Who is this guy…?
I’m not the guy in the image. I’m just a guy who thoroughly enjoys engaging with people from every walk of life to create immersive and memorable experiences. I still remember specific events from games I played in the mid-80’s and I want to give others an opportunity to have similar moments.
My sense of humor sits somewhere in the middle of sarcastic, dark, and dad jokes. I am a chameleon in that I can match the behavior of my audience; if the group is playful, I’m playful but if the group is serious, then I’m serious. I like to let tense moments build until climax, then add a moment of levity to help everyone decompress. I like to add sudden drama or action into an otherwise humorous or relaxing scene. I assure you, I’m taking my job as game master seriously even when it doesn’t seem like I’m doing so.
I am emotionally grounded and appreciate feedback. My life experiences, both the ones I sought out and those I didn’t necessarily want, have given me the ability to listen without judgment, to treat everyone fairly, and to focus on being kind instead of nice (there is a distinction). Feel free to speak up if a game topic or activity bothers you. Let me know if you disagree with a ruling. Tell me if you’re frustrated about something. I didn’t live this long without learning to accept others’ points of view.
… and why does he do this?
This hobby lets us be something other than what we are every other day of our lives, and although we bring some of who we are into the characters we play, my hope is that you try things with these characters that you would be to afraid to try in the real world. These games can help those who enjoy being the center of attention learn to step back and let others shine. It can also help those who prefer to remain in the background step forward and be seen. You can experience struggling in poverty or having an excess of wealth; you can choose to face danger with bravery or with cowardice; be any race, any gender, any faith… you can even choose to play yourself but in a completely different world.
My games are a safe space to try anything. As games master, I have the authority to modify the rules as I see fit, but we are all generally bound by the rules of the game system and I prefer my games to make sense within that framework. For example, I will allow things in a Dungeons & Dragons game that I will not allow in an Aliens: RPG game and I will allow things in a Call of Cthulhu game that I will not allow in a Starship Troopers game. Maintaining realism within the game makes it more believable and therefore more immersive and engaging for everyone.
To support the objective of maintaining a safe space, I do not tolerate any sort of player harassment whatsoever. Conflict among the characters is fine - and can be memorable - but conflict among the players will be dealt with immediately and hopefully without disrupting the game further. I also do not allow player-versus-player behavior unless the group wants that type of game.
