JohnDoe
2016-01-09, 10:41 AM
I've seen a lot of 'steampunk' make its way into rpg settings, and that can often be a point of contention for many players.
Unlike most of the lore and mythology that we see in D&D for example, steampunk machines don't have very much historical context and can seem very out of place (revolver wielding gunslingers).
However, technology and 'tinkering' is well established in mythology. The important aspect of this is that the technologies of gods and legend were inspired in their respective times, rather than incorporated in retrospect with modern science.
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Examples in Greek mythology alone:
Icarus' wings
Hephaestus' automatons
Hephaestus had the power to produce motion (magical). This can permit devices of perpetual motion.
The Greek animist idea that statues were in some respect alive, for example Hephaestus crafted lions/dogs from gold and silver to attack intruders.
Etc.
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There are many examples from many, many other mythologies, I've just briefly touched on Greek mythology because I feel most are familiar with it.
Feel free to share any ideas that have their origins up to circa 1500. (Rapiers being introduced, crossbows fading out)
Unlike most of the lore and mythology that we see in D&D for example, steampunk machines don't have very much historical context and can seem very out of place (revolver wielding gunslingers).
However, technology and 'tinkering' is well established in mythology. The important aspect of this is that the technologies of gods and legend were inspired in their respective times, rather than incorporated in retrospect with modern science.
_____________________________
Examples in Greek mythology alone:
Icarus' wings
Hephaestus' automatons
Hephaestus had the power to produce motion (magical). This can permit devices of perpetual motion.
The Greek animist idea that statues were in some respect alive, for example Hephaestus crafted lions/dogs from gold and silver to attack intruders.
Etc.
____________________________
There are many examples from many, many other mythologies, I've just briefly touched on Greek mythology because I feel most are familiar with it.
Feel free to share any ideas that have their origins up to circa 1500. (Rapiers being introduced, crossbows fading out)