Tearilis (Mike) banner

Tearilis (Mike)

he/him

5.0

(7)

Timezone

America/new York

Language

English

About Tearilis (Mike)

I'm a 34-year role playing veteran whose knowledge of gaming systems is only rivaled by his love of storytelling. As a father of two teenagers, I brings a welcoming energy and a steady hand that keeps adventurers of all ages engaged and having fun. My RPG experience extends far beyond Dungeons and Dragons, playing and running games set in World of Darkness, Rokugan (Legend of the Five Rings), Gurps and many flavors of the Star Wars RPG. In addition to role playing games, my card and board gaming experience is extensive, playing Magic the Gathering on and off for 30 years. Whether guiding brand‑new players or seasoned veterans, my goal is always the same: create memorable adventures where everyone feels included, supported, and excited to return to the table.

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Inclusive, Knows the Rules, Storytelling

Featured Prompts

My favorite books are

My taste in books is wide and varied. I love Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, horror, manga and light novels. My first taste of fantasy books when I was a kid that heavily influence my DM style is the Dragonlance Novels. I try to re-read them every year.

My favorite shows/movies are

I could go on for hours about movies and TV shows. I love anything fantasy, sci-fi, and anime. I'm an aficionado of terrible movies, the cheesier the better. I'm a HUGE MST3K/RiffTrax fan. My games are influenced by the classic fantasy movies I enjoyed as a kid.

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

I'm working on games or tending bar at the local gaming bar/cafe that I work at. If I'm not there, I'm reading, watching movies or playing games with my kids!

How Tearilis (Mike) runs games

I love roleplaying, I love to tell stories, and guide players to tell their own. The rules are the guardrails that keep our stories on track and allow us to craft our imaginations. Conflict and Combat in these kinds of stories are inevitable but doesn't always need to be the focus. That being said I love a good epic encounter! Personally, I enjoy balancing encounters and introducing creative mechanics. I stay away from anything that discourages creativity and fun. I'm here to help facilitate players enjoyment as well as my own, getting railroaded is never fun. At my table you will always feel accepted, included and prepared, no matter what RPG experience you have, there is no gatekeeping at my table.

Featured Prompts

If my games were Movies they'd be directed by...

Hmmm either Richard Donner or Rob Riener. Action, adventure, drama, real emotion and more importantly FUN!

My games focus on...

...Balance. I love making sure everyone is having fun. I love a good action-packed and interesting encounter as much as I love a heartfelt role-playing session or a super fun and interesting shopping trip in town that adds flavor. Every pillar of role-playing has an equal part at the table.

Tearilis (Mike)'s ideal table

My ideal table involves players who love to solve problems, love to get into character in a way that is comfortable for everyone and strives to build a fun and entertaining story together.

Featured Prompts

I love it when a player

Comes up with an outside of the box idea that makes me adapt. I love seeing what everyone comes up with to solve a problem in an interesting and creative way. I also love it when a player builds bonds with other players at the table, it is essential to the whole shared experience we are having.

I think metagaming...

...unavoidable, but easily handled and corrected in a friendly and fun manner. There is no need to take offense to anything at the table and a simple few words from the DM (myself) can go a long way to improving everyone's fun.

Tearilis (Mike)'s Preferences

Systems

Dungeons & Dragons 5e
Legend of the Five Rings 5th Edition
World of Darkness
7th Sea
Board and Card Games

Game Mechanics

Game style

Roleplay Heavy

Dungeon Crawl

Hexcrawl / Exploration

Puzzle / Mystery Focused

Realm Building