A Beginning

If I am going to blog about gaming I suppose I should offer my gaming credentials, and allow you to decide if I am worthy of your time. I began my role playing hobby/obsession/career at a fairly young age when I was introduced to basic D&D by my father. I have since had experience with every edition of D&D from the classic 1st edition to the complex 4th. In my teens my mother and her friends introduced me to the storyteller system published by White Wolf by bringing me into their Mage: The Ascension game. Since then I have eagerly expanded my knowledge, always looking for new systems and settings to try. My experience includes (but is not limited to) Pathfinder, Shadowrun 1st-5th edition, the old World of Darkness (yes, all of it), Cyberpunk 2020, Warhammer 40,000 role playing (primarily Dark Heresy), Mutants & Masterminds, Deadlands, Savage Worlds, Eclipse Phase, and so very many others. I have been a GM, or Storyteller as I prefer, since my mid-teens, and have been mostly succesful (I'd like to think) at running entertaining games for my players.

Everyone must begin somewhere, as the saying goes, and I began at my parents dinner table. My play, and running, style has been influenced by every gamer I've ever sat down to a table with since. I view every new player, GM, and game as an opportunity to learn, and expand my skills. To me role playing games have become more than a hobby, they are an art form. One part storytelling, one part improvisational theatre, and one part melodrama. Don't get me wrong, I'm no gaming snob who thinks that there is only one right way to play, as far as I'm concerned as long as everyone at your table is having fun you're doing it right.

As a player I believe that it is my role to bring a creative and well thought out character to the table that will enhance the story and increase the enjoyment of everyone at the table. It doesn't matter if I'm playing a half-drow assassin, a troll street shaman, a proselytizing prophet, or a reality hacker, I try my best to improve the game for everyone I'm playing with.

As a storyteller I am the creator of worlds, and the god of all I survey. I build everything my players will see, speak for every entity they shall meet, and try to weave multiple plot-threads into a tapestry that will keep my players coming back for more. With my players help I attempt to create a compelling tale that will be talked about for years to come. Above all though I focus my energy on my most vital role, entertaining my players. I believe it is every GM, DM, or Storytellers job to make sure everyone at their table (including themselves) is having fun.

I hope you have been intrigued, and that you will continue to read in the coming days as I attempt to impart what little wisdom I possess to my fellow gamers, old and new alike, and with your blessings, give you the tid-bits of advice I have garnered throughout my decades of gaming.