OSRJuan

he/him

5.0

(2)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

About OSRJuan

I started playing D&D in the ‘80s, back in the 4th grade. For me, the game was a way to step into the worlds of the books I loved—Fritz Leiber, R.E. Howard, Tolkien, Lloyd Alexander. That sense of adventure, danger, and discovery has stuck with me ever since. I prefer OSR-style games for their simplicity, challenge, and emphasis on player creativity over character sheet mechanics. That said, I run my tables with an open and inclusive mindset. Everyone deserves a seat at the table, and I believe in equal rights for all. If you're looking for a game that embraces classic adventure, player-driven problem-solving, and a welcoming environment, let’s roll some dice. Checkout my YouTube link for some amazingly amateur-level videos opining on my approach to TTRPGs and life in general.

At a glance

3 years on StartPlaying

1 games hosted

Highly rated for: Creativity, Knows the Rules, Storytelling

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I became a GM because I love creating rich worlds filled with history, danger, and weird characters—then turning my players loose to run absolutely amok inside them. Watching them derail plans, surprise me, and create unforgettable stories is half the fun.

My favorite books are

My favorite books are pulp fantasy and sword-and-sandal stories full of doomed heroes, ancient ruins, and strange magic. But my love of fantasy really began with The Chronicles of Prydain, which sparked my imagination long before I ever became a GM.

When I'm not running games I'm...

Outside of GMing, I’m into leftist politics, working out, and spending time with my girlfriend and our dogs. I like balancing creative storytelling with staying active and grounded in real life, whether that’s lifting weights, talking politics, or relaxing at home with the people I love.

How OSRJuan runs games

I run sandbox-style games where player choices drive the story. Expect a world full of opportunities, consequences, and meaningful interactions. My focus is on character-driven roleplay and cinematic combat—fast, intense, and high-stakes. Inspired by the pulpy worlds of Fritz Leiber and Robert E. Howard, my settings are gritty, dangerous, and full of intrigue. I follow The Lazy Dungeon Master approach, prepping key elements like character motivations, fantastic locations, and hidden secrets. This keeps sessions flexible, immersive, and responsive to player decisions. If you want an unpredictable, story-driven game with real impact, let's play.

Featured Prompts

I prep by

I prep by trying not to overthink everything. My instinct is to make every detail perfect, but I keep that in check by leaning on Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master and focusing on flexible prep instead of scripting every moment.

My games focus on...

My games focus on giving players a living world to react to, struggle against, and maybe even shape. They’re the protagonists of the story, and my goal is to give them enough hooks, conflicts, and meaning that they truly want to protag.

When it comes to voices

When it comes to voices, I care less about accents and more about giving NPCs real goals and motivations. A three-dimensional character feels more meaningful to roleplay because they come across as an actual person, not just a trope or quest dispenser.

OSRJuan's ideal table

My table style begins with a simple goal: everyone should have fun. I believe every player comes to the table looking for something a little different. Some want deep character moments, some love tactical challenges, some want to explore the setting, and some simply enjoy spending time with friends while rolling dice. I try to build a game that offers opportunities for all of those players without forcing anyone into a style of play they do not enjoy. I will open doors, offer hooks, and create moments for characters to shine, but I will not push a player into the spotlight just because it is what I would want as a GM. I am especially drawn to emergent storytelling. I do not want the players to feel like they are walking down a path I already wrote for them. The world has people, problems, factions, dangers, and opportunities, but the story grows from the choices the players make. Actions have consequences. Allies remember kindness. Enemies respond to interference. Ignored problems may worsen, while unexpected decisions may reshape the campaign entirely. The story is not predetermined, but it is connected by causality and repercussions. Roleplaying matters at my table, but that does not mean everyone needs to be an actor or perform elaborate voices. I care much more about players treating their characters, the world, and each other’s investment with respect. I love what I call “lore playing”: engaging with the setting as though it matters, remembering the people you meet, caring about the stakes, and allowing the shared illusion to breathe. You never need to give an award-winning performance. You simply need to help protect the immersion of the table and be willing to play in the world together. My ideal table is generous, collaborative, surprising, and memorable for everyone.