Moving Pictures - Tai Chi Zero

While steampunk may have started off with a very Victorian feel, it has moved on beyond that now.  Steampunk can take place in near any setting the creator's mind takes it.  Such is the case with the moving picture called Tai Chi Zero - which is a kung-fu steampunk movie.

The Difference Engine

Charles Babbage, the English mathematician, inventor and engineer, designed two devices in the 1820s and 30s - the Analytical Engine and the Difference Engine.  The Difference Engine, the first device he designed, was basically a mechanical calculator.  The Analytical Engine was never completed.  If it had been, it would have been the world's first mechanical computer, a full century ahead of modern computers.  Given its mechanical nature, it is very steampunk in nature.

Two noted science fiction authors, William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, released in 1990 The Difference Engine, an alternate history novel looking at the way history may have gone if the Analytical Engine had actually been built.  How would the Victorian Times have been effected by a working mechanical computer?  What would the implications be of the early introduction of computational technology?

The story explores that world as a series of characters search for a set of powerful computer punch cards, and meets with such notable historical figures as Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Lord Byron and by some considered the world's first computer programmer.

Warmachine and Iron Kingdoms

Steampunk has invariably found its way into the gaming world, and not just computer games.  Privateer Press is one company who makes such games.  The Iron Kingdoms are the setting for their games.  'It is a land like no other, a place where steam power and gunpowder meet sword and sorcery.' [1]

They label it Full Metal Fantasy, and it comes in two main forms.  One is Warmachine, a miniature wargame where 'players take on the role of warcasters as they lead their titanic forces into battle. Warcasters possess significant martial prowess of their own as well as having hardened warriors and magical spells to bring to bear. Players collect, assemble, and paint fantastically detailed models representing the varied warriors, machines, and creatures in their armies.' [2]

The other is the Iron Kingdoms RPG, which is into its second incarnation.  Initially a variant of D&D, it now has its own unique system that is similar to the rule set for the Warmachine combat miniature game.

[1] Privateerpress.com (2012) Iron Kingdoms | Privateer Press. [online] Available at: http://privateerpress.com/iron-kingdoms [Accessed: 26 Nov 2012].

[2] Privateerpress.com (2001) The Game | Privateer Press. [online] Available at: http://privateerpress.com/warmachine/the-game [Accessed: 26 Nov 2012].

Girl Genius Online

Girl Genius is an ongoing online gaslight fantasy webcomic which has updated since 2000.  What is gaslight fantasy?  The creators describe it as containing 'big, clanking Victorian-style tech, old-fashioned clothes, Frankenstein monsters and airships. Lots and lots of airships. Is it magic? Is it science? A little of both, I suppose–it's Mad Science.' [1]

It tells the story of Agatha Heterodyne, a hapless student at Transylvania Polygnostic University who discovers that she has more going for her than she thought.

Not only can it be bought in dead tree form, it has also received a number of awards over the years, including the Hugo Award for best Graphic Novel for 2009, 2010 and 2011.

[1] Girlgeniusonline.com (2008) Girl Genius Online Comics!. [online] Available at: http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/info/faq.php [Accessed: 26 Nov 2012].

Dressed to the Nines

Steampunk may have started as a literary genre, but it has moved beyond that into its own culture now.  And like any culture, there are many who like to dress up in appropriate costume.

 


20100515-IMG_2369, a photo by Steampunk Family the von Hedwigs on Flickr.

20100515-IMG_2251, a photo by Steampunk Family the von Hedwigs on Flickr.

As can be expected, these are for the most hand crafted outfits and not mass produced, and as such can result in fairly heft prices.  If one can craft their own, you may be in demand.

20100515-IMG_2350, a photo by Steampunk Family the von Hedwigs on Flickr.

20100514-IMG_2180, a photo by Steampunk Family the von Hedwigs on Flickr.

There are a number of websites catering to those wishing to purchase costumes, such as Steampunk Emporium, Steampunk Couture and Clockwork Couture.

The Clockwork Cabaret

Direct from the aethernet comes Clockwork Cabaret, a podcast of steampunk music and more.  It has been running for two hundred and thirty three episodes to date, since January two thousand and eight.  That is quite some longevity.

Like the genre in general, steampunk music can be an eclectic mix, with no clear agreement as to what constitutes it.

This is episode one, to give a taste of the music of steampunk.

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Moving Pictures - Arms Race and Aurora

Here we have two more moving pictures of steampunk in action.

The first, Arms Race, is a short five minute show of action in the Crimean War, if steampunk had been involved.

[1]

The second, Aurora, is much longer, at thirty minutes.  'After his wife Alina (Nikki Gaertner-Eaton) is kidnapped by a group of slave traders and put up for sale to the highest bidder, Emerson Marks (Peter Rossi), captain of the airship ‘Aurora’ flies out in search of her. With his crew’s opinions divided and the ruthless slave trader LeMaher (Mark Aitchison) in his way, Emerson must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice in order to bring back the one he loves.' [2]

Created on just $1800, it is most impressive given it had basically no budget.  Made in the antipodes, it reminds me in some way of a steampunk version of Firefly.

[3]



[1] itsatrapuk (2010) Arms Race - steampunk short film. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQT6Bnqsvg0&feature=fvwrel [Accessed: 25 Nov 2012].

