Wayland
he/him
5.0
(7)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Wayland
I’m Wayland (or Wēland in Old English), a GM with over 40 years of experience running tabletop roleplaying games. I am the founder and chair of one of London’s largest weekly roleplaying communities: www.diceonthehill.co.uk I also host the RPG Blokes Podcast, where we encourage new players, especially those of a certain vintage (like me), to start gaming. You can check us out: www.rpgblokes.com.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Teacher
Featured Prompts
My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Call of Cthulhu Dragon Warriors * D&D gets packed without saying
My favorite shows/movies are
Robin of Sherwood The Prisoner (1960's) Lord of the Rings
When I'm not running games I'm...
Bringing up the kids and chilling with the cats.
How Wayland runs games
I prefer to run darker, narrative-driven systems such as Call of Cthulhu, D&D Ravenloft, Vaesen, Dragon Warriors, and Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. However, I'm still after an epic campaign experience. So rather than Grimdark I'd describe my games as Grimlight. After all, satisfying character arcs don't happen if everyone is dying all the time, but it's far more rewarding if you have to work for your goals. It's a fine balance, but I like to think I get it right! I run the very best published scenarios, but I allow them to breathe and evolve in a way that is unique to the players involved. I maintain a tough but fair environment where everyone is treated equally. I emphasise meaningful choices and player agency, aiming to create games that feel lived-in, tense, and memorable, often seasoned with an dark sense of humour. I recommend my games to anyone who likes a challenge, wants to be part of a complex narrative, and wants to experience the brilliance of some of the best systems and scenarios our wonderful hobby provides.
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
To my kids. Never again!
Rules are...
There to be broken, but also there to ensure fairness and equality across the board. They provide the necessary framework for the challenges ahead and are essential for maintaining a truly grim and perilous environment.
When it comes to voices
I have a few, and I inhabit the NPCs I play, but I am not an actor—and I would never demand anyone else be one either. I'm chilled with all of that. Sometimes it’s a bit poncey, other times it rocks; when it happens, it happens.
Wayland's ideal table
My games explore the grimmer aspects of humanity, but with an ironic, and often humorous twist. If you enjoy building a nuanced character, an alter ego you can truly inhabit, you will find a home here. I will make sure your actions have a "ripple effect." The world will react to you, sometimes immediately and sometimes when you least expect it! I run primarily in theatre of the mind, keeping VTT requirements deliberately light. Games are run over Zoom (with or without video), and players will need a dice roller, ideally via the lightweight Let’s Roll VTT for integrated rolls.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Speaks in the first perspective, inhabits the character, and provides instant narrative on what’s going on. I love seeing that alter ego projected into the game—it’s those nuances and character interactions that make the story truly breathe.
I think it's a red flag when players...
Do silly things or try to upset the scenario or other characters' actions. My games are dark and immersive, so I value players who respect the narrative and the group’s effort. If you’re looking to "troll" the story or derail the tension for a joke, you won't fit well at my table.
My table is not the place for...
Murderhobos. If you’re looking to kill everything in sight without consequence you won't find that here. Also, if you don't enjoy tuning in to the character arcs of your fellow players, or don't know when to take a step back, also probably not for you.
Wayland's Preferences
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