New York by Night: Six Feet Under [LGBTQ+ & Beginner Friendly]

Fallout: War Never Changes

Samshiir's Eberron

Curse of Strahd

Bloodborne - a sandbox V20 Sabbat campaign 

🧙 4 Players - 1 Hour ⏱️  ⚔️ Crawl 🩸 Kill 💰 Cash Out 🔁Repeat

Lord of the Rings Roleplaying 5e | Explore Middle-earth!

Lancer - Solstice Rain Into Full Campaign - New Player Friendly 

Shades of Blood | Learn to Play | Vampire Dungeon Crawl

Tales of Darcellum (PbP)

Waterdeep: The Grand Game - Bi-weekly

Baldur's Gate Descent into Avernus

Escape from the Haunted Mansion! (LVL 7-12, New Campaign)

💫SeeD Cadets | Final Fantasy VIII | Classic JRPG Adventure💫

A Rat's Chance - A Drakkenheim Adventure

Rime of the Frostmaiden

Wartorn Bootcamp:  Learn to Play DnD5e

Heroes' Guild of Inoras - A D&D Anthology Series

StartPlaying is the largest marketplace online connecting TTRPG players around the world with professional Game Masters. You can play any game system on any virtual tabletop here on StartPlaying!

Joining a game on StartPlaying is super easy! Head over to our Games Search page and find a game that works for you! You filter games by day, time, game system, and even by genre! You can also search our Game Masters for a GM for you and your friends - even one near you in New York City. We even handle the payments for you, through our payment processor, Stripe!

Game Masters on StartPlaying set their own price. The cost for your game will vary depending on the Game Master and the game they are running. We also have a number of Game Masters who run free games!

The term "professional game master" refers to people that run tabletop game events in a formal or organized setting. Professional game masters come in many forms. There are Game Masters that run private sessions. There are some that run public events at conventions or local game stores. We are proud to offer a platform that makes this emerging profession more accessible to a growing community of professional Game Masters and their players.

No group? No problem! You can join a game that has an open seat and meet a whole new group to play your favorite TTRPG.

What if I don’t have a group to play with?

If you have a group ready to go, you and your friends can check out our Game Master search and find the perfect Game Master for you! You and your group can choose to pay separately or have one person pay for the entire group.

What if I have a group of friends and want to hire a Dungeon Master?

Every Game Master uses a different set of tools to run their games. Some may want players to use webcams on Zoom with Roll20 as the Virtual Tabletop (VTT). Others just use voice on Discord and Theater of the Mind. Our Game Masters have the flexibility to use whatever Virtual Tabletop they want. Every game listing will have the information on the technology and software needed for playing that specific game.

What kind of technology do I need to play?

This page shows you all the Game Masters who live in New York City, New York. You can reach out to any of these Game Masters if you want to run an in person game with them.

Currently, all of our games on StartPlaying are online. You can reach out to any of these New York City Game Masters if you have any interest in coordinating an in person game!

Are these just online D&D games or can I play in person with a New York City Game Master?

Alchemy

D&D Beyond

Discord

Foundry VTT

Owlbear Rodeo

Physical Battlemap

Roll20

Text/Play by Post

Zoom

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Pathfinder 2e

Lancer

Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition

Fallout: The Roleplaying Game

Vampire: The Masquerade Revised Edition

Fabula Ultima

Vampire: The Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition

The Lord of the Rings™ Roleplaying 5e

StartPlaying is the largest platform for finding D&D and other games run by professional Dungeon Masters. Browse New York City Dungeon Masters and find a game!

New York City

👋 Hello fellow humans! I’m Matthew—I run Dice Told Tales, a DM-for-hire service in New York City.

I’ve run campaigns at Marvel and Disney Streaming and I want to run your next game—whether with your team, your friends, or your family. If you’re a seasoned adventurer with the bugbear hides to show for it or a total beginner ready to start their first adventure—I’m the DM for you.

Matthew @ Dice Told Tales

Hi! I'm Disco. I've been running tabletop RPGs since my first D&D box set 19 years ago. My passion is creating narratives that are fun, moving, and heavily involve the backstories of the PCs. I've been running games professionally for 4 years and have experience performing and coaching improv in NYC, and doing voice work with Edge Studio and Learning Ally. Additionally, I was lucky enough to be a screenwriting fellow of Netflix's 2022 Children's Content Lab.

Disco

I’m a creative storyteller, and cooperative storytelling is my favorite. Teamwork makes dreams work…. I would be honored to tell a narrative that will tickle your fantasy ideas, and bring worlds of 5e and some other platforms to life for you through combat, puzzles, and much more. I’ve been playing TTRPGs since ‘86 and have so much lore in my head I’m surprised I can do my day job. I have founded my own discord server on the interweb with a lot of success and my hope is for it to bring that to you as a player. If you are in NYC I can host at a local gaming cafe’ the possibilities are endless..I currently run a Spelljammer campaign with great success and 9 players and now a biweekly live Princes of the Apocalypse with 5 players new and veteran… 
My Saturday campaign has been full since session zero, however recently a player left us, sadly…
If you would like a chaotic run towards saving or destroying the Multiverse, the clock is winding down on this campaign and there is nothing not a few months left, if you’re looking to join a competent party of adventurers on a mission to save the world than apply for our next session, the call has been made, the rest is up to you…
So travelers, until next we meet, may your dice forever roll crits...🙏

Eric

Greetings, friends! My name is Ace. I am an experienced, professional game master for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. D&D is my favorite thing in the world and I would love to run a game for you!

