Me as a Game Master

I've been running TTRPGs since around 2013, starting with D&D 3.5e in my friend's basement. I moved onto 5e when it came out and the rest is history. I went to college and explored... other TTRPGs. I've since dabbled in FATE, Dawn of Worlds, Call of Cthulhu, Stars Without Number, Mecha Hack, Cats of Catthulhu, Deadlands, Cyberpunk RED, the Dragon Age RPG, Homeworld... I'm losing track at this point. The important thing is that I love tabletop games. There isn't anything else like them, and I want to share that beauty with other people. This is why I run games professionally.

WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE

The other reason I want to run games professionally is because I like to put a lot of effort into my games. Some would say too much. Regardless, it takes time to put elaborate and engaging games together, and my time deserves compensation. I love to run games, but running games doesn't pay the bills (or does it?)

So, how do I take my games to the next level?

Maps, Scenes, & Art

Playing TTRPGs online can be challenging. I think engaging maps, scene imagery, and artwork can do what words can't.

I make my own maps through programs like Inkarnate or DungeonScrawl. I also subscribe to talented Patreon creators that graciously allow me to use their work in my games.

Music

Nothing beats a tense TTRPG moment accompanied by the perfect music. I swear, I can't play Call of Cthulhu without some eerie jazz playing.

I use wonderful composers like Tabletop Audio to orchestrate my games. I've curated a plethora of Spotify and YouTube playlists for players to use. I'm also a frequent user of the YouTube Audio Library, the Library of Congress, and Audacity to make perfect soundtracks and sound effects.

Character Focus

Since one-shots often utilize pre-made characters, I want the session to still feel unique.

In whatever ways possible, I'll give you creative liberties with your characters and tie them into the game. This means that I'll probably push you and ask questions about your character beyond what is vaguely described on the character sheet. Why are they here? What weapon do they have and why? Why aren't they running away?

You may have noticed the simplicity of my games. I'm an analog person, preferring paper and pen whenever I can.

It's hard to get a pen and paper feel when playing online, which is why I don't use robust programs like Talespire. I want to replicate the feeling of being around a table. I don't want cool gadgets to get in the way of the game.

I don't offer the most realistic maps, the perfect token for every character, or voice modulators to roleplay the perfect voices. I would rather spend that time to write a good story than fiddling with features.

Regardless of the tool, I won't let it get in the way of storytelling, dice-rolling, and having a good laugh.

Me as a Game Master

WHAT I BRING TO THE TABLE

MY STYLE

LOGAN

SMITH