Stephen (he/him)
5.0
(13)
2 years on StartPlaying
72 games hosted
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, Creativity
About me
My name is Stephen, around the internet I’m The Bad DM. I’m the DM and creator of the Faeforge Academy and a lover of ttrpg and good stories! Ive been a "forever dm" by choice for about 6 years primarily running campaigns in homebrew settings for dnd 5e. As a DM I like to focus on character driven narratives and creating a space where everyone at the table is comfortable and safe to explore their characters and build a meaningful story together! A big part of that is built around our session 0, where I learn about your hopes and dreams for your characters and the campaign and that's where I really start to dive into the creation of our collaborative experience together! For examples of my DM style you can check out faeforgeacademy.com/podcast or go to https://youtube.com/c/TheFaeforgeAcademy
GM Style
Im a roleplay and narrative driven GM. I care about the Players and their characters and look to tell a story with depth and meaning. I enjoy combat with meaning - I don't tend to set up combat just for the sake of grinding, or to roll dice. Encounters and experiences for the players should be more than that. I'm not a super crunchy DM, in that I care about the rules and structure of dnd, but absolutely make room for improvising, bending and even breaking those rules for the story and the benefit of the players. At the end of the day, I want the players around the table to feel like their stories are meaningful, that they matter as humans, and that their game is ~3 hours to laugh, cry, and make memories that will last a life time.
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (13)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Inclusive
Storytelling
Creativity
Mykal
Played 34 sessions
A very much player focus GM. While they will have the world to set up conflict it is very much to see what character will do, and why. It has a very interlocked world where there is always something to explore. More focus on how can we tell a story. With the rules being what grounds us for understanding. Using that as a springboard into some fun and cool storytelling moments.
Amanda
Played 32 sessions
Stephen is a very fun person to have as a GM. He does an amazing job of including your character's backstory elements into the story, regardless of how much backstory you created. He invites creativity in both roleplay and combat.
Sarcy
Played 18 sessions
Stephen might be known as “The Bad DM,” but he really is quite the opposite! He is willing to go above and beyond for players to get creative with their choices and backstory, while always maintaining a level of professionalism and ensuring safety tools, player engagement and comfort are a priority among each and every session. We have had nothing but heartfelt laughs since our first session together, and Stephen does a wonderful job at setting the tone for the adventure and making it feel immersive. 10/ 10 would recommend Stephen to anyone, beginner or experienced, as you will be treated with respect and you will be amazed at all of the twists, turns, and character plot hooks that are thrown your way!
Andrew
Played 35 sessions
Stephen is a fantastic storyteller! I have admired Stephen's games (a long-running podcast and some great mini-arc's) for a long time and so was beyond excited to get to play in one of Stephen's games! I love the collaborative approach to storytelling, world building, and character development; the broader world is compelling (magic is being re-born); the sound tracks set a great mood; and Stephen allows for player creativity and makes sure everybody is involved and gets to shine. Can't recommend highly enough!
Daniel
Played 36 sessions
Allows for player growth as characters and with the people you are playing with. Stephen checks in to make sure you have what you need, want and that you’re ok with what is happening at the time.
Emma
Played 36 sessions
Stephen really did an amazing job getting us all cooperating in character for our Session 1 and our Session 0 year was really great and made me feel very seen and very safe.
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