I started playing D&D around 2013, GMing around 2018, and running games professionally in 2020. I have always been a lover of games and while this list is not exhaustive, a few of my all-time favorite games are: Magic the Gathering, Root, Wingspan, Catan, Blood Bowl 2, Kingdom Hearts, and Scrabble. Ever since I started GMing on a professional level, I have been running at least one, and up to 4 separate, full-length weekly campaigns at a time. Also, because of my background in technical theatre (specifically lighting and video), I have a youtube channel where I edit and produce actual-play videos from some of the campaigns that I run. 

Outside of D&D, some of my biggest interests are musical theatre, film/television, comedy, and cooking. My favorite television show is also my favorite D&D content: Dimension 20 on Droupout. I’m a huge fan of Brennan Lee Mulligan’s GM style and have learned a lot from watching him play and listening to him discuss the game with other world-reknowned GMs. Some of my other favorite D&D content is the Adventure Zone, NADDPod, Dungeons and Daddies, Harmonquest, and the Vox Machina animated series.

I believe D&D can be for everyone and that there is a version of D&D that everyone can enjoy. That’s why I love teaching people about the game and introducing it to those that might not have experienced it otherwise. In that interest, I want everyone that plays in one of my games to be comfortable, have a good time, and never feel ostracized for lack of experience (or any other reason).

Whether or not you choose to play in one of the games that I run, my hope is that you get to play in a comfortable environment and have a great time doing so! Please let me know if I can be of any assistance on your D&D journey.

Below are only some of the aspects that make my games special:
-A welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
-Custom maps that I make on photoshop and live-edit while screen-sharing to use during games. The maps (and other visual aids I use) make the game more visually engaging, easier to follow during combat, and gives players a closer experience to what it’s like playing at a table with miniatures.
-Voice acting for the variety of different characters that I roleplay during the games. I study and practice different techniques/accents in order to do this well.
-A variety of types of encounters, both for combat and otherwise. For instance, I vary types of battles and battle mechanics, but I also work hard to create interesting non-combat encounters like mysteries to solve, complex social encounters, puzzles, mini-games, etc.
-Diverse worlds that include LGBTQ+, neurodiverse, and all other types of characters.
-Professional level audio/video equipment to improve the quality of the video calls when playing.

If you're interested in playing in a game that I run or even just want to chat about D&D, don't hesitate to reach out.

Discord: AceTheGM
Email: AceTheGM@gmail.com

Ace the GM

Like many, Dungeons & Dragons was my first step into tabletop gaming, and I wish I'd come to it much earlier that I did. But since I started playing about five years ago, it's become a true passion. There's nothing like being able to put the world aside and step into a new reality of heroes, monsters, and epic adventures. I love crafting an immersive, inclusive, and intensely personalized world in my games: one focused on character development and story arcs that players will remember as much as a great book or an amazing film. And more than anything, I love riffing off player choices and taking a story in new directions that surprise even me.

D&D was of course just the first step. Since then, I've taken players on epic monster hunts through Monster of the Week and helped them live their medieval fantasy through King Arthur Pendragon. And for all you David Bowie/Jim Henson fans, look no further for your next step into the Labyrinth.

With regard to experience, I've been a regular DM and GM for the past three years with games both in-person and online. I host a weekly table at Hex & Co in NYC with original adventures taking place in the Forgotten Realms setting. I also have experience with new players, creating a fun and easy-going atmosphere for people just learning the game.

And a little bit about my non-D&D life. I'm a fundraiser and songwriter based in NYC, where I've lived for the past 15 years. I love film, theater, food, good (and bad) wine and Teeling Whiskey, and aggressive karaoke sessions. A huge fan of horror as well as camp classics. And as much as I love Marvel, I will always be a DC guy.

Nick Luckenbaugh

Hello adventurers! My name's Jacob and I've been running TTRPGs for over a decade with three years of experience full time GM-ing. 

With a long background in theatre as well as a former designer of escape rooms, I bring a wealth of experience to every game I run. My focus is on making a fun and satisfying story regardless of player history with the game. No matter whether your characters are trekking through a mountain pass, exploring the furthest reaches of space or even attending a spooky summer camp, you should be experiencing a well crafted adventure you will never forget!

I also bring an attentive eye to representation within the game space. As a former organizer and field director for numerous political campaigns, I have fought for this first hand and will not let it go unnoticed in my games. 

