We were lucky enough to catch a word with him to find out about the modules he's written which are available on DMs Guild. Here's what he had to say...
Totally Pawsome: As a creator of modules for TTRPG's, what inspired you to write the one you're most proud of?
Joshua E Ohmer: I haven't been publishing for long—just since September—and my four products so far are all part of the same project, a series called Smoke & Thunder. They bring rules for firearms, explosives, cannons, and related equipment to D&D 5e. The inspiration comes from my personal campaign world where medieval high fantasy characters interact with colonizers from space, and there's a spread of technology from black powder to lasers. So, I needed robust firearm rules that weren't overpowered. When Spelljammer 5e came out, it only hinted at firearms, so I figured other people would want the rules I'd already mostly written.
TP: What would you say is the best selling point of your TTRPG's?
JEO: I think the best selling point is that Smoke & Thunder allows characters with bows, muskets, machine guns, and lasers to all feel unique and yet not wildly different in power.
TP: Why the TTRPG space?
JEO: I've been playing D&D and other TTRPGs for 32 years. I've always liked tinkering with rules, especially seeing how a clever game mechanic (in RPGs or board games) can elegantly represent a real-world or fantasy trope.
TP: What is your favourite product that you produce and why?
JEO: It's hard to pick one, but the latest volume, Magical Munitions, was a lot of fun to write. Magic items can be so varied, from utilitarian to epic to humorous.
JEO: Right now, I'm taking a break from larger projects to create a few different PC species as short one-offs. I'm planning a couple of elf subtypes, modrons, and a couple other surprises. When I gather enough spoons to return to bigger projects, I'm planning to write a rather large guide to chronomancy.
TP: Who do you think would love to play your TTRPG's and why?
JEO: Anyone who likes their D&D a little more historical—or who wants to play D&D with modern or futuristic technology—should enjoy my current supplements. Smoke & Thunder is not a setting, but it can augment or form the basis for any number of settings, and each volume includes advice for how to use its contents in a variety of ways.
TP: Where do you see your TTRPG writing career taking you in 5 years?
JEO: Well, I'm only 8 months into my creator journey, so it's hard to say where this will take me. Right now I'm focusing on producing content that I find fun to write and fun to play. I'd love to see some of my work in print—maybe within 5 years!
TP: If you were given the time and opportunity to develop something unique, what would it be and why?
JEO: This is completely unrelated to my other work, but I have what I think is an excellent design for a board game. But it's based on the 1998 movie Dark City, so I think it's probably a long shot! I love the film and I have some really evocative mechanics in mind.
JEO: This might sound like a cop out, but I admire the whole #ttrpgcommunity of Twitter. It's been such a welcoming space and really helped me promote my work and gain confidence in my ability.
TP: What got you into TTRPG's in the first place?
JEO: The summer before I started 7th grade, a friend introduced me to D&D. We didn't really know how to play, at first—and we were actively mixing Basic, 1st, and 2nd editions—but I loved figuring it out and was hooked for life!
No comments:
Post a Comment