ABOUT
From an Unexpected Party to Epic Adventures
My journey as a Dungeon Master began in 1992 at a high school party—though I didn’t know it at the time. A friend asked me to bring my D&D books, so I showed up with the 2nd Edition Player’s Handbook and a single module: Ravenloft. When I arrived, no one had ever run a game before—myself included. So I stepped behind the screen and figured it out.
That night sparked a campaign that carried through my junior and senior years, and I’ve been DMing ever since.
Over the past three decades, I’ve guided countless parties through dangerous dungeons, political intrigue, and world-shaking adventures. I’ve run long-form campaigns like Rod of Seven Parts (4 years), Shackled City (3 years), and Tyranny of Dragons (2 years), converted classic modules across editions, and built custom spelljammer ships inspired by Guardians of the Galaxy. Today, I run multiple ongoing campaigns, including an epic Savage Tide conversion that meets every Monday night.
I nearly stepped away during the pandemic, when video fatigue made online sessions feel like just another meeting. But a presentation I gave—Everything I Learned About Product Management, I Learned as a Dungeon Master—reignited my passion. It connected me with colleagues who played (or wanted to), and led to several campaigns that are still going strong today.
The COTU DM Experience
I aim to create games that feel like The Lord of the Rings—though, admittedly, we sometimes land closer to Scooby-Doo. My table blends tactical combat, roleplay, environmental challenges, puzzles, and skill-based encounters. I don’t set out to run silly campaigns, but there’s always room for humor alongside real stakes and dramatic moments.
What sets my table apart isn’t just how we play—it’s what we create together. I weave character backstories directly into the narrative, use immersive props and terrain, and design memorable moments with custom videos, voiceovers, and soundscapes. For Strange Aeons, I published each character’s lost memories as a hardbound book. For Descent into Avernus, I created a cinematic reveal of Lulu’s memories to close the campaign. And for Savage Tide, I’ve written original songs, developed 150-page character interludes, and built custom terrain for a climactic green dragon battle.
I believe in story over optimization. At my table, success means having fun and telling a great story together—even when that story ends in disaster. Some of the best tales begin with failure—the moments that shape ordinary characters into legendary heroes.
New Adventurers Welcome
Whether you’ve been rolling dice for decades or have never opened a Player’s Handbook, you’ll find a place at my table. I’ve introduced many new players to D&D with patience and a clear, approachable style, while also running high-level campaigns for veterans seeking a challenge—including a current 17th-level conversion of Labyrinth of Madness on a digital tabletop.
I especially enjoy players who speak in character, make decisions true to their characters (even when they’re not optimal), and help shape the world. If your character knows something you don’t, make it up—unless it contradicts established lore, it becomes canon.
I primarily run D&D 5th Edition (both 2014 and 2024 rules), with experience across nearly every edition, as well as systems like Call of Cthulhu and Old Gods of Appalachia. I’m drawn to eldritch horror and stories that challenge both the dice and the players themselves.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
From Ashland, Virginia - the Center of the Universe - I offer both in-person and online games. I also DM at conventions and events in the RVA area.
Whether you're looking for a one-shot adventure, an ongoing campaign, or something custom for your group or event, let's talk about the kind of story we can tell together!