Richard Jow

he/him

5.0

(6)

Timezone

Etc/gmt

Language

English

About Richard Jow

I've been running TTRPGs, mostly Dungeons and Dragons, for around 5 years. In that time I've helped many new players discover the joy of the game. My approach is "learn by doing" - I'll guide you through the rules as we go, keeping the focus on fun, creativity and storytelling. At my table the Rule of Cool is always in play: if it makes the story more exciting and the group more engaged, I'll help you find a way to make it happen. I run collaborative, respectful games where everyone's ideas matter, starting with a session zero to set expectations and build a shared foundation for our adventures. Whether your a seasoned veteran or brand new to the game, you'll find a welcoming space at my table - as long as you're here to have fun, play together and help make the session memorable for everyone. I home-brew in my own world, but also run set Dungeons & Dragons modules. I also run one-shot games as well as longer form adventures and campaigns.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Storytelling, Teacher, Inclusive

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

because when I played D&D for the first time I was instantly hooked. The mix of storytelling, creativity and collaboration grabbed me right away. My mind started racing with ideas for adventures that I thought players would enjoy. That excitement pushed me to step behind the screen.

The three words my players would use to describe me are...

handsome, charismatic, hilarious. No? You would have to ask them. I would like to say thoughtful, fun and supportive. But again, have a look at my reviews and testimonials and see what they say for themselves!

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

when I'm not at the game table, I spend a lot of time outdoors walking and exploring with my wife and daughter. I'm also a writer of fantasy stories for children and the creator and operator of Professor Squozz and the Adventure Tots, where I combine my love of storytelling with a sense of play.

How Richard Jow runs games

My games focus on story-driven adventures where the plot unfolds as you explore, with a balance of combat, puzzles and role-play. I design situations that give give players a chance to shine both as their characters and as themselves - whether that means clever problem-solving creative role-play or bold tactical choices. I love weaving player backstories into the narrative, making sure everyone feels personally connected to the adventure. Expect occasional high-stakes battles against larger-than-life villains, where collaboration is key but there's always room for individual heroism. My style is about creating a shared story that feels meaningful, exciting and fun for everyone at the table.

Featured Prompts

My favorite trope is...

a baddie who doesn't really want to hurt you, but it is all for the greater good! You just don't understand the pressure they are under and if you could just see their side, I'm sure you'd understand. But if you're not with them, you are certainly against them...

My games focus on...

storytelling primarily, with a narrative driven adventure to take you along for a ride and allow you to explore your character and their place in the world. Throw in some epic battles with weird baddies and a couple of intriguing puzzles and you're at my table!

Rules are...

all based in respect. Respect each other, respect my table and respect the game. This hobby is all about fun and collaboration and everyone needs to feel comfortable at my table. Allow other people the space to play and explore, be supportive and helpful and have fun!

Richard Jow's ideal table

As you can tell from the rest of my GM profile, supportive, kind and respectful people fit in well at my table. Bring any personality you have along as there is room for everyone, but whether you are just starting out and have never played before, or whether you are a veteran, we are all in this together to tell stories, have adventures and make memories. Give everyone the room to be themselves and make their way through the worlds and you will fit at my table.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

goes out of their way to boost another player's experience, either through roleplaying or in the heat of a battle. If you learn to play with me, my GMing style will hopefully bring this naturally to the front.

I think metagaming...

is funny to see, but has to be worked into the story. What you know and what your character knows are very different things. However, I will very often allow you to roll for it and see what in your character's past might have given them such knowledge!

I think min/maxing...

is absolutely fine, as long as it is taken with the spirit of my table. It isn't about winning and losing, it is about telling the story. So be respectful of the other players, don't try to dominate every situation with your OP character and enjoy yourself and you can build whatever you like!