Jonathan

It's always hard to find DMs you click with and who give what you want out of a game but Sikyo does that for me. First off, he's a nice, respectful guy willing to listen and work with you through every process. Never feel awkward or unseen at the table; gives everyone time to shine and allows player creativity but not to an absurd point. Keeps the story and game moving while still allowing for role play and special moments; knows when to pump the brakes and when to ease forward on the gas. Puts a lot of effort into the story and characters, including his own flourishes with modules. Runs meaningful combat that isn't a snore fest and is challenging but gives you opportunities to avoid it if that's your thing and if not makes sure you're prepared if not. He's a very receptive DM, asking for feedback and ways to make thing better as well as trying to draw you into the game world with some after session thoughts and questions to ponder for next session, which I think it neat. Overall I couldn't recommend Sikyo more for any kind of player. No matter if you're heavy into role play and story, like the tactical crunch or just want to be social with new and old friends, I don't think you can go wrong with this DM.

I'm not too great at writing reviews but I'll do my best here because Scott is a class act and deserves recognition. To start off I'm very particular about DMs I enjoy, perhaps too picky but I value my time and no D&D is better than bad D&D. Scott's games, however, damn good D&D. Scott himself is a great guy, super friendly, like someone you met at a cozy pub and got to chatting with and now you meet every weekend as the best part of your week. Very outgoing, mannered, loves to joke and brings a welcoming and cozy atmosphere to the table. To the game itself, Scott runs what I consider the perfect kind of D&D game. A story with stakes, seriousness but plenty of time for levity and jokes to bring about character and party building without any aspect becoming to dull or overplayed. He runs the game fair, giving everyone their time in the light and making sure everyone is getting some kind of engagement, even those who are a bit more timid or softspoken. He does run some tough combat but that is a bonus for me, he plays the monsters and adversaries like they want to survive, like they would in real life and it makes for fun and engaging combat. Scott also does his best to conform to whatever party style you have-light on healers, no worries, find some extra health potions as a baseline example. All in all I'd call Scott as close to a perfect DM for people who like the whole gambit of D&D-combat, RP and exploration. For people who want a comfortable atmosphere like you're playing with friends at your own real life table and a game run with knowledge, respect for the game and the world and just pure fun, Scott is the DM for you hands down.

Vulpes is a fun loving, player and safety-first DM. They allow players to explore the game in fun and creative ways while not going too far off the rails. I'm in several of their groups and have played with them quite a lot outside of Startplaying and every time it's been lots of laughs and a true desire for storytelling moments. That's not to say they are incapable of delivering somber, poignant moments, they very much can but they are there to make the game fun and your time enjoyable.

Joy is a wonderful individual who really brings some passion to the campaign. With a nicely setup VTT and add-ons to really make the experience fun and immersive, it's been one of the best online experiences I've had. Joy also been amazing in terms of the role play and story, allowing our group time to RP while also building a world for us to explore. We're also allowed quite a bit a freedom in how we approach challenges, even if they're terrible, which is always a welcome addition to player agency. All in all, Joy is a fantastic DM and person and I do not think you can go wrong by choosing to join up with them.

I, sadly, was only able to get in a single session before a schedule change forced me to leave the campaign but the session told me a lot. He was very friendly and open to character concepts; working them into the story. Voices and personalities for the NPCs we met were great nd he really set the mood for the adventure. I'd highly recommend him and hope to get back in a game with him as the DM.