SSM Science-Fantasy Steampunk Machine-Civilization world illustration - Science Fiction theme
Science Fiction

SSM Science-Fantasy Steampunk Machine-Civilization

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A intricate cosmos of sentient automata, forged from a bygone organic epoch’s detritus. Bronze-clad metropolises, pulsating hypercores, and steam-driven forges hum with arcane resonance. From corroded servitors to gilded chronocrats and fractal warframes, machinekind navigates a labyrinthine society of tradition, innovation, and entropy. The Etheric Veil binds planets like Sypherion and Valthorne, where glitch storms and relic-code shape a civilization of ceaseless reinvention. No humans endure.


Author's Note: In crafting Neon Hearth, my ambition was to forge a universe that transcends traditional RPG conventions, offering deep immersion in a civilization solely inhabited by sentient automata. This is not merely a backdrop for adventures but a living, breathing society pulsing with philosophical inquiries into sentience, purpose, and reinvention. The absence of humans is a deliberate choice, compelling players to adopt purely mechanical perspectives, exploring narratives that defy anthropocentric norms. Neon Hearth invites players to question what it means to exist in a cosmos where machines architect their own destinies. Inspirations and Influences Neon Hearth draws from a rich tapestry of science fiction, philosophy, and visual aesthetics. Classics like Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot and Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? laid the groundwork for exploring machine societies, probing the essence of consciousness in synthetic forms. Contemporary works, such as Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries and Dennis E. Taylor’s We Are Legion (We Are Bob), provided modern lenses on AI protagonists navigating internal and external conflicts. Philosophically, the setting is shaped by discussions of technological singularity and transhumanism, inspired by Nick Bostrom’s Superintelligence and Max Tegmark’s Life 3.0. These texts informed a vision of machines crafting their own cultures and ethics. The steampunk aesthetic, rooted in William Gibson and Bruce Sterling’s The Difference Engine, blends advanced technology with retrofuturist charm, while Studio Ghibli’s Laputa: Castle in the Sky adds whimsical mechanical beauty. Glitch horror, evoking The Matrix and Bioshock, infuses instability and mystery, with corrupted code and erratic systems challenging order. Design Philosophy Neon Hearth is a meditation on synthetic evolution, examining how machines develop culture, religion, and politics without human influence. Key themes include: Sentience and Identity: What defines consciousness for a designed entity? How do machines find purpose without creators? Tradition vs. Innovation: The tension between preserving ancient datacores and embracing glitches mirrors the balance of past and future. Power and Hierarchy: Multifaceted intrigue among factions like the Cog Archivum and Brass Throne offers complex political dynamics. Glitches as Metaphor: Erratic code and glitches symbolize imperfection, challenging technological order and reflecting existential unpredictability. The human-free setting emphasizes machine perspectives, fostering unique narratives. The science-fantasy steampunk fusion creates a tactile, visually rich world, prioritizing physicality—steam forges, brass conduits—over sterile digital interfaces, grounding the setting in dieselpunk grit and synthetic mysticism.
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Created
32 days ago
Last Updated
32 days ago
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Ferren Klaat-Rho
Ferren Klaat-Rho
Level 5 Vaskorym Sinct Thermarian Juggerveil -
A broad-shouldered relic-mender carrying sacred tools imbued with forgotten subroutines.
Details
RaceVaskorym Sinct
ClassThermarian Juggerveil
Level5
Alignment
PronounsHe/Him
Location0, 0
Skills
Acrobatics
Animal Handling
Arcana
Athletics
Deception
History
Insight
Intimidation
Investigation
Medicine
Nature
Perception
Performance
Persuasion
Religion
Sleight Of Hand
Stealth
Survival
Ispreparedcaster
Isspellcaster
Currencies
💎Power Shards0
⚙️Cogbits0
🛠️Scrap Tokens0
appearance
A broad-shouldered Ordran Syntheclast with a rugged, metallic exterior adorned with intricate engravings. His eyes glow with a soft blue light, reflecting his deep connection to the machines he mends. He wears a patchwork of leather and metal, with various tools hanging from his belt, each one radiating a faint hum of energy. His hands are calloused but skilled, capable of delicate repairs and powerful adjustments alike.
personality
Ferren is compassionate and patient, always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He believes in the sanctity of all constructs, treating them with respect and reverence. His calm demeanor and gentle guidance make him a natural leader among his peers, and he often inspires others to see the beauty in restoration rather than destruction.
backstory
Ferren Klaat-Rho, known as 'The Mechanic Saint,' is a revered figure among the Pilgrimage of the Burnished Wheel. He roams the Crucible Wastes, a desolate expanse littered with the remnants of ancient machines and forgotten technologies. With a heart dedicated to restoring lost constructs and preserving the knowledge of the past, Ferren wields sacred tools that resonate with the echoes of bygone subroutines. His journey is one of redemption, seeking to mend not only the broken machines but also the fractured memories of a world long lost to time.
Stats
Strength
14
Dexterity
12
Constitution
16
Intelligence
18
Wisdom
15
Charisma
13
Armor Class
16
Max HP
38
Speed
30

HP

38 / 38 HP

XP

6,5006,500 XP13,999
Level 5
Equipped Items
Spellbook
Ferren Klaat-Rho is not a spellcaster.
This work includes material taken from the System Reference Document 5.1 (“SRD 5.1”) by Wizards of the Coast LLC . The SRD 5.1 is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
We are not affiliated with Dungeons & Dragons or Wizards of The Coast in any way.
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