GM Chris

I had the chance to join a one-shot run by Ajax DM, and it was a fantastic experience. She did a great job getting everyone up to speed on Roll20, which made it easy to jump right into the game. She flowed naturally with the party, adapting to our choices and keeping the story engaging. It was a lot of fun from start to finish, and I’d honestly recommend her to anyone looking for a great DM.

Having run Curse of Strahd over 100 times, 50+ before joining StartPlaying and another 50+ since. This gothic horror masterpiece remains my favorite campaign. The atmosphere, rich lore, and moral dilemmas make for incredible storytelling. Players love the depth of Strahd as a villain, the unpredictable sandbox, and the terrifyingly immersive setting. However, the module benefits from DM tweaks to improve pacing, Vallaki’s politics, and certain underwhelming encounters. Every run is unique, shaped by player choices and their struggle against Barovia’s darkness. If you want a truly memorable D&D experience, Curse of Strahd is the gold standard of 5e campaigns.

A monster I am lest a monster I become. I started playing Vampire: The Masquerade 2nd Edition back in the 90s, captivated by its dark atmosphere, focus on storytelling, and the deep exploration of personal horror. Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition (V5) has brought that same experience into a modern light, refining the rules while keeping the heart of the game intact. The emphasis on narrative and atmosphere remains front and center, with mechanics that enhance storytelling rather than distract from it. The Hunger dice system is a standout addition, constantly reminding players of their Beast within and making the act of feeding both tense and narratively rewarding. One thing V5 does particularly well is balance. The overpowered characters and abilities of earlier editions—while nostalgic—have been reined in, creating a much more grounded and balanced experience. Disciplines are still powerful but feel more deliberate, and the focus on Humanity and Chronicle Tenets ensures characters face meaningful moral choices. This isn’t about who can win in a fight; it’s about navigating the social and political minefield of Kindred society while holding onto what little remains of your humanity. Combat exists, but it wisely takes a backseat to intrigue, roleplay, and personal horror. As a Game Master, I love how V5 gives me the tools to create rich, immersive stories. Chronicle Tenets and Touchstones anchor characters to their moral struggles, while the streamlined rules make gameplay smooth and atmospheric. Whether it’s navigating vampire politics, unraveling mysteries, or dealing with the consequences of succumbing to the Hunger, every session feels like a slow descent into darkness. V5 refines what made Vampire great while addressing past imbalances, making it my go-to system for deep, story-driven roleplay. It’s a modern take on a classic game that keeps the focus exactly where it should be: on the story, the choices, and the horror of being a monster.

I started playing Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition back in the early 90s, when rulebooks were dense and THAC0 ruled the table. Over the years, I’ve watched D&D evolve, and 5th Edition (5e) feels like the version that truly captures the essence of the game. As a professional Dungeon Master, I’ve run multiple 5e campaigns, including Lost Mine of Phandelver and Curse of Strahd, and I’m consistently impressed by how well it blends accessibility with depth. The rules are streamlined, making it easier for new players to jump in while still offering enough tactical depth to keep veterans engaged. What really sets 5e apart is its focus on storytelling. Mechanics like advantage/disadvantage are elegant yet impactful, and character creation encourages creativity without overwhelming players. Phandelver remains one of the best introductions to the game, providing exploration, combat, and roleplay in a way that feels natural and fun. For more experienced groups, Curse of Strahd delivers an unforgettable gothic horror adventure filled with tension and memorable NPCs. As someone who runs games professionally, I appreciate how flexible 5e is. Whether it’s a gritty, low-level survival game or a high-stakes epic, the system handles it all beautifully. While there are moments when I miss the quirks and crunch of older editions, 5e makes up for it by bringing D&D into a golden age. It’s never been easier to gather players, roll dice, and tell amazing stories together. Dungeons & Dragons 5e proves that the magic of the game and its ability to inspire imagination and create unforgettable moments is alive and well.

Salman proved to be an exceptional teacher during the improv/voice workshop I attended. The session was not only immensely enjoyable but also incredibly informative, leaving me with numerous valuable insights. Having been a GM for years, it was refreshing to add new techniques to my toolbox. I am eagerly awaiting the next session I can attend, anticipating further growth and learning.