So I'm working on a program to help GM's go through a set story set in a steampunk universe. Thing is I'm a terrible writer and they're very busy, hence I thought it'd be cool to almost crowd source a story.
The general features of the world are these:
The year is 1876 it is the 5th age of steam, technology covers much of the world and that which isn't covered in machines is either oceans or the retreats of the upper classes. There is little fairness or equality to be heard of, there are three classes in society.
The Technocrats are the elite in society, they use their advanced technology and wealth to dominate all they see. They are raised to be superior and aloof and think themselves to be the better of all those below them, they are constantly competing amongst themselves however. The various Technocrat houses are more than willing to kill each other in open war if they have to, but they prefer more subtle techniques especially with the proles getting ideas beyond their station.
The Meritocrats, these are the middle classes, they've risen as high as they can. Whilst free enterprise, and hard work can allow a man to work his way up he can never work his way into the ancient families of the Technocrats. These are the overseers, the merchants, the ships captains and so forth. They're closer to the common man than any Technocrat, but most still have good manners and some formal education to call upon.
The proles, these are the unkempt masses, the scum of the earth. They are the workers who allow industry to go on. They are the ones who keep the cogs turning, the steamdroids working and the airships flying. Yet despite all this they are seen as expendable by those above them, utterly irrelevant and completely interchangeable. If it would take 300 innocents to unblock a vent the majority of Technocrats would send 400 just to be sure, even if it meant their deaths.
Recently however somebody seems to be striking back, reports have begun to surface of a shadowy figure striking at night eliminating those who continue to oppress the Proles and the Meritocrats. Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but a great many people irrespective of class are starting to wonder. Is the Night Raven real?
Okay, the game system I've devised in my code is very much centred around roleplaying over strict combat mechanics. Therefore if combat is more you thing this probably isn't the RP for you, otherwise I hope you'll consider lending me a hand in fleshing out the story and developing some cool characters.
The general features of the world are these:
The year is 1876 it is the 5th age of steam, technology covers much of the world and that which isn't covered in machines is either oceans or the retreats of the upper classes. There is little fairness or equality to be heard of, there are three classes in society.
The Technocrats are the elite in society, they use their advanced technology and wealth to dominate all they see. They are raised to be superior and aloof and think themselves to be the better of all those below them, they are constantly competing amongst themselves however. The various Technocrat houses are more than willing to kill each other in open war if they have to, but they prefer more subtle techniques especially with the proles getting ideas beyond their station.
The Meritocrats, these are the middle classes, they've risen as high as they can. Whilst free enterprise, and hard work can allow a man to work his way up he can never work his way into the ancient families of the Technocrats. These are the overseers, the merchants, the ships captains and so forth. They're closer to the common man than any Technocrat, but most still have good manners and some formal education to call upon.
The proles, these are the unkempt masses, the scum of the earth. They are the workers who allow industry to go on. They are the ones who keep the cogs turning, the steamdroids working and the airships flying. Yet despite all this they are seen as expendable by those above them, utterly irrelevant and completely interchangeable. If it would take 300 innocents to unblock a vent the majority of Technocrats would send 400 just to be sure, even if it meant their deaths.
Recently however somebody seems to be striking back, reports have begun to surface of a shadowy figure striking at night eliminating those who continue to oppress the Proles and the Meritocrats. Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but a great many people irrespective of class are starting to wonder. Is the Night Raven real?
Okay, the game system I've devised in my code is very much centred around roleplaying over strict combat mechanics. Therefore if combat is more you thing this probably isn't the RP for you, otherwise I hope you'll consider lending me a hand in fleshing out the story and developing some cool characters.