There is a wide spectrum of games I have played and run varying from DND (5e and 3.5), Pathfinder (1e and 2e), Doctor Who, Kids on Bikes, Honey Heist, Mutants and Masterminds, Call of Cthulhu, Wet Hot American Summer, Everything Is Dolphins, Fallout RPG and much, much more. 

I look forward to crafting unique gaming experiences in these wildly different worlds exclusively for you.  

Jacob Cordas

Hello! My name is Dylan.  I discovered the wonder of TTRPG games in 2016, and have been playing non stop since. I have been a GM since the onset of my addiction. I have run games in 5e, Pathfinder 1e/2e, Starfinder, Witcher TTRPG, Vampire Masquerade 5e, Savage worlds system, Werewolf the Apocalypse 5e, Hunter the Reckoning, Star Wars FFG, Fallout 2d20, Dune, Star Trek, Tales of Xadia, Avatar, Blades in the Dark, and others. If I had to pick a “specialty” is in telling cinematic stories where the players rise from humble beginnings to larger than life heroes with hard fought lessons learned. I would love to run you and your friends through an adventure. I have all the Pathfinder 2e adventure paths as well as most of the Starfinder. If you are interested in any system just let me know and I will see if we can set something up. I look forward to playing with you. 

Dylan

Hello there! I'm a full-time professional Game Master running seven (and sometimes more!) games a week for over four years now. I'm also a stage, screen, voice, combat, and improv actor from New York. I've been playing Dungeons & Dragons and other RPGs for over 12 years and have been a consummate nerd since time immemorial. In addition to performing, I graduated NYU as an English major with a penchant for fantasy writing. 

It's impossible to choose my favorite thing about TTRPGs– I simply love each aspect. Roleplaying with the players, intense and strategic combat, expansive worldbuilding, immersive storytelling, voicing beasts and evil overlords, creating puzzles, exploring ancient ruins... all of these are what make up an amazing game.

My high charisma score brings energy and enthusiasm to the table, and I'm known for my love of storytelling, integrating characters' backstories, making distinct creature sounds, a wide range of NPC voices, my improvisational skills, and the colorful characters I bring to life. I love working with all kinds of players, ensuring that everyone feels involved, gets drawn into the experience, and most importantly, Rule #1: has fun. 


Some 5-Star Reviews for GM JC on other platforms:

"JC made our story absolutely cinematic. The combats were wonderful, varied, and stylish, NPCs were so real and wonderfully acted, and the wrld was detailed, rich, and fully interactive. JC also paid attention to every character and their individiual stories, and it was fabulous to see everyone's story arc play out as part of the whole." - Meg, July 2022

"Looking back, it has been an amazing journey, with JC's role as our DM being a definite highlight. His sessions are always exciting and well balanced between the different aspects of the game (role-playing, combat, puzzles, exploration, etc.). He is also a voice actor, so his characters are varied and have personalities. Most importantly, he clearly listens to his players, goes out of his way to make them comfortable and engaged and is just generally a nice person!" - Bruno, March 2022

"JC had clearly set a reallly good tone with the group who have also been amazing to play with - us all working together but having our own backgrounds, agendas, characters in a story of epic proportions. I think the biggest testament to JC's skill as s DM is that we are a large party, with NPC's powerful magic items and currently at level 16 as characters... yet we are challenged, supported, and all have a huge stake in the narrative. Nobody is left behind and there is real tension at the table. It is the best D&D I have ever played." - Serge, March 2022

JC (John Charles)

As a lifelong fan of fantasy adventure, my journey into the world of GMing revealed a passion I never knew I had. Building a D&D community opened my eyes to the incredible power of TTRPGs to foster connections and provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of everyday life. Now, I run games exclusively online, using the amazing features of Foundry and Roll20 to craft epic adventures for players worldwide.

Sav  ︱ The Curiosity

. . . and as you scroll down the page of Game Masters you cannot help but stop and read the text next to this picture of a half man, half skeleton king.  It intrigues you or perhaps infuriates you that the text seems to be narrating your thoughts, your actions . . . but maybe . . . maybe, this is where your next adventure begins . . . 

But who am I? I am Rillean, Master of Trinkets.  I started my D&D and TTRPG adventure in my college days.  Invited to a table where I learned first hand a lot of the "don'ts" to role playing games.  But I had heard such great things about this game and I was determined not to let a few bad eggs dissuade me from learning.  So I approached a group of my friends who I knew played but then I ran into the second obstacle all of us face at one point or another . . . Everyone wanted to play, but no one wanted to be the GM/DM.  So, I volunteered and well, the rest is history.

Now I am a content creator on several platforms specializing in D&D content, and I want to bring the joy I find in this game to more people.  I love the cooperative story telling that comes with this games, I enjoy crafting and playing out combat and social encounters, and I excel at bad accents.  If you are interested in playing, have experience, or have never played before, shoot me a message, and let's get some dice rolling.

You can either join me on one of the games I have posted below which include games for people of all experience levels or you can book me for a private session.  I will help with character creation, run a One-Shot or a full blown campaign for you and your party.

