Jelani

he/him

5.0

(7)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

About Jelani

Hi! I'm Jelani! I also go by Jelly, or Jay! I've been in love with all things fantasy, sci-fi, horror, etc. my whole life, and love finding different ways to incorporate those ideas into my games. I intend to take my love of directing, telling stories, and D&D as far as I can, and keep most of my games fairly story-focused. My goal, is to weave you an experience you will take with you for the rest of your life; and I try to make sure every step the players make, even during combat, will have purpose. I am accustomed to casual games for newcomers, extreme challenges for veterans, and anything in between; all under 5e 2014 ruleset. I try to craft as much as I can personally, for each of my games, but have no issue using premade assets or AI when needed. I either pick out character & background art that I am allowed to use for my games or I generate it myself. All maps I use for my games are either free-use or I craft them personally; I do not AI generate my battle or dungeon maps. All music I use in my games are either free-use, a license that I own to use, or personally made by me; I do not use AI music. I am extremely transparent about my DM style and expectations moving forward; my #1 priority being that everyone is comfortable and accepted at my table. I exclusively run D&D 5e (2014) rule set at the moment, and am pretty strict on the rules. The rules I do bend however, I have listed out and am very clear on.

At a glance

4 years on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Sets the Mood, Knows the Rules

$30 per session

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

my passion is storytelling. I love world building and crafting a story with others. No other world is as special and fantastical as one that is made with others.

I got started GMing...

by roleplaying with my brother and mother in the car during long trips. When I was as young as six-years-old I would tell stories and have them make decisions and play along with the story. I officially started DM'ing for my brother and some friends in Greyhawk, just before I turned eighteen.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

competent, meticulous, and engaging. I do not claim to know every rule in the game; but what I do not know, I always make sure to find out. I am open to criticism both in and out of game—my players always know they can talk to me about anything. I also always make sure that everyone is involved.

How Jelani runs games

Roleplay is #1 for me. I love to do voices, but that is not required of any of my players. Combat is also very important but I always try to make it have meaning. If I know my players can handle it, some combat scenes will get very difficult. If a situation seems impossible that might mean you have to run and fight another day. Overall, my style can vary depending on the players I have, so I always make sure that there is complete clarity on what type of game we are playing before we start.

Featured Prompts

My games focus on...

a main story, and the choices the players make within it. The game will always find a way to circle back to the main plot, but my stories are anything but railroads. Personal player choices are the most important thing to me, and I try my best to make sure they count.

Rules are...

king, but they are not god. I find RaW to be extremely important and attempt to follow them as much as possible. The only thing I find more important than rules, is player enjoyment. Rules are there for a reason, but I have made some of my own in to ensure the players have a smooth experience.

When it comes to voices

I do many, but do not expect the same of my players. I love it when my players get invested and do voices for their characters, but it is in no way a requirement.

Jelani's ideal table

I do not like to tolerate heavy distractions; everyone is expected to give 100% attention and respect to both one another, and the game itself. Those who appreciate a mix of heavy storytelling and difficult combat, will enjoy the games I run.

Featured Prompts

I am for a vibe that's...

dark and serious, but still able to make you laugh from time to time. Experiences and emotions are what drives TTRPGS. I want my players to be able to leave each session with memories and emotions that they can hold onto forever.

I love it when a player

thinks outside the box and does different things. Freedom is the most important thing in my games, and I love watching my players express their ability to think critically.

My table is not the place for...

someone who is looking to just kill or waste time. Constant lates, absences, or moments where someone is constantly breaking the flow with long out of game distractions, will not be tolerated. We are all here to embrace the game, and that cannot be interrupted by others who do not care.