Cortex Steampunk Game 2 OOC Discussion

[IsabellaRose]

This is for Group 2, consisting of @SataiRolePlayingGuy, @AsBloodTurnsEverCold, @Warning, and @DreamsnThings.

We're still working from the basic setup premise as described in the original "Interest Check" thread:

"My favorite game system is Cortex, or more specifically, the Cortex Drama system originally developed for the Smallville RPG, improved with suggestions in the Cortex Hacker's Guide, and then brought all together in the latest version of the system, Cortex Prime.

I'm considering running a dramatic game centered around a small group of PCs and their connected NPCs set in an 1880s wild west / steampunk / weird science world. Imagine someone combined the works of Jules Verne, Mary Shelley, Edgar Allen Poe, HP Lovecraft, and HG Wells, added in a dash of Nikola Tesla, a pinch of Indiana Jones (without the Crystal Skull nonsense), mixed in Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickok, Annie Oakley, Doc Holliday and all the wild west tropes you can imagine, maybe added a bit of mad scientist and supernatural weird west nonsense, and dressed it all up in steampunk finery... and you're looking at the general idea for the setting. There will be over-the-top villains, square-jawed heroes, and buxom babes a plenty. Obviously, given our site, there were be lewd content and a deviation from the more buttoned-down, puritanical ways of the colonial western expansion and Victorian era, and I expect most characters to "get some" on a regular basis. In fact, I intend to add a mechanic that will make it imperative that you keep your honey pot stirred or your wick well dipped regularly in order to keep functioning at your highest level."

 

Let's start with the basics of worldbuilding. Working from that original description:

1. Write down anything that YOU WANT to be in this game, concepts, set pieces, species, tech, etc., for you to enjoy it. If you want there to be Automaton's write it down. If you just think they'd be cool, but you don't really care one way or the other, don't write it down. This is the list of "I want this to be in the world!"
    
2. Write down anything that you DO NOT WANT in the game. If zombies will ruin the setting for you, let us know.

Once we get input from everyone, we'll move on to the Pathways system.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Well this is going to be rather short to start.  Off the top of my head, I cannot think of anything that I strongly do not want, I am rather open minded.  Though I will mention it if someone else suggests something that falls in that category.  I would have to think a little more about things I would strongly like, I am rather open-minded.  But following Isabella’s advice, won’t list things I am just okay with or kind of like, have to consider if anything falls into the stronger like category.

Edited yesterday at 12:36 AM by SataiRolePlayingGuy

[IsabellaRose]

Okay, so... not a lot of discussion going on here. I'm going to post my lists of what I imagine for this setting and you guys can work from there.

Things I Imagine Being in an 1880s/Wild West/Steampunk/Weird West Flavored Game

• Dusty boomtowns, saloons, and lawless frontier towns.
• Railroads, train robberies.
• Airships.
• Cursed mines.
• Traveling carnivals and bizarre expositions.
• Mad scientists in brass-and-copper laboratories.
• Automatons and clockwork men questioning their humanity.
• Creepy experiments.
• Tesla coils, pneumatic weapons, and steam-powered contraptions.
• Strange inventions with unintended consequences.
• Poe-style hauntings and spiritualism (séances, mediums, spirit boards).
• Folk religion and superstition (totem cults, skinwalker legends).
• Themes & Drama including Progress vs. Peril – new technology brings danger as often as salvation, and Law vs. Chaos – marshals, outlaws, and vigilantes clashing.

Things I Don't Imagine Being in the Game

• Romero-style zombies (mindless hordes shambling about).
• Goofy slapstick steampunk tropes (overly cartoonish tech).
• Overly modern politics or moralizing that break the 1880s frontier feel.
• Alien invasions from outer space (though alien fossils, crashed remnants, or hints of otherworldly influence are fair game).
• High fantasy elves/dwarves or Tolkien tropes. Stick to Gothic, Weird West, and pulp science.
• Overt superhero tropes (no caped crusaders or spandex heroes, this is pulp adventure, not comic book).
• Pure comedy tone. Humor is fine, but the core is dramatic, atmospheric, and weird.

