Jack

he/they

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

LGBTQ+

Queer

Neurodivergent

Voice Actor

About Jack

Hi, I’m Jack! I’m a college student studying political science, a mock trial nerd and coach, and - most importantly given the context - a Game Master. I primarily run D&D 5e, since I’ve found it’s the most approachable system for new players, and the best to bend and shape into a twisted amalgam that suits my dark needs, whether that means adding custom cyberpunk cyberware systems, designing car chases, or transporting my players into an IKEA from real life. We have fun :) I’ve been GMing for about three years, mostly in homebrewed settings with friends/families. I also love running one-shots for special occasions - birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, moms no longer being sick, you name it. For me, TTRPGs are a way of bringing people together in a totally unique way, making memories, and telling stories that stick with you using characters that represent you. I can actually remember the exact moment I first got hooked. I was 12 years old, sitting in the backseat of my mom’s beat-up Volvo XC90 (which was about as old as I was). We were driving my sister home from college for the summer, and after we all ran out of small talk, she plugged in her phone and started playing what I’m pretty sure was the penultimate episode of the third arc of The Adventure Zone: Balance - the one with the cars and the plants. From that moment on, I was hooked. TTRPGs have been a part of my life ever since, and eight years later, they’ve completely shaped the way I learn and communicate.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I got my start as a GM because I was the guy who "knew the rules" and could do the most voices - what my foolish family had not considered was this was what I had wanted all along! I love being creative and allowing the people I love to express themselves. I also know the rules and can do voices. :)

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

This obviously depends on the table, but what I've most often gotten in the past is "Boundlessly creative," "hilarious," and "unnecessarily harrowing." I think my favorite description I've ever gotten was "safe" though, because that's what I strive for.

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

Obviously taking/reviewing notes, prepping encounters, writing lore blah blah blah place name backstory backstory GM stuff. When I'm not working on DND though, I'm playing Tekken or weird NorthernLion games, reading (probably Brandon Sanderson), or working on stuff for sch**l so I can get a j*b.

How Jack runs games

My style emphasizes improvisation a good bit. I’ve always said that the thing that separates TTRPGs from Skyrim and Dark Souls is that the whole story changes if you faceplant in the big important fight or if your rallying speech doesn’t land. Actions and events will always have reactions and impacts that fit them, otherwise the world would feel more like a script. I’d say my biggest strength as a GM is building relationships between PCs, NPCs, and the world itself. I keep detailed and updated notes on character connections, history with locations, and how person X feels about person Y, so interactions feel natural and responsive. I want my players to walk away not just remembering fights and treasure, but the people and places their characters truly bonded with. What I prioritize most is making sure every player feels excited, comfortable, and engaged. TTRPG characters always reflect some part of the person that plays them, and if the person behind the wheel feels like they aren’t in an environment where they can express themselves through that character, it's going to make the experience worse for everyone. I also put a lot of emphasis on being beginner friendly. Most of the 30ish players I’ve GM’d for (at the time of writing this) were brand-new to TTRPGs when we started. I love teaching mechanics at a pace that doesn’t overwhelm or confuse you. Even if you’re brand new, you’re in safe hands and I’m excited to help you fall in love with TTRPGs the same way I did!

Featured Prompts

I once ran a session...

Where the ONLY things my party accomplished were talking to ONE (1) important guy, set up a still-active boxing cover business with their WWE superstar friend, and bought 20 lbs. worth of dragon smut from the restricted section of the local library. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done.

My games focus on...

Having fun! My number one job as a GM is to make sure that my players are coming out of this experience having enjoyed it as much as - hopefully more than - they would've enjoyed watching a movie or playing a video game with the same plot.

When it comes to voices

I certainly think they're very helpful for everyone involved, and I will personally always use them. I think any player that's really invested in their character will naturally start using a voice for them; It's important to note that there is a stark difference between "voice" and "accent".

Jack's ideal table

The biggest thing I emphasize at my table is that my players need to support one another. If you guys end up realizing that I'm every bad guy at once and start to antagonize ME a little that's okay, but your party is a party for a reason. Otherwise just have fun, keep the game moving, and try and work together!

Featured Prompts

I think min/maxing...

Is okay! There are a couple of things I'm not going to agree with if they dont fit you, but a character that is good at what they should be good at and bad at what they should be bad at is okay with me. Just know I create every encounter with YOU in mind, so if you have 6 wis be prepared to save<3.

My perfect party mix is

Really - and I mean really really - any composition with a healer. I have had so many parties where the only healing is a lay on hands that is never used or a random healing word from a magic initiate feat. I promise healing is fun guys I swear!!!

My table is not the place for...

There's the obvious answers, I don't do racism or homophobia or any bigotry and if you try and pull that you will be asked to leave but I've never really had an issue with that. My REAL pet peeve though is a player that won't accept the result of a dice roll, failing is fun!