WELCOME TO THE NEXUS
Where am I?
This site is a hub for everything produced by professional Game Master and musician Adamus Drake Summerer.
Head here for news on upcoming projects, GM's Corner blog topics, weekly class availability, monthly event calendars, the Knight Owls Armory and Story Archives, the Gray Owls Initiative short fiction blog, Adamus Drake Music, and the DM Shower Thoughts Podcast.
Yeah. I know. That was a lot.
Above you is the NEXUS. Think of it like a slideshow of all the cool stuff recently published on the site, and it updates weekly. Like something you see? Just click on the picture and it'll take you where you need to go.
Below you'll find descriptions of the Specialty Services I offer, my Mission Statement, weekly and monthly classes/events offered at my venues, and a quick overview of everything on the site.
Head here for news on upcoming projects, GM's Corner blog topics, weekly class availability, monthly event calendars, the Knight Owls Armory and Story Archives, the Gray Owls Initiative short fiction blog, Adamus Drake Music, and the DM Shower Thoughts Podcast.
Yeah. I know. That was a lot.
Above you is the NEXUS. Think of it like a slideshow of all the cool stuff recently published on the site, and it updates weekly. Like something you see? Just click on the picture and it'll take you where you need to go.
Below you'll find descriptions of the Specialty Services I offer, my Mission Statement, weekly and monthly classes/events offered at my venues, and a quick overview of everything on the site.
A Safe Space for Imagination
Our tabletop gaming community is full of energetic, creative people that just enjoy playing together. It is one of the most accepting and supportive atmospheres that I've ever had the honor to be a part of, and with each new gaming experience that we add to my suite of classes and events, the community just keeps growing.
We act, we create, we experiment, we learn, we write, and we do all of this together around a table.
It is the ultimate campfire storytelling experience.
We act, we create, we experiment, we learn, we write, and we do all of this together around a table.
It is the ultimate campfire storytelling experience.
Consistent and Immersive Play
So many good campaigns meet their ends at the hands of busy schedules, hefty time commitments, and exhausted game masters. I try to combat that by giving you engaging and consistent weekly campaigns, with long-form monthly campaigns and one-shots over the weekends. Most weekly campaigns last from 2-3 hours each, with our late-night weekend events going 6+. Our GMs rarely cancel a session (and if they do, you get a credit for the class), meaning that you'll be consistently gaming week to week for shorter time commitments.
When you think about it, most groups that meet on their own do so (maybe) once a month/every 2 months for 6-9 hours each time, if that. That's what my personal group does and often we struggle to remember where we were, what was happening, and end up spending the first few hours just getting our bearings again. Overall monthly time commitment rounds out to be about the same, but we end up wasting more time than we should just ramping back up.
I don't like this model. Consistency and quality wins every time. GMs are masters in their given systems, and we are all constantly learning new rule sets and game systems to help keep us sharp. We make a point of playing, too, so we never lose sight of what it's like to be on the other side of the screen (plus, you know, it's fun).
I use custom maps, alternative leveling systems, custom miniatures, music, sound effects, and even some live set pieces to immerse players in the worlds we create together.
I am human - I make mistakes, but I am constantly on my own quest to better myself; to seek our best selves through gaming. We're not JUST playing games. Each GM has their own style and method, but I hold to the golden standard: the GM is a teacher, not a tyrant, and the players are our students, not our enemies. I will of course challenge the players, but it is our job to be fair, fun, and engaging - always. ...Unless, of course, we have discussed with our players a distinct setup that involves more ruthless playing and mastering.
The point is, you can expect a high level of game mastering, fun and engaging play that supports creativity and role-playing, and sound pedagogy to help bring in and teach new players without overwhelming them.
My mission is to help our players be their best selves through gaming opportunities, so each session gives ample opportunities to create, succeed, and tell awesome stories.
When you think about it, most groups that meet on their own do so (maybe) once a month/every 2 months for 6-9 hours each time, if that. That's what my personal group does and often we struggle to remember where we were, what was happening, and end up spending the first few hours just getting our bearings again. Overall monthly time commitment rounds out to be about the same, but we end up wasting more time than we should just ramping back up.
I don't like this model. Consistency and quality wins every time. GMs are masters in their given systems, and we are all constantly learning new rule sets and game systems to help keep us sharp. We make a point of playing, too, so we never lose sight of what it's like to be on the other side of the screen (plus, you know, it's fun).
