Comments on: Brass Goggles: What is Steampunk?

By: Vernian Process

Vernian Process — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:41:16 +0000

Ebberon – Just call it Fantasy with Steampunk influences.

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:59:17 +0000

@B.G.: Ah, you have stumbled upon the catch 22 of defining any genre. Where to draw the line? I would consider Eberon steampunk, but it also is heavily influenced by epic fantasy. Which does it have more of? I would say fantasy. This is where the individual has to make their own judgment calls.

Does it have to be set in the Victorian period? I would say no. But I am sure that would cause a stir among “purists.” I think Steampunk is a theme you can add to any setting/campaign.

It can be used much in the same way people use other themes, such as horror. You can have just a scene or location with the element, an adventure, a series of adventures, or even the entire campaign.

Until the Committee of RPG Genre Standards (or the fictional standardization organization of your choice) published THE definition of Steampunk, I recommend this article as a sort of guide and not a definitive standard.

Thanks for stopping by & posing the questions!

By: B.G.

B.G. — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:41:00 +0000

Thanks so much for the defining of the genre but my question is where is the line drawn? Is Ebberon Steampunk or is it just flavored by it? Ships powered by elementals, horse-less wagons and allowances for PC innovation is a strong part of the setting. Another question is, does it have to be set in the Victorian period? Is Steampunk really a template used with a setting or a campaign that I can place into the realm of my choosing? Thanks B.G.’s last blog post..Look in the phonebook under "Wizard"

By: Random News Table for October 30th | UncleBear

Random News Table for October 30th | UncleBear — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:15:39 +0000

[...] Mad Brew Labs » Brass Goggles: What is Steampunk? So we have determined the first root of the word steampunk, but what about the other part? I tend to believe that the punk is derived from the rebellious, swashbuckling element of the genre. Adventure. Defiance. Many stories of the genre defy established social mores, religious dogma, and government philosophies. Punk also embodies the do-it-yourself anthem of the Steampunk culture. [...]

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:52:10 +0000

And the videos are back up!

By: MadBrew

MadBrew — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:37:54 +0000

It would appear that MTV’s video feeds are down this morning, I can get them to work on their site either. Worked flawlessly last night, I’ll post back when they’re up.