John (he/him)
5.0
(10)
2 years on StartPlaying
1 game hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Inclusive
Average response time: 3 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
A dungeon master for 14 years among friends, I started playing on a D20 system modified to run a Mass Effect game before getting into mainstream D&D. I followed the game from 3.5e through 4th edition and into 5th edition. Until it closed, I would volunteer to run beginner's sessions at Meltdown Comics. I'm a lifelong sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book geek. A deep well of pop culture knowledge. New players are my favorites - they can't be constrained by rules they don't know - but I've seen players I introduced to the game master the rules and reach 20th level. I like action and comedy, drama and intrigue, wonder and surprises. GMing is my favorite activity, I wish I could make money doing it - oh wait!
GM Style
I do love roleplay! I do love tactical, high-stakes combat! As a comic book fan, I'm after high melodrama and action-packed setpieces, yet also the comedy of living in a world where wonders and fantasy are day-to-day occurrences. I love a good battlemap, one that creates opportunities for players' imagination. I love players even more, especially the kind that can think of angles I hadn't considered. At my table, you're less likely to fall into a dungeon's trap and more likely to face the consequences of your actions. If you're into that kind of thing.
Game platforms used
Game Master Reviews (10)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Creativity
Storytelling
Inclusive
Kelso
Played 1 sessions
I had a great experience in the beginer's one-shot campaign with John! We were a group of inexperienced strangers and he was very patient with us, while making sure we were able to have a complete adventure and get a good grasp of the basics. The worksheets and prep he did ahead of time was extremely helpful, and are resources I think I'll still use moving forward as I play more. I warned him I may come back for another beginner one shot to get myself comfortable before I graduate to longer campaigns with more experienced players.
Ryan Jahnke
Does a really good job at creating complex characters that inhabit a dynamic plot. Always down for fun side quests while introducing drama and suspense when needed. He finds ways to pull players into his scenes and helps both veterans and new players role play.
Tyler Drbal
John is a legendary storyteller, character actor, scene-setter and just an all around a great dude. If he’s at GM head of your table, play sessions are more like ‘episodes’ of the best tv show never made.
Jared Widman
A really fun and cool guy, makes sick interactive maps, a master world-builder and storyteller, while allowing a ton of space for player creativity. If it's within the rules (or close enough and Rule of Cool) he will let players take any action. I mean I would recommend this DM to anybody, beginners and heavily experienced alike.
Aaron Starr
John is second to none when it comes to building worlds. More than that though he's quick on his feet. When the group inevitably finds a way to side step everything he has planned he is a master of coming up with an alternative and ties it in so smoothly you'd never know you went off track. John is good as a DM if you're looking for fun engaging experiences that will challenge you, make you work as a team and tie you to your character in a profound way that only a good DM can.
Marc
One of the best GMs I've had! Creates immersive 3D maps for his players. Invents creative lore rich worlds for players to delve into. Really great storytelling experience overall. Highly recommend!!
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