Rillean, Master of Trinkets

Hello adventurer!  I started properly playing and then DM'ing D&D (Red Box) in the early 80's after relentlessly raiding my older sibling's AD&D supplies in the name of Art. All those cool swords and wizards, who could blame me?  

I have been playing 5E for five years, and four of those five years have been spent consistently DM'ing at least once or twice a week. Combined with B/X, that's 7 years of DM experience.  I love being a DM.  For more about my style of DM'ing, see below.

Inclusivity and accessibility are always at the forefront.  If you have any accessibility concerns, please let me know and we can work through those concerns together.

If you have any questions, whatsoever, please don't hesitate to contact me!  There are never any stupid questions!

Currently, I am able to accommodate long-haul campaigns, short campaigns, and one shots.  

Steven

Hey, I’m Josh--also known as LocketKey or VGG!

I've been running TTRPGs on and off for 17 years both professionally and for fun!  My introduction to the hobby was in my early teens when my sister taught me how to play D&D 3.5 after learning it from her friend, Brennan Lee Mulligan.

From then on, I was instantly hooked as a life-long TTRPG player. Since my initiation, I've run games casually for friends on and off through college, professionally for adult groups in NYC, therapeutically for young adults and children, and online for large communities.

I mostly run D&D nowadays, but I import all the best game elements from the various systems I've ran over the years. I prefer to run a classic campaign, but I've run lots one-shots, and was a primary writer for a West Marches group for many years as well! 

Joshua - VoidGear Gaming

Samshiir

I am a passionate DM from NYC, playing and DMing 5e for the last several years after starting with 3e, primarily in Forgotten Realms. I tell bold stories with forward plot momentum, challenging combat, and play balanced across combat, roleplay, and exploration. I use discord voice & video and Owlbear Rodeo for VTT.

Isaac

Crafting Unforgettable Adventures — Tailored Just for You!

Your Vision, Our Adventure
Have you ever stumbled upon a fascinating RPG system but struggled to find someone to bring it to life? Or perhaps you've dreamt up a unique setting or homebrew world, yet never had the chance to explore it in-game? I'm here to turn those dreams into reality. With over two decades of experience as a Game Master, I specialize in crafting bespoke gaming experiences that resonate with your imagination and preferences.

A Wealth of Experience Across Diverse Systems
The systems listed here represent just a glimpse of the vast array of games I've expertly navigated as a GM. From mainstream favorites to niche gems, my gaming repertoire is both expansive and ever-growing. If your desired system isn't mentioned, don’t worry! Reach out and let's discuss it. Chances are, I’ve either run it or am eagerly willing to dive into its mechanics and lore.

A Personalized Gaming Journey Awaits
I believe that every group brings a unique flavor to the table, and my role is to tailor the experience to fit your group's style and preferences perfectly. Whether you're seeking high-stakes adventures, intricate storytelling, or just a fun escape with friends, I'm here to facilitate that journey.

Let's Connect and Create Magic
I invite you to contact me to discuss your gaming aspirations. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, I’m here to ensure your gaming experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

I can't wait to embark on this adventure with you. Let's roll the dice and create unforgettable stories together!

Abishai James

Hi! I'm Ryan (he/him), I'm 32 years old, and I've been playing and GMing TTRPGs for over a decade now.

While I cut my teeth on D&D 5e and it remains my favorite, I've also made my way into other systems, including but not limited to:
- Vampire: the Masquerade (V5 and V20) 
- Hunter: the Reckoning (H5)
- Call of Cthulhu

I'm a strong believer in the "rule of cool" and story over rules, and I make it my aim to make sure that all of my games are accessible and welcoming to everyone, especially LGBTQ+ folks, BIPOC, and women.

Above all, I know that we're all here to have fun, so that is my main priority in any game. I encourage any of my players to talk to me if something is not to their liking, and I will do my best to ensure we work out a solution.

I look forward to playing with you!

Ryan

I'm Bryan (he/him/39yo), a long time GM since I started improvising games with my friends 20 years ago. I enjoy running thematic, engaging games via Foundry, incorporating music, handouts, and an energetic expression of the characters you'll run across.

As a military veteran, I know what it's like to wrangle a group of people from different backgrounds, and I use that to facilitate the engaging and memorable games I strive to host.

I like combat as much as the next person, but I think it's important to balance that with social roleplay, puzzles, and other interactions.

Let's roll some dice! 

Bryan/OddSquirrel

Well met adventurers! I’m a Dungeon Master with a cinematic soul — a world-builder who breathes life into every ruined hall and misty trail. I’ve got a knack for weaving gritty detail with high fantasy, where even a goblin gets depth and a dragon gets dialogue. I love sensory storytelling — smells of scorched stone, whispers in the dark, the crunch of moss under cautious feet. Whether it’s a tipsy Sildar Hallwinter or a snarky Venomfang, my NPCs don’t just fill space — they steal scenes.

