It’s Wednesday so it’s time for another interview with a member of the TTRPG community! Today we’ll hear from Ty Burrus; Game designer, Artist, Producer and content creator. He was the creator and did all artwork for “Aether and Steamworks”, a full TTRPG, as well as many smaller one-shot engines.
You can find Ty at @lotevenstar on Twitter and YouTube, @rfchaos on Twitch
Let’s hear what Ty has to share!
It’s Wednesday so it’s time for another interview with a member of the TTRPG community! Today we’ll hear from Ty Burrus; Game designer, Artist, Producer and content creator. He was the creator and did all artwork for “Aether and Steamworks”, a full TTRPG, as well as many smaller one-shot engines.
You can find Ty at @lotevenstar on Twitter and YouTube, @rfchaos on Twitch
Let’s hear what Ty has to share!
What was the first TTRPG you played?
The first ever tabletop game I played (officially) was AD&D. My father was tossing out a big box of rulebooks because he hadn’t played in years, and I asked if I could have some…and that was that. Unofficially, I was interested in stat based systems for a while, because my first videogame was Dragon Warrior, and it lead me on a path to making my own systems. I used Legos and gave them hit points and movement on those green Lego boards.
What is your favorite video game or board game?
My favorite video games would have to be a toss up between anything Souls related, Final Fantasy related, and Xenogears. The 16 bit era of RPGS was one of my favorites of all time, I still have a soft spot for well designed pixel graphics.
What is one thing you think defines a (nearly) perfect TTRPG session?
To me, a perfect TTRPG session is one that contains both the full spectrum of emotions from the players and those that might be witnessing the session, and coming away from the table as a GM with the players talking about the session for days afterwards. Something that sticks in the mind of everyone involved.
What childhood cartoon would you like to play as a TTRPG?
To be fair, I wasn’t a huge cartoon kid, but I did have the basics at the time. To be weird and quirky, I am going to say a Ren and Stimpy TTRPG. Random chaotic events, big characters, kinda gross but in a funny way…
What do you think is absolutely essential in creating a safe space for all in a TTRPG game?
I believe that respect and care, as well as communicating with the player’s needs (GM included) in a way that fits everyone involved is very important. Check up with people if something is going to be a little crazier than usual, get the ok to do certain types of scenes if you find them absolutely necessary to a story, and don’t put in elements just to be edgy or dark because “they would be in this sort of game”. Respect Boundaries.
Something else you’d like us to know about you:
I do my best writing while floating in a dream space during random music sessions.
Thanks for talking with us, Ty!
