The Sunset Sage (Josh)

he/him

Timezone

America/detroit

Language

English

About The Sunset Sage (Josh)

Hello there traveler! You look as though you've traveled far. I know a wanderer when I see one. Certainly you're in search of something quite important, am I correct? Grand quests? Adventure? A good fight? Friendships? Perhaps all of them together? Well I can assure you that you've found the right place, for I am the Sunset Sage! Why do they call me the Sunset Sage? Well that's because all manner of grand tales happen just after sunset! Of course, you can call me Josh if you prefer to leave all formalities behind us. I've been a Dungeon Master for 12 years with the 5th Edition of Dungeons and Dragons as my preferred game. In that time I've hosted several, multi-year homebrew and pre-written campaigns with several groups. Ever since my first game of DnD I've been hooked on the vast, creative possibilities that it offers. Frankly, as a DM, it's a privilege to be the weaver of the characters' stories and the dynamic world that they reside in. As a professional Dungeon Master I will provide a high quality experience that is on-time, prepared and respectful. You can expect expedient communication from me as well as proper treatment as a valued customer. For your consideration, Roll20, Discord and DNDBeyond are the primary tools I use. I hope you consider taking a seat at my table for I offer a truly wonderful gaming experience.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

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I became a GM because

I wanted to continue playing D&D and I needed a creative outlet. There is a strong feeling of achievement when I tell a good story, but it's an even more compelling feeling when the player's are sharing some part of themselves in the story as well. Frankly, I'm a GM because I love what D&D offers.

I got started GMing...

...in 2009 in the D&D 3.5 system. I really enjoyed 3.5 for it's high level of detail and specificity, but 5th edition really fixed a lot of common struggles I had. With the shift in focus to "collaborative storytelling" it made the game feel more alive.

My favorite books are

Dracula, Legend of Drizzt, The Arkanaut's Oath, Project Hail Mary and Ready Player One.

How The Sunset Sage (Josh) runs games

My DMing style focuses on building atmosphere, heavy roleplay and creative problem solving. One thing I always remind my players is that "combat isn't always the solution." I encourage my players to play their character in their intended way, but only to the limit of maintaining the party as a cohesive group. In my experience it seems that in-fighting between characters (i.e. PvP) is a good way to tear an adventuring group apart. As far as combat goes, I enjoy crafting encounters that introduce complications beyond the simple "players vs. bad guys" scenario. The environment, weather and bad guys' intentions are all worthy factors in any encounter. All this to say that you can expect both simple and complex encounters at my table.

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I deal with rules issues by...

...enacting the "rule of cool" or the "DM rules" option. I will always rule in favor of the player if there is ambiguity that muddies a ruling in session. Of course, I will also take 30sec to look up rule if I think it's worth double-checking.

My games focus on...

...how the player "wants" to act rather than limiting them to a shortlist of actions. I encourage my players to "be your character" and play the game as organically as possible. A campaign has a definite end, but the means to get there doesn't need to be on a railroad track.

When it comes to voices

I'm a big fan of voice-acting. The concept really came into the limelight with Critical Role and I believe it adds a layer of immersion to the game that would otherwise be lacking. Expect me to put on a voice for each NPC, but don't feel pressured to do the same if you're new to the idea.

The Sunset Sage (Josh)'s ideal table

My table is a safe and judgement-free space for players to dive into their characters and escape into the story that we're telling together. The players that enjoy role-playing, want to express themselves and work well with others are the ones who will have the most fun at my table. Each session will be complete with dynamic maps via VTT, background music and voice-acting by yours truly. I encourage newcomers to D&D to join my table as well! If the idea of putting on a voice and "playing as your character" is a new concept, then please test the waters with me as your DM. There are few things in D&D that give me greater joy than answering the question: "What can I do?" You see, my friend, in D&D you can do whatever you want - that is the beauty of it.