I try to run games like a director runs a film set: immersive, vivid, and always one step ahead of the party’s chaos. I care deeply about tone, texture, and truth in your fantasy — and I bring my A-game to every cavern, cultist, and cursed shrine. Most of all, I enjoy creating a personal connection with my players.

I think my DMing style is welcoming for new players because it focuses on immersion and clarity without overwhelming them. By using vivid sensory descriptions — what characters see, hear, and smell — it helps players picture the world effortlessly, making it easier for them to understand their surroundings and feel grounded in the story. I don’t just read boxed text; I paint scenes, giving even simple rooms or encounters a sense of mood and meaning. That kind of storytelling pulls new players in, helping them feel like they’re part of something real right from the start.

I strive to be a kind and patient DM. I want all players (even those who’ve never played before) to feel comfortable enough to relax, learn and ask questions at my tables. Even if you're unsure of the rules or lack confidence in being able to play ... trust me ... I got you. Please give me a shot to introduce you to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. My games are also a safe space for all players regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. 

I use the latest, cutting edge, animated maps, animated spell effects and modules to increase the players’ enjoyment. I enjoy running fully immersive campaigns (and one-shots). I am a complete game nerd who owns all the official D&D 5E content and I bring that content with me into the game for player usage. I spare no details in preparing my adventures that hopefully will provide many fond memories and excitement for my players.


Prophet

Hi, my name is Mina and I'd love to be your dungeon master! 

I've been obsessed with TTRPGs ever since I was in college and I jumped into DMing the second I could. I love writing homebrew settings that you and I can create together as your character explores the world and helps build it.

My Dungeon Master style tends to be more loose and accepting. I love homebrew (as long as it's balanced) and I love hearing everyone's different ideas! The rule of cool is my best friend so expect to see crazy and incredible things happen in my games you wouldn't see happening anywhere else. Bending the rules to allow for awesome party moments is something to expect at my table because ultimately Dungeons and Dragons is about having fun and my goal is to make sure that the table is having as much fun as possible. 

With my extensive background in creative writing and character creation, you should expect to meet engaging NPCs, worlds tailored just for your party, and villains you love to hate! I play with mostly newcomers (though veterans are welcome too) and have even run afterschool programs for children as young as seven. I often try my hardest to be inclusive so if you've ever been worried that you won't fit into a group because of your gender identity, disabilities, race, or sexuality, my table is open and always welcomes you!

So pull up a chair at my table and let's have fun together! 

Mina Guadalupe

Are you looking for a game that will take up rent in your daydreams at work? A game that you cannot wait to play every single week? Then I'm Mikey, nice to meet you, and I'll be your DM! I am a Dungeon Master and former D&D Youtuber and Streamer. I got into D&D about five years ago, and have been DMing almost every game I've been involved in. Over the years I've DM'd for over 60 players, and provided memorable experiences. I've run traditional modules, and homebrew, but I prefer homebrew. For me, there's nothing like a hot cup of coffee on a rainy night, typing away with music on in the background as I develop this week's session. 


As a former D&D Streamer/Youtuber, I have had the honor of DMing both privately and with a large audience in for Tiktok Influencers, Youtubers, and Twitch Affiliates & Partners, both for campaigns and one-shots. Due to the environment I thrived in, I really leaned into the cinematic experience that is D&D. As your DM, you could expect me to provide you with custom professional artwork of your character. You can expect really epic critical hits, and horrible and silly critical fails. You can expect a world with it's own rules and lore, with a World Anvil Page that will grow as your story unravels more. 

Mikey

Hail, adventurers! I'm a professional actor that believes Dungeons & Dragons, at its heart, is about telling a great story. Few games like D&D have the power to inspire the imagination and bring people together. Perhaps that's why the d20 continues to be rolled on tables all over the world for as long as it has. 

Whether you're looking to get the last laugh on the Goblin King, plunder the dragon's hoard, or seek revenge on that Mind Flayer, I look forward to seeing you at the table. We'll have a lot of laughs, and by the end of the adventure you'll hopefully get the satisfaction of reading a great book...one that is a little hard to close.

Morgan

Hey there! Quick rundown of my DMing style for you:

🧙‍♂️ Veteran DMing and improvisational skills to roll with your choices
🎭 Notable NPCs with immersive interactions
🗺 Quality battlemaps
🎆 Spell effects
⚔️ Engaging tactical combat
🙌 Newbie-friendly attitude with patience to walk you through an RPG

There's an amazing feedback loop that happens when both the DM and the players are invested in the game. Whether it be characters, the story, the setting and lore- the more interest you show in the game that we're all enjoying together, the better it becomes!

You can see gameplay clips and other content of mine at https://youtu.be/skSi4oFDScs
https://youtube.com/@distracteddm
https://www.tiktok.com/@distracteddm

I'm an enthusiastic, experienced DM that's been playing & running TTRPGs such as Dungeons & Dragons for over 25 years- ever since I walked into a game store as an 11-year-old because it had a chess piece on the sign and I thought "I'd like to be good at chess." 
There was no chess to be had, but there were plenty of people playing wargames and D&D. The rest is history.

