Intest check: Steampunk game


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I have been on a steampunk kick of late, wanting to run something steampunkisish. So I thought I would throw this out and see if there was some interest before I put a ton of work into this.

The Idea: Pc's would be members of the Imperil Bureau of Esoteric Investigation. A part of the Lanathan Empire, that works outside the normal china of command for the greater good of the empire. The IBEI is in charge of finding, Investigating and dealing with threats both mundane, magical and those born of science gone wrong.

The world: That is a bit vague right now. The setting will have more then one great empire, but none as large or as powerful as the mighty Lanathan Empire. Very British empire, large underclass, very industrialist driven, with a big difference in how the rich live over how the poor underclass lives and is treated.

Now here is the biggy for me. I have two thoughts of how I want to run this. And I want to see where the interest is if any before spending mass amounts of time on it.

1: Story teller system. I really like the core world of darkness rules and thing they would be great for something like this myself. Maybe throw in some rules from second sight to allow psychics and mystical so common to Victorian stories. It would be a pure mortal game however, no vampires or the like. No world of darkness story just the story teller system.

2: Modified pathfinder rules. That means classes would be limited {Barbarian,fighter,spell less ranger,rogue and alchemist maybe the witch} Races would be Human only with maybe some kind of created race. Magic items would be non existent, except some potions. items would be steampunk items, weapons would be firearms for the most part, armor would be rare and I would use a scaling ac bonuses. Very low magic, but still very fantastical in its own way.

So if anyone is interested in something like this , let me know and which system each of you are most interested in. Thanks for your time reading this everyone.

The Exchange

I am very interested.

I am voting for 2 mainly due to my familiarity with pf. I think the alchemist would be a perfect fit as the "magic user" of steampunk, although I am not sure how you would balance the spell less ranger...

I am also curious about where you would draw rules on firearms and other steampunk weapons. And can you explain why armor is rare?


Sure I can answer those. The spelless ranger I will use the skirmisher from the AGP which is an archetype that replaces spells with tricks.

As to armor, well much like in the real world the rise of firearms put an end to how useful armor was. It just didn't work well enough for the expense. And also it is not very steampunk. You might see steam driven power armor or the like, but the days of mail and plate are long gone.

Weapons would be fire arms and a few "civilized" weapons along with clubs and the like. I would include some steampunk weapons yes.


A steam-punk character generated for a game which never materialized reporting for perusal.

*Salutes*

I also would be voting for Pathfinder. As it is also the system i am most familiar with.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

I would LOVE to get in on some steampunkery. I don't have world of darkness so i'd have to vote for PF.

I've been thinking about how to steampunkify PF and thought that a modified version of the Summoner might work well too:- steampunky constructs instead of Eidilons etc. Although this'd take a bit of work most of it would be re-skinning rather than new rules (although there'd have to be some of them too.


That is kinda covered in a way Am gonna also allow this alchemist archetype I will be calling artificers

If you look halfway down the page there is a PRC that does that. The issue with the summoner is its a spell caster. Although it would be reworked in some manner. I really want casters limited and without some retooling into more of a alchemist thing the summoner is very much a caster.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

seekerofshadowlight wrote:


If you look halfway down the page there is a PRC that does that. The issue with the summoner is its a spell caster. Although it would be reworked in some manner. I really want casters limited and without some retooling into more of a alchemist thing the summoner is very much a caster.

That would fill my desires very well. I just love the brass/steel pets!


I would be incredibly interested, as steampunk is one of my favorite genres.
I think Pathfinder would be easier, since its what I'm familiar with, but I'm definitely open to learning other systems.

I have a couple of ideas for characters that I think would be fun to try out.

Dark Archive

I am interested, perhaps in a spellless ranger. Although, I would recommend you to take a look at Warmachines default setting, Iron Kingdoms. It has successfully blended steampunk and classic sword and sorcery. I would be extremely interested to play in that setting.


I have no idea, but I just keep applying, getting myself more busy and somehow still manage it and private life... although sleeping is issue *big eyes, ready to drop* oh, yes.

Really, this sounds interesting. There is something, which have always intrigued me about steampunk settings and geting to play one (mainly eberron and Iron Kingdoms). Having partial PF mixed with the steampunk settings... interest granted

The Exchange

I thought of a concept where the individual has a supernatural ability that causes the machines to break/malfunction. I think it would be a good fit for the witch since that class embodies hexes, but obviously a witch is more than its evil eye/misfortune/slumber hexes. In fact, it's a class that is almost pure spell casting. Seeker, what do you have mind for transform this class?


Seems like there is some interest after all. I may rob some gear from IK but really I dont care for the setting and do not know it enough to try and run it anyhow.

On the witch, I am not sure I will allow them, but I was thinking of it. There would be some restriction , no fly hex for one. Some spells being taken off the list, but the big one being it would just be hard to gain new spell other then the 2 free ones.

