James

he/him

Timezone

America/los Angeles

Language

English

Identity

Teacher/Educator

Voice Actor

Game Designer

About James

I've been playing tabletop games for the past 10 years and like most people I started as a player in a friend's home game. I instantly fell in love with the concept, but what I really wanted to dive into was the design and presentation of running a game. Shortly after my first campaign as a player I began running one shots to try and become a better GM, my first few games were rough, but I learned a lot of what to do and what not to do. Very quickly I began branching outside of D&D 5e. I had heard about Vampire: The Masquerade in the past and I knew about Pathfinder so as a naturally curious person I had to figure them out for myself. My eyes were opened and I became gluttonous. I've read over 100 different systems at this point and I'm still reading more. I've run pre-written adventures and I've spent countless hours designing my own worlds as well. I've run strictly by the numbers games and I've run heavily homebrewed amalgamations. I value player expression and I love to say "yes and, no but, and let's see if it works".

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Featured Prompts

I got started GMing...

because I love telling stories and helping other people facilitate their imaginations. I love to create worlds both by myself and collaboratively and I find that GMing helps me live that.

My favorite shows/movies are

not necessarily fantasy adjacent. I am a massive fan of the Rush Hour movies, Big Trouble in Little China, and old action flicks.

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

designing them. I like to spend a lot of time working out mechanics, exploring homebrew concepts, and reading other people's ideas.

How James runs games

I'd say my GMing style is fair first and foremost. I will never fudge dice and I will be up front about player expectations. I understand this is a game at its core and games are supposed to be fun. If someone isn't having fun I'd like for them to let me know and we can work something out to improve their experience. This is a team game and I'm on the player's team, that being said, it's no fun if you just stomp everything and danger is a delicious spice. Past that I tend to be quite knowledgeable about the systems I run and pride myself on having a lot of system mastery. Having said that, I understand the need to bend rules here and there to better realize a concept or to flavor something in just the right way. I try to run games as close to RAW as possible, but I'm not a hardass and I'm willing to look the other way if it makes the experience better for everyone. Finally, I like to constantly improve. I'm not above criticism and I'm constantly learning just like everyone else. If I'm doing something that upsets you or there's a rule you really think I'm not getting right and it's starting to burn a hole in your heart, let me know about it. I have no problem admitting when I'm wrong and I'm willing to hear your concerns. I'll run better games for you and every potential player if we can work things out.

Featured Prompts

My games focus on...

momentum, creativity, and escapism. We play games to explore new worlds, flex our imaginations, and enjoy a reprieve from the demands of life. Getting hung up on rules disputes or drama drains the energy and nobody likes that.

Rules are...

there for a reason. When a designer makes a game they understand that players are going to homebrew things, shift rules around, and make the game most comfortable for them. Through understanding the core functions of the rules as intended you can better tailor systems to fit your style.

When it comes to voices

I don't expect them, but I always welcome them. I will do voices to the best of my ability because I enjoy doing them. If you're uncomfortable performing yourself, then don't worry about it, just explain that your character is speaking and let me know what they say.

James's ideal table

I say I run a straight forward table. I tend to stick to the rules as best as possible provided they're providing the experience players are looking for. I will bend rules here and there or run some light homebrew for certain actions, but mostly I trust the game designers to create a tight experience. I prefer players that are easy-going and looking for a good time. I will brook the occasional rules dispute, but if we're bogging down every game working out the differences in interpretation it will make it a worse experience for everyone. I also won't stop a game longer than a minute to look up a rule. If we're all confused I'll just make a call and look it up afterwards. The general vibe I'm gunning for at my tables is loose and flexible with an appreciation for rules, but not being beholden to them.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

lifts up those around them. It can be easy to sideline yourself or hog the spotlight, but I love players that can do both. Be the main character when the spotlight is on you, but step aside and play a supporting role when its another player's turn to shine.

I think min/maxing...

is totally fine provided you're also playing an interesting character and your min/maxing is done in a fiction forward method. We all want to play the hero and making a good character is a part of that. Your character should be good at the things they're doing.

My table is not the place for...

constant bickering or unplanned PvP. I've mentioned in other places on my profile that I appreciate a good rules dispute here and there, but when it's slowing down the game or making other people uncomfortable I'll draw the line. Also, PvP is cool, but only when both people agree.