I have experience in voice acting, teaching, and general nerddom- though my professional fields have been in Intellectual Property (Gaming, Streaming, Technology) and voiceovers.

I love running games because of the choices that players make, the dramatic conflicts that are presented during play, and the way that players develop their characters and personalities throughout campaigns.

I am delighted when the party does things that I don't expect- for this reason, I am also an excellent improviser. The world is a living place, though the primary actors are the players every NPC has their own reason for being that motivates them and informs their attitudes.
The guard you're talking to in town doesn't know he's an NPC, he's a gruff man that respects the law and wants to safely get home to his family. 

I enjoy writing, especially scenes and short stories that are inspired by the world and actions that we put into motion at the gaming table. 
I may present these 'cutscenes' to players every few sessions, as it gives them insight into the world and other goings-on that are adjacent to their actions in the world.

I like teaching new players, as well as running games for people that are old hands with the hobby!

Welcome to the table, and I'll see you in the dungeon!

Distracted DM

I'm a professional Stand Up Comedian, Actor and Improvisor with over 2 decades of experience. Originally from New Zealand, now living in New York I've been playing TTG's since I was 8 years old (Anyone remember HeroQuest?)

I am incredibly passionate about Dungeons and Dragons not just as a game but as a tool to help people tap in to and express their suppressed creativity. I have developed a unique and effective Game Master style using Roll20, DNDBeyond or Foundry and Discord that is designed to help anchor the players in the moment so they can devote their full imagination to their character and the characters of their fellow players. When you sit at my table we play VTT to entertain ourselves and the other folks in the session.

I have crafted some fantastic play modules that are fantastic for first time players. There is nothing I enjoy more that bringing the TTRPG curious into the fold! Just be aware... every creature I RP as your GM will have some version of a New Zealand accent.

Wrigglemania

Consistently one of the most recommended DM's on the site!!!

Hello adventurers!  I am Mallow, and I hope to be your new favorite DM.  I have been playing 5e since 2015-2016 and have garnered a ton of DM experience through running Adventurers League (WotC organized play) at a local shop as well as the big conventions in Phoenix.  My style tends to lead to comedy, humor and the "rule of cool" instead of dark, gritty, and RAW.  A lot of my style focuses around putting a unique and intriguing twist on some of D&Ds most classic settings and campaigns. 

Feel free to join the discord and check for available games! https://discord.gg/UtHMZkPezd 

Mallow

Hello!
I am an experienced DM with multiple full campaigns under my belt and I fall more and more in love with D&D with every roll of the dice. 

I am so thankful that thanks to this site and my community I have been able to make DMing my fulltime career!

LGBTQ+ and BIPOC friendly!

I have been playing TTRPGS for over 16 years, and even tried my hand at designing my own system once or twice. Me and my friends would take turns DMing for each other until I eventually became the designated dm. 

I have been running a west marches campaign on SPG for over two years! 

I enjoy campaigns that are character driven and fully believe in the heart of the collaborative story telling. Each campaign is tailored to the players in the group I make sure every player has an affect on the story. The best part of D&D is that even as the DM I have no idea what is going to happen. 

“I would like the world to remember me as the guy who really enjoyed playing games and sharing his knowledge and his fun pastimes with everybody else.” ~ Gary Gygax

Ricardo Garcia The Designated DM

Hi there, and welcome to Start Playing Games. I'm Nick, or as I usually go online, Cake.

Currently specializing in PF2e, I've personally run the system since its inception in the playtests, and before that was a 1e GM since 2009. I've seen or run just about every 1st party campaign in both systems and love converting those older games to newer, smoother systems. That's not to say I don't know any other systems, having run Warhammer, 5e, World of Darkness, and even GURPS.

I've GMed for hundreds of people from all walks of life over the years, and love making the experiences something that everyone looks forward to.

Feel free to join the Discord server ahead of time!
discord.gg/QH36ApbWZU

Custom games, stories, and worlds are all available by private commission. 

Nick (cake)

Hello Adventurers! 

If you are looking for a fun but also challenging adventuring experience with plenty of space to develop your characters personality, I'd love to have you in my campaigns. Grab your dice and roll for combat! 

My name is Ryan and I might be what people would call a Tabletop nerd and I'm proud of it. I've been playing in TTRPG games since I was 13 at home with my family. When Pathfinder 2nd Edition came out I joined a couple games and started GM'ing a couple more and haven't looked back since. Personally, in Pathfinder 2nd Edition the combat feels balanced and challenging and I want to bring that to my tables. What's best is that it does so without sacrificing the ability to adlib and come up with creative solutions.

I am also a Venture Lieutenant for Pathfinder Organized play in Suffolk County, New York.  

Hope to play with you soon!

