Dylan
he/him
5.0
(7)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Dylan
Hi, I'm Dylan! I've been running TTRPGs for over a decade now, but my love of tabletop games goes back much further. Ever since I discovered the thrill of collaborative storytelling, I haven't been able to get enough. I'm a film nerd at heart, and I bring that cinematic sensibility into every game I run. I love character-driven narratives that feel personal and unforgettable, whether the tone leans epic, harrowing, or just plain fun. My goal is always to help players tell stories about their characters that feel meaningful and alive.
At a glance
1 year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, Teacher
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
About a decade ago, I started looking for a creative outlet that blended storytelling with something social. I found Call of Cthulhu, and it clicked. In hindsight, running tabletop games was a perfect fit!
My favorite system of all Time is
Call of Cthulhu. Nothing else comes close. You play ordinary people in extraordinary, horrifying situations, and history is your sandbox. It creates a great environment for rich roleplay, where the highs feel earned, and even failure is a thrill.
When I'm not running games I'm...
I'm usually writing or working on creative projects. Otherwise, I'm watching too many movies, writing reviews, reading, gaming with friends, or daydreaming about where to take my next campaign.
How Dylan runs games
My games lean heavily toward roleplay and story-driven experiences over crunchy, by-the-numbers mechanics. I want players to feel like they're inhabiting their characters in a living, breathing world. I stick to the rules as written most of the time, but I'm not afraid to lean into the rule of cool when it serves the story or makes the table more fun. For me, it's all about the tone of the game my players are looking for. A Call of Cthulhu investigation might simmer with a slower, atmospheric pace that gives everyone space to inhabit their characters, ask questions, and unravel the mystery, but I don't shy away from dungeon crawls either. I'm not full-on theatrical, but I do like to use voices and set the mood. I encourage note-taking and engagement, because the more you put into a world, the more you get out of it. Ultimately though, it's about collaboration. I like to hone my own roleplaying, improvisation, and writing skills while helping players tell stories they'll remember long after the game ends.
Featured Prompts
My games focus on...
Cinematic, character-driven storytelling where roleplay and investigation takes center stage. I want players to feel immersed, engaged, and challenged, leaving each session with questions, memories, and a strong desire to see what happens next.
Rules are...
A structure I stick to for fairness and clarity. Crunchy mechanics matter less to me than story, but they're a solid framework for it. In Call of Cthulhu, the rules are vital. Pulling punches undermines the system. That said, I do follow the Rule of Cool when it feels right.
When it comes to voices
I enjoy doing them and love when players give it a try too. They're never required at my tables, but they can be a great way to slip into character and bring the roleplay to life.
Dylan's ideal table
I encourage curiosity and participation. My favorite players are the ones who ask questions, take notes, and invest in uncovering the mystery or exploring their character. You don't need to be "in character" 100% of the time, but you should be engaged with what's happening. If I do my job right, that shouldn't be a problem! New players are absolutely welcome, I'm happy to introduce you to a system, but after a few sessions I do expect a basic familiarity so we can keep the game flowing. Above all, I want to foster camaraderie and friendship. My goal is for everyone at the table to walk away having had a memorable experience, and to look forward to coming back for the next session. Respect the table, the game, and your fellow players, and we'll get along great!
Featured Prompts
I am for a vibe that's...
Relaxed and welcoming, like playing with friends. We'll take serious moments seriously, but we'll also laugh together, because even in the darkest stories, shared laughter can make the game feel real.
I love it when a player
Steps into their character and engages others in real conversation, whether with an NPC or another player. It doesn't even have to push the plot forward because those little moments of authenticity make the world feel alive.
My table is not the place for...
Metagamers, min/maxers, backseat gamers, or distracted players. That style just doesn't mesh with the stories I want to tell.