Work from there - add to the lists, delete stuff from them, alter and edit. Let's make something interesting!

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Will see about getting a response with some thoughts in tonight, whether starting the conversation, or building on the replies of others (a chance I will be able to during the day, but can’t guess how likely it will be).

Office closing a little early today, that might help.

Edited yesterday at 02:10 PM by SataiRolePlayingGuy

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

I was busy and distracted but I'll expand on some things I posted about in the main thread. 
I'll see about getting the ball rolling I suppose. 

On Automatons: 
I think they're a must for this sort of setting, and interesting to have as a sign of the coming advancement. Since we're now in a separate world from the other group I suppose it can be debated if they're new or older though if they're more recent given the 1880's setting we could always say (if we're fine with any historical reference) that after the release of Steam Man of the Prairies (1868) that people did come to realize they were quite partial to the idea of mechanical servants and workers. Research and development went quickly but that didn't leave much time to ponder on the fact that these mechanical creations might actually develop their own sense of selves. God mad Man in his image. Mad man made Machine in his image. What did you think would happen? 

Airships: 
Anachronistic but with the accelerated pace of technology I imagine airships could be around and more luxurious and ready for travel than they really were more akin to modern Hybrids or closer to the Hindenburg without the unfortunate disaster (Normally). Different classes of them like for military use, regular ferry, or luxury. They're practically mastered but they are slow overall. 

Gliders: 
I would think in a world like this George Cayley's ideas (though I do suppose we should avoid literal historical figures) took off much faster than they did in our world which was actually already pretty fast. Essentially John J Montgomery or his equivalent proved that controlled passenger Glider travel was already viable and while they are much faster and much easier to plan they obviously have much lower capacity, are more rare, and cover shorter distances for the time being. Rivals to the airship industry, perhaps ruthlessly so, but the future is creeping up and fast. 

Ruins:
No such thing as a good adventure without ruins of some sort so featuring these heavily would be nice. Ruins of old civilizations no longer named, remnants of worlds that might not be our own ready for plunder, marvel, trade, and dangers that show that just because the future is uncertain the past wasn't exactly much safer nor is its influence so innocuous especially if you got rummaging around in a corpse. 

Magic: 
Esoteric rather than gamified. Rituals, unseen hands, consequences and trades. I do think magic is on a decline but is no less powerful. A witch is a threat, obviously not immune to a bullet (unless her magic is just that good) but being cursed is still one of the worst things that could happen to you...its just not a thing you'll encounter easily. This is more of a sign of spiritual decline though, old traditions beings pushed and snuffed out by "progress" which isn't always positive. Technology can't solve everything and sometimes looking past the studies and surefire things yields unexpected answers. Those dedicated to progress aren't paragons either. Its a type of rivalry. 

Technology: 
Teslatech should probably be more upperclass stuff. Cities more civilized than those "steamers" and whatnot. City Automatons could even run more on that than steam engines or whatever interesting energy source people discovered. I do think the holy grail should be whatever can be salvaged from potential crashed vessels should be holy grail...mostly rumors obviously but one or two people having something they really shouldn't.

Lovecraftian influence: 
A sort of grey force in preference not quite magic, not quite human, something more than alien. Not evil, not good just something unknowable that can be anything because it ultimately doesn't adhere to the binary itself but how the people use it. No clean answers when its involved. Its beyond people but its there. 

Cults: 
I'd like to see cults dedicated to both magic, lovecraftian influence, and tech even the synthesis of the two. I think that'd be fun. 

I do think this group should be more itinerant, traveling from place to place without a solid base of operations except maybe whatever way they choose to travel. A chose train line, a specific zepplin, etc. America is a changing place with dangers all over so for whatever reason they drift dealing with adventures all over a changing nation and the troubles arising therefrom. 



