Brooklyn

I have been in two of Pete’s games: a low-magic Bronze Age fantasy and a dark fantasy post-apocalyptic game set in the near future. I might be biased since Pete is the only DM I’ve played with in the Cypher System, but I couldn’t imagine a better DM. I had very little idea of what to expect going in, but I was blown away by the creativity and world-building. The melding of well-researched historical technology in the Bronze Age fantasy game and the implementation of magic in the futuristic apocalypse game were incredible. In both games, the worlds feel expansive and unrestricted. The stories have been intricate and compelling. Every decision feels meaningful, and there have been some truly touching (and admittedly devastating) moments that make me look forward to each new session. Despite the questionable choices players (mostly me) make, the story is expertly woven into our decisions. I never feel like going on a side quest or exploring a random piece of information takes away from the overall goal or narrative. That being said, I absolutely felt like players had complete control over how the story played out. Often, players were presented with choices that could radically change the challenges, the characters we met, or the places we went. I feel like all players have a huge impact and influence on the story. I never felt left out, even if I was separated from the group. The DM intrusions are always super fun twists, and I almost never turn them down. I came in with very little experience, but Pete quickly helped me figure out the rules and gave great advice when I was stuck trying to implement a mechanic. He doesn’t mind explaining something you may have asked about for the sixth time and is more than happy to problem-solve difficult interpretations of the rules or wording. Pete’s games often use the method of loci (memory palace) when it comes to characters or scenes. There is still heavy use of visual maps, so there’s always something to look at or explore visually. Occasionally, if combat or a dungeon is complicated, he’ll pull out a map we can navigate with tokens. Although I lean toward being a visual learner, I’ve found that Pete’s descriptions and voice acting make most visuals unnecessary. It’s nice to be able to switch scenes and characters quickly without having to worry about setting things up visually beforehand. Overall, Pete is an exceptional DM who brings unmatched creativity, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the Cypher System to every session. His ability to craft immersive worlds, deliver compelling stories, and make every player feel valued is truly impressive. Whether you’re new to the system or a seasoned player, Pete’s games offer an unforgettable experience full of excitement, emotion, and adventure. I can’t recommend playing in one of his campaigns enough!