Rob Duke

Rob Duke

he/him

Timezone

America/indiana/indianapolis

About me

I've been immersed in the world of tabletop RPGs since 2010, and I've been GMing since 2012. My journey as a GM began out of a desire to create more collaborative and character-focused storytelling experiences, having witnessed firsthand how restrictive and limiting railroading can be. Over the years, I've evolved into a GM who places character-driven narratives at the forefront, ensuring that each player's journey feels meaningful and personalized. I have extensive experience with a variety of systems, including 5e, Tales of the Valiant, Fate Core, Dresden Files Accelerated, and Monster of the Week. I’ve recently picked up Shadowdark and am looking forward to running it, intrigued by its fresh take on classic dungeon-crawling. I’m particularly drawn to games that encourage narrative freedom. I believe that players should have the agency to shape the story, leaving their mark on the world we create together. What sets me apart as a GM is my commitment to character-first storytelling. I’ve adapted the Story Circle framework to my games, using the information provided during session zero to craft a unique narrative journey for each character. My approach ensures that every player feels seen and that their character’s story is intricately woven into the broader campaign. I’m a big fan of fantasy literature, with favorites like the *First Law* series by Joe Abercrombie, *Kings of the Wyld* by Nicholas Eames, and *The Priory of the Orange Tree* by Samantha Shannon. I also enjoy manga and anime, which often inspire the stories I tell at the table.

My preferences

Reviews I've given (6)

Lykos avatar

Lykos

Played 1 session

Lykos ran a solid mystery one-shot and was great with both new and returning players. He was professional throughout, making the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Carol avatar

Carol

Carol ran an imaginative, cozy one-shot and was incredibly welcoming throughout. She did a great job explaining the system to new players, making the table feel comfortable and accessible. I would absolutely play in her games again.

Shaj avatar

Shaj

I had an absolute blast in Shaj’s holiday one-shot. Shaj is welcoming, clear with the rules, and did a great job setting a cozy seasonal tone while keeping the game engaging. One of the highlights was a really clever snowball fight at the end. I’d happily sign up for another game he runs.

Caracal avatar

Caracal

Caracal is an energetic GM who is passionate about collaborative storytelling.

Jessica avatar

Jessica

I’ve played with Jessica across multiple campaigns, and she always brings something new and engaging to the table. She creates space for player creativity, welcomes newcomers, and keeps the story moving with warmth and energy.