Johnathan

he/him

5.0

(8)

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Identity

Queer

Neurodivergent

Teacher/Educator

Voice Actor

About Johnathan

I’ve been playing and DMing TTRPGs for over 16 years, and I love helping players create unforgettable stories together. My deepest experience is in Dungeons & Dragons 5e, but I’ve also run and played in a variety of systems including Daggerheart, Masks, D&D 4e, Epyllion, and more. At my table, the focus is on collaborative storytelling, immersive roleplay, and exciting encounters that challenge both characters and players in fun, memorable ways. Whether you’re a brand-new adventurer or a seasoned hero, I want to make sure everyone has a chance to shine. My games are inclusive, beginner-friendly, and LGBTQ+ friendly — I want players to feel welcome, comfortable, and celebrated for who they are. I love running for a mix of play styles, from tactical combat lovers to roleplay-heavy storytellers, and I tailor each game to the group’s vibe. If you’re looking for a DM who brings energy, flexibility, and a love of cinematic storytelling, I’d be excited to roll some dice with you!

At a glance

1 year on StartPlaying

7 games hosted

Highly rated for: Teacher, Sets the Mood, Creativity

Average response time: 2 hours

Response rate: 100%

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

for my brothers and I after my mom got us into D&D over winter break when I was 14. I've been playing and GMing ever since, throughout high school, college, and all of my 20s. I've brought so many people into what is (in my opinion) the best hobby in the world!

My 3 systems I'd bring to a desert island would be

D&D 5.5- it's what I've played the most and still remains my favorite system Daggerheart- This is more new but the little bit I've played has me hooked, and I can see it becoming my favorite. Mutants & Masterminds- A deserted island will give me more time to learn this crunchier superhero system

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

playing video games, doing research for the games I am running, or reading books. I am a dad to two beautiful children, with another one on the way, so a lot of my time is spent with them.

How Johnathan runs games

My favorite aspect of RPGs is the combat, specifically when playing games like D&D 5e. I'm a very tactical person and that transfers to my GMing style. Roleplay is a very close second and is the only time I actually get to use my BA in Theater.

Featured Prompts

My favorite trope is...

enemies to allies/lovers. I love having a bad guy, who is either bad for good reasons or doesn't understand what they're doing, get turned to the side of good and join the heroes. Zuko from ATLA might have had an impact on me growing up...

My games focus on...

you! The players! The heroes! Without you, there is no story. Sure, I could write something up, but if I wanted to do that, then I'd be an author. The collaborative storytelling is the best part and why I do this. Things have gone a completely different and better way than I thought because of it.

Rules are...

important but not worth having a bad time. If a rule is causing a player to not be enjoying the game, then that rule needs to go. However, if most of the rules are doing that, then we need to find a different system that fits what kind of game that we want to play.

Johnathan's ideal table

Players who stay present and participate actively. This doesn't mean that you have to be a part of every single scene, but there's nothing worse than GMing a group of players that are all on their phone or checked out, so you have to repeat yourself. If you aren't part of a scene, that doesn't mean that you can't watch and enjoy the show unfolding before your very eyes. You'll miss out on so much entertainment that way.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

gives great descriptions on what they are doing. "I cast fireball" isn't nearly as good as "With a flourish of my wand and a quick incantation, a mote of flame flies from the tip before exploding in a fireball." It makes my job so much easier and more fun.

I think min/maxing...

has a time and place. Testing out builds, one shots, those are the times for min/maxing. Roleplay builds are much better. However, this does not mean unoptimized builds. A druid taking polearm master for no reason other than to make themselves weaker isn't necessary.

My table is not the place for...

toxic masculinity. If you think you are better than other players just because of your gender, then you won't be invited back. If you are purposefully misogynistic, then you'll be asked to leave. While all are welcome at my table, the comfort of myself and others is more important than a fragile ego