Ethan "The Buff DM"

he/him

5.0

(17)

Timezone

America/denver

Identity

Streamer

Podcaster

Cosplayer

Voice Actor

About Ethan "The Buff DM"

Hello, adventurers! My name is Ethan and I am excited to help tell a story with you. My Philosophy around TTRPGs is all about the story: leveraging the tools at my/our disposal to enhance the collaboratively told storytelling experience, from the game system we choose to ambience and music to whether we use tactical maps or theatre of the mind. These decisions and tools serve to help us as players tell the type of story we want to. How fatal do you want the game? How tactical do you want the combat? How rigidly do we want to apply the rules? These are all nobs we can fine-tune for our particular party to tell the story we want to tell. My games are welcoming and accepting of all experience levels and are LGBTQ+ friendly. Immersive roleplay is encouraged, as is making sure everyone gets their time to shine. Experience: GM for 6+ years, Player for 20+. In those 6+ years of GMing, I've run close to 250 sessions, ranging from a 2.5 year long campaign online to in-person one shots. Two of my current campaigns are streamed and turned into a podcast (Go Buff Yourself), so you can listen to my DMing style ahead of time and see if it fits for you! Systems: I'm well-versed in Dungeons & Dragons 5e and 3.5, Savage Worlds (SWADE), Daggerheart, Mothership, and Heart. I'm also willing and excited to learn and teach new systems. Bennies: I make use of VTT battle maps for parties that wish it, including Foundry and Roll20. I also utilize music and ambience sounds to set the scene.

At a glance

1 year on StartPlaying

70 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Creativity

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I believe in the power of stories. I believe storytelling is one of the most primal, important human activities. And it is an honor to get to facilitate those stories, help people escape, and create memories that we'll remember long after the last die is thrown.

When I'm not running games I'm...

in the gym, working on my Actual Play Podcast, petting my dogs, and all the while still probably thinking about running games!

How Ethan "The Buff DM" runs games

My Strengths: In-Depth, emotional role-play; Distinct and Memorable character voices; Years of improv experience; Creating a world that feels real through consequences of player actions and inaction; Descriptive, narrative, and (when desired) tactical combat; Relaxed but organized GMing that will help keep the game moving forward, but will also allow plenty of time for character interaction and development I prefer RAW ("rules as written") when possible, but will lean on RAI ("rules as intended") when necessary and "rule of cool" when fitting. Rule of cool is a seasoning, though, not the main dish.

Ethan "The Buff DM"'s ideal table

My tables are inclusive and safe spaces where we encouraging and cheer each other on. The heroes will certainly face challenges over the course of the adventure, but we'll come through those challenges together! Every session ends with a round of "Shout someone else out and pat yourself on the back" so that we always remember to celebrate ourselves and each other.