 

Edited yesterday at 03:16 PM by AsBloodTurnsEverCold

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

I am not sure if we are just supposed to be listing our own ideas for now, or discussing each others too and other things.  I still don’t expect anything to fall under no for me.  The above works for me if Isabella and the rest of the group thinks it works.  That sort of group for the characters works for me too, might help me cut down on the list of character types I was thinking between.  But a surprising number might still fit, will work my way down to a single choice as we finish up the details.

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

Well yes we're meant to be fleshing out the world, seeing what sorts for the players and whatnot rn. What I listed are details I definitely think would make the game world more interesting and would really like so we can discuss and all that so anything you really want you can list, and anything you don't as well but definitely what you might want. Helps keep the players on the same page and of course see what works for Isabella. 

Edited 22 hours ago by AsBloodTurnsEverCold

[IsabellaRose]

19 minutes ago, SataiRolePlayingGuy said:

I am not sure if we are just supposed to be listing our own ideas for now

Start with this. Tell me what you want to exist in the setting. If you want people with bunny ears, now is the time to mention it. Also, tell me what you don't want. If anything I put in my last post about what I imagine and what I don't imagine for the setting runs contrary to what you imagine, we need to work it out now, not when we're a couple weeks into a roleplay.

 

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

Not sure if I have much to say in that area.  Rather open minded, I would be surprised at this point if there is anything I strongly don't like.  Will keep thinking about anything that falls in the strong like area, but not sure yet if there is anything will fall into that category, rather than just things that fall more into I think it is cool category.

[SataiRolePlayingGuy]

16 hours ago, IsabellaRose said:

Goofy slapstick steampunk tropes (overly cartoonish tech).

Guess we will start with this, while I think about things I really want.  I expect I would probably agree with it, but more checking where the line is on cartoony or not, is probably good to have everyone on the same page.  I do like Steampunk as a concept, but have only read/experienced a little of it, so good to get at least a general idea of the sort of technology you/we are thinking.  Especially if we push more in that direction than Wild West or have characters connected to it.

[Warning]

2 hours ago, SataiRolePlayingGuy said:

Guess we will start with this, while I think about things I really want.  I expect I would probably agree with it, but more checking where the line is on cartoony or not, is probably good to have everyone on the same page.  I do like Steampunk as a concept, but have only read/experienced a little of it, so good to get at least a general idea of the sort of technology you/we are thinking.  Especially if we push more in that direction than Wild West or have characters connected to it.

One of my character ideas on a list of some, below. I will let you take a guess. I assume the expected character has to be, well... classic and not colorful, I guess...

Spoiler

I imagine that a character that overflows with steampunk isn't good for this. Just making assumptions. I know the theme looked for here is dark, gothic or weird.

I am struggling to find a character I like with what I know so far of the "theme". My last one before this miiight fit but I am still unsure about it, to be fully honest...

I thought about maybe going with Lilium (vampire or not). She is of victorian age but doesn't quite fit the wild west or steam punk theme. Very gothic otherwise.

Most characters I have had been included in fantasy settings more than realistic history so a touch of that might not be surprising to see. Hard to find a perfect fit.

Spoiler

This one above is what I imagine to be an acceptable concept. (Not a character on my list. Just something I found.) The more realistic I would guess the better...?

P.S.: I asked deepai what kind of character I should have for this kind of setting. Even fed it the entire sum of themes above and all replies were as I expected, tbh:

Spoiler

Just testing things to get an idea of what to look for. I'm not sure if that's the kind of characters I'm supposed to work with, but I hope for one that's more me! :D

Edited 12 hours ago by Warning

[IsabellaRose]

8 hours ago, SataiRolePlayingGuy said:

Guess we will start with this, while I think about things I really want.  I expect I would probably agree with it, but more checking where the line is on cartoony or not, is probably good to have everyone on the same page.  I do like Steampunk as a concept, but have only read/experienced a little of it, so good to get at least a general idea of the sort of technology you/we are thinking.  Especially if we push more in that direction than Wild West or have characters connected to it.

What I mean by “Goofy Slapstick Steampunk Tropes” is nothing silly just for the sake of silliness. Steampunk embodies a wide spectrum, from gritty gears-and-smoke realism to over-the-top silliness. For this campaign, we’re leaning toward the dramatic, weird, gothic end of the scale (Mary Shelley, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Poe), and away from the cartoon comedy end.

