Alastair Doherty

he/him

5.0

(5)

Timezone

Australia/melbourne

Language

English

About Alastair Doherty

G'day! I'm Al - the DM Down Under! I've been spellbound by the world of Dungeons & Dragons since the '90s, when I first stumbled across Dragonlance novels in my high school library (yes, that makes me feel ancient). Since then, I've run games in bars, libraries, community centres, and at major conventions like PAX Australia - anywhere there's room for a table and a tale. My sessions are a mix of serious storytelling and silly shenanigans, with settings that range from the mythic to the absurd. Expect terrible character voices (you’ve been warned), a safe space to ask questions, and a table where everyone’s welcome - whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just rolled your first d20. Pull up a chair, grab your dice, and let's tell some unforgettable stories together.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

2 games hosted

Highly rated for: Teacher, Storytelling, Creativity

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I love to help people have fun! I'm always at heart a passionate teacher, and by being a DM, I have the chance to guide old and new players through epic tales!

My favorite system of all Time is

D&D 5e. Why? It's what drew me into the game from being a player, to a DM. It welcomes so many new players into the world of RPGs and has gives people a safe space to meet new likemided people.

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

running around after 3 small goblins (my children) and coaching their various sporting activities! When I do get some spare time I'm printing and painting minis, walking the dog or cooking!

How Alastair Doherty runs games

Whether you're diving into a one-shot or embarking on an epic, multi-session campaign, my table is all about immersion and character growth. Share a snippet of your backstory, and I’ll weave it seamlessly into the world. Whether you're destined to become a legendary hero or you've just adopted Boblin the Goblin for a chaotic one-shot, your story matters. I run D&D 5e close to the book—favouring core species, classes, and items we've all had a chance to test. It keeps things balanced and ensures everyone starts on equal footing. But don’t worry: the rule of cool absolutely applies. When the moment calls for it, characters can pull off jaw-dropping stunts, shift the tide of battle, and even reshape the world. As a former teacher, community ambassador, and parent of three, I’m no stranger to improvisation. I thrive on wild twists, heartfelt moments, and spinning the most outrageous yarns. Pull up a chair and join me for adventures that range from the sweeping legend of Tasslehoff Burrfoot to the gloriously absurd Goblin Poetry Slam and the still-unfinished Great Cheese Caper.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

by talking about them. I'm always happy to be corrected—just extend the same courtesy in return. Intentional misinterpretation is strongly discouraged. This isn't an adversarial game; it's a collaborative one. We all have more fun when the atmosphere stays respectful and positive.

Rules are...

rules! But the rule of cool is the one above all!

When it comes to voices

I try and I try, but I am not Matt Mercer....

Alastair Doherty's ideal table

My table is open, collaborative and understanding of each other. We're here to have fun and tell epic tales! This is done through role-play and battles, story telling and creativity. I'll give you the chance to dive deep into the backstory, all the while seeing a world grow with each session. I can be serious, silly or just plain out there! but it's all in the name of the game, and what suits the situation, table and moment. Improvisation is the name of the game, and that can take us anywhere!