Wes
he/him
5.0
(6)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Wes
I’m a game master with over 9 years of experience running tabletop RPGs, primarily in Dungeons & Dragons 5e and Forged in the Dark systems like Blades in the Dark and Scum & Villainy. I’m a forever GM by choice, crafting immersive stories and helping players connect with the world and each other is what I enjoy most. My GMing style is story-driven and player-focused. Rules are important, but they’re there to support the narrative—not get in the way of cool ideas or fun moments. I build worlds that invite players to interact, explore, and leave a mark. I’m patient and flexible, especially with new players, and I work hard to make sure everyone at the table feels comfortable and included. Over the years, I’ve run long-standing ongoing campaigns for friends and family, and have spent the past year running a successful in-person campaign with a group of random newer acquaintances who’ve since become close friends. Whether someone is diving into their first session or bringing years of experience, I aim to make every game collaborative, engaging, and fun.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
2 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, World Builder, Creativity
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
my son wanted to play and I knew they would never read the rules. So my first session of any kind I was the GM and I loved it. From then on it's been years of bringing everyone to the table that I possibly can. TTRPGs aren't for everyone, but the ones it is for need to find it quicker than I did.
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
D&D 5e—it’s not perfect, but it stole my heart. Blades in the Dark makes the cut for its versatility. For the third, I’ll go with Worlds Without Number. I haven’t played it yet, but the world-building is just too good to leave behind.
My favorite shows/movies are
Honestly, too many to count. But I love Andor, A Thousand Blows, Money Heist, Ted Lasso, Foundation, Game of Thrones, Newsroom, Friends. For films: Goodfellas, Ghostbusters, Goonies, Guardians of the Galaxy, Parasite, One Night in Miami, Spy Game—and that’s not even scratching the surface.
How Wes runs games
Players in my games can expect a focus on exploration, character-driven roleplay, and collaborative storytelling. I adjust the balance of gameplay elements based on the group’s preferences, but I typically lean toward narrative depth and world interaction. Combat is crafted to be challenging and engaging, with real stakes. Death is a possibility, but I give players plenty of opportunities to recover or find creative solutions. My goal is to create stories where players feel like heroes making meaningful choices in a living world. Most of my campaigns take place in mid-to-high fantasy settings with a grimdark tone. I enjoy weaving in moral dilemmas, political intrigue, and cinematic moments that give weight to the decisions players make. I build my worlds to respond to character actions and encourage players to shape the story around them. I always use safety tools. I begin with a lines and veils questionnaire and keep an X-card system in place during sessions. I run a full session zero to establish expectations, walk through character creation, and introduce the setting. I often include in-world handouts, lore entries, and player-facing journals to enhance immersion and keep the narrative accessible between sessions.
Featured Prompts
If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...
they’d aim for Scorsese’s cinematics with world-building like Tolkien meets Martin, but let’s be honest: they always end up as James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy, but fantasy, chaotic, heartfelt, and all about found family.
My games focus on...
exploration, discovery, and player-driven worlds. I love roleplay, political intrigue, and faction dynamics. My stories start with scrappy heroes facing local threats, then spiral into something bigger. Dark and gritty, with room for humor—and the players shape it all.
Rules are...
important for fairness and consistency, but not barriers to fun. I respect the rules as a core part of the game, but I also value Rule of Cool when it serves the story. I aim for a balance that keeps things fair, flexible, and cinematic.
Wes's ideal table
My table is a space for collaborative storytelling where cinematic drama and immersive roleplay take center stage, but there’s always room for laughter and a little chaos. I love when players support each other’s moments, build off each other’s ideas, and share the spotlight. This table is best suited for players who enjoy character-driven stories, emotional beats, and making meaningful choices that shape the world. Roleplay and teamwork are highly encouraged, and I do my best to ensure everyone has time to shine. Combat is present and handled with care, but it is used as a narrative tool rather than the focus of play. Players who are only here for tactical combat may find the pace slower than expected. If you’re curious, creative, and want to be part of a shared story, not just your own, you’ll feel right at home.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
engages with the world around them. I build environments that respond to player choices, and I love when players test, explore, or influence the world in ways that leave a lasting impact. Every action has the potential to shape the story.
I think min/maxing...
is fine if that’s your fun, but not required. I’m my players’ biggest fan and support narrative-driven choices. I’ll always help make creative ideas work mechanically. It’s not DM vs. players—it’s collaborative storytelling.
My perfect party mix is
a group that supports each other and celebrates each other’s moments. I love when players root for the party as a whole and lean into bold choices. Sometimes, you just have to press the big red button and see what happens.