Welcome to my corner of the internet dedicated to tabletop RPGs, with a special focus on Pathfinder. My journey in tabletop gaming began back in 1992 when a friend introduced me to the Dungeons & Dragons starter box. We spent countless hours replaying the included dungeon and later delving into the Dragonlance campaign setting—even without having the full set of rulebooks. Those early days, poring over maps and dreaming up adventures, sparked a passion for storytelling and gaming that has stayed with me ever since.
Fast forward to 2012: after years of struggling to find a consistent gaming group, I decided to take matters into my own hands and become a Game Master (GM). My interest in Pathfinder was piqued by its affordability and comprehensive core rulebook, which combined the content of two typical D&D books. The “Rise of the Runelords” adventure path sealed the deal for me. It offered a complete, engaging storyline to take a group all the way to level 20—something I’d never encountered before. Gathering friends (both seasoned players and complete newcomers), I began running games, and GMing quickly became a central part of my life.
What Makes Pathfinder 2E Special?
Pathfinder stands out for many reasons, but the cost-to-content ratio was what first drew me in. Compared to other systems, especially D&D, it’s an economical choice with immense depth. Pathfinder 2E offers a spectrum of character options ranging from simple to incredibly complex, allowing players to tailor their experience. The absence of spell concentration mechanics, for instance, lets casters layer spells creatively, which keeps gameplay dynamic.
Beyond mechanics, the quality of Pathfinder’s content sets it apart. Adventure modules are thoughtfully crafted, requiring less prep work from GMs. Stat blocks for unique monsters are included directly in the modules, unlike the “modify-this-creature” approach common in D&D, which often adds to prep time. Overall, Pathfinder makes it easier for GMs to focus on running great games.
A Lesson Learned
One of the most impactful experiences in my GMing journey came during an experiment with AD&D 2nd Edition in the Dark Sun setting. My players opted to abandon a prepared storyline, which led me to implement a city-wide consequence: the souls of the city’s residents being absorbed by a sorcerer king. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of asking all players to “roll for death,” resulting in two player deaths and an unhappy table. That moment taught me the importance of meaningful consequences and respecting player agency, lessons I carry into every game I run.
The Goal of This Site
This site is a platform for sharing the resources and insights I’ve accumulated over years of GMing. I’ll be posting:
- Battle maps and encounter images (many generated using AI tools like Stable Diffusion).
- Advice on running engaging games, efficient prep, and storytelling.
- Tips and tricks for tools like Foundry VTT and character creation.
- Product reviews to help GMs make informed choices.
While the content is primarily aimed at GMs, players may find value here too—just be warned, there will be spoilers!
Why Pathfinder?
I’m passionate about creating immersive environments for players, weaving narratives that excite and inspire them. I also enjoy the technical side of GMing, from running Foundry VTT on a home server with advanced infrastructure to exploring high-tech tools that enhance the gaming experience.
What I Hope You’ll Gain
My ultimate goal is to help you run better games. Whether it’s through a battle map that captures your players’ imaginations, advice that makes your prep more efficient, or a tip that solves a nagging problem, I want your sessions to be richer for having visited this site.
Connect With Me
While I’m not great at fostering online communities, I’m happy to connect directly. Feel free to reach out to me via email at sesopenko@gmail.com with any questions, feedback, or just to share your experiences.
Thanks for stopping by, and happy gaming!