Online Game Master - Available for sessions
Available for sessions
Your Story.
Your Story.
No Manual Required.
No Manual Required.
For curious new players who want immersive stories without reading thick rulebooks or feeling lost at the table.
For curious new players who want immersive stories without reading thick rulebooks or feeling lost at the table.
Selected writings
Helping you as I learn
Helping you as I learn
What Makes A Character "Interesting" Part 3: The Bare Minimum
roleplaying, character creation
What Makes A Character "Interesting" Part 3: The Bare Minimum
roleplaying, character creation
What Makes A Character "Interesting" Part 1: The Backstory Trap
character creation, roleplaying
What Makes A Character "Interesting" Part 1: The Backstory Trap
character creation, roleplaying
Safety Tools and How I Use Them
safety tools, game mastering
Safety Tools and How I Use Them
safety tools, game mastering
The Accessibility Problem in TTRPGs (And How We Fix It)
game mastering, hot takes
The Accessibility Problem in TTRPGs (And How We Fix It)
game mastering, hot takes
I'm an online game master, writer, and TTRPG designer. I help first-time and hesitant tabletop gamers start playing fast without getting buried in rules or feeling unsure at the table.
Gaul is an online game master, TTRPG designer, and writer who turns complex rules systems into invisible engines that respond to your character's choices. Based in Portland, working with players all across the world.
4+ years
TTRPG Experience
4+ years
TTRPG Experience
100+
Sessions & counting
100+
Sessions & counting
What I do
Fostering immersive tabletop experiences without rule overwhelm.
Fostering immersive tabletop experiences without rule overwhelm.
Game design
Inclusivity
Immersive stories
Thought leadership
Game design
Inclusivity
Immersive stories
Thought leadership
Safety tools
Map design
Rich detail
Reactive worlds
Safety tools
Map design
Rich detail
Reactive worlds
How it works
What joining a game looks like.
What joining a game looks like.
01
Book your seat on StartPlaying
Choose your spot in the next campaign starting March 15th and receive details for your first session.
01
Book your seat on StartPlaying
Choose your spot in the next campaign starting March 15th and receive details for your first session.
02
Create your character
In less than an hour we build your character together so you feel clear, confident, and ready to play.
03
Start the adventure
Show up, step into the story, and enjoy a few hours of escape without worrying about rules or mechanics.
03
Start the adventure
Show up, step into the story, and enjoy a few hours of escape without worrying about rules or mechanics.
Kind words
From players I've guided
From players I've guided
I'd always been curious but intimidated by the rules. I showed up knowing nothing, and within an hour I was immersed. No homework. No confusion. Just pure storytelling.
Sarah M.
First-time TTRPG player
I'd always been curious but intimidated by the rules. I showed up knowing nothing, and within an hour I was immersed. No homework. No confusion. Just pure storytelling.
Sarah M.
First-time TTRPG player
After years of heavy prep and spreadsheets, this table felt refreshing. I get depth without hours of study. I can finally relax and enjoy playing again.
Marcus T.
Veteran TTRPG player
After years of heavy prep and spreadsheets, this table felt refreshing. I get depth without hours of study. I can finally relax and enjoy playing again.
Marcus T.
Veteran TTRPG player
I’ve played at tables that felt tense or judgmental. Here, sessions flow smoothly and questions are welcomed. The focus is always on shared storytelling and making sure everyone enjoys their time together.
Lina Torres
Casual player
I’ve played at tables that felt tense or judgmental. Here, sessions flow smoothly and questions are welcomed. The focus is always on shared storytelling and making sure everyone enjoys their time together.
Lina Torres
Casual player
"I have played in various DND groups with different types of game masters. Gaul offers the perfect blend of fairness and fun. He has deep knowledge of the rules and rewards creativity."
Hannah K.
Casual TTRPG player
"I have played in various DND groups with different types of game masters. Gaul offers the perfect blend of fairness and fun. He has deep knowledge of the rules and rewards creativity."
Hannah K.
Casual TTRPG player
"First project was a logo. Then a website. Then a full product redesign. Three years later, Alex is still my first call for anything design. That says everything."
Nina Alvarez
Founder at Flux
"First project was a logo. Then a website. Then a full product redesign. Three years later, Alex is still my first call for anything design. That says everything."
Nina Alvarez
Founder at Flux
"Alex didn't just make it look better — he challenged our assumptions, simplified the user flow, and shipped a design system our dev team actually enjoys using. That never happens."
James Okafor
Product Lead at Prism
"Alex didn't just make it look better — he challenged our assumptions, simplified the user flow, and shipped a design system our dev team actually enjoys using. That never happens."
James Okafor
Product Lead at Prism
Online Game Master · Available for sessions
Available for sessions
Have a character in mind? Let's make it real.
I'm currently available for new projects starting March 2025. Whether you need a full brand identity, a product redesign, or a strategic creative partner
I've never played a TTRPG before. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Many of my players are complete beginners. I design sessions so you can jump in without studying rulebooks or memorizing stats. You'll learn by playing, with real-time guidance every step of the way.
Do I need to prepare anything before the first session?
No. I handle all the prep work—world-building, session design, character integration. Just show up ready to tell a story. If you want to create a character concept, we can discuss it during our brief pre-game consultation, but it's completely optional.
What platforms do you use for online games?
I run sessions through Fluxer for voice/video and Foundry VTT for maps and visuals. All you need is a stable internet connection and a headset. I'll send you simple setup instructions before your first session.
How long are sessions, and how often do you play?
Standard sessions run 3 hours. Depending on the campaign, we meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—whatever schedule the group commits to. You'll see the exact schedule listed on each StartPlaying campaign.
What game systems do you run?
I primarily run D&D 5th Edition and Old-School Essentials, though I'm open to other systems depending on the campaign. Each game listing on StartPlaying specifies the system used.
How do I book a game?
Visit my StartPlaying profile, browse available campaigns, and click "Book" on the one that interests you. StartPlaying handles all payment and scheduling. Once booked, I'll reach out with session details and any additional info you need.
I've never played a TTRPG before. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Many of my players are complete beginners. I design sessions so you can jump in without studying rulebooks or memorizing stats. You'll learn by playing, with real-time guidance every step of the way.
Do I need to prepare anything before the first session?
No. I handle all the prep work—world-building, session design, character integration. Just show up ready to tell a story. If you want to create a character concept, we can discuss it during our brief pre-game consultation, but it's completely optional.
What platforms do you use for online games?
I run sessions through Fluxer for voice/video and Foundry VTT for maps and visuals. All you need is a stable internet connection and a headset. I'll send you simple setup instructions before your first session.
How long are sessions, and how often do you play?
Standard sessions run 3 hours. Depending on the campaign, we meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—whatever schedule the group commits to. You'll see the exact schedule listed on each StartPlaying campaign.
What game systems do you run?
I primarily run D&D 5th Edition and Old-School Essentials, though I'm open to other systems depending on the campaign. Each game listing on StartPlaying specifies the system used.
How do I book a game?
Visit my StartPlaying profile, browse available campaigns, and click "Book" on the one that interests you. StartPlaying handles all payment and scheduling. Once booked, I'll reach out with session details and any additional info you need.
I've never played a TTRPG before. Can I still join?
Do I need to prepare anything before the first session?
What platforms fo you use for online games?
How long are sessions, and how often do you play?
What game systems do you run?
How do I book a game?