I use custom maps, alternative leveling systems, custom miniatures, music, sound effects, and even some live set pieces to immerse players in the worlds we create together.
I am human - I make mistakes, but I am constantly on my own quest to better myself; to seek our best selves through gaming. We're not JUST playing games. Each GM has their own style and method, but I hold to the golden standard: the GM is a teacher, not a tyrant, and the players are our students, not our enemies. I will of course challenge the players, but it is our job to be fair, fun, and engaging - always. ...Unless, of course, we have discussed with our players a distinct setup that involves more ruthless playing and mastering.
The point is, you can expect a high level of game mastering, fun and engaging play that supports creativity and role-playing, and sound pedagogy to help bring in and teach new players without overwhelming them.
My mission is to help our players be their best selves through gaming opportunities, so each session gives ample opportunities to create, succeed, and tell awesome stories.
Hold on a minute...we have to PAY to play D&D?
I understand, dude, believe me. Our great past-time of sitting around a table with my friends is still fresh in my memory, but I can also remember all of the angry, vengeful, and unprofessional tables I've shared. There's no reason to play that way, and we can do better. This is what you get by buying into a table:
Consistency and Efficiency - We play on a schedule. It's dependable, consistent, and planned for. You can trust that the GM will be there well before the start, with all of their materials prepped, and has prepared enough content to last through the session, no matter what left turns the players may take. We keep things moving, and we don't get distracted.
Quality - This is my job. You will never, ever have a session where I say "Oops, sorry guys, I didn't plan anything this week." You're here to play, so am I. I know the system, ready to teach it at all times with patience and poise, and always there to help you. Never will you feel attacked for "not knowing the game." And I'm always prepared with rulings, rolls, story, and possibility.
Custom Content - I often run games in a custom setting (mine is responsible for 6 different campaigns!), fully integrated into the ruleset of the system. It allows me to homebrew tons of custom classes, options, items, spells, and lore that hold many layers inside the grand story; and depending on the group, allows me flexibility in the creation of extra systems (like strongholds, alchemy, and crafting materials) within the current ruleset.
A Personalized Experience - I incorporate your story into our lore to not only augment our collective world-building, but to grow investment in your story as well as the stories of others (incorporated backstories). A lot of time and energy is poured into every individual's story, but most of all into the grand group dynamic, with adjustments in style, social contract, and expectations from table to table.
Provided Materials - Show up without a character sheet? We've got extras; pick your style. No character? I've got some to spare. No dice? We've got you covered. What's a Player's Handbook? Here ya' go. How do I know what spells to pick? Here are some spell cards. I don't have a miniature - will this one do? (give me a few weeks, I might even have one painted for you).
There's a reason I have waitlists of people itching to game with us. I offer a unique, efficient, professional, and consistent quality experience for all of our players, and the groups we make, we keep.
Consistency and Efficiency - We play on a schedule. It's dependable, consistent, and planned for. You can trust that the GM will be there well before the start, with all of their materials prepped, and has prepared enough content to last through the session, no matter what left turns the players may take. We keep things moving, and we don't get distracted.
Quality - This is my job. You will never, ever have a session where I say "Oops, sorry guys, I didn't plan anything this week." You're here to play, so am I. I know the system, ready to teach it at all times with patience and poise, and always there to help you. Never will you feel attacked for "not knowing the game." And I'm always prepared with rulings, rolls, story, and possibility.
Custom Content - I often run games in a custom setting (mine is responsible for 6 different campaigns!), fully integrated into the ruleset of the system. It allows me to homebrew tons of custom classes, options, items, spells, and lore that hold many layers inside the grand story; and depending on the group, allows me flexibility in the creation of extra systems (like strongholds, alchemy, and crafting materials) within the current ruleset.
A Personalized Experience - I incorporate your story into our lore to not only augment our collective world-building, but to grow investment in your story as well as the stories of others (incorporated backstories). A lot of time and energy is poured into every individual's story, but most of all into the grand group dynamic, with adjustments in style, social contract, and expectations from table to table.
Provided Materials - Show up without a character sheet? We've got extras; pick your style. No character? I've got some to spare. No dice? We've got you covered. What's a Player's Handbook? Here ya' go. How do I know what spells to pick? Here are some spell cards. I don't have a miniature - will this one do? (give me a few weeks, I might even have one painted for you).
