The Crusty DM

he/him

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

About The Crusty DM

I have been on the site a while as a player but just now trying my hand at online GMing. Here is a little about me: I’ve been playing Dungeons & Dragons for about 20 years, starting all the way back in high school. Over the years, my love for tabletop RPGs has only grown, and more recently I’ve stepped behind the screen as a Dungeon Master. For me, TTRPGs are about more than rules, dice, and character sheets—they’re about bringing people together to tell memorable stories. I genuinely enjoy introducing new players to the hobby and making tabletop gaming feel welcoming, accessible, and far less intimidating. Whether you’re brand new to D&D or a longtime player looking for a new group, my goal is to create a table where everyone feels comfortable contributing, learning, roleplaying, and having fun. Most of my experience is with Dungeons & Dragons, particularly 5th Edition, though I also have experience with 3.0 and 3.5. I’m also interested in exploring and running other systems, including Shadowrun, World of Darkness, and plenty of others. If you’re interested in setting up a game, assembling a group, or just want to talk about what kind of adventure you’re looking for, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to open up a conversation and see what kind of game we can build together. join my discord here and lets chat:https://discord.gg/rSSXzA6vHY

At a glance

3 years on StartPlaying

$7 per session

Featured Prompts

My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be

D&D 5.0/5.5 as I own just about everything...or a lot of stuff at least. I also have some fascination with World of Darkness and Shadowrun thematically, and I have in the past collected some of the materials but never really run games in anything other than D&D

My favorite books are

There is alot that I can list here. I grew up with a set of Great Illustrated Classics which really helped me develop a love of reading. I definitely have a penchant for scifi and fantasy, Dresden Files and anything from Star Trek and Star Wars are usually good picks. I love horror also.

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

Im being a dad, husband, baker, social media manager, and anything in between. I am an avid reader, writer, cook, baker, and some times video gamer. In general, if I am not running a game of some kind, I am working on new material most of the time, but also might be baking or something else fun.

How The Crusty DM runs games

My GM style is collaborative, player-focused, and story-driven. I enjoy creating unique worlds with their own history, cultures, conflicts, mysteries, and personalities rather than treating the setting as little more than a backdrop. I want the places players explore to feel lived-in and distinct, with details that encourage curiosity and reward players for engaging with the world around them. I like to create adventures with strong atmosphere, memorable NPCs, meaningful choices, and enough structure to keep the game moving while still giving players plenty of freedom to approach situations in their own way. Player decisions matter at my table, and I enjoy allowing those decisions to shape not only the immediate adventure, but sometimes the world itself. I enjoy a healthy mix of exploration, problem-solving, and combat. I’m particularly fond of mysteries, unusual locations, unexpected encounters, and situations where there may be several possible solutions rather than one “correct” answer. I also try to keep my games approachable. New players are always welcome, and I’m happy to explain rules, character abilities, and mechanics as we play without making anyone feel like they need to memorize a rulebook before sitting down at the table. Remember, I know a lot...I don't know everything. More often than not we will probably end up learning a new rule together. The only things I demand of those at my table are patience and respect for each other and myself as well. Ultimately, I want the table to feel relaxed and welcoming while the adventure itself can still be exciting, dangerous, mysterious, funny, dramatic, or even a little frightening when the story calls for it. My goal is for everyone to leave the session feeling like they helped create a story—and explored a world—worth remembering, and most of all, had fun.

Featured Prompts

My games focus on...

Im not a super role-play heavy guy, but it does have its place. Look for my games to focus on a mix of exploration, puzzle solving, and combat. I try to craft narrative driven games that allow for a sense of immersion and suspension of reality. We are here to have fun and escape the real world.

Rules are...

Great! I love rules, and I love having an answer ready for most questions...however rules are not the most important aspect of a good gaming experience. I typically follow rules fairly close..but also will be prepared to toss a rule out if it gets in the way of the table having fun.

When it comes to voices

I am not a voice actor. Sometimes I try, most of the time I dont. I still make every effort to tell a good and immersive story.

The Crusty DM's ideal table

I love when a group gets along. My main goal is to make sure everyone has a good time-its what youre paying for. The money I make here allows me to spend time doing what I love and also put resources back into this experience. I want it to be the best it can. With that in mind, rules: 1. NO political/real world social commentary. This is not the venue for these discussions. I want everyone to feel welcome and safe. To that end, I expect everyone to be respectful of one another even if you dont like each other. 2. NO UNDER 18. I avoid overly adult themes, but sometimes the story might take us there. It will be handled in a proper and reasonable manner, but I don't need kids getting involved in this. I dont want the headaches. 3. The table comes first. Youre paying to be here. The others paid to be here as well. This is a business for me. Treat it like a professional relationship and have basic decorum like you would in any other business. If you end up being overly toxic, entitled, or otherwise a pain in the neck, expect to be coached once, warned the second time and kicked the third. Three strikes rule in full effect. 4. Have fun!

Featured Prompts

I think it's a red flag when players...

are toxic rules lawyers, edge lords, etc. Seriously. Lets be adults. lets have fun. respect DM decisions

My perfect party mix is

2 martial focused characters, 1 arcane magic user, 1 divine caster, 1 skilled support character. My dream party though: If I could build a party from any characters ever, itd be Bruce Wayne, John Constantine, Wolvrine/Logan, Captain Kirk, and Harry Dresden.

My table is not the place for...

Political zealotry, Religious fanaticism, disrespect, hate, or anything to sew general discord and dissent among the table.