Captnobody (Ryan)

Hi, I'm Dash, and these are just some of the things I love about D&D:

🎭Crafting personalities and voices for an array of memorable characters (I'm a professional actor)
🌐Creating detailed, living worlds which adjust to you and your companions' choices
📚Homebrewing new material as your journeys take you into uncharted territory off-module
🧭️Arranging and planning detailed battle maps which encourage your strategic thinking
📖Exploring your characters backstory and weaving it into the overall narrative of the whole adventure

As a trained professional actor I have over a decade's experience on stage and camera. I've performed in Shakespearean plays, feature films, and TV shows. I've trained at several high profile institutions in New York City like the Atlantic Acting School, The Barrow Group, Upright Citizens Brigade, and many others. I've learned to use acting systems like Practical Aesthetics, the Meisner Technique, Linklater vocal training, and the Harold system, all of which have deepened my work as a Dungeon Master.

As a professional Dungeon Master I've independently run a wide variety of games prior to joining StartPlaying, from corporate team-bonding one-offs to private months-long ongoing campaigns. For a time I was Google NYC's resident DM, where I created a living and reactive world for over sixty players simultaneously. In about half a year I ran well over 100 original, homebrewed games in that world before deciding I wanted to focus on private games where I could guide consistent smaller groups of players through a more satisfying, immersive, and personal narrative experience.

I was hooked on D&D the instant I was introduced to it as a 13 year old. Nearly two decades later, I'm still just as fascinated and in love with this game as I ever was. As an avid storyteller, I see D&D as an amazing opportunity to collaboratively tell a story together, one which you might still talk about with your friends years after a campaign concludes - and that's the environment I try to foster.

Dash

I was born in Colombia and now call New York City my home. 

As a proud father, my days are filled with moments of joy and challenge, each teaching me more about patience and understanding. When I’m not weaving fantastical tales, I work as a paramedic—a role that keeps me grounded and reminds me daily of the value of service and dedication.

My hobbies include a deep appreciation for Hip Hop and Salsa music as well as being actively involved in labor and social justice organizing, advocating for fairness and equity, which are principles I hold dear. 

I am bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently.

In all, I bring my whole self to each session—not just as a Dungeon Master, but as a person enriched by a variety of life experiences. I look forward to sharing some of these experiences with you in our adventures together!

Jari

I have been playing Tabletop RPGs for 20 years and have been actively DMing for 15. My preferred systems are Dungeons and Dragons 3.5e 5e, Pathfinder 1E 2E, Shadow of the Demon Lord, and Starfinder. I am comfortable DMing all levels of play from level 1 to epic levels as well as New to Advanced Players, all are welcome! 

I first got into DMing because my friend groups needed one so I stepped up and found a true passion for it. I want to host more games to hone my skills as a DM and to take people through the fun experiences of tabletop games! 

Mark 

Hail Adventurer! I am a Dungeon Master who has been running since 2016 and love to provide a platform for my players to tell their stories together. I am passionate about designing my games with a personal touch towards my players and believe I can provide a fun, inviting, and immersive experience for every skill level and background. If you are interesting in a game feel free to reach out any time. 

Neemster

Name: Gogo
Class: Game Mistress
     Sub-Class Abilities: 
    -Improvised Banter
    -Immersion Aids
    -Open-World Sandbox Campaigns
Level: 15 (years experience)
     Feats: 
     -Voice Actor - Every session is fully voice-acted.
     -Jack of All Trades - Can run in any system. 
     -Master Plotter - Sweeping plots that will keep you guessing and 
      engaged every week. 
     -Pick-up and go Prep - I can provide notes for any group that wants to continue the story after my contracted sessions. 
     -Lovable NPCs - Supporting characters that complement and center the PCs as the center of every campaign.    

I have been playing and running RPGs for 15 years now. I have run everything from one-offs to multi-year campaigns. 


I've run games professionally before as part of a team that showcases RPGs for publishers. I've worked with Fantasy Flight, Paizo, Renegade, and White Wolf promoting their new products at Gen Con and other major industry events. 

I serve all manner of clients: 
-New players looking for a short-run D&D campaign to teach them the rules 
-GMs in burnout that just need a break
-Publishers and developers looking for demonstrations and playtests
-Managers and HR professionals looking for a unique team-building activity.
-Niche, rare, and indie RPGs that are hard to find a GM that will run for your group  
-Your group's designated GM has moved away and you need steady weekly games to keep the group together and finish the campaign
-You're a new GM that wants in-game coaching and support

For less than the cost of a night at the movies, we can create unforgettable experiences for your whole party. 

To book me, drop me a message!

========================

Gogo the Game Mistress

Wren (they/them) is an agender (non-binary) gamer, podcaster, streamer, and aspiring voice actor. They love dogs, Pokémon, drawing, writing, and cute stuff. They are the audio mixer and the voice of the character Eight in the podcast "Roads Uncharted". As a GM, Wren focuses on narratives and role play, giving each player the chance to interact with the world around them and the other players. Wren strives for inclusion and comfort at the table. Session 0s are a staple and keeping things open and light goes a long way, as well. 

