Jacob

If you love RPGs for what they do well, you will love having Joshua as your game master. By that, I mean choice. I still remember playing D&D the first time in middle school and being mystified that there was a game where you could choose to do anything you could think of. I was accustomed to the rigid parameters of video games (Apple II GS, yes, I’m old) and even board games. I run into the same constraints today on Xbox with games like Baldur’s Gate III: why can’t I Mage Hand that book that’s out of reach? Or actually fly when I cast Fly? Half of the game becomes discovering my limitations within it. And the same thing can happen with GMs: “The module wants you to do this.” Never the case with Joshua. The game is the game. It’s what you’re there for and he’s ready for anything. One of the best improvisors I’ve seen as a GM, and, with an old guy like me who’s played in groups and game cons for over 30 years, that’s saying something. If your imagination wants to put something to the test, he can set it free. Agency is yours. Build a story with the other players, however your character fits. Joshua’s ready to dig into the reasons your character pushed aside the downtrodden farmer quest-giver, or stole the noble’s coin purse, or didn’t take prisoners when the king called for a trial. Joshua has a gift for challenging player characters with more than combat. His NPCs are multidimensional. There’s always a gray area. And he’s sharp and knowledgeable enough for quick-hitting moments and to pivot when needed. The RP will have storybook detail, without the preplanned, linear execution of a book. And when folks “are always trying to ice skate uphill”, he will be ready to drop the hammer, because, yes, there are consequences for each of those choices… Such a blast. Get ready for tension, and a rollercoaster. Couldn’t give a higher recommend.

Dungeons & Dragons is a unique game because players often seek differing experiences from it. Some enjoy tactical combat, the crunch of large spell lists with exacting parameters, the thrill of driving resources to their utmost efficiency. Others may prefer the detective work put forth in solving a good mystery. And some players immerse themselves in characters with convoluted backstories, digging into role play that drives a narrative with complex psychological and emotional interrelationships. They all want to be protagonists in a shared story. Robert’s strength as a game master is that he recognizes this. He designs his content to revolve around his player characters, their backstories, objectives, and desires—not the other way around. Obviously the bulk of his content comes before he runs a single session, but he’s mindful of how PCs and players (which he recognizes as two totally different things) will interact with the story and dungeon elements that he creates. He adds details that engage the player characters, forcing them to make choices about the things they care about. Investing in the story is never easier than when Robert is running a game. In this way, he balances all the great things that players want out of Dungeons & Dragons, making it fun for everyone. You want a creepy music box puzzle? Done. A giant mega-dungeon? Done. RP within a family feud where traditions and change clash? Done. Robert creates great content, but he also knows how to pivot to give the most to his players. That is a strength that not all game master embrace.