Examples of what I'm not going for:

• Silly gadgets like a steam-powered top hat that shoots lasers, an umbrella that turns into a pogo stick, or monocles that shoot lightning beams just because it’s funny.
• Cartoon logic, like jetpacks made from tea kettles, mechanical ducks that double as grenades, or someone riding a unicycle tank into battle.
• Pure gags, devices whose only purpose is to be goofy, like a clockwork butler who exists only to serve pie with comic timing.
• Tone-breaking contraptions, in short anything that feels like it belongs in a parody cartoon instead of a gothic Weird West story.

Examples of what we are going for:

• Gritty tech... weapons like Tesla rifles, pneumatic shotguns, or steam-powered exoskeletons... things that are dangerous, experimental, and often flawed.
• Science with consequences so that every unique invention feels a little dangerous, untested, or morally questionable.
• Atmospheric weirdness. I want the tech to inspire awe and unease, not laughter.

It’s not that humor is banned. There will be room for wit, charm, and irony at the table. But the technology itself should feel serious, dangerous, and uncanny, not gag props for a steampunk comedy sketch.

[IsabellaRose]

8 hours ago, Warning said:

P.S.: I asked deepai what kind of character I should have for this kind of setting. Even fed it the entire sum of themes above and all replies were as I expected, tbh

I provided a list of character tropes and ideas in the original interest check thread.

On 12/09/2025 at 23:41, IsabellaRose said:

I can provide a sort of tropey character list for the genres. Keep in mind, this list is not exhaustive. A mashup of two or more is always fun, too. Also keep in mind this isn't a traditional d20 tracking hit points fighting things trying to survive kind of game. A schoolmarm is just as valid as a Sky Pirate, and will have just as much mechanical impact on the story.

Steampunk Character Tropes

• the Mad Scientist/Inventor, often eccentric and responsible for technological breakthroughs
• the Gentleman/Lady Adventurer, bored with society and eager to explore
• the Sky Pirate, a roguish individual who travels the skies
• the Automaton, a steam-powered mechanical being that can question human nature
• the Dandy/Femme Fatale, charming individuals who use their wit and looks to achieve goals
• the Engineer or "Wrench Wench", a capable mechanic or engineer.
• the Explorer, driven by a desire to discover new lands and experiences, they embody the spirit of exploration
• the Gadeteer Genius, they specialize in creating a vast array of intricate and often anachronistic gadgets
• the Gentleman Thief, a sophisticated criminal, often from the upper class, who uses his cunning and refined manners to commit daring heists
• the Spirited Young Lady, an independent and strong-willed female character who defies societal norms and often takes on roles or adventures not typical for women of the era
• the Gear-Ranger, a rough gunman equipped with steam-powered technology and bulletproof armor, representing a blend of frontier and mechanical elements
• the Street Preacher, a character who spreads a message, often related to the discovery of new technology or a unique interpretation of faith in the new mechanical world