There's a reason I have waitlists of people itching to game with us. I offer a unique, efficient, professional, and consistent quality experience for all of our players, and the groups we make, we keep.
Specialized Services
RENT-A-GM - Specialty One-Shots / Monthly Campaigns / Weekly Sessions
Want to play a system you don't know, or don't have a GM to call upon? I've run hundreds of games, in a multitude of systems. I've themed one-shots for birthday parties, Drinking and Dragons 21+ events, Pathfinder scenarios, Spelljammer, Pugmire, you name it - I've got you covered. Got a 3.5E itch and no one's scratching? I'm down. Need a refresher one-shot for 5E before another game? No problem.
There are varied rates for varied services, all explained in detail over in The Den.
MUSIC LESSONS
I went to school to become a music teacher, performer, and composer. Happy to say I still do all three, working part-time in a public school, recording covers, and composing original music, but it's the teaching that has always spoken loud and clear to me. I love working with people in small groups or one-on-one; it lets me devote all of my attention to the ways they learn and how best to support them.
GM MENTORING
From a monthly resource to a weekly coach, I can teach you how to elevate your Game Mastering to the professional grade. Maybe you just need some pointers, or some custom items; making your own monster, or some home-brewed spells. Maybe you've been running games for awhile, but feel it's time to upgrade. Whatever you need, I've got you covered. Interested? Head over to The Den.
Want to play a system you don't know, or don't have a GM to call upon? I've run hundreds of games, in a multitude of systems. I've themed one-shots for birthday parties, Drinking and Dragons 21+ events, Pathfinder scenarios, Spelljammer, Pugmire, you name it - I've got you covered. Got a 3.5E itch and no one's scratching? I'm down. Need a refresher one-shot for 5E before another game? No problem.
There are varied rates for varied services, all explained in detail over in The Den.
MUSIC LESSONS
I went to school to become a music teacher, performer, and composer. Happy to say I still do all three, working part-time in a public school, recording covers, and composing original music, but it's the teaching that has always spoken loud and clear to me. I love working with people in small groups or one-on-one; it lets me devote all of my attention to the ways they learn and how best to support them.
GM MENTORING
From a monthly resource to a weekly coach, I can teach you how to elevate your Game Mastering to the professional grade. Maybe you just need some pointers, or some custom items; making your own monster, or some home-brewed spells. Maybe you've been running games for awhile, but feel it's time to upgrade. Whatever you need, I've got you covered. Interested? Head over to The Den.
KLC Dojos, Mansfield CT - Rented Space
D&D Group A: 12+ - Sundays, 3:00-6:00 (Full) - Campaign 3 - now in the grim Shadowfell. :)
Knight Owls D&D - Season 4 starting in September!: 12+ - Saturdays Monthly, 7:00-1:00am (7 Spots available every time; fills quickly)
Gray Owls D&D - Book 1: 21+ (Full) - Saturdays Monthly, 7:00-1:00am (6-8 Spots available every time; REQUIRES DM APPROVAL - experienced players)
*Young Owls D&D - COMING SOON*
One-Shot Wonders (multiple systems): 12+/21+ - Saturdays/Sundays Monthly - Bi-monthly
Homestead Games (by request)
D&D Feywild Warriors (Full) - Wednesdays Monthly - Invitation Only
D&D Travelers - Wednesdays Monthly - Invitation Only
Feel free to explore this site to discover all the cool stuff we're doing, but if you need a little direction, here's a breakdown of each section and what it's there for:
The Nexus - this page, right here. ;)
The Den - Miniatures, Dice, Art, and Private Tabletop Parties; I am a professional, after all. Head here for updates, pictures, products, and pricing of all the specialty services I offer.
GM's Corner - weekly blog on a topic written by our chief Game Master, Adamus, as he explores reflections on rulings, media, storytelling, and life lessons through gaming.
DM Podcast - myself and resident martial arts instructor, John Tanaka, have been running a gaming podcast for over 2 years now. It is called the DM Shower Thoughts, and it's hosted by Podbean. Also, it's embedded here with updated episodes. John also runs our YouTube channel, now live HERE.
Knight Owls - The long-form event that started it all. A circulating party for 5-7 hours on Saturdays once a month, like Justice League: Unlimited with swords and sorcery. Current and future Knight Owls can use this tab to find info on previous Adventure Seasons, equipment to buy between sessions, world geography, custom feats and classes, and a memoriam to the fallen.
