D&D Beyond

Discord

Foundry VTT

Roll20

Shard Tabletop

“Roleplay Heavy” games place the focus on the story, the characters, and the world they live within, and tend to lean hard into the various roleplaying elements of the game. These games will frequently find the party talking with NPCs, exploring the personal elements of their backstories, or even having emotional moments around the camp fire. 

Roleplay Heavy

“Combat Heavy” games emphasize the combat mechanics within their systems over roleplay or puzzle solving. There are frequent and longer battles with enemies and a greater emphasis on tactical game play.

Combat Heavy

“Rule of Cool” emphasizes creative story beats over sticking to a system’s rules as written. Players have the ability to push the limits of the rules or even break core rule mechanics at times if the Game Master thinks it is interesting, fun, or cool enough.

Rule of Cool (RoC)

In "Sandbox" or "Open World" games, players are given a tremendous amount of freedom to pursue their stories without the restrictions of a more linear game style. Players are encouraged to explore and engage with the world, and find their own story as they do so. These games offer the players the opportunity to help drive the narrative, and allow for the story to evolve organically through the choices they make.

Sandbox / Open World

“Hexcrawl / Exploration” games are all about the journey. Whether you're uncovering ancient ruins, navigating dangerous terrain, or charting new territory, the focus is on discovery and player-driven adventure. Hexcrawls add additional structure by using a map where each hex holds new surprises, challenges, or story hooks.

Hexcrawl / Exploration

Dungeons & Dragons 5e

Homebrew Game

Gothic Horror

Mystery

Horror

Fantasy

High Fantasy

Gritty Fantasy

Historical

Supernatural

Steampunk

Pirate

Cosmic Horror

Comedy

Eldritch Horror

Dark Fantasy

Espionage

DM Doyles

Scott

Marc

Reina

IowaDad81

I'm a nerdy elder millennial with ADHD, who is a moderately experienced D&D player, familiar with 3.5e, 5e (2014), and 5.5e (2024). I enjoy roleplay and combat almost equally, and I do have improv and stage acting experience that helps with the roleplay. I am an LGBTQ+ ally (I'm dad to one trans kid and one poly kid, and grew up with a gay older brother), and will happily join any inclusive table.

Mike

IowaDad81

About me

My preferences

Reviews I've given (14)