DM Tidal banner

DM Tidal

he/him

5.0

(7)

Timezone

America/chicago

Language

English

Identity

Asian
Veteran
Teacher/Educator
Game Designer

About DM Tidal

I’m Thomas—“Tidal”—a story-first, rules-solid 5e Dungeon Master with 2,000+ hours in Fantasy Grounds Unity. I run cinematic sessions with clean automation, strong pacing, and immersive audio. I’m also a sound designer and musician, so music, soundscapes, and SFX match the mood of every scene. I can teach FGU navigation and help troubleshoot issues fast. I build character-driven side quests and tune difficulty to the table. New players welcome; veterans challenged. You’ll know your options—always

At a glance

Less than a year on StartPlaying

Highly rated for: Sets the Mood, Creativity, Teacher

Average response time: 5 hours

Response rate: 100%

Featured Prompts

My favorite shows/movies are

Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Attack on Titan, Apothecary Diaries, Cowboy Bebop, Kamisama’s Kiss, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Star Wars

People are always surprised when I tell them

Many are surprised to hear I spent ten years in the military. As an Armor Crewman turned Tank Commander, I first discovered D&D during my service—a game that’s shaped my storytelling ever since.

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

Outside of running and prepping games, I spend time with family, compose music drawn from my D&D adventures, bowl, cook, and read. Those moments recharge me and often spark new story ideas.

How DM Tidal runs games

I run balanced, cinematic games that blend grounded realism with tactical depth. My focus is immersion — worlds that react, remember, and evolve through your choices. Every session is a living chapter where triumphs, failures, and consequences all carry weight. Expect cohesive story arcs, dynamic encounters, and worlds shaped by your decisions. I welcome both new and veteran players, tailoring complexity and tone to your comfort and playstyle. 🌨️ What You Can Expect ⚙️ FGU automation for smooth, fast play 🗺️ Cinematic FGU maps: module + custom + premium Inkarnate, with lighting/fog/weather 🎶 Syrinscape soundscapes + SFX for immersion 🧾 Optional pre-gens with world-tied hooks (or bring your own) 🌱 Beginner-friendly: patient teaching + FGU help ✨ …and more

DM Tidal's ideal table

🎭 Story-first roleplayers who enjoy mood, character choices, and consequences—not just combat. ⚔️ Tactical team players who like fair encounters and coordinating smart plans. 🎶 Immersion-lovers who appreciate curated music, soundscapes, and SFX through Syrinscape, paired with cinematic visuals in Fantasy Grounds Unity. 🧭 Explorers & investigators who enjoy clues, NPC interaction, and engaging the world beyond the obvious path. 🌱 Beginners welcome — I’m happy to teach 5e fundamentals and help with FGU navigation/troubleshooting as we play. 🏆 Veterans who like structure — meaningful challenge, steady pacing, and room for clever solutions and character-driven moments.

DM Tidal's Preferences