Jill
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Identity
About Jill
I'm an eights kid who grew up on fantasy films, eventually playing Hero Quest, before convincing my older brother to let me play Advanced D&D with his friends at the big age of 13. Thirty years later, I've run TTRPGS from GURPs to Cortex System to D&D (every system), and beyond. My campaign world, Nalmorah, has been enjoyed by players for nearly 25 years. Each adventuring party that runs through my world, whether it be a short campaign or an epic run from level one to twenty, has an impact on the world. Generations of NPCs have been spun off from my players' characters and their exploits.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I love communal storytelling, which is what tabletop roleplaying games are. The story could be combat-heavy, or political intrigue, or just about interpersonal connections; it doesn't matter as long as everyone involved says "yes and" to the shared story.
My favorite shows/movies are
I'm a fan of everything from popcorn action flicks to deep thought pieces on the human condition, which you can only see at a small art house cinema, and everything in between. Some regular favourites include Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Chinatown, Futurama, Blood Trinity, The Green Knight, & Kill Bill.
When I'm not running games I'm...
Juggling various 3D prints, working on a screenplay, running a local community film organization, watching movies, or lifting weights.
How Jill runs games
As GM, I like a mix of heavy roleplaying and combat that has stakes not only on the PC's lives but the world itself. I work with the rule of cool, and players stretching their imagination on what the rules can mean. I have experience playing and running games for both experienced and new players. I take pride in helping new players find their groove, and long-time players delight in new ideas and ways to play. I work to make my games safe and inclusive spaces for all.
Featured Prompts
I prep by
Going over notes from the previous session, re-reading the outline for the current adventure, and identifying potential moments that highlight individual characters' abilities or story arc. I will also check my maps, handouts, and other components to make sure they are ready.
Rules are...
More like guidelines. I try to strike a balance between the rule of cool and the rules as written, leaning slightly towards the rule of cool. The rules as written provide a ground floor framework to have everyone on the same page, while the rule of cool lets us play for the sake of the story.
When it comes to voices
I'm terrible at accents due to my dyslexia, so I try to convey the speaking voices of my NPCs through my tone, cadence, vocabulary, and by describing how they may sound if it is beyond my vocal abilities.
Jill's ideal table
I love to create an atmosphere that gives the players permission to play. That might sound like any gaming table on the surface, but what I mean is I set up an organic safe space for players to do those things that have always been in the back of their heads to try in a game. The shy player, who typically focuses on combat or spells, feels more open to roleplaying. The player who plays the party's face wants to have a say in the battle plan. The player who sits on their phone when it isn't their turn feels the pull to initiate the encounter with an NPC. My table is a space that not only invites but also encourages experimentation. I do this through example and subtitle incentives. I'm open with my players about my inability to do accented voices, but my willingness to find other ways to make each NPC sound unique. I give small rewards to players who do unexpected things. I quietly smile as my players spend minutes on end roleplaying with each other, while I don't have to speak to continue the mood or story. Most importantly, I show my players the ripple effects of their actions on the world and campaign so they feel the weight of their decisions. No matter how many times I run the same campaign, the outcome is always different due to the player's actions. This creates an immersive atmosphere of play. Players coming to my table should expect a balanced mixture of roleplay and combat. A willingness to say "yes and" is highly encouraged.
Featured Prompts
I am for a vibe that's...
Playful, goofy, and weird, with a willingness to lean into the gravity of the more serious campaign moments.
I love it when a player
Steps out of their comfort zone to make a bold choice. That choice may be to roleplay more than they usually do. That choice could be to ask about an unusual way to use a skill, action, spell, etc. Whatever bold choice they make, it will make for a memorable moment at the table.
My table is not the place for...
Someone who wants the trappings of real-world bigotry & oppression infused into their game experience. There is no racism between species or skin tones. There is no chattel slavery. No one is inherently evil. No homophobia, no transphobia. Disability doesn't need magical or other type of healing.
Jill's Preferences
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