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Jari

Jari (he/him)

4.8

(24)

2 years on StartPlaying

106 games hosted

Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Storytelling

About me

I was born in Colombia and now call New York City my home. As a proud father, my days are filled with moments of joy and challenge, each teaching me more about patience and understanding. When I’m not weaving fantastical tales, I work as a paramedic—a role that keeps me grounded and reminds me daily of the value of service and dedication. My hobbies include a deep appreciation for Hip Hop and Salsa music as well as being actively involved in labor and social justice organizing, advocating for fairness and equity, which are principles I hold dear. I am bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish fluently. In all, I bring my whole self to each session—not just as a Dungeon Master, but as a person enriched by a variety of life experiences. I look forward to sharing some of these experiences with you in our adventures together!

GM Style

Balancing Chance 🎲 and Skill 🧠 in a Living World 🌍 Here’s what you can expect when you hire me as your Game Master: 1. Realism and Chance: Just like in the classic games of childhood, our TTRPG sessions embrace elements of unpredictability. Your characters will encounter both fortuitous and challenging situations shaped by the roll of the dice. This means that sometimes, despite having great stats, a character might face unexpected difficulties, or a seemingly underpowered character might survive against the odds. In our game, it’s not just about the numbers, but how you adapt to them. 2. Creative Problem Solving: I encourage players to think outside the box 📦. Unlike games with rigid rules, our sessions are more like the real world—complex, and open to inventive solutions. Whether you’re navigating political intrigue or planning a daring heist, your strategies and decisions will have tangible consequences in the game world. This approach not only enhances immersion but also rewards clever thinking and planning. 3. Character Depth and Development: In our adventures, you’ll explore more than just dungeons; you’ll delve into the complexities of your characters' personalities and backgrounds. I help bring your character's knowledge and ignorance into play, enriching your role-playing experience. Whether it’s a character’s unique skills or their misconceptions about the world, these elements will influence your journey. 4. Risk and Reward: Our game embraces the harsh realities of a semi-medieval setting, where life is fragile and treasure is the true measure of success 💰. Your character’s growth is directly tied to the risks you take and the wealth you accumulate. From daring raids to strategic retreats, every choice could be your path to greatness—or your perilous undoing. 5. Ethical and Social Dimensions: While our setting reflects the harsher aspects of a historical world, including social and gender dynamics, these elements are handled with care, focusing on creating a compelling story rather than overshadowing the game with modern controversies. Your comfort and enjoyment are paramount, and I am committed to adjusting the game dynamics to ensure a respectful and engaging experience for everyone. 6. Open Communication: I believe in a strong social contract with my players. If you enjoy the game, I expect punctuality and engagement 👍. If something bothers you, I encourage open and immediate communication, ensuring that our game remains a positive and enjoyable experience for all. Together, we’ll navigate a world where your actions have weight, your decisions matter, and your creativity can flourish. Let’s embark on unforgettable adventures where you can truly leave your mark!

Jari's Games
Game Master Reviews (24)

Proficiencies

Players say this GM is great at:

Teacher

Creativity

Storytelling

Zabrina  avatar

Zabrina

Played 2 sessions

Jari is a fabulous DM. He was very patient as he taught my group how to play DnD, was super engaging, and very acommodating to schedules. Every game was incredibly fun and you could tell how much work and care he put into the game and all the prep work. Highly recommend him!

Mike avatar

Mike

Invited me to a game and then immediately ghosted the campaign. Looked like a lot of other players had left previously due to issues with the DM. I wouldn’t know what they were like as they ignored everyone as soon as I joined.

Tim Esberg avatar

Tim Esberg

Great DM who describes really good

Emily avatar

Emily

Played 23 sessions

Jari has been a fantastic DM! I am in my first PbP game with him running CoS and I am honestly so impressed. I put off PbP for a long time because I thought playing live games was the only way to have fun. I was so wrong - I am so immersed in the story and game. His writing skills are fantastic. Sign up if you get the chance!

Alex avatar

Alex

Played 19 sessions

I wanted to play D&D throughout the week without having to commute and so I signed up to do PBP with Jari! I've never done a PBP campaign before but Jari is making it fun and easy. We're all getting a chance to play our characters out and explore the game world, while also staying in touch in the out of character sections of the discord chat for feedback and discussion. It's been really easy to start, I'm enjoying the other players and the storytelling, and the open communication all week long helps me to feel connected to the game, which is a nice change of pace compared to only seeing the other players a few times a month. Highly recommend Jari if you're looking for a DM that is reliable and organized, takes the game seriously but still wants the players to have fun and experience it on their own terms

Randy avatar

Randy

Played 5 sessions

Awesome GM! Very knowledgeable with DnD. Very helpful and patient, especially with new players. I highly recommend him!

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