About Me

Hello! My name is Nate, and in May of 2014 I started a YouTube channel to document my gaming journeys and reflections. At the time I was just beginning to dabble in tabletop role-playing games, and was thinking my channel would mostly be about video games. But the role-playing game content took off and I haven’t looked back! In 2015 I started making videos about drawing fantasy maps, and this has also become a staple of the channel. If you’d like to commission a hand-drawn map, check out my mapping website.

In addition to my work on WASD20, I also teach high school media arts and am an instructional technology coach.

Click here to see how you can help support what I do!

59 Comments

  1. HEY!!!! YOUR SO AWESOME! I love playing D&D and you convinced my mom into playing it! She is hard to convince so good job! Thanks!

    -Aidan

  2. Hi there! I just wanted to thank you! I found your “How to play D&D……” video on YouTube. (I’m 44). My nephew, (7), and I are learning to play D&D together. We love to roll dice and tell stories. Also, I watched your video on the Reaper miniatures and I backed their project. THANK YOU for making our D&D experience (and future experiences) totally AWESOME!!

    • Thanks so much for stopping by to comment! It means a lot for me to hear I’m helping others; keeps me fired up to keep doing it. D&D can be a great family activity, so happy gaming to you and your nephew! Good luck painting all those Reaper Bones, too. We’ll be buried in miniatures when they finally ship. Can’t wait. 🙂

  3. What a stroke of luck it was to find your videos pop up when I searched “dungeons and dragons 5e” in Youtube for guidance on how to be DM games for my son. I also am a father of three (four in December, new baby is the only reason I will miss the Star Wars premiere) and it is inspirational to see another dad out there working a job full time and still having a fulfilling avocation as gaming guru. Thanks for all the great videos, articles, and tips. This site and your channel are truly a great resource for would-be DMs and RPG players.

    • Well thanks for stopping by John. Power to the gamer dads! 😀

  4. The INKARNATE tool is phenomenal, especially liked the idea of sculpting.
    I would like to spend a few ideas about this tool, such as:
    – Add Scrollbar in the image;
    – Resize image quality;
    – Add icons to modern cities;
    – Changing color not sculpted area;

    Sorry if my English is wrong, my English is very bad, kkkkkk.

  5. Hi Nathan,
    I’m so glad I found your Youtube videos and website! Your videos are very informative about how to be a good DM/player and also player creation. I haven’t played D & D in about 30 years. My 2 teens, boy and girl found my old Advanced D & D books. Now after dusting off the books and many hours of reading, we are ready to start a new adventure. Just wanted to say thanks for all the time you put into making your videos available for other fellow gamers to see. Thanks!

  6. Hey Guys. Dustin here. I was browsing YouTube when i saw A Fist Full of Dice was streaming the Provokers session 11. I started watching about 10 min of it and decided to go back and watch session 1. I watched through the whole thing in one sitting. I loved every second of it. So i decided i was going to try to watch all 11 sessions before session 12 aired. Let me just say. Matt your story telling is simply epic!!! I feel like your world is living and breathing just as J.R.R. Tolkens middle earth. And combine that with you players. Barker, Nate, Tim, and Juce you all bring your characters to life! I feel like as I’ve watched/listened to your stories in Erenoth I’ve been reading a Graphic novel or watching a movie. Your descriptions are just perfect. When i get a credit card and some funds together i will be most certainly getting some scenarios from absolutetabletop.com. I look forward to watching everything you guys come up with! Even if you guys combined your table top knowledge to make a master RPG Game of your own. Taking the things you like from DND and pathfinder and any other RPG Games you all enjoy. Thank you to all five of you for the hours of enjoyment and entertainment.

    • Thanks so much, Dustin! I really appreciate it. I’m sure we all do. We all have a blast playing together and are so glad others enjoy it too. Matt’s world is really great, and I highly recommend his Wayward Wanderer supplement when you can spare the $. It’s REALLY good, especially if you like the Provokers. But yeah, all of the Absolute Tabletop stuff so far has been excellent. And don’t forget you can get it for free in the first week of release. I think Barker’s latest is still ‘pay what you want’ for a couple more days. 🙂 Take care man, and happy gaming!

  8. Every time i mention you in RPG conversation, i always mention you as Aerdon (sp?) the elf of shadevale…Your video series on drawing maps inspired me to draw my homebrew world. Its very large, 36″x24″. Keep the videos coming buddy!!!

    • Thanks, man! 😀 I’m okay with being called Aerdon. Haha. I’d love to see the map! Maybe post it on the WASD20 Facebook page when it’s done. Cheers!

