NOTE: the opinions expressed in interviews are those of the guests, not necessarily those of shadomain.com
In today’s Tales From the Tavern interview we talk with Brandon Hall, a GM with a lot going on! You can find Brandon at https://bsky.app/profile/brandon.rpgetc.com and
https://twitter.com/Brandon_S_Hall (although I’m not active there any longer)
So let’s hear from Brandon:
Tell us about Stuff You Do
I have substantial experience as a Game Master, primarily for events hosted by organizations such as libraries, school groups, and RPG companies at conventions. Additionally, I’m in the early stages of developing a Cypher System setting and my own tabletop role-playing game. In January, I will be making my debut appearance in a streamed game, and I am actively seeking opportunities to expand my presence in the streaming and podcasting. I’m also considering launching my own if it’s something I enjoy.
What is your favorite TTRPG?
My preferred TTRPG is the Cypher System. Despite having played various systems like Pathfinder 2e, Genesys, D&D 3.5e, PbtA, and several homebrew systems, I am particularly drawn to the blend of narrative and rules that the Cypher System offers. I also hold a deep appreciation for the creative settings developed by Monte Cook Games.
What other hobbies are you interested in?
I work as a Site Reliability Engineer, and enjoy experimenting with different technology stacks and coding languages in my lab environment on the side. Additionally, I have a passion for Mountain Biking and used to do a lot of Boxing prior to the pandemic.
Describe a favorite scenario you ran in a TTRPG
There’s so many it’s really tough to choose one. One that stood out was last year at PAX Unplugged. I ran the Tyrant’s Key one shot from Bruce Cordell and the players were amazing – they embraced everything on their sheet and ran with it and we built out parts of the scenario that weren’t published together in fun and interesting ways. That’s par for the course running games at conventions. What really struck me was they all individually came back the and told me it was their favorite game at the con and signed up for more games. The ego boost was nice and all but my favorite part of running games is the joy it brings to others and it’s why I keep doing it again and again.
If you gave a eulogy for a party you know who was TPK’d, what would you say?
Funny enough I’ve never TPK’d a party. In scenarios where it should have happened I’ve always discussed with the party alternatives, unless they really want to all die (and that has never been the case). Often I’ll have them maimed, taken captive, or have other serious consequences. Individual players have died but never a TPK.
Have you ever felt like an outsider in the TTRPG space? Describe if you can.
Fortunately, I haven’t. While I have encountered a few challenging players, the overall TTRPG community has proven to be exceptionally welcoming. In my experience, many TTRPG enthusiasts have led diverse lives, and the hobby serves as a platform for individuals with various backgrounds, including neurodivergent individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, introverts, and many others, to come together and enjoy their shared passion. This inclusivity is something I deeply cherish and value.
Anything else you’d like us to know:
One other part of the hobby I love is the sheer amount of creative people it supports. Artists, publishers, game designers, editors, streamers, paid GMs, not to mention other roles that support these folks. It might not seem it, but TTRPGs are a huge positive force in the world and I’m really happy and lucky to have found the hobby.
Thanks, Brandon!
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