If they had to describe a piece of media that was similar in style to their GM capability, it would be "Avatar: the Last Airbender". 

For an example of Wren's GMing style, check out  their YouTube channel. 


Wren

Hello everyone Matthew here!! Submarine Veteran who has been playing Dungeons and Dragons since high school.  I run modules as well as campaigns from my own home-brewed setting of Lantiarne.  My favorite Dinosaur is the Triceratops.  
Because of being in the Navy, I have been all over the world experiencing different places and cultures, and I try to bring some of that to my campaigns.  Also if you are looking for an accurate fast past nautical adventure, I'm your guy.  I also have a YouTube channel and Tiktok #Bardlingsbanter.  Lately I have been producing alot of Dnd themed short stories and narrating them on YouTube, so take a listen if you are so inclined.

Matthew Menoche

Tim Whalen

I discovered Dungeons & Dragons in the 1990s when I picked up a box with a knight fighting a dragon on its cover. I assumed it was a board game. I taught myself to run this odd game with fabulously illustrated goblins, wizards, and jewels for a few elementary school friends.

Over two decades later, I have run countless tabletop roleplaying game sessions, including a campaign that lasted for over 110 sessions completing its arc and many shorter ones. I've accumulated great stories from running games for friends, family, and people I met in stores and conventions.

My experiences have led me to specialize in running versions of D&D with fewer rules, that make more room for imagination and player freedom, such as Old-School Essentials, a remake of 1981 D&D.

GM Brian

I've been playing/DMing Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition since 2015, and have gained experience with DnD 3.5, World of Darkness, Vampire: the Masquerade, and Dread. I DM a streamed game on Twitch on Wednesdays, play in a YouTube Series, and have Co-written adventures for a Podcast. 

Wartornknight 

Hey there! I’m Falcon, your soon-to-be favorite Dungeon Master. I love running unforgettable adventures and currently GM Cyberpunk Red, Dungeons & Dragons, and Pokémon, with plenty of experience in Call of Cthulhu, Dragonbane, Dungeon World, Mothership, and Shadowdark.

But this isn’t just about rolling dice—it’s about the people at the table. Over time, our community has grown into something truly special: a tight-knit, battle-forged family that looks out for each other, both in and out of the game. We’ve built a solid-as-steel gaming group that’s so strong, we even host our own in-person con once a year!

If you’re looking for a welcoming crew of legends to roll with, we want your sword in our ranks. Ready to join the adventure? Roll Initiative!

Family-Friendly | Military Veteran | Roll20 Partner
Everyone is welcome at my table! 💖

A.J. Falcon

Sevax D&D

I began playing Tabletop RPGs in the late 80s when my uncle gave me my first Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (2E) Books, Campaign & dice set for Christmas.  We grabbed some paper and a pencil rolled up my characters and never looked back.  5 years later I was running my first Dungeons and Dragons Games with friends and have been DMing ever since.  I have run multiple systems (2e, 3.5 & 5; Old World of Darkness, Star Wars D20, Warhammer 40k Dark Heresy and have access to others that I have bought as they looked like a fun investment of time).

In terms of games I have run premade modules as well as hombrewed my own.  I am currently building my own world and have 2 different groups running in that.  I enjoy running worlds that span from fantasy-horror, low-high tech but I find my favorites are the ones that fall in the middle where anything is possible.  I also favor High-Role Play where the Rule of Cool tends to allow for some interesting events to happen and that are inclusive for all players.

Caterina

Hello, I  am a 23 M, and I have been playing DND 5E for around six years, and I have been a DM for five years, and before that, I have been writing since I have been in third grade. I have always liked to create fun and engaging stories and figured why not try and make some money off of it lol.  

Journeymen

Hi, I'm Jett (they/them)! I’ve been playing TTRPGs for over a decade and have been a GM/DM for 8 years, running games online here on SPG, at bar events in NYC, and at many lovely tables far and wide!

I love creating roleplay-rich tables that are safe, respectful, and inclusive to all. Fostering an environment of safety, mutual respect, curiosity, and fun is deeply important to me. I focus on creating games for my queer community and all folks of marginalized experience, but I GM for everyone who is down to take care of each other and play! From silly to serious, I just love telling good stories with a great group of people. If that sounds good to you, pull up a chair, help me put my theater and creative writing degrees to use, and come have some fun!

Jett

Hello! I'm a laid-back and fun-loving gal who enjoys playing and running TTRPG's. I've been running games since I was in High School, and continue to do so today, across a wide range of systems, but with a particular love for indie games. Many games that I run either feature some slice-of-life or have a strong roleplaying focus, with a smattering of some comedy and combat here and there. All of my games are LGBTQIA+ friendly, and often bear plenty of representation across the gender spectrum as well as the neurodivergent spectrum, as well as disability representation. Additionally, I do not run any games with the assistance of AI, so you can count on every game being lovingly crafted by organic hand! Outside of gaming, I have a passion for coffee, writing, and fiber arts. So what do you say? Shall we brew up some coffee and roll up a character?