About me

Welcome to the Realm of Imagination with GM Ryan Jess Hello, adventurers! I'm GM Ryan Jess, a dedicated steward of tabletop realms since the halcyon days of 1998. My journey began in the low lit back corners of a high school library, amidst the clatter of dice and the shuffling of cards. Since then, my passion for bringing people together through the magic of role-playing, board and card games has only grown. A Rich Tapestry of Experience: As a veteran game master, I've navigated the vast landscapes of Dungeons & Dragons 5E, the star-studded expanse of Star Wars D6, and the shadowy corners of Candela Obscura. My home has been a beacon for Table Top enthusiasts for over eight years, hosting epic gatherings of up to 12 players. Beyond the tabletop, I've extended my love for gaming into the community, organizing comicon events, monthly library game nights that celebrate our shared passion for role-playing and board games. I am currently working on my own original roleplaying system called "Campfire Stories" a wilderness survival and exploration role playing game. The Journey Begins: My adventure started with Dungeons and Dragons 2nd Edition, alongside classics like Magic: The Gathering and various collectible card games, finding sanctuary in the back of my high school library. University life saw me orchestrating games of 'Attack!' and Risk, fostering a sense of unity and shared adventure. The joy I find in uniting players under the banner of imagination fuels my dedication to this craft. My Values: I love providing my players with a buffet of different experiences. Some games are emotional explorations of the human condition, while others see characters recruiting dissatisfied civilians into a galactic rebellion. I also enjoying hosting a players from a variety of personal backgrounds, some being librarians, others landscapers, research scientists, engineers, and musicians. Typically these professions don't have a lot in common, that is until you get them together to play an adventure in Exandria, some remote outer rim planet or the foggy streets of NewFaire. As far as my own career, I have been a rock and blues musician, a health and safety professional, a computer store manager, and a glass technician. I just want to experience life in all of its colors. My game nights are inclusive, some of my regulars enjoy bringing over some beer or wine, with others enjoying going outside to enjoy some cannabis, while others (and myself) just like to have a tall glass of pop and chips. To that end, while I am tolerant of people's preferred way to relax, it should not come at the expense of the groups good time. Embark on Your Adventure: If you're ready to step into a world where every session is an opportunity for greatness, I invite you to join me. For inquiries and to book your next adventure, reach out via email or find me on StartPlaying.games. Together, let's create stories that will be told for ages to come.

GM Style

A Symphony of Chaos and Harmony: My approach to game mastering is a blend of improvisation and player-driven narratives, set against an atmospheric backdrop that balances structured and open-world exploration. Each session is a carefully managed mix of action, adventure, and discovery, designed to spotlight the characters crafted by my players. I believe in tailoring adventures to the heroes of the story, utilizing a Session 0 to align our visions and build a foundation for epic tales to unfold. Crafting Worlds Together: I harness the power of Roll20 and Discord to bring our adventures to life, complemented by immersive soundtracks and original artwork to enrich our journey. Prospective adventurers should prepare for a Session 0, where we'll set the stage for the adventures ahead, ensuring that every voice is heard and every expectation is met.

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