John Rodrigues
he/him
5.0
(11)
Timezone
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Identity
About John Rodrigues
I'm a Portuguese nerd with dreams in English. Five years ago my friends were convinced running D&D was too hard, so I volunteered for "just a one-shot." That one-shot never ended. It grew into campaigns, and the campaigns grew into a world of my own: Braosa. I built it session by session at real tables, out of borrowed maps, old myths and players who never stopped surprising me. At my table you'll get roleplay and combat in equal measure. Monsters think. Puzzles can't be solved with a single spell. NPCs are voiced with more enthusiasm than accuracy. I handle the rules so you can focus on your character, and I'll weave your backstory so deep into the plot that the story couldn't exist without you. I run published adventures, bent until they fit your party, and original campaigns set in Braosa. Whether you've never rolled a d20 or you have a drawer full of retired characters, there's a seat for you. đź•” I play early mornings, European time. That's Monday and Wednesday nights on the US West Coast (9pm Pacific), late afternoons in Australia and evenings in New Zealand. English, Portuguese or Spanish: pick your language, bring your character, and let's make something worth remembering.
At a glance
2 years on StartPlaying
29 games hosted
Highly rated for: Sets the Mood, Rule of Cool, Beginner Friendly
$20 per session
Featured Prompts
I got started GMing...
Because my D&D friends all thought it was too hard, so I volunteered to run a one-shot. Five years later, that one-shot is still going. Longest "one-shot" in the world, they say.
My favorite books are
Anything by Tolkien, The Silmarillion above all. Beyond that, the myths and legends of every culture I can find. They're the best worldbuilding manual ever written.
When I'm not running games I'm...
With my wife and kids. Building houses at our family construction company. Building worlds and writing stories set in Braosa. Reading fantasy, history, myth and religion.
How John Rodrigues runs games
Roleplay and combat, in equal measure. Character growth, tactical fights and decisions with real stakes are the heart of every campaign. New players get room to learn. The world doesn't hold back though, death is possible and victories are earned. Veterans will find the fights tough and the big moments real. ⚔️ Combat & Puzzles ▪ Monsters aren't dumb. They fight according to who they are and where they live: ambushes, retreats, terrain, grudges. ▪ Not every door opens to a spell or a lockpick. Expect challenges that reward thinking as a party. 💬 Roleplay ▪ Voices are never required, but the table is set up so playing your character comes naturally, even if you've never tried. ▪ A little metagaming is human and fine. All I ask is that we keep things moving: decide in character, keep side chat light, and let everyone have their turn. 🎲 Rules & Tools ▪ Rules are a guideline, not a wall. I handle the rulebook; you know your character sheet and your backstory. ▪ Music and ambience set the mood. Battles run on 2D square and hex maps, drawn by me or taken from the module, using Foundry VTT, D&D Beyond and Discord. 📜 Story ▪ Every campaign, published or original, gets bent around your characters. Expect your backstory in the plot and your choices to change the world for good. ▪ No module is sacred. If the party needs something different, the story changes. Are you a blind drow coming to the surface in search of a cure? An orc shaman exiled by your tribe for the patron you serve? The great-grandson of a legendary ghost pirate, chasing an inheritance? Whoever you are, there's a story waiting with your name in it. Roll for initiative!
Featured Prompts
I once ran a session...
With zero prep, and it was one of the best we've ever had. I improvised so far off the module that the module went in the bin, and the villain had to be rebuilt from scratch.
My games focus on...
Your character's story, the party's choices, and everyone at the table having a great time.
When it comes to voices
Every character gets one. Some are convincing. Most are funny. All are fully committed.
John Rodrigues's ideal table
We open with 10–15 minutes of real-life chat and quick questions about rules or lore. It doubles as a grace period for anyone running late. Once we start, we stay in the story. Everyone gets regular time in the spotlight. While the scene is focused elsewhere, Foundry's text chat is the place for in-character side conversations. There's usually a short break halfway. If we're running behind, the table decides whether to skip it or keep it quick. After the session, stick around for about 15 minutes if you like, to unwind, talk about what just happened and scheme for next time. Above all: a relaxed, respectful, friendly table where everyone shows up for each other.
Featured Prompts
If you're into ___, you're going to love my table
If you're into growing a character over a long campaign, exploring a world with real depth and leaving a mark on the story that sticks, you're going to love my table.
I love it when a player
Cares about their character, the story and the rest of the party.
My table is not the place for...
…someone who needs the spotlight in every scene. …skipping sessions without a word. …real-world political or religious debates. We leave those at the door.
John Rodrigues's Preferences
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