Nathan Holt (@WalkThePlanes) on the GentlemenBurninatorSociety HOTseat!!!

Welcome to the Gentlemen Burninator Society's inaugural interview. I'm SO stoked to have my first planeswalker on the blog, Nathan Holt!!

Check out his work at http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rP64NRtmbg0g-A_fwwpfaTpkmmwcwYl

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RT: Welcome Nathan, mind the fire...no really your cape is smoking a bit there..

NH: That's normal. It's to create a smoke-shield that will confuse beasts that might otherwise attack us. I understand if it makes you uncomfortable. 

RT: I just wanted to start by saying, I really enjoy your work! Your contribution to sharing the Magic community and keeping magic approachable for all skill levels has been awesome. You're actually one of the more accessible MTG figures I've come across on Twitter too, so thank you for that (@WalkThePlanes).

NH: You're welcome! That's music to my ears!

RT: Where did you get your start in Magic?

NH: When 3rd Edition came out way back in 1994 and I was a wee lad, my friend Tom introduced me to the game. I was obsessed with both collectible cards and fantasy tales, so I was quite taken by the game.

RT: What fuels your interest in Magic?

NH: It's a great way to socialize. I love structured activities with my friends, and Magic is a great way to bring friends together in that way.

RT: How much do you get to play now with your schedule? Do you play in paper, online, and/or consoles? My first experience was with DotP 2012.

NH: I play a few nights a week with my friends. Almost always paper. I play a little bit of MTGO. DotP is also great.

RT: What does the sense of community mean to you in Magic? Do you have a local spot?

NH: It means everything. WTP started as a kind of love letter from me to the community. The community has always supported us wonderfully. My main local spot is my brother's coffee table in South Philly. But Top Deck Games and Redcap's Corner are also great local game stores that I play at from time to time.

RT: Your videos are shot from all over the globe, what's it like traveling and seeing different cultures all sharing the same interest in Magic?

NH: It's a testament to how great the game and community are that there are players from all over the world attending are converging on the convention centers that host the Magic tournaments that we shoot at. The international representation demands a kind of respect from hobbyists everywhere. Magic is legit.

RT: Do you have a favourite place (Plane/Country) you've travelled to? Anywhere you'd like to visit?

NH: I hated Mirrodin. Zendikar was a blast until the Eldrazi ruined all the fun. Amsterdam is a phenomenal city. I'd love to go Japan and/or Kamigawa.

RT: Is there anything you're specifically excited to experience in Magic's future?

NH: The integration of more women into organized play. It's going to happen.

RT: Where did you get your start producing videos? 

NH: I'm an actor/writer, so I've been involved in various video projects for years going back to the 6th grade with my buddies in the backyard. 

<Lightning Round -- We play red, you knew this was coming>

RT: Favourite colour to play

NH: Lately, it's red!

RT: Favourite card

NH: Ambush Viper.

RT: Favourite figure in Magic (Player and/or character)

NH: Luis Scott-Vargas.

RT: Favourite Set

NH: Theros!

RT: Do you listen to MTG podcasts?

NH: Yes.

RT: Any plans to produce an MTG movie?

NH: .....stay tuned.... 

<Grabs fire extinguisher>

RT: A lot of new players will see you as one of the first Magic figures in the WotC videos, do you have any advice for them?

NH: Always try to have fun, don't get upset about bad luck, do what you can to help your opponent have fun.

RT: What do you think is the best way to introduce new players to the game and help them get started in the Magic community?

NH: Play with a friend. Play slowly. Don't try to learn all the rules at once. Duels of the Planeswalkers is terrific. It doesn't give a crap if you mess up the rules or if you wanna take 10 minutes on your turn. 

RT: My Magic community started in England but has since expanded across the globe through my travels and with social media (Twitter, Youtube, and Facebook). The core thing I've seen no matter where I've gone, is a shared interest in the game and the rich social experiences that it creates. On that note I'd like to shout out the Heavy Meta Podcast and it's army of listeners (#HMSVU) around the globe for fuelling my interest when I've been away from home!

RT: Do you have anyone you'd like to shout out?

NH: Jay Roselius aka Emilio Airhorn. He makes all the sweet electro-music for the show and he's a super fun guy to play silly games of multiplayer Magic with. 

RT: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

NH: I encourage everyone reading this to aid me in my quest to defeat Mark Rosewater and overthrow Wizards of the Coast!

RT: Thanks again Nathan, really looking forward to what you have for us next!

NH: *disappears in a puff of smoke, leaving behind a single Storm Crow*

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Absolutely thrilled to have Nathan on! 

@Ricostravels