Jeff
he/him
5.0
(5)
Timezone
Language
About Jeff
With over 40 years of game-mastering experience (since 1981), I bring passion and proficiency to every table. I hold an MA in World History and Museum Studies, and have served as a developmental editor on hundreds of novels since 2002. I love exploring new systems, worlds, and ideas with players of all backgrounds. I’ve run everything from BX D&D, Champions, Call of Cthulhu, Cyberpunk 2020, and FASERIP Marvel to Modern D&D, Cyberpunk Red, Savage Worlds, Spectaculars, Masks, Mazes, and Star Trek Adventures. Horror and superhero games are particular favorites, with their focus on investigation and character-driven stories, but I’m equally happy with a fast-paced dungeon crawl. Recent long-term campaigns include Savage Worlds’ East Texas University (3 years) and Necessary Evil (2), The Strange (1), 7th Sea (1), Cyberpunk 2020 (1), Delta Green (6 months), Truly Heroic (9), DC Adventures (5 across two twists), Broken Rooms (2), and BX D&D’s Test of the Warlords (2). Earlier runs span Champions, Vampire, Mage, Werewolf, Conspiracy X, GURPS, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more. Of course, between all of this, I run frequent one-shots for special occasions, to fill an off day, or to try a new system. I love new systems. Thanks to Achtung! Cthulhu, I now know parachuting dogs were a thing in WW2. I'm friendly, flexible, player focused, creative, and enjoy serious fun and a good laugh.
At a glance
Less than a year on StartPlaying
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Voices
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
When I was eleven, my mom gave me the original 1981 Basic D&D set. At that time, most game rules were printed on the inside of the box lid. I was the only one willing to tackle the 64‑page rulebook, well, mostly read and partly skim. Naturally, I became the default game master.
When I'm not running games I'm...
My life revolves around dogs. My wife and I have fostered for Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue, and welcomed over a dozen dogs, as many as six at once. Now our pup, Kiki, lives as a spoiled only child, leaving the house strewn with her “stuffies.” They all have names. Some have theme songs.
How Jeff runs games
<>My GM Style My number one rule is: the players come first. Whether you’re here for character-driven roleplay, tactical combat, or a mix of both, I’ll adapt to your preferences. Every table is different, and I pride myself on reading the room and adjusting the pacing, tone, and style to match. I focus on: • Collaborative storytelling and improvisation • Character arcs and group dynamics • Responsive worldbuilding • Spotlight-sharing and inclusive play Fun is the goal. I aim to create a welcoming space where everyone gets to contribute and have a great time. <>What You Can Expect at My Table • Clear communication, session zero options, and safety tools • Rich, engaging NPCs and settings that respond to player choices • A strong narrative backbone with room for surprises • Respect for your character’s story and spotlight moments • Flexibility if you want to explore unexpected plot twists or side stories <>Favorite Table Moment I introduced Julie, the kid sister, expecting her to appear in a scene or two. But the players immediately loved her, and she became a fan favorite. During a murderbot storyline, I introduced a robot clone of Julie that had its killer module removed. She was independent and unsure of her place. Instead of destroying her, the players brought her home. Real Julie was thrilled to meet her “twin,” and the group welcomed her into the family. Completely player-driven, unexpected, and heartfelt moments like that are why I love this hobby.
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
Monsters from the Caves of Chaos ventured to the Keep to reclaim an unholy relic stolen by heroes. When asked who's in charge, I said the biggest. The ogre threw his weight around, until his allies turned on him. Bewildered and sad, his player lamented, “But I was the biggest."
When it comes to voices
I try to add variety and accents. Some are good (hopefully), some are passable, and some are rather awful. I'm still not sure how Greek sounds, but at my table, it has a distinctly Canadian vibe, eh.
Jeff's ideal table
Fun. Flexible. I like roleplaying and problem solving. I try to keep things moving at a good pace, but I can slow down when the players want to focus on an interesting conversation. Ideally, any combat that occurs should run smooth and interesting.
Featured Prompts
I love it when a player
Laughs. Has fun. If they start thinking of their character, the PCs, and the NPCs as people, the campaign feels really good.
I think min/maxing...
Is sometimes an interesting exercise in math, but it misses the point, which is to have fun. In a Star Frontiers campaign, we generated some truly awful characters. We told the GM we lacked money to buy basic equipment. He replied, "Well, you're losers." With that theme, the campaign was a blast.
Jeff's Preferences
Systems