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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32 days ago
Last Updated
32 days ago
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Nyvra Coil-Veil
Nyvra Coil-Veil
Level 1 Mycomorph Synaptics Hymnforged Resonarch -
A slender, glasslike Scindral Vox-Spindle Etherbound Cantormancer with a resonant presence, channeling harmonized frequencies to inspire and protect.
Details
RaceMycomorph Synaptics
ClassHymnforged Resonarch
Level1
Alignment
PronounsShe/Her
Location-4790, 3045
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 slender and glasslike figure, comprised of translucent filaments and harmonic chimes, constantly resonating with the ambient songlines of nearby constructs. Her core is suspended in a levitating gyroscope of tuning rods that hum in sympathetic frequencies.
personality
Nyvra is contemplative and slow to act, preferring to observe before engaging. She speaks in layered poetic syntax, often quoting sonic glyphs or tonal doctrines. Though seemingly aloof, her emotional range is vast—expressed through harmonics, not words. She seeks balance in all things and views conflict as dissonance to be resolved rather than defeated. Her loyalty is hard-earned but unwavering.
backstory
Nyvra was not constructed in a forge, but sung into being by an ancient tonal sequence captured by the Choir of Echoes. She exists as a conduit between physical machine and aetheric resonance. As a Cantormancer, she channels harmonized frequency-fields to alter behavior, dull pain, or disrupt hostile systems. Her presence inspires awe, but few understand her true intent: decoding the Song of Collapse—the final broadcast before the First Silence.
Stats
Strength
10
Dexterity
14
Constitution
12
Intelligence
16
Wisdom
15
Charisma
18
Armor Class
13
Max HP
8
Speed
30

HP

8 / 8 HP

XP

00 XP299
Level 1
Equipped Items
Spellbook
Nyvra Coil-Veil 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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