Western/Wild West Character Tropes

• the Lone Gunfighter/Drifter, a wandering hero, often a gunslinger or reluctant lawman, who lives by a personal code
• the Lawman, a character who upholds justice, either as a corrupt official or a righteous figure 
• the Cowboy, a central figure defined by rugged individualism and self-reliance on the vast frontier 
• the Prospector/Forty-Niner, a classic "old coot" searching for gold, often portrayed as a miner 
• the Hanging Judge, an imposing and authoritative figure who presides over frontier justice
• the Bounty Hunter, a mercenary who hunts outlaws for a reward 
• the Snake Oil Salesman, a charlatan or peddler of fake remedies
• the Hooker with a Heart of Gold, a saloon prostitute who reveals an inner goodness
• the Schoolmarm, a gentle, virtuous teacher often present in frontier towns
• the Preacher Man, a religious figure who brings spiritual guidance to the lawless West
• the Trapper/Mountain Man, a skilled outdoorsman and solitary figure of the untamed wilderness 
• the Chinese Laborer/Launderer, represents the diverse immigrant communities that helped build the West
• the Noble Savage, a stereotypical image of a wise and dignified Native American
• the Savage Indian, an archetype of the barbaric, uncivilized Native American
• the Magical Native American, a mystical Native American character who serves as a guide or imparts wisdom.
• the Outlaw, maybe a cattle rustler, train robber, or bandito, the outlaw lives by taking from others
• the Arms Dealer, a wealthy man who sells guns to whoever can afford it
• the Cattle Baron or Railroad Baron, a wealthy figure who has made money by buying up all the land and now owns all grazing land, or by being a owner/president or majority stockholder in a large successful railroad
• the Professional Gambler, who makes their money playing cards or games of chance, often seen as a cheat
• the Army Scout / Cavalry Officer / Remnant Soldier, often a scout for hire, or an active duty officer in the military. Remnant soldiers are former confederate soldiers trying to survive on the frontier  

 

That being said, I did specify that these two games are NOT set in the same world.

So of you want to make changes to increase your enjoyment, this is the time and place to make suggestions for what will make this more enjoyable for you. I certainly don't want anyone feeling obliged to play this game and feeling constrained by its limitations. If you want something different than what I outlined above, say so. Please. Let's make this the world you want to play in. 

[Warning]

Oh, no no. I saw the above and its classes. Problem is not there. You do know that I even showed a cow girl (as example) before. Well, if you know me, you also know that I have a certain trouble with character making. (It's a curse that follows me even in games). As it is, I do feel like my usual style of characters may be a little too restrained or limited by very unlikely possibilities. Despite that, I know I was given ways to make things happen. I'm just not sure how a "mutated" or transformed girl would fit well in a potential party later without being a weight for the others by being a negative attraction magnet, according to intended lores. Not to mention seen as a monster(?).

So I have to make a character that will be pretty but also put into sexual situations a lot from what I understood.  And this is another thing I am being careful about since I have to make sure it appeals to me but also to others. Not only that, I want to be sure that this can be done without being uh... awkward? It's a bit of stress on that side and I'm sure I could get it right given the right chance but right now, I'm trying to place my head where I can get a good grasp of what would fit the setting in place. So far, it feels like a kind of character I've never made yet (despite the hundreds of developed characters I've made in my lifetime). It's both exciting and scary at once.

I had proposed like two characters I liked so far but have no idea how well they would fit in here and how to explain them other than "being born that way from DNA experiences before birth." (which imo sounded good but I think we're looking for something a bit more dark and gruesome and not just something painless and "easy"). I may have had a few tribal characters but they feel more amazonian than native american. Never really dipped into western as much as I should have considering my fanaticism for wild arms and the steampunk characters I may have used still feel more like fantasy rpg than old 1800 era ones. So yeah, I'm having some troubles here. :P

Edited 2 hours ago by Warning

[AsBloodTurnsEverCold]

I don't think having characters who might not be initially socially accepted would be too much of an issue...if anything the opposite. Its a social game essentially so the interplay between types could heighten the story with drama. I wouldn't overthink it just how much friction story wise are you willing to face. Sexuality seems baked in so I imagine Isabella would accommodate those situations as well as the people you are playing with and so far you do have @DreamsnThings interesting in playing Beastkin too and Saitai doesn't seem to oppose. 
 

[IsabellaRose]

AsBloodTurnsEverCold is very accurate. I think you're overthinking it. Here's my recommendation:

Start with what sound exciting for you to play. This is a new world, an original setting, and the only limits are what everyone else in Game 2 agrees to. I highly encourage original characters.

Outline what you like in a character. Let us know what excites you. See how it fits with everyone elses' ideas. Obviously be willing to adapt your character ideas to the world and what others want, but start from a strong "this is what I want to play" position. Put all your cards on the table. For all you know, everyone says "cool, let's do that!" But if not, we work towards a middle ground where everyone is happy. The ideas put forth by everyone in the original thread don't hold here. It's just the four of you as players.

Make the world your own!