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.

Through Roll20, I have access to some wonderful composers like Tabletop Audio to orchestrate my games. I'm also a frequent user of the YouTube Audio Library and Audacity to make perfect soundtracks.

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 is your character's story, not a story your character happens to be in.

This means that I'll probably push you and ask questions about your character beyond what is vaguely described on the character sheet.

Rules Knowledge

As someone with a love for board games, I respect rules in TTRPGs. You can expect that if I'm running a game for you, I know and will adhere to the rules.

However, I put the Rule of Cool above the other rules except the Rule of Theme. You can try anything as long as it makes sense for the world.

Take risks. Be adventurous. We'll learn rules as we go.

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 Foundry or 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.

Time and energy are also factors. I would rather spend two hours brainstorming a plot for your character than making a cool effect work on a battlemap that may not get used.

For some games, I use Roll20 because of the integrated character sheet. For others, I use Owlbear Rodeo. 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