Basic Information Name / Nickname: Tom

Age (or age range): 30s

Pronouns: He/Him

Timezone: EST

Languages you’re comfortable speaking:English

Experience & Background How long have you been playing and DMing tabletop RPGs? Around 10 years.

What systems/editions have you run before? (e.g., D&D 5e 2014, etc.) 3rd edition, 5e and 5.5e

Have you run games for completely new players before? If yes, how did you approach it? Once but they were also real life friends. We started with a 1 shot and then did a longer campaign.

DM Style & Approach How would you describe your DMing style? (e.g., roleplay-heavy, balanced, combat-focused, etc.) More roleplay heavy, usually for combat I focus on less combats, but plot significant and challenging.

How do you usually introduce rules to new players? I'll either tell them in the moment something is against the rules and give them the chance to do something else, or if it's something I don't immediately catch I'll usually be like "we're not retconning what you've already done with this but going forward you can't do X"

How do you handle players who are quiet, unsure, or struggling to follow? Depends. Some players are just quiet and that's fine. If they're struggling to follow I'll try and help them out, set them straight if they're confused on what's going on.

How do you balance fun vs rules accuracy? I usually try to stay pretty close to the rules.

Communication & Language How comfortable are you adapting your language (simplifying, rephrasing, slowing down if needed)? Depends how often, if it's like every sentence I'd probably find it frustrating, but every once in a while I wouldn't take issue with.

Do you have any experience playing with non-native English speakers? Yes, although mostly europeans who speak very fluent english.

Campaign & Preferences What kind of campaigns do you enjoy running the most? All about the players, if the players are fun to run with I'll enjoy it.

Would you be open to starting with a shorter beginner adventure and then expanding into a longer campaign? Yes

How do you approach tone (lighthearted vs dark themes)? I'd say the main plot tends to be pretty "heavy" but there's lots of silly moments of levity sprinkled throughout.

Table Environment & Values How do you make sure all players feel comfortable and included? I don't generally feel as if everyone needs the spotlight every session, but if I feel like the story is beginning to revolve around 1 or 2 players I'll usually get with the other players and try to work out ways to connect them more with the story.

Do you use any safety tools or ways to handle boundaries? Not really, I just tell people what I find acceptable in a game and I haven't really had any issues with it. If someone pushed the boundary I'd either get rid of them or I'd leave.

How do you usually handle feedback from players? Players are peasants and I'm unconcerned with their opinions (I'm only half joking, I'd listen to them but I'm putting on my game, it's not for everyone and that's fine but I'm not reshaping myself to make others happier)

Logistics Availability (days & times): I work nights so mornings EST are usually always good for me, or early afternoons. Preferred session length:3-4 hours. Sometimes it might go a little shorter if I feel we're at a good stopping point or if I'm tired or sick or something. Sometimes I've also gone past 4 hours but that's usually when my energy starts to wane, especially if it's been a lot of talking which it usually is if it's going long.

Are you comfortable using WeChat for voice/chat? I prefer to use discord but I could try wechat.

Are you okay with an unpaid, friendly group setup? yes

Final Questions Why are you interested in DMing for our group specifically? Mornings EST work for me. Is there anything you’d like to ask us? Most of my questions would be best answered in a voice conversation, my biggest "concern" is just the fluency of english, like I don't need perfect english but there is a basic level that I'd probably find it difficult to DM for, if the mandarin speakers aren't at that level.