Jonesy

he/him

5.0

(5)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Queer

Artist

No Gen AI

About Jonesy

Hello, I'm Jonesy! I've been playing and running games for 13 years! I began with Pathfinder 1e and moved onto 5e around 2019 when The Adventure Zone became popular, but I've played other systems and tried out to see what I like and don't like, and have gathered bits and tricks to become the best Dungeon Master I can be. I'm an artist and writer, and I've found that the creative freedom and avenue of emotional storytelling you find in TTRPGs is like nothing else. There's something so special about creating a world together and filling it with memorable characters that we grow so attached to. I love telling stories and creating memorable moments for myself and my players that we still reminisce about years later. I am a transgender man, and so I am committed to creating an inclusive, LGBTQ+ friendly space where all players feel safe, respected, and welcome. I make sure that players' individual needs are respected and accommodated, including those of neurodivergent players. This includes a thorough Session 0, Safety Tools, and having an End-of-Session Wrap Up. I also use Discord to keep communication open. As an artist, I strive to keep my games and the art used in them AI-free. I support small artists for things I can not make myself, and for everything else, I love to make original art! I almost always make character portraits for players and important NPCs. I currently use Clip Studio Paint and a Wacom tablet to make my art.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Creativity, World Builder

$25 per session

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I like to facilitate the story! I like to be like a creative director and make things that delight and surprise people.

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

I asked them and got "Prolific, Astute, and Thoughtful".

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

Junk journalling, drawing, writing RP, and thinking about my next game.

How Jonesy runs games

My focus in games is primarily on telling a good story! Heavy RP with shared spotlights to make each player feel special, not only as an important part of the world, but a critical part of the plot. I work with players from the beginning to the end, from brainstorming backstories, to creating character art (by me, no AI), to where their character's emotional arc takes them in the finale when they achieve their goals. I encourage building bonds of friendship(and potentially romance!) with the other party members and NPCS to make the character's life more fulfilling. I think TTPRGS thrive when the characters feel like real people, so I make NPCs act like real people! Even my villains have goals and beliefs and personalities. Sometimes, entire planned combats can be avoided by good RP. As for combat, I try to run creative, dynamic story-critical combat that builds towards the story we make, not divert or distract from it. I encourage creative strategies and do my best to allow ideas within the realm of the rules. I allow homebrew subclasses, items, species, and spells with DM approval, and I do also make homebrew myself, though it is not a focus of the game and is intended only to enhance the DND 5e experience, not change it. I love exploration, travel, and high stakes! I believe in showing players the consequences of their actions. I'm a very visual person, so I love maps, art, and music incorporated into each session.

Featured Prompts

If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...

Guillermo del Toro! Whimsical with a touch of darkness and romance, with a look inward at human nature. I love to describe fantastical places and play empathetic monsters.

I prep by

I sit down multiple times a week to research, write, and prepare art and maps. I support independent artists and writers by buying maps and supplements for the games I run, and I spend a lot of time making my own art. I love to make playlists on Spotify and chat with players about their characters.

When it comes to voices

I love to do voices! I try to make each NPC sound unique, and I love it when players do a specific voice or accent for their characters, too.

Jonesy's ideal table

I love to run my table very organized. I like a tidy Discord server and open communication. I try my best to be attentive and meet players where they are! I look for fun-loving and creative folk who are excited to make a great story together and are invested in the game. I keep it friendly and accessible to beginners and veterans alike.