If I use witches they would be a rare dying breed who after much persecution where just not believed in much anymore. I am really not sure I will allow them.

I most likely will have rules for making items of clockwork and steam

Dark Archive

What about Steamforged?


I would be interested if Pathfinder. I tried the WOD rules in one of your other pbps, but trying to learn another system took away from the game for me. I guess I am a one game guy.

Also, I think allowing cavalier, but instead of a horse, they get a Steampunk Motorcycle might be fun.

The Exchange

seekerofshadowlight wrote:


On the witch, I am not sure I will allow them, but I was thinking of it. There would be some restriction , no fly hex for one. Some spells being taken off the list, but the big one being it would just be hard to gain new spell other then the 2 free ones.

Thanks for the heads up. I am not committed to that concept, just interested in how you're retooling the class.

What do you think of the rogue archtype: trapsmith? Will traps play a major role in your steampunk world?


I'd be interested in playing this guy (with his backstory reworked to fit the world)

Spoiler:
Basically a con artist/middle man who tried to get out of the 'game' and settle down with his lover, who was then murdered by one of his former employers. His former employer then convinced him that it was one of the employer's rival who'd killed his lover, and used him as an assassin. He's fallen back into crime and has some issues.

Alternatively, are you familiar with the sidhe scholar? It was a class in an issue of dragon magazine that was basically an arcanist who was somewhat more in touch with the fey courts. It was more or less designed for a sort of steampunk world in which magic, especially nature based magic, was on the decline.


I am leaning toward humans only as a playable race I am not ruling out some type of automaton or brain in a jar type of things however. I had thought of maybe a warforged like construct race but the tech isn't really there without magic. Not for an AI type of thing anyhow. I am however still turning over ideas on that

Rogues would be fine,while I am not sure how much traps will play into things, disable device would be pretty damned useful in a steampunk work.

Kratzee, I Think I'll limit classes to the list above, charges and mounted combat are really a dying if not dead form of combat by the time steampunk hits.

I have not seen the sidhe scholar that i recall anyhow. I prob have as I own a great many dragons mags. I am still unsure if I want magic at all as the more I put together the less it fits.

The Exchange

Do you want us to start making characters? If so, what are your specifications? Right now I am leaning towards making a two-handed fighter, although I am not happy with losing out on Bravery.

Is this going to be play by post or some other format? How are you going to host the maps? Do you have any expectations for your players (ie. post frequency, alignment, etc)?

Just want us all to be on the same page.

EDIT: How is melee combat going to evolve in your world? Are we all going to be using some kind of firearms with melee appendages? In other words, in a world where firearms are plenty (such as ours), is melee combat still viable?

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

seekerofshadowlight wrote:


Kratzee, I Think I'll limit classes to the list above, charges and mounted combat are really a dying if not dead form of combat by the time steampunk hits.

I'd vote to include cavaliers - remember that the old west is set during Victorian Era. Ok, so no Knights but there are still Curassiers, Dragoons, Hussars, and Lancers throughout that period (although admitedly this is not real history: just pointing out that its not completely out of the genre).


I don't want anyone to make pc's at this moment as I have a bit of work to do. Although two handed weapons would be rare in a Victorian world and as bout as free to carry around as you would expect. Meaning they would not be common or allowed most places, you simply could not carry such a weapon in most cities or on most occasions.

Still gonna have to say no on the caviler. A mount based pc is not something that will fit with what I am going for, you'll have to leave the mount behind or travel in way at times that makes a mount impractical.

Lancers and such may still be around but cavilers are a thing of the past for the Lanthan empire.

As for game format, yes it will be pbp and I host maps on flickr and post a URL when needed. I run combats in a 24/hour cycle. I post the round up then give everyone 24 hours from my post to act. If they have not acted within that time I NPC that characters actions that round. I do not like doing it, but I like games stalling even less.

As for posting I like once a day{not counting weekends} and I dislike evil pc's as it hurts the group far more then it helps. I have zero interest in running evil games.


Is there any reason that monk is not on the list?


Kratzee wrote:
Is there any reason that monk is not on the list?

*raises both eyebrows in realization and looks towards seeker curiously*


Yep, the monk has mystic powers, which do not mesh with my idea so far.


seekerofshadowlight wrote:
Yep, the monk has mystic powers, which do not mesh with my idea so far.

Yeah, but they're not obviously mystical until around twelfth level. Until then, they're only mystical in the "mysteries of the orient" kind of way.

Anyway, I might be interested.


Is there a definitive roster yet?


Actually this thread was to see if there was any interest before I organized my thoughts into something cohesive. I can see there is more interest then I thought really. 9 interested as of this post. Which is a good amount for the weekend.

I have some stuff yet to do, but wanted to see if there was a player pool before I investing that amount of work into a game.


Davi The Eccentric wrote:
Yeah, but they're not obviously mystical until around twelfth level. Until then, they're only mystical in the "mysteries of the orient" kind of way.

Sounds like monk could be split between fighter or rogue, then.. alternate class levels or cap monk at 10-11.. I'm interested, as well. For some reason a Barbarian(Breaker) is in my head, but I'm dithering about how to conform it to the setting

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

seekerofshadowlight wrote:

Actually this thread was to see if there was any interest before I organized my thoughts into something cohesive. I can see there is more interest then I thought really. 9 interested as of this post. Which is a good amount for the weekend.

I have some stuff yet to do, but wanted to see if there was a player pool before I investing that amount of work into a game.

Any way that we can put in an early bid to be in the game? I'd hate to miss out! - Really been getting into Steampunk recently.

The Exchange

seekerofshadowlight wrote:
Although two handed weapons would be rare in a Victorian world and as bout as free to carry around as you would expect. Meaning they would not be common or allowed most places, you simply could not carry such a weapon in most cities or on most occasions.

Huh...I guess I'll develop a concept once I have a better idea of what is conventional.

seekerofshadowlight wrote:
pbp...flickr...combats in a 24/hour cycle...NPC that characters actions

Good to know that you're quite adapt at running a pbp. Too many games break down b/c the DM doesn't have a firm control of things.

I am with Electric Monk. This sounds like a good game that I want to be in.


Yeah I have ran a few PBP. I have two still active but have had a few to die. ALL but one were at lest a year old upon dying so I feel pretty good about even those. Lesson learned and all.

Now this is what I do have down for char gen just so no one will be shocked as not everyone is fine with limits on character creation

15 point pathfinder point buy. Class I am allow at this moment are Alchemist, Barbarian, Spelless ranger, Rogue and Fighter.

Archetypes I will allow are
Alchemist: Engineer{artificer}

Barbarian: Breaker,Brutal Pugilist,Drunken brute,Hurler,Invulnerable Rager, And Savage Barbarian

Fighter: Archer{sharp shooter},Crossbow master [Soldier},Free Hand Fighter,Roughrider,Two weapon warrior and weapon master. Most if not all fighters would be one of these archtypes as armor is not in common use.

Ranger: Guide, horse lord, Infiltrator, Urban ranger. All rangers are Skirmisher.

Rogue: Acrobat, Burglar, Cutpurse, Investigator,
Poisoner, Rake, Scout, Sniper, Spy, Swashbuckler, Thug,
and Trapsmith

It should be noted that I will also disallow hings like minor magics rogue talents and the like that I have missed that are magical in nature.

I will use Defense bonus found here as well as Armor as DR. Armor however will be very rare, mostly armored coats or the like.

I will also be adding a few new skills to the skill list. I will have a more complete list in a few days as well as some outline of the world.

Anyhow just a update to let folks know where this is going

The Exchange

seekerofshadowlight wrote:
ALL but one were at lest a year old upon dying so I feel pretty good about even those. Lesson learned and all.

Wow, impressive.

seekerofshadowlight wrote:

Class I am allow at this moment are Alchemist, Barbarian, Spelless ranger, Rogue and Fighter.

Fighter: Archer{sharp shooter},Crossbow master [Soldier},Free Hand Fighter,Roughrider,Two weapon warrior and weapon master. Most if not all fighters would be one of these archtypes as armor is not in common use.

I am liking the archer/sharp shooter idea. Gotta take advantage of them firearms ;) Please let us know when the game is ready.

RPG Superstar 2013 Top 32

seekerofshadowlight wrote:
I will use Defense bonus found here as well as Armor as DR. Armor however will be very rare, mostly armored coats or the like.

I used this system in an in-person campaign which included an "optimizer", he played a wizard and dipped into fighter for 1 level to get the god-like defense bonus progression (after which everyone else did too.) I was thinking of going for an alternative mechanic next time where Defence Bonus = 1/2 CMD (rounded up) +1 and also using the Armor as DR rules. Haven't trialed it yet but thought i'd mention it anyway. :)

P.S. Love the Alchemist Engineer (Artificer) Class. - Shiny metal pets!


Yeah don't worry with that. I had some ideas for handling that I may restructure them a bit, I showed that link so you would understand what I was doing not that I was using those as is.

I do like your idea however, this game is not gonna go into high levels its a pbp after all so I never planned to start off as high as that chart anyhow, which is a bit excessive. I should have been more clear but I do thank ya for pointing that out.

As for the armor as DR, yeah I like it but not alot in the way of armor other then steam powered armor. Most pc's will prob get is like DR 4 or so, which will help but is unlikely to stop many shots.


I'm interested, you full up yet?

What about a spell-less Inquisitor?

Could allow an extra judgement per day in lieu of spells.


I have not picked anyone yet Xaaon as I am still nailing down my details , but your the 10th to have stated an interest.

And gonna have to say no on the inquisitor, I am gonna limit it to those I have listed.


Can't wait to see this thing get up and going, seeker. Don't have the bandwidth to toss a character up, but am looking forward to reading along.

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