Party Spotlight: Thomas Norfolk

Happy Friday! Today, we have another Party Spotlight! This week we’re highlighting Thomas Norfolk who is a seasoned tabletop player and Game Master for War and Aether. Do you have a crazy story from when you were part of a tabletop? We’d love to hear it, feel free to comment your story below! Now, let’s get to know Thomas Norfolk better.

Q1: What do you like about War and Aether (W&A) over other tabletops?

Thomas Norfolk (TN): I enjoy the crunchier numbers compared to a game like DnD and the more freeform style of classes is also fun and gives you lots of room to build interesting characters.

Q2: What made you want to Game Master (GM) W&A over other tabletops?

TN: I like the game system and the threat the monsters represent and enjoy the world setting.

Q3: Having GM’ed other tabletop systems, how easy was it to run W&A?

TN: I don't think it's any easier or harder to run than other tabletop systems, just different details to remember.

Q4: As you were a Player and a GM for W&A, does being a GM help you become a better player?

TN: Yes and no, everything important to being a Player can be picked up while being a Player. Being a GM forces you to learn the rules better and into more roleplay interactions but any player can do that without being a DM. The most important part of being a better player is to just treat everyone with respect and have fun.

Q5: Do you have a favorite story from when you GM’ed W&A?

TN: My favorite story would be a session I ran where I created a changeling monster for the party to deal with. Led to an amazing session of investigation as they tried to figure out what was actually going on, one of my favorite DM sessions to date.

Q6: What’s your favorite part about GM’ing tabletops?

TN: Playing tabletop! I enjoy creating a world and situations for the players to interact with and see what they do.

Q7: What’s the craziest curveball that’s been thrown at you from a player?

TN: Either when the players decided to blast a symphony and kick another player through a door or when the players decided to roll around in the equivalent of toxic waste to pick up strange mutations.

Q8: Which do you prefer, being a GM or being a Player, and why?

TN: Both. I love being a player and interacting with the world set before me and making strange or unique character ideas. But I also love DMing and would do it more if not for the prep time that is needed and my busy schedule.

Q9: If you could bring anything from W&A to the real world, what would it be?

TN: My pet lava hydra, they were good noodles and I loved each head equally.

Q10: Do you have any advice for someone who may want to GM W&A themselves in the future?

TN: The rules are just guidelines and it's in your power to bend or break them as you see fit, just make sure everyone is having a good time and don't fret too much.

Thank you, Thomas, for taking the time out of your schedule to answer these questions! Do you have a crazy story from when you were part of a tabletop? We’d love to hear it, feel free to comment your story below! And don’t forget to check back here for all things regarding War & Aether!