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Jesse James Anderson

Jesse James Anderson (he/they)

5.0

(6)

Podcaster
LGBTQ+
Queer
Cosplayer
Teacher/Educator
Voice Actor

1 year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Inclusive, World Builder

About me

Hello dear friends, I'm Jesse! I am an inclusive, narratively-focused but mechanics-savvy multi-system GM. With over 20 years of DMing experience and having lived through many a trouble at the table I can quickly adjudicate rules while also being willing to take a step back and take time to make sure that the story is moving in a direction the whole table is content with. I love to run pre-made modules and create my own stories and settings, often with copious input from past and current players. I'm also an experienced actor and improv artist and bring those skills to my characterization and descriptions during play, I'm a member of The Natural 7 podcast. I am skilled in many game systems but my favorites by far are D&D (4th and 5th), Exalted, Legend of the 5 Rings, Pathfinder 2, Shadowrun and both Chronicles and World of Darkness .

GM Style

I love roleplay and the daily life facts of characters, their habits and preferences being put on display and used to bring the group closer together. I love narrative, cinematic combat over tactical combat but am not that big a fan of rules-lite systems, I enjoy the feeling of progression and mechanical depth that helps to accentuate a character's narrative journey. As an actor I love to give important NPCs their own voices.

Social
Game Master Reviews (6)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Storytelling

Inclusive

World Builder

Jarod Landro avatar

Jarod Landro

Jesse is incredible when it comes to incorporating your character into the story. Almost instantly I was noticing key moments that only related to player characters and it was lovely to feel the work I had done before we started playing actually had an impact.

Jonathan Wright avatar

Jonathan Wright

To Jesse, inclusivity and a safe space to have a fun game is #1! They’ll expertly create a game for you to explore and not feel like it’s an empty sandbox, but a quizzical world full of intriguing characters!

Wolfblade avatar

Wolfblade

Jesse runs absolutely evocative and enjoyable games. Very player friendly, very funny to play with, expect a few good laughs each session for sure. Willing to go with the flow when mechanics get in the way, and being corrected when they are wrong (within reason. No "Actually" players allowed!). Weird concepts are not only allowed, but encouraged, and he gets quite a lot of joy out of helping that weirdness come into play.

Mark Parker avatar

Mark Parker

I have gamed numerous times with Jesse in every configuration possible; GMing for him, both of us as players, and playing under him as GM. You would be exceptionally hard pressed to find someone who cares more about the minutiae of people's backstories at the table, the plans that were discussed OOCly for where the campaign would go, or the million other things that elevate this hobby into a wonderful experience. He has shown exceptional patience and kindness in helping people with tricky rules or the weirdest bits of lore in both capacities as an official and as a player. If you are new to the hobby I highly recommend making one of your first times happen with Mr. Anderson.

Daniel Schie avatar

Daniel Schie

Jesse is always rewarding you for playing your character and coming up with creative ways to interact with the world and express ideas. Always helps make sure your characters feel like how you want them to, and has the world around them react and respond very believably to what you character is doing in a way that feels incredibly fun and rewarding!

Joshua Carroll avatar

Joshua Carroll

Jesse is very good at painting a mental picture of they area you are in. He takes his time if you need help, and if your trying to do something that goes against the rules or is just awesome, he will work with you to male that action work. Also he has some characters that pop in his games that will stick with you forever.

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