**Gray Owls Initiative - Adamus's special extension from our very popular Knight Owls, which follows a rag-tag group of adventurers through a dark and mature custom setting (for players 21+). The accompanying blog shares fiction and world info to help build immersion and world-building, but reading it will never be a requirement of play. If you enjoy the words, consider supporting the Patreon.
One-Shot Wonders - schedule and archive of our one-shot adventures, so you always know what's coming down the pipeline.
Tabletop Campaigns - information for old and new players on each of our active game systems. Click here for everything you need to know to get a character up and running in any of our systems.
DM Podcast - our awesome podcast hosted on Podbean.com featuring Adamus and John as they talk about D&D 5E, playing and game mastering tips and tricks, and becoming our best selves through gaming.
Amplify Your Signal - Adamus's personal project to gather, network, and amplify the work of other artists in our community. Nerds are everywhere, and we're all trying to do something cool. If you're an artist yourself or you just like cool people doing cool things, check out the folks who we help amplify, no matter the level of their pursuits.
Have a look around!
I'll see you at the table.
-Adamus
(Game Master, Editor, Writer)
Maintaining this website takes work. If you enjoy it, maybe consider:
D&D Group A: 12+ - Sundays, 3:00-6:00 (Full) - Campaign 3 - now in the grim Shadowfell. :)
Knight Owls D&D - Season 4 starting in September!: 12+ - Saturdays Monthly, 7:00-1:00am (7 Spots available every time; fills quickly)
Gray Owls D&D - Book 1: 21+ (Full) - Saturdays Monthly, 7:00-1:00am (6-8 Spots available every time; REQUIRES DM APPROVAL - experienced players)
*Young Owls D&D - COMING SOON*
One-Shot Wonders (multiple systems): 12+/21+ - Saturdays/Sundays Monthly - Bi-monthly
Homestead Games (by request)
D&D Feywild Warriors (Full) - Wednesdays Monthly - Invitation Only
D&D Travelers - Wednesdays Monthly - Invitation Only
Feel free to explore this site to discover all the cool stuff we're doing, but if you need a little direction, here's a breakdown of each section and what it's there for:
The Nexus - this page, right here. ;)
The Den - Miniatures, Dice, Art, and Private Tabletop Parties; I am a professional, after all. Head here for updates, pictures, products, and pricing of all the specialty services I offer.
GM's Corner - weekly blog on a topic written by our chief Game Master, Adamus, as he explores reflections on rulings, media, storytelling, and life lessons through gaming.
DM Podcast - myself and resident martial arts instructor, John Tanaka, have been running a gaming podcast for over 2 years now. It is called the DM Shower Thoughts, and it's hosted by Podbean. Also, it's embedded here with updated episodes. John also runs our YouTube channel, now live HERE.
Knight Owls - The long-form event that started it all. A circulating party for 5-7 hours on Saturdays once a month, like Justice League: Unlimited with swords and sorcery. Current and future Knight Owls can use this tab to find info on previous Adventure Seasons, equipment to buy between sessions, world geography, custom feats and classes, and a memoriam to the fallen.
**Gray Owls Initiative - Adamus's special extension from our very popular Knight Owls, which follows a rag-tag group of adventurers through a dark and mature custom setting (for players 21+). The accompanying blog shares fiction and world info to help build immersion and world-building, but reading it will never be a requirement of play. If you enjoy the words, consider supporting the Patreon.
One-Shot Wonders - schedule and archive of our one-shot adventures, so you always know what's coming down the pipeline.
Tabletop Campaigns - information for old and new players on each of our active game systems. Click here for everything you need to know to get a character up and running in any of our systems.
DM Podcast - our awesome podcast hosted on Podbean.com featuring Adamus and John as they talk about D&D 5E, playing and game mastering tips and tricks, and becoming our best selves through gaming.
Amplify Your Signal - Adamus's personal project to gather, network, and amplify the work of other artists in our community. Nerds are everywhere, and we're all trying to do something cool. If you're an artist yourself or you just like cool people doing cool things, check out the folks who we help amplify, no matter the level of their pursuits.
Have a look around!
I'll see you at the table.
-Adamus
(Game Master, Editor, Writer)
Maintaining this website takes work. If you enjoy it, maybe consider:
