Little Thom

At a Glance
Origin: First seen at Yak's Bend

Profession: Brawler (Warrior / ?)

Armament: Axe and Round Shield

Pros Cons
 * Can take a beating.
 * Deals a fair amount of damage.
 * Not very effective at holding monster's attention.
 * Stefan is slightly better defensively.

Known Skills

 * Executioner's Strike
 * Healing Signet
 * Resurrection Signet
 * Sprint
 * Swift Chop
 * Wild Blow

From Dragon's Lair on:
 * "Charge!" (replaces Sprint)

Behaviour
Little Thom is first seen in Barradin's Estate in the pre-searing world of Ascalon. Later in post-searing, he is mentioned by Farrah Cappo in Piken Square as someone who deserted the Ascalon forces that were being rampaged by the Charr. She has you attempt to deliver a message to him in The Red-Cloaked Deserter quest.

Little Thom is then found as a Henchman in all the city areas from Yak's Bend. He is described as a "Brawler" henchman, carries an axe, and charges into battle as soon as it is entered. He is most useful to supplement a party lacking in High-Damage Warriors. Be aware that if not already fighting, Little Thom immediately engages any enemy that attacks a party member, be it by ranged attacks, spells or melee. This means of course he will very often rush right into the middle of an enemy group, often drawing the attention of more enemies. He is also very reluctant when it comes to breaking off an enemy and retreat. You will have to run away so far that he almost leaves you mini map until he starts moving, too. Tactics like luring small groups of mobs away from a larger host are very difficult when Little Thom is involved and next to impossible if it comes to ranged attackers.

Tips
Little Thom is a fair alternative to Stefan with higher damage and a little less defensive strength, but I find it is more effective to take both of them. By taking both they manage to corner enemies and hold their attention better, and of course if one dies you still have another tank to fall back on.