StartPlaying logo
game master profile header image
Ukulele Mike

Ukulele Mike (n/a)

5.0

(17)

1 year on StartPlaying

84 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Teacher, Rule of Cool

Average response time: 5 hours

Response rate: 100%

About me

Rules-lite RPGs are my passion. Collaborating with players to create background and backstory is what I enjoy most. Creating a great character-driven narrative that we will tell for years is my goal. My preference is for RPG systems that support the story and also allow for players to have the option to succeed at a cost, driving the story to a climactic finish where all those checks must be paid. RPGs work best when it's like a jazz ensemble, where the whole group plays together most of the time but everyone gets a chance to step forward for their solo from time to time. I've been running a lot of "legacy campaigns" lately, where the characters can have a profound impact on the game world in a short campaign. Then start a new campaign set a few years or decades in the future in that changed world, with some of the players coming back, while some new players may also join, with characters that may or may not be related to the previous campaign. I'm available for a custom session or campaign. I ask that, if you book a custom game, that the table be at least four players, even if one of those seats ends up being empty. Custom campaigns are offered at $11/seat, including a session 0 and at least 6 additional sessions. One-shots are offered at $16.50/seat. I can put together a quality one-shot in a few days if it's a system on my list. If it's not on my list, it may be similar to something I already know, please, feel free to ask.

GM Style

Role playing is the heart of a role-playing game. Each major NPC ideally gets a distinct voice, as do the more colorful minor NPCs. Combat is more about the narrative, but whatever crunch is available in the rule-lite systems I use will be made available to the players per their desire. My style is tweaked based on the style and setting of the game but also the players at my table.

Game platforms used
Social
Game Master Reviews (17)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

Teacher

Rule of Cool

Christopher Carwile avatar

Christopher Carwile

Played 23 sessions

Mike is an excellent GM one of the best I have ever played with he has amazing stories and amazing climatic plot points. I have been playing with him for awhile now and honestly I wish I could give him 10 star rating.

Dennis avatar

Dennis

Played 2 sessions

I briefly played in Mike's Cyberpunk Red: Queen City game. Mike is a super friendly guy, well receptive to his players, and encourages creativity and player-assisted world building, which was a big part of Queen City. My short-lived participation should not be viewed as a statement on his GMing capabilities, but rather just a poor fit for what I'm currently looking for in a game. Do recommend!

Scott avatar

Scott

Played 5 sessions

Fun game experience. Helpful and patient to new players.

Kashvar avatar

Kashvar

Played 6 sessions

Mike always approaches his games with exceptional enthusiasm where fun is paramount. Creative world building and player agency is always at the forefront of his games, with an emphasis on the Rule of Cool™ and the flow of the story. A very laid-back and easy-going manner fully encourages player input into each session.

Fiflegend avatar

Fiflegend

Played 6 sessions

Mike is an amazing GM. His storytelling is top notch and the attention to detail as well as the creativity is top tier. I've played several games with him and his group are both entertaining and fun to play with. Highly recommend whether new or seasoned at ttrpg's.

Vaultotaku avatar

Vaultotaku

Played 16 sessions

Did an excellent job!

What's StartPlaying?

Tabletop Roleplaying Games Run by Game Masters

  • Find a game to join solo or search for a professional game master for you and your friends/coworkers/family.

  • Book your session and wait for the Game Master to approve you.

  • If you don't have a blast with your first game, your next game is on us.