DM Joester
he/him
5.0
(5)
Timezone
Language
Identity
About DM Joester
My introduction to 5th Edition D&D was at my local game store that hosted Adventures League. After going a few weeks and being hooked they desperately needed more Game Masters to be able to allow everyone who showed up a chance to play. I agreed to give it a try despite only having played for a few weeks. I was instantly addicted. Fast forward to 2019 and I found myself working part time for a board game restaurant helping people learn to play board games. I was able to convince them to let me host D&D sessions. Finally, my dream of being paid to play D&D came true! Enter the pandemic and the shutdown. Now more than ever it seemed there was a demand online for Game Masters. This is when I began running paid games on Roll20. I also began to branch out more to other games besides D&D. Thus began my career of hosting games online.
At a glance
2 years on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Inclusive, Creativity, Rule of Cool
Featured Prompts
When I'm not running games I'm...
Playing Guitar or video games, reading, or developing modules for FoundryVTT.
How DM Joester runs games
I believe tabletop role-playing games work best as a collaborative experience, not a competition between the Game Master and the players. My role as GM is to present engaging challenges, support player creativity, and help everyone navigate the rules and options so the table stays focused on the story and the fun. My style is laid-back and player-forward. I favor rulings that prioritize enjoyment while remaining fair and consistent. My games balance role-play, exploration, and meaningful combat, with encounters designed to feel tense and rewarding without becoming exhausting or punitive. Whenever possible, I use technology to enhance the experience rather than distract from it. This includes mood-setting music, visual aids, and automation to streamline repetitive mechanics so we can spend more time playing and less time bookkeeping. I actively welcome feedback and constructive criticism and treat it as a way to improve both my skills and the overall table experience. My goal is always to make each session better than the last. Creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment is a top priority for me. I have zero tolerance for bigotry or harassment of any kind, and deliberately harmful behavior will not be tolerated so everyone can play comfortably and respectfully.
DM Joester's ideal table
I run games where the goal is for everyone to have a good time, tell a compelling story together, and feel comfortable participating, whether you’re brand new to tabletop RPGs or a longtime veteran. My table works well for both beginners and experienced players. I’m happy to teach the game and support newer players, and I expect more experienced players to be patient, respectful, and supportive rather than dismissive or overbearing. Everyone deserves the space to learn, play, and contribute. Players at my table are expected to share the spotlight, respect different experience levels, and engage cooperatively. This isn’t a table for rules-lawyering at the expense of fun; it is a table for collaboration, curiosity, and mutual respect. The overall vibe is laid-back but engaged. There’s room for humor and relaxed play, but when the story or stakes matter, the table can focus and take things seriously. I aim for a balanced mix of role-play, exploration, and meaningful combat.
DM Joester's Preferences
Game Mechanics