Dropout’s *Dimension 20* has delved into multiple speculative fiction genres, ranging from urban fantasy in *The Unsleeping City* to space opera in *A Starstruck Odyssey*. Its most recent season, *Cloudward, Ho!*, transitions the tabletop anthology series into the steampunk genre.

*Cloudward, Ho!* features quintessential steampunk elements such as airships, mech suits, and Victorian aesthetics. This new genre gives *Dimension 20* the chance to unveil new mechanics and inspirations while keeping its community-oriented, anti-capitalist themes intact. Mashable conversed with *Dimension 20* creator and Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan regarding the influence of steampunk on the series and what fans can anticipate from *Cloudward, Ho!*.

Following *Fantasy High: Junior Year*, the third episode in the *Fantasy High* series, Mulligan and the *Dimension 20* cast — Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson — were enthusiastic for new adventures. “They wanted something high-octane, daring, vibrant, and thrilling, so steampunk spoke to us,” Mulligan explained. Inspirations came from H.G. Wells, Hayao Miyazaki, biplanes, and the Golden Age of aviation.

Consequently, the land of Gath and the mythical land of Zood were established, heavily inspired by *Atlantis* and *Castle in the Sky*. Additional influences comprise Miyazaki films like *Porco Rosso*, H.G. Wells, Jules Verne’s *Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea*, James Gurney’s *Dinotopia*, and the works of Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black in *The Spiderwick Chronicles*.

With abundant source material and a sprawling world to discover, *Cloudward, Ho!* presents new avenues for the creative team of *Dimension 20*. “The artwork this season is breathtaking,” Mulligan remarked, praising production designer Rick Perry and his crew. The teaser for episode 2 highlights an intricate model of the airship *Zephyr*.

For *Cloudward, Ho!*, Mulligan brought in game designers to craft aerial combat rules and stat blocks. Designers Hannah Rose, Mazey Veselak, Dan Dillon, and Brandes Stoddard, who have previously teamed up with Mulligan, contributed to the Witch Class for the narrative podcast *Worlds Beyond Number*.

Themes of steampunk shaped the dynamics of the *Cloudward, Ho!* party. Four of the six characters are seasoned adventurers, while two are newcomers to the skies. The youngest character, Ally Beardsley’s Olethra MacLeod, begins at Level 2, whereas others commence at Level 6. This mirrors the experience gap found in *A Crown of Candy*.

The choice to start some characters at Level 6 instead of Level 5 represents steampunk genre conventions. “The source material lacks the same power advancement as fantasy,” Mulligan clarified. “In steampunk, characters begin competent and become sharper, without achieving demigod status.”

Capitalism emerges once more as the antagonist in *Cloudward, Ho!*. The party’s division reflects the varying perceptions of aviation in Gath. “In Gath, aviation is the brainchild of rogue inventors, later co-opted by the empire and capitalism,” Mulligan pointed out. Industrialist Longspot Gotch, father to party member Maxwell Gotch, exemplifies the role of capitalism.

Steampunk’s emphasis on technology and ownership resonates with Mulligan’s themes. “Steampunk is a response to the industrial revolution,” Mulligan shared with Mashable. “It examines the balance of destruction and innovation, nature and technology.”

Harmonizing these steampunk elements was essential to shaping Gath. Episode 1 unveils diverse landscapes, from Pilby’s canyons to Scrapsylvania’s desolation. “I envisioned Gath to be vast, with elements worth resisting and uncharted territories,” Mulligan noted. “It’s a grand, untamed world extending the limits of creativity.”

With the full arsenal of steampunk at its disposal, anticipate *Cloudward, Ho!* to keep challenging norms as the season unfolds.

*Dimension 20: Cloudward, Ho!* is currently streaming on Dropout, with new episodes released every Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.