  9. I need help!
    I recently bought all three dnd books ( Player’s Handbook, DM’s Guide & Monster Manual ) and I found some pretty good monsters in the Monster Manual that I’d like to play as, you know, make the game more challenging! But I can’t choose that race from the Complete Player’s Guide, 5th Edition, soo… Is it, like, forbidden or so to choose, perhaps, a goblin and fight as evil, kill humans and so?
    Also, I want do add a new race, the (Civilized) Loogong, that has wild form, the Wild Loogong, and the Wild Loogong can be trated either as a pet/animal, or a monster. Now, I’d like to also play as a Loogong, but here’s what I want! I don’t know whether if it’s a good idea or not, it’s a tough job or kinda easy if you know how you want it to be, you know…
    If you want to know more about my idea about a Loogong, and, who knows, maybe use it, you can ask me and I’ll tell you what I have in mind… You might like it!
    Now, don’t get mad if I also comment this in your latest video or send this to you (if I find your email address… ), but I want your answer as soon as possible, and just be seen by you, an experienced player!

    P.S. Awesome videos you make, keep it up!
    P.P.S. Please, send the answer on my email (vladimirantofi@ymail.com), please!
    Love you, bye!

  10. Keep up the awesome work! PNW DnD players unite! I started by watching Matts fistfullofdice youtube page and stumbled upon the provokers, and after over 40 hours of watching you guys play, I hope to one day find a group of players that can take the game as you and all the guys do. It also gave me hope for online games in google hangout like you guys did, I look forward to being able to catch a live game in the future. All the best to you and your family!

    Austin
    Salem, Or

  11. Hey Nate!
    Just wanted to say how grateful I am for your D&D videos. I just recently got into
    the hobby about a month ago because of accidentally stumbling upon your “how to play D&D” series. I’ve downloaded the basic player and DM rules and got a small group of friends together to play. Two weeks ago was our first session of playing Lost Mines of Phandelver. It’s hard to find time with school but we strive for every saturday. Keep up the great content and happy gaming!

  12. I’m slowly returning to D&D after last playing it 20-odd years ago (2nd ed AD&D)! Your videos are doing a really great job of showing how the game has changed and how to play it the modern way. I especially like the simple way to explain and demonstrate things in an easy to follow and understand manner, but also in videos that are not so long that I lose track! Very helpful and I am working my way through them all!

  13. Hello Nate!

    This might be weird at first but my name is Zed. I’ve been practicing a few d&d sessions AS the DM and I’m really happy that you actually helped me find ways to become a better DM. From your Sample sessions to tips of being a better DM or finding a good group. I also loved your Fantasy Map making and it really REALLY helped me to be a bit creative and a good map designing. Thanks to that, my friends are now asking me to make Maps for their rooms, school work, etc. I also liked the episodes of “The Provokers” and “The Provokers: Bleakwrath” (I hoped I spelled it right XD)which you played in. Little know fact I’m from the Philippines (not that big of a deal) and I lack the skills in being interactive (or to socialized) and take part of the “leadership” thingy in school. But thanks to you (and also some d&d players)(name drop: DawnForgedCast XD) You made me come to a realization that I can face my fear of “being socialized” with other people. I hope you read this and had a great time. I’m really glad you came a part of my recommended page in youtube XD.

    And As Always,

    Happy Gaming

    PS: You’re a great guy 🙂

    • Hi Zed. Thanks so much for the kind words and I’m thrilled to hear that getting more into D&D is helping you in other areas of life too! That’s so amazing. Happy gaming!

  14. Hi Nate,

    Great videos, really appreciate the work you’ve done. Question, where can I find the monster figures you used for the “How to Play D&D” series of videos? They would be a lot better than the old scrabble tiles I’m using to represent monsters.

  16. Dude! Good stuff. I am new to D&D 5e, but have played D&D since 1976. I was the DM for a long running weekly game for my friends (11+ years, I think). This campaign ended in Fall 2010 when I adopted my first daughter. I adopted my second daughter in 2015. Now, time to play is limited. I am enjoying your videos. Keep up the good work. My goal is to get back into gaming (everything). My brother (Nathan) has tricked me into DM-ing for his 4 friends. It should be interesting.
    Peace & back rubs, Perkins

  17. Nate, your YouTube map making tutorials rock! Keep’em coming! I really appreciate the narration of your comparisons of different style techniques in the tutorials! You can probably see some of your influence on my recent blog postings at my website! Cheers!

  18. I love love love your mapping videoes! I use Inkarnate to make most of my maps and then use your techniques to draw them for paper copies to use in my Sunday games. My brother sister and I got into D&D through the red box about 5 years ago and I am 19 now so we were young kids creating worlds and campaigns and using youtube for help and I am happy to have your content for help. I would love to show you my maps or stories from my years of D&D.

  19. I love the video where you look at InKarnate! I’ve used it since for my tabletop gaming club. The buyer’s guide was also very useful! Thanks!

  20. Hi there Nate, I have been watching your videos for a while now. I personally have yet to find time to play any tabletop games, but once I have finished my Masters degree I will set aside some time to play DnD with some friends of mine. Your videos are really inspiring and I especially love your cartography; it has given me a new big hobby and I have a few maps that I am going to publish online at some point (I’ll be sure to send them your way)

    Many thanks for being you and doing the awesome work you’re doing,
    Peace!

  22. Hey Nate!

    I’ve watched a good few of your videos now and they’ve really helped with starting to DM a session, especially your maps! Thanks a lot!
    You mention all the games you either play or DM yourself. Do you have a channel on some platform where we can hear the live-play sessions? Or is it all just home game stuff?

