About Me

I'm Donathin Frye (he/him), best-selling tabletop roleplaying game writer and lifelong gamemaster. I've written professionally for many types of media: plays, graphic novels, tabletop RPGs, video games, blogs, operas, and more.

Stories matter to me a lot. People matter more. I thrive on collaboration, helping others develop their ideas into impactful experiences, and fostering relationships built on mutual respect and kindness.

I love writing games where players interact with complex characters and make impactful choices. I'm drawn to stories that reflect upon the human condition in all its beauty and horror. I also love laughing and believe every game is better with a bit of earnest humor!

I excel at bold narrative design, empowering player agency, breathing new life into beloved fictional worlds, and creating characters bursting with personality and purpose. I'm a dynamic writer with a deep understanding of game design mechanics, genre, atmosphere, voice, and worldbuilding.

If you want to know more, you can click below to listen to me talk about:

A FEW TESTIMONIALS

"Donathin is one of the most talented, hardworking, creative writers I've ever had the pleasure to work with. With him at the helm of a project, I can rest assured that it'll have momentum and ingenuity under the hood."

- Mike, Owner of Mage Hand Press

"From writing to GMing, Don embodies what is the best of tabletop RPGs - ingenious creativity, empathetic collaboration, vivid storytelling, hard work, and integrity. No matter what kind of project he's involved in, he'll bring the best out of a game or group."

- Kienna Shaw, Ennie Gold Award-Winning Game Designer

"Don is a rare individual who combines wicked creativity with analytical brilliance in a hardworking and considerate package. He improves upon ideas while being an exceptional colleague and collaborator."

- Charlie Smith, Creative Director at EncounterRoleplay

"Donathin is a writer who delivers exceptional work with a keen eye for detail, storytelling, and project needs. He's great to work with, and the quality of his writing would be an asset to any project."

- Virginia Page, Line Developer for Modiphius Entertainment

"The games I've played with Don have been among the best in my life. His love for TTRPGs shines through every session. Artful descriptions, vivid stories, and complex characters bring his worlds to life. He brings out the best in the others at the table and encourages them to explore their creativity and develop their play."

- Ithaea, an amazing player from my professional TTRPG campaigns

"Playing with Don is genuinely like reliving the fantasies of my youth. His characters are vibrant and complex, the action is epic, and our story feels like home. Most importantly, as a woman, I feel respected and safe at his table. If you're looking for a game, this is the one to rule them all."

- Honoria, another wonderful player from my campaigns

"One of the best things that Don brings to the table as a Gamemaster is a sense of gravity and grandeur to your character's actions. Don makes sure that every choice you make matters—and in a way that brings both joy and terror."

- James, another awesome player from my Patreon campaigns

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