Craig Chapman

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How Craig Chapman runs games

🔹 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 My style runs towards a 50/50 split of roleplay and combat. This entirely depends, however, on the group I'm GMing, and the system I'm running. Some systems are better suited to roleplay, and others to combat, and likewise with groups! I would never force a group of narrative-driven adventurers to go through more combat than they like, or make a bunch of dungeon crawlers sit through hours of roleplay if they don't want it. When running roleplay, I love in-depth stories. Mysteries, hooks related to character backstories, voice acting, music and ambience, and as many visual aids as possible. I believe that theatre of the mind is fantastic for roleplay, but that when running online, you often need to substitute other resources because you don't have access to body language and facial expressions to the same extent. When it comes to combat, I prefer a flair for the dramatic. I rarely use monsters as they're written in book, and rely on as many third party monsters as possible, frequently generating my own and using custom abilities to make combat feel more exciting and cinematic. Not every combat needs to be life-threatening, but I believe most combats should have a goal beyond just "kill all the monsters." I vary combat difficulty based on party preference, but have a preference for more thought-provoking combats when possible. 🔹 𝐔𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 Having been GMing for almost two decades, I've been collecting resources for a very long time. I have full access to all core materials for DnD5e via DnDBeyond, and most of them on Roll20 as well, along with rules and expansions for other game systems via Roll20. I also have significant access to third-party content, with classes, subclasses, races, feats, spells, items, and more. I have introduced countless players to DnD5e and other systems, and have developed multiple resources to help do so that I'd be happy to share with you. 🔹 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐥 We're all here to have a good time, and the rules in every game system exist to help us accomplish that. However, those rules are often limited, and most designers are explicit that the rules are not meant to be hard boundaries. I am happy to bend the rules to help you achieve your storytelling goals! The counterpoint to this offer is generally however that if you can do it, I can do it too. 🔹 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 Most significantly, my order of priority for games goes safety→comfort→fun. I don't think everyone at the table can have the full entertaining experience unless they feel secure and welcome in our shared space, and so I use multiple safety tools to ensure that everyone feels comfortable at the table. I utilize a pre-game boundaries sheet, session zero, the X-Card system, and lines and veils to this end. Everyone deserves to have a good time at the table, and I do not tolerate bigotry of any kind towards players who are all here to enjoy themselves and collaborate on a fantastic shared story.

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Craig Chapman's ideal table

I pride myself on being a chameleon and trying to reach players where they prefer to play. I personally enjoy every element of Dungeons and Dragons, and spend just as much time designing deathtrap dungeons as I do voicing vivacious vagabonds. Knowing what my players like and providing it for them is far more important to me than expecting them to meet me precisely where I stand. Players who are good communicators and upfront about what they'd like out of the game are the best fit for my table. I don't expect you to love roleplay or to love combat, to love puzzles or to love skill challenges - I just expect you to be clear about your interests so I can make sure they're accommodated. I also think it's important that you be able to laugh! You don't have to be a joker or crack wise constantly, but being able to relax and enjoy yourself is important. No story is serious 100% of the time, and while I love a dramatic adventure, I think (at least) half of the fun of D&D is in the party you play with and the dynamics you shape and form there. A great adventure is less entertaining without a great party to share it with. My table is always without exception a welcoming place. If you don't bring a willingness to engage with people regardless of their background, then you're probably better off elsewhere. I strive to make sure everyone at my table feels safe so they can have fun without concern or worry, and I always strive to cultivate a table where everyone wants to banter before the session, catch up, and connect on some level with the rest of the party. We're here to play a game, sure, but that game is a cooperative one, and it's best played in that spirit.

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