Darren

Hi, I’m Darren Ruckle, a professional Dungeon Master with over 45 years of tabletop experience and 4 years as a full-time pro GM. I specialize in tactical, combat-focused campaigns that challenge players to think, plan, and fight smart. My tables reward teamwork, positioning, and smart resource management—where every encounter feels earned and every victory matters. All my games run on a custom-modded Foundry VTT setup with clean automation, dynamic lighting, and high-quality battlemaps built for fast, fluid combat. You’ll spend less time on setup and more time in the action. If you enjoy structured adventures, gritty dungeon crawls, and combat that actually makes you sweat, my tables are for you. I take pride in consistency, clarity, and professionalism—running on time, keeping communication clear, and delivering the kind of tactical experience that keeps players coming back. Let’s roll initiative.

GM Style: Tactical Combat. Fast Pacing. Consequence-Driven Stories. I run games where combat hits hard, the story moves fast, and your choices shape the world. Expect well-designed tactical encounters that reward smart positioning, teamwork, and quick thinking. I don’t do filler fights—every combat matters and moves the story forward. Outside of battle, sessions flow seamlessly through exploration, puzzles, NPC interactions, and story beats. I keep the pacing tight, the transitions clean, and the downtime minimal. You’ll stay engaged from start to finish. Roleplaying is encouraged but never forced. Whether you’re here for drama, decisions, or just badass action, there’s room at the table. Your characters will face real consequences—and real choices—at every turn. I run my games on a fully customized Foundry VTT setup with dynamic lighting, automation, high-quality maps, and no wasted time. Feedback is always welcome, and I adapt the campaign to reflect the players’ actions and goals. If you're looking for a GM who delivers strategic combat, clean pacing, and meaningful storytelling—let’s roll.

Started with the Red Box in 1980 and have been hooked ever since. Mostly GMed but I have occasionally got to play. Started my professional GMing career over 4 years ago.