Jenna K. Moran
Jenna K. Moran
Comunity Hub
arrow-down
arrow-down

Overview

Jenna Katerin Moran, previously known as Rebecca Sean Borgstrom and credited as R in earlier works, is a highly regarded and influential figure in the world of indie role-playing game design. Known for her innovative and often deeply personal approach to game mechanics and worldbuilding, her works explore themes of identity, narrative, and the power of belief. This timeline highlights key moments in her life and career that have shaped her unique voice and contributions to the tabletop gaming landscape.
Main Milestones
Emergence in the RPG Community
Early Years - Late 1990s
Under the name Rebecca Sean Borgstrom (and sometimes simply as 'R'), Jenna began making her presence known in online RPG communities. She quickly gained a reputation for insightful commentary, sharp wit, and a distinct perspective on game design. This period marked the genesis of her engagement with the hobby, laying the groundwork for her future career. She contributed to various online discussions and helped foster a sense of community that would later support her independent projects.
The groundbreaking release of "The Shab-al-Hiri Roach"
2002
Jenna's first major RPG work, "The Shab-al-Hiri Roach", was released. This game, notable for its intricate setting, challenging gameplay, and unique approach to character relationships, immediately established her as a designer to watch. The game's blend of dark humor, existential dread, and innovative mechanics resonated with many indie RPG enthusiasts, cementing her place within the community. It is still played today and talked about in hushed tones as to its complexity, intrigue, and challenging gameplay.
Release of "Don't Rest Your Head"
2005
"Don't Rest Your Head", a horror RPG dealing with insomnia and the encroaching madness it brings, further solidified Jenna's reputation. This game, known for its evocative prose, deeply unsettling setting, and innovative dice pool system that mirrored the protagonist's descent into exhaustion and fear, expanded her audience and cemented her signature style of highly thematic and emotionally resonant game design.
Release of "Nobilis: The Essentials"
2012
"Nobilis: The Essentials" is a revised and more accessible version of the original "Nobilis" game, which Jenna has significantly contributed to over time. This edition helped broaden the game's appeal and introduce new players to its complex world and intricate mechanics surrounding the concept of gods and their power.
Transition and Name Change
2010s
During the 2010s, Rebecca Sean Borgstrom publicly announced her transition and adopted the name Jenna Katerin Moran. This was a significant period of personal growth and self-discovery, reflected in her later works and public persona. Her openness about her experiences has made her a role model for many in the LGBTQ+ gaming community.
Release of "Chuubo's Marvelous Wish-Granting Engine"
2017
"Chuubo's Marvelous Wish-Granting Engine", a lighthearted and emotionally rich RPG about living in a wish-granting town, is released. This game showcased a different side of Jenna's design sensibilities, focusing on positive themes of community, personal growth, and the power of imagination. Its unique mechanics and heartfelt storytelling have earned it a dedicated following. It can be seen as a distinct departure from the dark and often challenging themes of her earlier works, focusing on comfort and positive growth.
Continued Influence and Ongoing Projects
2020s - Present
Jenna continues to be an active and influential voice in the RPG community. She continues to support her existing games while working on new projects. She remains a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and a valued voice in discussions about game design, inclusivity, and the power of tabletop gaming as a form of storytelling and personal expression.