Jo

I've been playing a Fabula Ultima with Nightshade for four months, and I love this game so much that I am crestfallen if I have to miss it. There are many DMs that craft worlds and stories for their characters. Nightshade is writing a love letter on collaborative storytelling to the player characters and to the source material. From my observations, he keeps the skeleton that functionally keeps everything in place but otherwise he really lets players explore and contribute to building the world in a way that feels gratifying in and out of character. Nothing about Nightshade's game and the narrative ever feels forced - instead, if there's chaos, he leans into that curve with grace to let that become a part of the world too. This is my first ongoing Fabula game, but I've never heard a question asked about the system that he couldn't answer - and quickly. There is a beautiful simplicity to the public-facing nature of Nightshade's game, but it's clear that there is a ton of lore and backstory information incorporated we haven't scratched yet. All that information is categorically organized and accessible in way that always benefits the party. I've witnessed that glorious moment when players let themselves be surprised by all that work that the GM has done, and Nightshade handles your valuables (those nuanced memories or items or backstory NPCs) with care.

Beowulf lets players breathe, leaning on a strong understanding of the rules while being a bit more on the rule of cool. I played a one-shot, for context. There was ample opportunity for everyone to explore a fresh character, play up the zest of a kooky addition to the party, and interact with a more mundane cast of bumpkins in this one. It made for some interesting roleplay. The tone was very akin to a Hitchcock, with a rural horror aesthetic. I would highly suggest Beowulf to new players or anyone searching for an opportunity to play-test a character. I'm unsure if it was intentional by the GM or with the source material, but there were some aspects that felt a bit bare bones. I think a soundscape might have helped ground the game a bit more. Otherwise a great time!

Tom is a high energy and truly high caliber DM. He is always transparent about any potential scheduling issues and is on top of both the logistical end as well as the actual game end. Tom checks in with the group at the top of each session, which helps build a community between players and establishes a positive dynamic. Using Foundry, he creates not only a mood but an incredibly detailed and immersive experience through visual aids, soundscapes, and voices. The art he uses feels grounded all in the same world, which helps hone in the aesthetic of the game. He's a DM that really has honed the craft, and more than get your money's worth at his table. In-game, his game's style is rules-forward, heavy when it needs to be, and with a bit of a Scooby-Doo cartoonishness that lends itself to keeping the game feel light despite the content. If this is your first game, you are looking for a game master with a strong understanding of the rules, or you just want to experience a game that is full-stop a show each week, Tom is the DM for you!!

Gustavo has mastered the right approach to grimdark fantasy, allowing players to settle in as characters and collaboratively breathe life into the world. I never feel like the pace stalls for long - there is a nuanced balance between story beats and party hijinx. Gustavo has a better handle on narrative horror than many authors, and his sessions leave a lasting impression that keep me on the edge of my seat. I've been playing D&D and tabletop for over two decades, and I've DMed and played my fair share. What I appreciate most is that there is a clear amount of time Gustavo puts into crafting his visual aids, preparing ways to further engage the party after each session, and an earnest desire to improve his storytelling. He takes a note in stride. I would recommend Gustavo's game to any player - veteran, fanatic, or novice. Grab the snacks, get into character, and get ready to for a weekly show!