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Rob

Rob (he/him)

5.0

(56)

LGBTQ+

3 years on StartPlaying

400 games hosted

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Storytelling, Creativity

Average response time: 5 hours

Response rate: 100%

About me

I have been playing and running roleplaying games for over 20 years. I started with LARP (Live Action Role Play) and moved into tabletop gaming within about a year or so. I love storytelling, roleplay and evoking emotional highs and lows within my games. My two main systems are Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition and Vampire: the Masquerade 5th Edition (though I started with 3rd Edition for both). If you like what you've read here, I hope to see you at one of my events soon!

GM Style

I encourage creativity in my players by presenting situations that enable player autonomy. I enjoy presenting puzzles with more than one possible solution, combats that include dynamic terrain, and scenarios are morally grey or encourage discussion between players on what the best course of action is. I also love including humour and pop culture references. Games tend to focus much more on story and roleplay than they do on combat, though I always try to include at least one combat encounter for those who are looking for it. I prefer combat scenarios that can finish within three rounds of play, and I encourage creative descriptions of attacks so combat isn't reduced to a number-crunching exercise. With all this said, I always welcome player input. Roleplaying is a collaborative effort, so player desires are important. That said, I always strive to maintain a table where everyone gets a chance to have fun in their own way, and I do expect my players to play in that same collaborative spirit. If we all play with the goal of everyone having fun, then it will be more fun for everyone.

Game Master Reviews (56)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Inclusive

Storytelling

Creativity

Leon avatar

Leon

New review

Played 71 sessions

I'm honestly quite shocked I have not until now thought to write Rob a review, considering I have played in likely over fifty games total with him. No other GM on Startplaying has been capable of retaining me past six or seven. Why? My standards are high, and I'm very busy. Rob puts an incredible amount of effort into storytelling, both on the mechanical and narrative side. I have seen people come out of their shells in big ways with him as their facilitator, and as a seasoned player I am right at home. It's a delicate balance between inclusivity and managing to challenge your players enough so things are interesting. Rob has an ability to strike this balance in a way that is very impressive. He will take a plot point you create and run with it, he does not railroad, but still the story feels cohesive. I could go on, but I'll simply end this by saying Rob is an exceptional storyteller, and more then capable of delivering on the service he offers. If you find yourself at his table, you've made a good decision, full stop.

Fenrir avatar

Fenrir

Played 21 sessions

Rob is an amazing ST! I participated in a VTM one-shot he was running to teach new players way back in December and dragged two of my friends along for the ride. He was really helpful and informative in breaking down and explaining the mechanics we needed to better grasp what we were doing in a way that made sense. He also encouraged creativity with both our rp and making our premade characters really feel like our own. All in all it was a really fun night and everyone had a great time! I had so much fun that when he said he had an opening in one of his tables, I just had to snag it! He just has a way with describing and setting a scene that really draws you into the story. Every npc feels like a living(well unliving, lol) person with thoughts, feelings, and goals of their own. The worlds he crafts feel so vibrant and alive and well thought out. I'm always left at the edge of my seat at the end of each session, raring and excited to find out what happens next! If you're ever thinking about joining one of Rob's games, DO IT!!! You won't regret it! 💚

Diego avatar

Diego

Played 1 sessions

Had a great time trying out the new 5e 2024 rules and quick adventure.

Davis Kaine avatar

Davis Kaine

Played 1 sessions

I had the pleasure of playing in a game run by Rob, and I can confidently say he is a great DM. He was incredibly helpful with the rules, ensuring that both new and experienced players could engage fully without feeling overwhelmed. Beyond his technical skills, Rob fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone felt comfortable and safe. He took the time to check in, adapt the game to the group’s needs, and ensure that every player had their moment to shine. It’s clear that he genuinely cares about the experience of his players, and it made all the difference.

Maviz avatar

Maviz

Played 196 sessions

Rob is an excellent storyteller. He dedicates time and effort to ensure that all players have a safe and enjoyable experience in his games, while also providing immersive and engaging gameplay. I couldn’t have asked for a better storyteller for my first campaign. I look forward to participating in many more of his adventures.

Laura avatar

Laura

Played 8 sessions

Rob is a fabulous DM! He does a great job with voices, music, and honestly the story was beyond what I could've imagined. It was layered with deeper meaning to uncover, moral quandaries my character had to wrestle with, and some very inventive encounters -- and that was just for a one-shot! I've already signed up for his longer campaign. I feel very lucky to have stumbled upon Rob and highly encourage anyone who enjoys rich storytelling, sprinkled with fun combat, to get a seat at his table.

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