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JonnyDM

JonnyDM (he/him)

5.0

(20)

1 year on StartPlaying

258 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, World Builder, Visual Aid

Average response time: 6 hours

Response rate: 100%

About me

As a 20-year veteran, I specialize in long, immersive campaigns that span over a year or more. Within my home-brew world of the Vermillion Isles, sessions run for at least 3 hours, featuring dynamic lighting, custom maps, evocative music, personalized and custom handouts, atmospheric effects, voice modulation, sourced materials, and some API scripts. I focus on crafting rich narratives and fostering exploration over mere 'winning' or endless dungeon crawls, although I ensure players face challenging encounters. Progress is marked by milestones, allowing for negotiation, strategy, or combat at the group's preferred pace. Roll20 Profile https://app.roll20.net/users/1137458/jonnydm Tourist Guide to the Isles PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iSOsN3Bh7aHyG9kiRFY4-smm2_eWjj0-/view?usp=sharing Video https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RnW7spttQROJCfB1EGD9uJ7r_FuKX_8H/view?usp=sharing

GM Style

– Over 20 years of Game Mastering – I specialize in creating deeply immersive gameplay experiences. – I craft extensive campaigns that unfold over a year or two, guiding players from humble beginnings to epic heroes. – Our weekly sessions, lasting 3 to 4 hours, offer a consistent journey through a richly developed home-brewed world. – Prioritizing storytelling and roleplay, I aim to balance challenge and enjoyment for all players. – Progression in the game is marked by milestones rather than experience points, allowing for negotiation, strategic planning, and engaging combat encounters at your own pace. – I embrace the "Rule of Cool" to enhance the game's enjoyment. – I design custom maps, handouts, spells, races, subclasses, and magical items to elevate the experience and theme of the world. – Our sessions are lively and immersive and utilize dynamic lighting, sound effects, music, atmospheric enhancements, and playful voice alterations. – Players can access the Vermillion Isles Legend Keeper Wiki, a central hub for all world-related information and our collective adventures.

Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (20)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Creativity

World Builder

Visual Aid

Jah avatar

Jah

Played 27 sessions

Johnny was my first proper foray into the world of D&D and I feel blessed to have been in the presence of a.....Master is not enough to describe the man but for now it will have to do. The Vermilion Isles feels like stepping into a Fantasy Novel one might have found in their School Library. A swashbuckling escapade that feels as though it moves and behaves separate from how you interact with it. All that feels natural with an under current of dedication, blood, sweat, and hopefully not too many tears. Every inch of the world feels like it could swallow you whole if you linger in awe for too long. Johnny goes to great lengths to ensure that you have as much understanding as you need to immerse yourself. He trusts you with full player autonomy and doesn't mind shifting the story for the sake of narrative or even humor. If you are willing to be open and honest with your characters desires and wants, he'll give you the tools to flesh them out. Because to him, your story matters. The groups story matters. I played with my group for almost a Yr and the "Unbreakable Six (7)" will always have a special place in my heart. Their trials and tribulations embedding themselves somewhere in me. If you have the chance, take some Dramamine and step onto the Gangplank that is the Vermilion Isles. You will not regret it.

AS Dotts avatar

AS Dotts

Played 26 sessions

100% best DM I've ever had. Very excepting to time changes and character changes. He's supper fun during combat and makes the game very enjoyable.

Kyle W avatar

Kyle W

JonnyDM is THE best DM on here—no question! *Full transparency, he is the only paid DM we have used, but the point remains true =). We were all a little worried about paying for a DM, but could not be happier with our experience and would honestly pay more for everything he provides (please don't up our price though lol). If you're looking for a unique DnD game that's completely focused on creating the best experience for you, the player, then join one of Jonny's games. Our group of 5 ranges from complete novice to an experienced DM - and we have an absolute blast every session. Jonny has crafted an entire world for us to explore and discover new, creative ways to play. The depth and detail with which he's developed this world is truly astonishing. From his homebrewed mechanics to the expansive pantheon and lore of his world - Jonny demonstrates his deep understanding of DnD and what the DnD experience is SUPPOSED to be. Not to mention the great characters and voices he's got DOWN lol. So good! If you're a pain in the 4$$ like me who likes to push the limits sometimes, then Jonny’s rule of cool approach lets you do exactly that. Want to pull off something totally wild? He’s all for it, as long as it doesn't break the game and keeps things fun. He somehow manages to strike the perfect balance between letting you do crazy stuff and keeping the game running smoothly. It’s not an easy line to walk, but he nails it. Outside the game, Jonny is incredibly responsive and always available to chat, answer questions, or help with character building. He puts in so much effort behind the scenes that you can tell this is truly his passion. The prep work he does before every session is next-level, and the world he’s built could easily be published as an official sourcebook. I'd go on, but I don't want to spoil any of the surprises he's got in-store. TLDR: JonnyDM is absolutely amazing and so is his world and game sessions. If you're new to the game, he'll bring you along quickly and make sure you're having a great time. Experienced player? He'll definitely be able to challenge you while allowing you to be creative and push your own boundaries. Are you a DM? Then come check out an expertly crafted world and how to run an amazing game for your players. Do yourself a favor and check out JonnyDM! PS: I wasn't even paid for all this. He's really that good! *Somehow casts Suggestion at 9th level: "JonnyDM wants to give me 17 free sessions!"* ;)

Doublechronox avatar

Doublechronox

Played 50 sessions

What can be said about Jonny that has not been said about the great story tellers of time. His stories are masterfully crafted with passion and purpose. He has prepared his homebrew world to have real history and real opportunities. As a DM he is kind, thoughtful, cares that his players are having fun. He allows players to hold the reigns of their own PC instead of funneling them into a direction. I love the freedom I have to tell my PC's story. He has created an inclusive and positive campaign for our group, one that didn't know each other to start, but now is tightknit and loves playing every week. We wouldn't have that without a good DM.

Jonathan Masson avatar

Jonathan Masson

Played 29 sessions

John John John… what to say? He’s like the best dude. Always in a good mood. Super expressive, gives a solid pace to his games. It’s never boring! And he has an extensive world he created with so many things to discover and explore. So, John for prime minister!! (if you’re Canadian like me) I honestly recommend John

Tyler avatar

Tyler

Played 31 sessions

Jonny is a wonderful DM that makes sure everyone is having fun, uses the Rule of Cool without going overboard, and has a lot of visual aids/voices to help players get immersed in the world. You can tell how much work he's put into the world and into each session, and I can't say I've had a session with him when the group ever thought it was anything less than great.

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