Jef The GM
he/him
5.0
(6)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About Jef The GM
"Hello Adventurers! I'm Jeff the GM, and I’m a professional Game Master dedicated to fostering the kind of imaginative play that only tabletop roleplaying can deliver. My tagline is my promise: Experience a World Shaped by Your Choices." "With over 30 years of experience across a wide spectrum of systems—from the classic high fantasy of Dungeons & Dragons to the gritty cyberpunk of Shadowrun and the intricate politics of Legend of the Five Rings—I've learned that the greatest stories are always the ones the players tell together. My passion is creating a collaborative environment where your imagination is truly the only limit to what you can achieve. I even offer a unique player-matching service to ensure you always find a table of like-minded adventurers." "I provide the high-quality, customized world and serve as the guide, but your heroes are the undisputed drivers of the narrative. Expect an open, dynamic space where your decisions create the epic moments, forge the necessary alliances, and lead you to the great triumphs you envision. If you're ready to break free from restrictions and fully unleash your creative freedom, let's roll some dice!"
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Teacher, Knows the Rules, Storytelling
Featured Prompts
I became a GM because
I'm a story collector and weaver of tales. I love to facilitate players getting to act out fantastic stories that they co create. I also love to
I got started GMing...
When I was in my early teens for my friends in my neighborhood where I grew up. It was the 90's and every weekend we played D&D 2nd Addition. I left TTRPG's as I traveled around for college/work playing a little hither and yon, and returned with the start of D&D 5e.
My favorite books are
What Dreams May Come Dune Sandman Graphic Novels
How Jef The GM runs games
I am Jeff the GM, a professional dedicated to the belief that we shape the world. My Approach Pacing: Adaptive 60/40 Split (Narrative/RP vs. Combat/Action). I adjust the game's energy to fit the table’s needs—we can shift from intrigue to dungeon crawls based on player preference. New Players: Enthusiastically Welcomed. I provide teaching for first-time players on rules, VTT tools, and TTRPG etiquette etc. Rules: The Rule of Cool. Creativity drives the narrative. If an action is epic and makes sense (e.g., riding lava flows), we make it happen. Content & Groups Content: Fully flexible. I run both official Pre-Built Modules (Curse of Strahd, etc.) and engaging Homebrew Worlds. I am also open to specialized formats like West Marches. Pre-Built Groups: Welcome! I adapt my campaigns or run a bespoke adventure tailored to your existing party. Tools & Safety VTT Flexibility: Default is Roll20, but I adapt to your existing platform (Foundry VTT, etc.) if you are a pre-built group. Immersion: Premium maps, tokens, and curated ambient music/sound effects for cinematic scenes. Safety Protocol: Session Zero is Required. We use Lines and Veils to establish boundaries. I am prepared to use the X-Card and Script Change or any other tool the table requests to ensure a safe, incl
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I deal with rules issues by...
Doing a quick 50/50 roll off, to agreed upon outcomes. Then after the game we'll stay to determine the actual book rulings and decide together how we'll proceed.
Rules are...
Like guidelines and shouldn't impact our story or slow down our combat. Rules are their to provide a framework for the story we will tell together.
When it comes to voices
I enjoy doing different voices for characters. Players are certainly welcome to join in or not depending on how comfortable they are. I personally think voices and tones help to separate various NPC's from narrative descriptions.
Jef The GM's ideal table
Players who are motivated not only by their characters stories but the other players as well. Players who generally have a collaborative approach and growth mindset. Willing to become part of the Flow to build a better story. Listening to other players and asking good questions and building on each others story. Tactical Players that can blend the combat mechanics into their story, while viewing challenges through the lens of resource management. Players who would struggle at my table - Power Gamers - Min/Max is ok, though not at the sacrifice of narrative - Lone Wolf - resisting the cohesion or actively working against the parties goals - Meme Player - Jokes are great but constant immersion breaking, or meta-commentary can ruin the illusion.
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I am for a vibe that's...
I try to aim for Vibe of Cinematic Grit and Character Arcs. I set the Tone of actions having consequences, and lean into high stakes moments wrapped in Narrative Focus of exploration and resource management. I seek to maintain a visceral, sensory detail to the scenes while keeping a solid pace.
I think it's a red flag when players...
- Are not mindful of the other players at the table and is continuously reminded to share the spotlight. - Have trouble separating game knowledge from character knowledge.
My table is not the place for...
- Power Gamers - Min/Max is ok, though not at the sacrifice of narrative - Lone Wolf - resisting the cohesion or actively working against the parties goals - Meme Player - Jokes are great but constant immersion breaking, or meta-commentary can ruin the illusion.
Jef The GM's Preferences
Game Mechanics