[2] Aurorathefilm.com (n.d.) Aurora. [online] Available at: http://www.aurorathefilm.com/ [Accessed: 25 Nov 2012].

[3] AuroraTheFilm (2011) Aurora - Steampunk Short Film. [online] Available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RG0BO2P78E&feature=related [Accessed: 25 Nov 2012].

Moving Pictures - A Gentleman's Duel

When honour demands satisfaction, the only recourse left to a gentlemen is to settle the matter with a duel.  Of course, when steampunk becomes involved, it is not a simple matter of pistols and ten paces, as can be seen by this eight minute animated moving picture.

Clockwork Empires

Take SimCity and stuff it with steampunk. Take Dwarf Fortress and make it modern. Take Anno and dump H.P. Lovecraft into its oceans. [1]

Clockworks Empires is a forthcoming game for the computing engine by Gaslamp Games, due out 2013.  Possibly.

You assume the role of Junior Bureaucrat (Colonial Grade), sent out to expand the Empire by building colonies.  Things can go wrong though.  Very wrong.

Among the list of features promised are;

• Dynamic, city-building, citizen-simulating action. Every imperial subject has a purpose and agenda of their own, and their interactions are rich, exciting, and often lethal!
• New “procedural extrusion” technology lets you design your colony the way you want! Buildings are procedurally generated and extruded directly from the aether to your specifications!
• Tame the uncharted continents by land, sea, and air! Set forth in mighty Zeppelins to do battle with Sky Pirates, or take to the seas in search of fortune and probably sea serpents!
• Create magnificent acts of plumbing, link together mighty gears, and build ominous Megaprojects!
• Tangle with the machinations of malevolent entities! Scry the legacy of the Invisible Geometers, fumigate the baleful moon-fungus of the Selenian Polyps, and cleanse the scuttling creepiness and poor personal and moral hygiene of your everyday, average cultist.
• Losing is still fun! When your colony fails miserably, earn medals, promotions, and titles as befits a true politician and scion of the Empire! [2]

So ready to venture forth, in search of fame, fortune and glory, for the Queen and for the Clockwork Empire.


[1] Lahti, E. (2012) Clockwork Empires: a preview of Gaslamp Games' Lovecraft-laden steampunk city-builder. [online] Available at: http://www.pcgamer.com/previews/clockwork-empires-a-preview-of-gaslamp-games-lovecraft-laden-steampunk-city-builder/ [Accessed: 24 Nov 2012].

[2] Gaslampgames.com (2012) Clockwork Empires: The Press Release | Gaslamp Games. [online] Available at: http://www.gaslampgames.com/2012/08/27/clockwork-empires-the-press-release/ [Accessed: 24 Nov 2012].

Steampunk Computing Engines and Paraphernalia

One of my earliest introductions into the steampunk genre came from seeing a steampunk laptop.  An artisan had taken an ordinary laptop and rebuilt its case to give it a steampunk feel to it.

Since then I have seen more laptops, and not just laptops, but desktops, keyboards, mice, iPods, televisions, phones and more.  the time and effort that has gone into making them by hand is phenomenal.

And there are certain places, such as Datamancer where you can purchase some of these items.  Just be prepared to pay for them.  Given they are hand-crafted, they do not come cheap.  But for the aficionado, owning one would be a thrill.

What is Steampunk?

What exactly is steampunk?

There is no exact agreed upon convention as to what steampunk is.

Oxford Dictionaries describe it as 'a genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.'[1]

As the basis of a description, that is a good start yet does not fully elaborate on it.

Steampunk was influenced by the scientific romances of Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and other writers of that period.    The term itself did not start being used in the late 1980s, to describe a growing sub-genre of science fiction.

In general, it is a genre often set in British Victorian times with anachronistic technologies, such as submarines, air-ships, robots, computers and more, all powered by steam and cogs rather than electricity.

But like any genre it encompasses more than that.  It can be set in the Wild West, or alternative worlds.  It includes TV and movies, art and fashion, music and culture.

For a more thorough look at what Steampunk is, Steampunk.com has a longer look at it, which is well worth a read.





[1] Oxforddictionaries.com (2012) Definition of steampunk. [online] Available at: http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/steampunk [Accessed: 21 Nov 2012].

Antipodean Broadcast and Steampunk Show

The antipodean broadcasting service, better known as the ABC, recently made a broadcast about steampunk, and specifically about Full Steam Ahead: The Antipodean Steampunk Show.  The broadcast can be accessed via the portal to the ABC.

Full Steam Ahead: The Antipodean Show is being showcased at Queensland's Artisan Gallery, between the dates of October 26th and December 15, in the year two thousand and twelve.  It features sculpture, jewellery, fashion, film, photography, weaponry, clocks, lighting and taxidermy, as produced by the Australian steampunk community.  Further information can be perused via the Arina or Facebook portals.

Cordial Greetings

Good day to you.

Allow me to welcome you to this personal communication portal, brought to you via the wonders of the aethernet, which some designate as 'blogs'.

My name is Sir Richard Hammerman, gentleman-adventurer, and I have undertaken this endeavour to introduce you to my world, the world of steampunk.

If you would be so kind as to introduce yourself, we can commence.  If you wish to acquire a suitable steampunk name, Brass Goggles has a suitable generator of names to equip you with one.