
The Bard GM (Gat) (he/they)
5.0
(15)
1 year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, Inclusive
About me
Hello! My name is Gatlin, but I go by Gat. I’ve played TTRPGs since I was 9 years old and have been in the DM chair for a large portion of that time. Over the years, I have run multiple long-term games, including one set in the world of Exandria that has been going on for 3+ years. TTRPGs are one of my all-time passions, and I want to bring that passion into the paid-for space. My goals for each game are quite simple: I want to guarantee that you get your money's worth. It’s not just about how much fun you have (though that is very important to me), but also delivering exciting plot lines, including major ones for the main story as well as more character-specific asides. One of my most unique abilities as a GM is to blend personal plotlines within the overall narrative so they flow well together and uplift each other. Beyond the plot, I also create interesting NPCs that care about what you want and are designed to match up to you when it comes to playstyle and roleplay. Combat is distinctive, finely balanced, and often enough that you’ll feel like the world is actually dangerous and unpredictable (within reason). And while I'm not a voice actor, each NPC will have their own voice, personality, and vibe. I even come up with unsettling monster sounds that are off-putting in all the right ways! Lastly, I deeply believe that open communication is the most crucial aspect of TTRPGs. If you ever have a problem, concern, or idea, you can tell me—I will always listen and follow through with action if needed! Your suggestions and constructive criticism are welcome (even encouraged) and healthy, and your input will only make me better as a storyteller. We are here to play a long-term game together, and if we function well as a group, this will ensure everyone has a compelling and meaningful experience.
GM Style
·Deep Narrative: I strive to weave a complex story that is interesting but not predictable so players feel connected and intrinsically motivated to learn more and move forward. ·Memorable Characters: Each NPC has their own flair so they make an impression while coming off as grounded and part of the fabric of the world. ·Adaptive Storytelling: Within the overall narrative, players’ backstories are seamlessly integrated in ways that enrich the plot while creating fun moments for both individual players and the party at large. ·Satisfying Combat: Random encounters and story-related fights are designed to challenge players in the right way, making victory feel earned without requiring them to focus entirely on optimizing their stats to the last decimal point. ·Right Tunes Right Vibes: Picking the perfect music for each moment takes time and effort, but for me, it’s worth it so cool moments turn into unforgettable ones. ·Meet in the Middle: Are you an experienced player who knows everything about your character weeks before the first session? Or are you starting from scratch and need guidance getting your head around the basics? Whether it’s your first or 100th session, I will go at your speed so things don’t feel too fast, too slow, too complicated, or too simple. ·Open Ears Open Mind: Communication and listening are the secret sauce of every great TTRPG campaign, so players are always welcome to send me their thoughts, ask questions, or just share anything so I can better tailor what I do. (Big thanks to one of my players who helped me with this whole thing)
Games played
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (15)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Storytelling
Creativity
Inclusive
At its core, DnD is about group storytelling with friends, where the best moments come from the shared laughs, inside jokes, and genuine camaraderie that build naturally as everyone explores the world through their character's eyes. Gat’s style really captures that spirit. He creates a space where every bit of creativity is welcomed, and the everyday banter, random jokes, and spontaneous moments feel just as meaningful as the big, epic adventures.
Gat has been the most fun and engaging DM. Throughout the game I've found myself at the edge of my seat with his descriptions, as well as letting all of us get our times to shine in character moments. I more than recommend him as a DM and if you ever get the chance to play in his games, I greatly encourage you to take it!
Gat is a great DM and a great person in general. As a first time online role player he made my experience wonderful. He is understanding to the new player experience and is very helpful when it came to incorporating my backstory and creating motivations for my character. The campaign so far has been one of the highlights of my week and something I look forward to greatly. The table is always clearly a safe space where everyone is considered and made to feel comfortable. Building and forming bonds with my fellow characters and Gat’s knowledge of the world, fun way of presenting things, but also compelling high stakes have drawn me in and I am invested in our story and journey. I look forward to this rest of our current campaign and plan to be a player at Gat’s tables for as long as possible. He’s a caring person and becoming a good friend. I highly recommend you apply to play at one of his games if you have the chance!
I was nervous about playing DnD for the first time online (anyone else read rpghorrorstories?), and I am so so glad that my friend introduced me to Gat. Gat is a fantastic writer, vets all his players to make sure they're a good fit for the party and campaign, and puts in so much work in the map, playlist, dungeon design, battles, and awesome (if terrifying) monster encounters. He also does the best voices! Very beginner friendly, wonderful lore, and you really feel like you and your character have earned your levels and loot. Would choose him again in a heartbeat!
Gat is a great DM and an even better human! He does a great job of making players feel welcomed at the table and handles a larger group size with ease. His games are very immersive as he takes the time to understand your character concepts and fit them into the world. He is an excellent story teller and a great listener. In my humble opinion you couldn't find a better DM!
Gat is incredibly friendly and an all around positive person. They’ve allowed me to be as creative or reserved as I’ve wanted to be and truly makes me feel like I’m playing D&D with the DM to create an amazing story. The people included in the games have been awesome, and Gat is always quick to offer suggestions on issues that may arise both in and out of game. It’s been an awesome experience with them and I highly recommend Bard/Gat as a DM
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