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John "The Gneech" Robey

John "The Gneech" Robey (he/him)

5.0

(8)

Queer
Published Writer
Artist

3 years on StartPlaying

118 games hosted

Highly rated for: Voices, Storytelling, World Builder

About me

I started playing in 1981 with the Holmes Boxed Set, moved on to Tunnels & Trolls and CHAMPIONS from there, and now have come full circle to be primarily into D&D again, go fig! I've written for Mage: The Ascension and West End Games' "World of Indiana Jones," I'm an award-winning webcomic creator, and a relentlessly-creative dude. I've run tons of different games, in different genres, with different systems, and use all that to create fun twists and compelling characters. LGBTQ+ friendly, proud to be a furry, never met a tabaxi rogue I didn't like.

GM Style

I strive to create campaigns that blend fun and adventure with genuine emotional connections and creative flexibility. Roleplaying and interactions with characters (NPCs or fellow PCs) in a "living world" take precedence (and yes, I have been known to bust out silly voices when appropriate). I like combat and other action to be snappy and exciting, with daring adventurers overcoming harrying foes. Character deaths are rare, but have been known to happen from time to time. AT MY TABLE, PLEASE DO: -Respect and support your fellow players (including me!) -Create characters who you think will be fun to play, whether or not they are mechanically optimal -Create characters who are motivated to join the adventure and be part of the team, even if it's in a grumbly way -Take the fiction of the shared world seriously, even during the funny moments -Bring up any concerns either in-game or privately with me, instead of letting bad feelings linger PLEASE DO NOT: -Participate, encourage, or stand silent in the face of harassment, bullying, abusive, or creepy behavior -Tell other players what or how they should play, unless specifically asked for suggestions -Play evil, "edgy," or trollish characters or anyone whose actions need to be justified by "But that's what my character would do." -Create "drop zone" characters who don't fit the setting or feel of the game, whether that's a Klingon running around Middle-earth, or a joke or meme character such as "Farty McFartface" -Stay silent to "just get along" if something is bothering you Now! Come join us for tales of high adventure!

Game platforms used
Social
Game Master Reviews (8)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Voices

Storytelling

World Builder

Brian avatar

Brian

Played 117 sessions

Gneech is the kind of person you want as a DM, especially if you're a newer player. Thorough, knowledgeable, patient, understanding.

Brent Edwards (Chip Unicorn) avatar

Brent Edwards (Chip Unicorn)

Played 105 sessions

John Robey is a story-teller across multiple mediums. He is an editor of story series, a published author of role-playing game material, and a web comic artist/writer. Although he is extremely prepared for any games, he always remembers the fundamental rule of role playing games: It's gotta be FUN for the players, and he adjusts the game to what the players like. If they prefer more battle-driven, he gives a more battle-driven game. If they (as our team did) prefer a more political and motivation-driven game, he gives a game like that. Choose him as your DM.

Konstantin avatar

Konstantin

Played 31 sessions

In these unprecedented times, we seek interaction with our fellow humans through electronic devices. This was my first tabletop roleplaying since the night 20 years ago when my roommate gave me a solo session and never tried again, possibly because I threw an owl corpse at an owlbear to confuse it. Gneech is the perfect game master and should in my opinion be put in charge of future development of the Hasbro Corporation’s “Dungeons & Dragons” franchise. It is unfortunate that I can only select three of the categories to praise Gneech because he is, as it turns out, the best at everything: worldbuilding, characterization, keeping the game flowing, helping a newcomer like myself, voices, vocalized sound-effects, background music overcoming player technical difficulties helpfully, authoring handouts and selecting beautiful accompanying art, allowing player creativity, camaraderie and humor while also maintaining a respectful environment with the potential use of safety cards. I like Gneech is I guess what I’m saying, and this is in no way an attempt to get him to ignore any particularly unfortunate dice rolls in the next session

Witchof Waxhaw avatar

Witchof Waxhaw

So fun, the story was well done, and voices are so fun incredible. They were very patient with beginners and I really got a lot of value for my time.

Plotline avatar

Plotline

I've been playing sessions with The Gneech for over five years now, and I don't recall ever having a bad experience due to his DMing. He's very fair, very concise, and very quick (in the best way) when it comes to settling rulings and keeping the game going. His NPCs are always enjoyable and he never steps on the players, allowing them to be the real stars of the session as they should be. I cannot recommend him enough!

J. Dee avatar

J. Dee

I have Played with Gneech for many years and campaigns and editions of D&D (pathfinder, too, and Starwars, and his own homebrew Ghostbusters, and...). They are a master at crafting storylines, and adept at voicing a broad spectrum of personable/ loveable/ hateable/funny/dour NPC's and background characters, as is called for. Weather he's Fleshing out and improving a published module, or running something entirely of his own, Gneech puts in the effort to make sure that encounters are balanced, roleplay is rewarded, and sometimes house rules and home brews are just better, especially when it improves the gameplay experience. I've been given as digital Gaming Handouts what many publishers would call "ready to print & sell Modules" or "Entire Game Rulesets." and i don't reflect often enough how lucky my gaming group is to have him.

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