (and admittedly devastating) moments that make me look forward to each new session. Despite the questionable choices players (mostly me) make, the story is expertly woven into our decisions. I never feel like going on a side quest or exploring a random piece of information takes away from the overall goal or narrative. That being said, I absolutely felt like players had complete control over how the story played out. Often, players were presented with choices that could radically change the challenges, the characters we met, or the places we went. I feel like all players have a huge impact and influence on the story. I never felt left out, even if I was separated from the group. The DM intrusions are always super fun twists, and I almost never turn them down. I came in with very little experience, but Pete quickly helped me figure out the rules and gave great advice when I was stuck trying to implement a mechanic. He doesn’t mind explaining something you may have asked about for the sixth time and is more than happy to problem-solve difficult interpretations of the rules or wording. Pete’s games often use the method of loci (memory palace) when it comes to characters or scenes. There is still heavy use of visual maps, so there’s always something to look at or explore visually. Occasionally, if combat or a dungeon is complicated, he’ll pull out a map we can navigate with tokens. Although I lean toward being a visual learner, I’ve found that Pete’s descriptions and voice acting make most visuals unnecessary. It’s nice to be able to switch scenes and characters quickly without having to worry about setting things up visually beforehand. Overall, Pete is an exceptional DM who brings unmatched creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the Cypher System to every session. His ability to craft immersive worlds, deliver compelling stories, and make every player feel valued is truly impressive. Whether you’re new to the system or a seasoned player, Pete’s games offer an unforgettable experience full of excitement, emotion, and adventure. I can’t recommend playing in one of his campaigns enough!

Baltar avatar

Baltar

Played 14 sessions

Anyone would be lucky to have a spot in one of his games.

Jeff Woods avatar

Jeff Woods

Played 39 sessions

Pete is amazing so far in this story he's telling. He's helped walk me through the game system and helped make time to work on my character so I feel more included in the story. I would advise anyone to give this man a chance to DM you, it's an experience that makes you feel included and strong.

KiKi avatar

KiKi

Played 57 sessions

Pete made learning the Cypher System a breeze. His clear explanations and patient guidance turned what seemed complex into something fun and accessible. Beyond teaching, Pete is an exceptional Dungeon Master, crafting immersive worlds, exciting encounters, and a narrative that keeps you hooked. He creates a welcoming environment where every player feels valued, and his passion for the game shines through in every session. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, Pete makes each adventure unforgettable. Highly recommend!

Robespierre avatar

Robespierre

Played 65 sessions

StenBjorn does a very good job in weaving module play and homebrew to add elements that open up a campaign's narrative as well as providing character arc developments for players. He is well-versed in the rules but does not beat you up over them. Provides useful maps and great music to set the mood.......for your success.......or demise.

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