  23. Hey man! Your videos and tips are supper helpful in my sessions. I started playing table top games last year with my brothers, and I got nominated as the dm and your dm guides helped so much. You inspire me to do what I am passionate about. Keep up the good work.
    Thank you so much.

  25. Hey Nate, just wanted to say thank you so much for everything that you put into the channel and the resources you share with us all. It has made such a difference to my gaming groups. I’ve shared some of your wisdom and used many of your suggestions in games here in the UK and in Canada. I don’t consider myself very artistic, but you’ve made it so that I can realise my vision for my campaigns, encounters, maps etc. so much better than I could have on my own. You’re a huge blessing mate, thanks.

  26. Hi Nate, just wanted to say thank you for your incredible work. I started playing D&D in 82 when i was 10 and played up into my 20’s/2e. Last year my own kids (13 and 16) expressed interest in playing so i dusted off my stuff, put together a group and we’v been at it for over a year now. Everyone has asked to make the move to 5e and i could put it off no longer so i started reading the 5e handbook and in typical D&D fashion was overwhelmed with new terms, charts, and methods despite being a veteran of both playing and dm-ing for many years. I knew it would make sense when put into practice but getting all that info and not explaining it until several chapters later is….. well difficult. Anyway your “how to” videos on play and character generating have been super helpful and i hope to be up and running as soon as we finish our current adventure. Probably look into converting some old favorites and make some new memories with my kids et al.

  27. I am a Learning Commons teacher in Canada- I am sponsoring a D&D club at school. I am hoping that your material is appropriate for 11-14 year olds. I have previed your videos and am looking forward to using your vast knowledge and tips with the club! Do you also have any resources etc. that could bring this into the classroom as well? I’m thinking there are many ways to integrate into the curriculum. Students won’t even feel like they are learning!

  28. My name is Nate, and in May of 2014, I began a YouTube station to record my gaming travels and reflections. You’ll nevertheless find some PC game stuff sometimes, but for the most part, I concentrate on Tabletop RPGs and Fantasy Maps.

  29. Hi,
    I am writing a series of fantasy novels and stumbled upon your YouTube channel while researching fantasy maps.
    That made me wonder whether you would be interested in creating a few maps and what you would charge to do so. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment and I hope to hear from you soon!

  30. Greetings,
    I am trying to write a sci fi book and have been trying to find a program where I can design a spaceship. So that I can give a good description as to where things are in relation to the character. Everything I keep finding revolves around a video game. Do you have any ideas where I can use a map or computerized map generator to create a spaceship? This would be so useful and appreciated.

  31. What’s the name of the song you use in your map tutorials? The one in the old playlist of the map tutorial, it would really help me draw the maps because its just so chill and calm…

  32. Hey Nate, love your your work and your tips really helped me become a better DM overall! I’m not sure here but do you do maps for hire? And if so how can I contact you about that? I’m sorry as I did not know where to reach you! XD

  33. Hello, Nate! I have been very interested in world-building, and I saw you on YouTube. Your channel started to be the main map-making source.
    I made maps in Inkarnate. I love your videos! Keep working on it.
    I love tips on how to make maps better looking, plus the geography of maps. It made me a better map-maker. Love your work!

    P.S. I subbed to your YouTube channel.

  34. Hey Nate,
    I’m an elementary school teacher in Montréal and I used your youtube tutorials to teach 10 year olds to draw maps in art class. They absolutely loved it.
    Keep up the good work!

  35. Hey Nate! my name is Nicolas and I’m from Colombia (wrote you an email but I figured here could work too)

    First I just want to say thank you for your dnd content, it is great!

    I started playing dnd about 2 years ago (I am my group’s dm) and finally understood how to run the game, make characters, and started drawing my maps thanks to your videos (2 years ago).

    Because of the lockdowns, my group and I stopped playing, but we are now considering to play again using virtual tabletops and other tools available on the internet, but its been kind of hard to get to know what systems are available and for what kind of game dynamic are they for.

    So it occurred to me that maybe you would like to make a video talking a bit about it (if you want, of course, I would find it very helpful) and talk about virtual dnd playing options.

    Happy to contribute to the channel and give back some of what you gave me 2 years ago!

    Nicolas

    Happy new year btw!

  36. Hey! How do you do, I am Ross and I have recently got into fantasy mapping and DnD, they’re both awesome and you are the perfect channel for me. How can I join the discord for your channel? Also do you know anything worthwhile about fantasy languages and names to go along with the maps and DnD adventures?
    P.S I am a mere 14 and have discovered that in this community, that is very young.

  37. Hi Nathan,
    I am Bertrand, 55, from France. Are you DMing on foundry VTT?
    Regards

  38. Looking to see if you’re interested in working with us (Inkwell Ideas) on our next DungeonMorphs (Dungeon designs on dice). But can’t find a way to contact you directly. 🙁 Please let me know via the email joe at inkwellideas dot com.

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