Jared Griffin

he/him

5.0

(4)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

Black

Neurodivergent

Published Writer

Game Designer

About Jared Griffin

I've been an author and freelance writer for 6 years, so narrative based anything is all me. My stories have a focus on the human experience, both our shared one and the unique ones. Expect me to dig into characters. I first encountered DnD in college when a friend invited me to play with his associates. It was terrible and I didn't touch the game for 5 years. The same friend invited me again and it was terrible again. But I decided during that slog that I'd step up and be the DM I wanted. That's exactly what I've done for the last 3 years. In my time DMing for tables and solo campaigns, I've found something writing books doesn't give me: direct emotional feedback. When my book makes someone light up, lean in, or cry, I'll, at best, hear about it later. Watching it happen live is a different beast. It also helps that being able to read the room allows me to craft the story to that day's table because yesterday's tastes, energy, and emotional needs aren't today's tastes, energy, and emotional needs. I offer solo campaigns, which can be discussed in PM.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, World Builder, Rule of Cool

$15 per session

Featured Prompts

My favorite shows/movies are

Shows: Bojack Horseman, The Good Place, Castlevania Movies: Sinners, Spiderverse, Such a Beautiful Day, EEAO, Nimona Anime: Code Geass, A Silent Voice, Edgerunners, Kaiji, NGE, Toradora, Fate Zero & Heaven's Feel Manga: Blood on the Tracks, Chainsaw Man, Kaguya Sama, Oshi no Ko, Berserk, Vinland

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

"Funny, Caring, Quick on your Feet (cheating but whatever)" "Realistic, Emotionally Deep (another cheat), Versatile" "Capivating/Entertaining (aight lol), Intense, Unafraid"

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

Writing books, talking to friends and family, listening to video essays, working out, or playing a video game.

How Jared Griffin runs games

Roleplay/Plot: Expect plenty of this. My games are narrative-focused, so prepare to go for your Emmy! Or not lol. It's a low-pressure, open environment where you'll be supported if you want to go for it, and embraced and entertained if you don't. I'll bring interesting chraracters to the table who I'll put my back into bringing to life for you. My games are all various levels of sandbox, so you'll have the freedom to resolve issues or even take the story your way if the party collectively wants to. There's story everywhere. Combat: The difficulty level will be set in Session 0, so don't concerned about the game being too hard or too easy. I have two years of game design experience and sixteen of being an elite competitive gamer, so I can cover the gamut. I don't do meaningless combat, so expect combats to have narrative significance and stakes, and be tactical and strategic. Rules/Homebrew: I’m a chronic homebrewer because what is standard D&D but a template? If I can make it better, I will. I'm Rule of Cool with RAW as baseline—we’re here to tell an amazing story, not playtest rules. But, as Sanderson said, “Limitations>Powers.”

Featured Prompts

I once ran a session...

Them and their NPC friends did choreographed performances of their album of songs (their favorite real songs). They started 2 different cults, one to match the fervor of an enemy's following, the other for their late father's two powerful, grieving admirers who tried to sacrifice one to revive him.

My games focus on...

Creating a compelling story, digging into the human condition, and touching everyone's emotions in rich, memorable ways. Your character is in a full, real world, and I want to give my players maximum verisimilitude.

Rules are...

Guildines and suggestions to hold unless a better or cooler idea comes through.

Jared Griffin's ideal table

If you love to roleplay, social encounters, and engaging/tactical combat, you'll love my table. There will be serious and fun moments and knowing which is which is important. If you want to really lose yourself in a world and the people there, I'm your guy!

Featured Prompts

I am for a vibe that's...

Emotionally intense is my fav, but I love funny/chill. The latter two need the first to have meaning. "She recoiled, guarding her pale skin from the sun like she wasn't bathed in sunblock. The smell of vinegar and fish reminds you that showering is an ordeal for her. But you got her here. Safely."

I love it when a player

Comes up with a fresh idea to solve a problem. Engages a character in good faith because they're interested in the character, not for personal gain. Shows genuine emotion at the table. This is the biggest edge DMing has over writing for me. Hearing about emotions pales in comparison to seeing them.

I think it's a red flag when players...

Ignore or don't engage with the characters like people. If you want to skip the dialogue and try to march through a game, there are millions of solo games out there for that. Or, meet me in a competitive one >:D Disrespect is obvious. Respect me and the other players. Love thy neighbor.