Jansan

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How Jansan runs games

OVERVIEW A lot of people compare TTRPGs to improv and acting, which makes sense. However, I've always seen it as co-authoring a novel. The players are the main characters, the GM is the narrator and supporting cast. Together, we write a story that will (hopefully) be a bright spot in our memories and overall just an enjoyable time. Maybe it's a bit silly, but I love creativity in general. COOPERATION, NOT CONFRONTATION I've never subscribed to the adversarial GM stance. Some people like it, on both ends, happy for them - but that is just not me. I intend to be the number one fan of your characters, and I hope they will succeed, even when I'm obligated to put challenges and drama in their path. After all, I'm really not too big on stories where I don't appreciate the main characters! THE PLAYERS ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERS I want to center your characters, to the degree you want. Even if it is just a one-shot with a theme, I want the story to be one you are interested in. Sometimes this meanings knowing little or nothing - that's fine too! I just want to include what you want, as well. I also do my best to make sure everyone gets the spotlight as much as they want. I tend to address characters directly in most scenes, and if you are taking the background, you can always reply "I'm just waiting/watching" etc. But you will have the opportunity, if you so desire. ALMOST ANY SYSTEM I'm willing to explore (just about) any setting, franchise, theme, or system. I love learning new systems, I've written my own narrative-based system, and I enjoy trying other people's creations as well. You want an original 5E classic fantasy adventure based around your character's backstories? Is it time for Shadowrun and taking on the corporate dystopia? Star Trek, Star Wars? Diselpunk, cyberpunk? Using a custom system for a game based on Persona or the Owl House or alternative history? To any and all of this: yes! PREFERRED PLATFORMS I prefer to use Roll20 for visuals and Discord for audio, as both are free for players and relative easy to access and use. I can also do pure theatre of the mind if some people do not care for Roll20, and I also have a lot of experience as a text-only GM as well if there is a group of players that would prefer no audio. Everyone's comfort is paramount. GM PROS/CONS Every GM has pros and cons, merits and flaws. It's hard sometimes to examine oneself, but I've done my best. If you want a deeply narrative game, or a game that focuses on strategy and tactics, or a blend of both, I think I'm a great choice. I'm willing to learn new systems as well, and I know quite a few already (some I'd have to brush up on again!) I've outlined a lot of my personal methods above that also should give some insight. However, if you'd like a classic dungeon crawl, OSR stuff, or anything like that, there are probably better GMs out there. I can do a hardcore dungeon crawl if you want! I enjoy tactical strategy, but putting characters into meatgrinders is not really my specialty. Furthermore, unfortunately, I am not a voice actor, or actor at all. I don't do voices. I do roleplay directly in character, you'll get vocal inflection, tone, personality, slang, etc., but it's sort of more like in a book-way, if that makes sense. Apologies - I'm a writer, not an actor. SAFETY & COMFORT Last and most importantly - welcoming, friendly, and safe tables are paramount. No hate, no bigotry, no unwanted conflict. No "this is what my character would do" and ruining everything. If two players out of character agree to have a conflict, they may do so, but that is the exception and not the rule. Games dealing with dark and sensitive matter are A-OK with me, happy to run them, but everyone has to be on the same page or it is not going to work.

Featured Prompts

Jansan's ideal table

I focus on running a player and story centric table. I will care about your characters, and help you tell the story you want to tell with them. And, of course, weave it into the overarching narrative whenever appropriate. When actively running a game, I like to call on specific players to check in on them to make sure everyone has time in the spotlight (if they want it!) You are always welcome to say, "I'm just waiting/watching," and I'll move on - but I want to make sure you have your opportunities. I also encourage interrupting me if you have a narrative moment or want to speak. When I'm trying to move the game along, I'll wait a few beats and continue, but don't ever worry if you need to stop me. The player characters are the protagonists, after all. And most importantly, I'm rooting for the protagonists. I'm not an adversarial GM.

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