James (he/him)
5.0
(6)
3 years on StartPlaying
1 game hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, World Builder
About me
Whether running games at conventions, with friends around a table or online, I love to create a visceral world for the players to interact with (and throw all kinds of baddies their way - natch!) It is important to me that anyone at my table, virtual or otherwise, feel that they belong there. RPGs have always been a place where I truly felt I could be myself, even when pretending to be someone else. I want my players to feel that way in my games too. So let's get together and roll some dice! Memorable games/campaigns/chronicles I have GM'd: Cyberpunk RED (Breakout Con 2023), "Mage-Wolf: The Apocascension" (a mixed party M20/W20 chronicle), Mutants of Avalon (Paladium FTW!), Dark Sun (AD&D 2e) and Star Wars (d20). Games I have played over the (many, many) years: TMNT, Heroes Unlimited, Gamma World (d20), Star Wars (West End Games, d20) Shadowrun (2e!!!), Cyberpunk 2020, Vampire the Masquerade (2e/5e), Werewolf the Apocalypse (2e, W20), Mutant Crawl Classics, Apocalypse World, Call of Cthulhu and so much D&D (AD&D 2e, D&D3/3.5, 5e).
GM Style
To me, RPGs are about the whole experience. I love to world build and create atmosphere that enhances the story and our roleplaying. Yes, dice rolling is half of the fun, so expect lots of that, but I'm a "rules medium" GM. The exact location of enemies, calculations of blast radius, et al. needs to serve the story, fun and drama - but it doesn't need to be exact. If we flub something, that's cool, we'll get it next time. (Unless it was a major oversight, then what's a little ret-con among friends?) Rules lawyering is not my favourite aspect of gaming, yet I fully respect those who took the time to go to pass the rules bar exam. I'm happy to double check the rules and be corrected, but let's try to keep immersed in the story instead of the books. When making characters, try to refrain from Min/Maxing. Imperfect characters with weaknesses or average stats can be fun to play!... He says as a GM but not as a player :D
Games played
Game Master Reviews (6)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Storytelling
Creativity
World Builder
Had a wonderful time in our adventure. The story flowed well and it never felt like we were being forced anywhere. There were plenty of opportunites to roleplay and roll dice in equal parts. The plot was gripping and the NPCs were played well. If you can find James with an open game, grab the seat and enjoy the ride.
James is a very creative storyteller and brings some humour to his games with interesting, memorable character names. All had lots of fun in his 6 part game. He is rules cool and allows for the game to be a safe place with Lines And Veils before the game starts. I highly recommend James as a GM for Vampire 5e.
James prepared us well before leading a fun, action-packed story. The world and characters felt alive and memorable, which invited us to make exciting, meaningful choices. Our characters also got to use their skills in different situations and explore different parts of the world. James also paced sessions masterfully, both within each game and over the short chronicle.
This GM is a solid Gen X veteran with 30+ years of RPG experience on either side of the DM Screen. He's a lover of all things noir, be it gothic adventures or cyberpunk side quests. Great love of the material and really works to bring the characters into the storytelling process in a fun, storybuilding way.
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