Jacen

he/they

5.0

(5)

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Neurodivergent

Teacher/Educator

About Jacen

Hey Guys! I'm Jacen, I am a 27-Year-old student/aspiring Teacher. I was born and raised in Oregon and Washington. I grew up loving fantasy and Sci-fi, playing Video Games, and reading a ton of books. Today, I’m a dedicated storyteller and game master with three years of DM experience and five years of involvement in tabletop RPGs. I began my journey with Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, first as a player in a long-running campaign with close friends. Those early sessions ignited a love for collaborative storytelling and character-driven narratives, eventually inspiring me to step behind the screen. Since then, I’ve been running The Quiet Year, a rich, homebrew campaign that has grown into an expansive fantasy saga filled with political intrigue, generational legacies, and deeply personal player arcs. As a DM, I prioritize immersion, emotional storytelling, and player agency, I love weaving character choices directly into the fabric of the world, watching it evolve alongside the party. My background as a writer and educator also influences my approach, helping me create inclusive spaces where players feel safe, seen, and empowered to explore their stories. I’ve had the privilege of guiding both new and veteran players through high-stakes encounters, heartfelt moments, and everything in between. For me, tabletop RPGs are more than just games, they’re a powerful form of creative expression, connection, and community-building.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Sets the Mood

Featured Prompts

My favorite books are

The Stormlight Archives (Brandon Sanderson is top tier), The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit/Silmarillion, A multitude of Halo books(The Forerunner Trilogy by Greg Bear is the best), Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Love me some Rick Riordan), Harry Potter (I have nothing nice to say about the Author)

My favorite shows/movies are

I could watch The Princess Bride and The Labyrinth till the end of time. The LOTR/Hobbit Trilogy. Anything Star Wars. Transformers (Nostalgic for the live action though 86 and One are leagues above) Harry Potter (Again F*** J.K.), DnD: Honor Among Thieves (Would have loved to be in that campaign),

When I'm not running games I'm...

Hanging out with my Wife, playing Video games, watching Movies/TV, or Reading/Writing. Of course there's also work, I teach a sped classroom as my day job. I'm also a fulltime university student so, my life is very busy. I also enjoy long drives, hiking, and camping.

How Jacen runs games

In my games, players can expect a rich blend of character-driven storytelling, immersive worldbuilding, and emotionally grounded roleplay. I thrive on deep narrative arcs where player choices carry real weight and shape the world around them—whether you’re unearthing ancient conspiracies, navigating political betrayal, or wrestling with personal demons. I love roleplay and lean into it heavily, with dynamic NPCs, evolving relationships, and storylines that adapt based on character actions. While combat isn’t constant, when it happens, it’s tactical, meaningful, and high-stakes—every encounter serves the narrative. I’m comfortable running both official Dungeons & Dragons modules and fully homebrewed content, often blending the two for a unique experience tailored to the group. I design moments that spark tension, joy, heartbreak, and triumph—those unforgettable sessions where the table goes silent or erupts in cheers. Furthermore, I welcome all player types, from the role-play-forward bard to the big-hearted barbarian, and I aim to make everyone feel like their story matters. If you're looking for a campaign full of heart, consequence, and a world that remembers you, I’d love to help bring your adventure to life.

Featured Prompts

My games focus on...

Collaborative storytelling, emotional stakes, and shared laughter. I aim for a tone somewhere between Glass Cannon Podcast, Adventure Zone, Dimension 20, and Critical Role—balancing epic drama with absurd fun, adapting to what my players need in the moment. I want everyone to have fun, me included:)

Rules are...

Rules are a foundation, not a cage. I treat them as tools to enhance the story and keep things fair, but I’m not afraid to bend or break them for a great narrative moment. I prioritize player creativity and flow, always aiming for a game that feels exciting, immersive, true to the table, and safe.

When it comes to voices

I do my best, I am not a voice actor, though I certainly try. I feel it makes a session all the better when I whip out random accents or ways of speech, especially if it doesn't fit the character's outward appearance.

Jacen's ideal table

My table is a space for storytelling, connection, and creativity—a mix of heartfelt roleplay, cinematic moments, and downright ridiculous fun. The vibe is collaborative and inclusive, where character choices matter and everyone gets a spotlight. I welcome players who love building deep, flawed, or funny characters and who enjoy bouncing off others in meaningful scenes or chaotic tavern brawls. Whether you're a dice math tactician or a roleplay gremlin with too many secrets, you'll fit right in as long as you're respectful, engaged, and excited to contribute to the story. I encourage improvisation, character growth, and player-driven arcs, and I check in regularly to make sure everyone feels heard and safe. This is a table where big emotions are welcome, goofy voices are celebrated, and no one gets left behind. New players are embraced, veterans are challenged, and everyone’s here for a good time—even when the world’s on fire (sometimes literally).

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

Challenges me. Not just in a rules sense, but in roleplay, in combat, in how they play. In my home game, I rarely say No, unless what is being asked is just completely out of the question. Keeping me on my toes is great for being a DM.

I think metagaming...

Is strategic, and should be encouraged, as new players might not catch things that others do. Metagaming in my mind is just a part of playing the game.

My table is not the place for...

Hate.