Jason Pitcairn

he/him

5.0

(14)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

Identity

Game Designer

About Jason Pitcairn

I have been a player since 2002 and a GM since 2013. I started running games in college with friends before becoming an Adventure League GM for local game stores. When I worked in the outdoor education industry I would bring games into the wilderness. This life led me to an isolated cabin in the woods where I created an original and expansive fantasy realm: a gritty, yet whimsical setting called Rise of the Damned. My online games include customized battle-maps, audio ambience, custom player-controlled assets, enthusiastic voice acting, and more! In addition to hosting games online, I GM at game stores, parties, company sponsored events, and private homes. What keeps me coming back to the table every week is how a group of creative, fun-loving people can elevate any story and make it truly unique. My work is only elevated by the stories of others; I hope to hear yours!

At a glance

2 years on StartPlaying

98 games hosted

Highly rated for: Storytelling, World Builder, Voices

Featured Prompts

I became a GM because

I fell in love with collaborative storytelling and the thrill of how it can elevate any individual work in surprising and delightful ways. I find TTRPGs a uniquely suited vehicle for the kind of stories I am excited to be a part of.

My favorite books are

Dune Lord of the Rings + The Silmarillion Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy A Soldier of the Great War The Sun Also Rises Pendragon

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

Writing folk tales, fables, and songs. Selling mead and playing music in the Shenandoah Valley. Backpacking and paddling across the world. Playing video games and reading 20th century sci-fi/fantasy novels.

How Jason Pitcairn runs games

Deep lore will paint an epic background to the PCs' stories and hold relevance in their adventures. PCs have a high amount of autonomy and input; your decisions will have tangible consequences and directly affect the story. Tactical and rewarding combat will yield to impactful RP interactions. NPCs are voiced and background audio helps place you in the setting. I am not perfect! I welcome players advocating for their characters and their abilities. We are all playing together to create a fun and meaningful story for everyone.

Featured Prompts

I deal with rules issues by...

...trusting players. I start with trust and keep it until I am given a reason not to. I do not care to police character sheets unless necessary. I welcome input/feedback from players and balance the impact of immediate implementation on the session/story vs delaying a decision until post-session.

I once ran a session...

...on day 7 of a 14 day wilderness expedition in Florida. It was played on a map made of dirt, moss, stone, leaves, and dead wood. In the days leading up to it, the students made twig-characters complete with names and core class abilities. We played for hours with a set of dice I had packed away.

When it comes to voices

I am surely an amateur, but an enthusiastic one; I attempt many voices and even pull off a few! Players have historically enjoyed the effort, while not being required to make any of their own. I am a white man and do my best to stay in my lane ;)

Jason Pitcairn's ideal table

Whether you are a new recruit or grizzled veteran, reserved or raunchy, monotone or method actor, quick to action or slow of mind ;) players will find a good fit at my table if they are willing to engage with the world, and each other. My table is for story-based characters. I respect the min-max game; this table has a different focus. Players' stories will lead to their own rewards in a game-world that conforms to those stories.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

...keeps me honest. ...surprises me.

I think min/maxing...

...has its place in the world, just not at this table. This does not mean I want to discourage critical thought of the mechanics of character building. Story before strength does not have to mean story without strength.

My table is not the place for...

...explicit sexual content. It's not that kind of dungeon.