Thread by @justicearman

Today I begin a new adventure at Wizards of the Coast as a Senior Game Designer.

This announcement is nothing short of a dream come true for me. I love D&D with all my heart, and I hope to be a good steward of this game that has touched so many lives, mine included.

The early days of my game design career coincided with my time as a clinic manager. I essentially worked three jobs to position myself for the leap to a full-time career in tabletop, squeezing in writing over lunch and after dinner when I wasn’t working on something for B&G.

The past three years have featured countless cups of coffee and late nights, but I share this milestone equally with the friends, peers, and mentors that I’ve met along the way. People who took time to give me advice and hope or who joined me on projects we championed together.

The list of these folks is long, but I must give credit to a few of these spectacular individuals.

First and foremost is my wife and light, Samantha, who has supported me unwaveringly from the beginning and reminds me of my strengths when I am preoccupied with my weaknesses.

My friend and mentor Ajit George, an altruistic gardener who devotes his life to uplifting people of color and celebrating their successes, and Carlos and Surena, the wholesome TTRPG power couple who introduced me to him for a project which will forever be close to my heart.

My best friend and design partner, Anthony Joyce-Rivera, a caring father who challenged me early on. Anthony has received dozens of my bizarre voicemails where I practice many of my D&D voices and try to make him laugh. Love that man.

The Company of the Black Blade, my D&D group of over five years: Ivonne, Jess, Sam, Tony, and Rick (also Tomás, Toro, and the occasional Nate). They cheered me on despite the bittersweet reveal that we’d be moving. I’ve spent more time with them than I have almost anyone else.

All of the folks at B&G, whose first words to me when I broke the news were ones of congratulation.

Laura Hirsbrunner, Sadie Lowry, Mario Ortegon, and Hannah Rose, who are spectacular editors & designers but even better friends (somehow).

Brian Holmes, my first project lead.

My parents, who I’m pretty sure still don’t know what I do for a living but are nonetheless happy that their son has found joy…even though he ditched medicine to go play with dice and little dragon miniatures.

All my Iranian mutuals who endure my tabletop gaming posts even if they’ve never played D&D—we should fix that, by the way! Don’t worry, I’ll continue to post mouthwatering pictures of the Persian food I cook.

Of course, the many fine folks at Wizards who work hard each day to bring joy to game tables around the world, but especially Wesley Schneider, Chris Perkins, and Jeremy Crawford, who have taught me much throughout my career.

And everyone else who has assisted me along the way.

Now it’s time to give back to the hobby that helped make me who I am today.

My goal is to leave Dungeons & Dragons better than I found it. I can’t wait to get started.

I just want to express how much I appreciate all of the words of confidence, love, and support. Thank you for sharing this joy with me. You all have made my day. ❤️

What a great start to #Nowruz!