In relation to other TTRPGs

Differences from Other TTRPG Systems

"Etherium Reclamation" distinguishes itself through its focus on steampunk-dystopian duality, mechanically and narratively blending these elements. Of course, nothing can truly be unique, but that is perhaps not the point.

Here's a few ways that this system stands out from the masses:

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1. Aether Points System (EPS)

• Unlike traditional point-buy or resource mechanics in games like D&D 5e (spell slots) or Pathfinder (ability focus pools), EPS ties player actions directly to a dwindling and corrupting resource. Every significant choice (e.g., spending Ether Points) pulls players deeper into the moral and mechanical consequences of their power usage.
• This creates tension not only in resource management but also in thematic outcomes. Every action has a cost that affects the narrative.

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2. Steampunk-Infused Character Development

• Where Shadowrun emphasizes cybernetics and futuristic technology, and Numenera revolves around scavenging ancient tech, "Etherium Reclamation" focuses on a personalized evolution of steampunk prosthetics and aetheric implants. These upgrades are optional but risky, combining utility and narrative stakes via the Corruption Points system.

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3. Dynamic Machines and Ecosystems

• Instead of static encounters found in many TTRPGs (D&D, Warhammer Fantasy), "Etherium Reclamation" introduces adaptive and evolving enemies. Machines and factions learn from player behavior, altering their tactics or form as encounters persist. This creates a dynamic feedback loop, where players feel the world responding to their actions in real time.

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4. Ethical Complexity and Roleplay

• Moral ambiguity in games like Blades in the Dark often leans toward criminality and personal ambition. "Etherium Reclamation" uses the steampunk and dystopian sci-fi setting to dive into broader questions:
• Should humanity enslave or coexist with sentient machines?
• How far should technology go in disrupting the natural order for survival?
• Is personal freedom worth the cost of societal stability?
• The Corruption Points system and Faction Reputation mechanics formalize these questions mechanically, reinforcing narrative depth.

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5. Exploration and Resource Management

• Exploration in "Etherium Reclamation" is framed as high-stakes expeditions into "The Barrens." These missions are akin to Darkest Dungeon’s tension, emphasizing planning, resource scarcity, and risk-reward choices.
• While many TTRPGs focus on dungeon crawling or world traversal, this system grounds exploration in thematic, world-specific mechanics like:
• Navigating rogue automatons and mechanical hazards.
• Salvaging aetheric relics with specific purposes in the broader world.

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Inspiration

This idea of mine did not come out of nowhere. These are a few, if not all, sources of inspiration in the creation of this world and system.

Narrative Inspirations:

1. Bioshock Infinite: The clash of advanced technology with societal decay and moral dilemmas.
2. Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve: A dystopian world driven by massive, mobile steampunk cities and societal exploitation.
3. Dishonored: Steampunk aesthetics mixed with moral ambiguity and oppressive systems of power.
4. Philip K. Dick’s works: The ethical considerations of sentience, artificial intelligence, and humanity's use of technology.
5. And sooo many more! I love steampunk and I love dystopia - I have a degree in it and everything - so many shows and films come to mind, as well as other systems. Agents of SHIELD as they went into the future. Warhammer 40k: Dark Heresy.

Mechanic Inspirations:

1. Blades in the Dark:
2. The faction system inspired the reputation and political influence mechanics.
3. High-stakes, consequence-driven decision-making influenced the Corruption Points and Aether Points systems.
4. Cyberpunk Red:
5. Character customization inspired the aetheric implants, with an emphasis on trade-offs between power and risk.
6. Numenera:
7. Exploration-driven gameplay, where recovering old-world artifacts defines progress and survival.
8. Genesys RPG System:
9. Its modular skill trees and dice-pool mechanics influenced the customizability and flexibility of Etherium Reclamation’s skills.
10. Shadow of the Demon Lord:
11. The Corruption Points system is a nod to its corruption mechanic, but here, it is expanded to encompass physical, mental, and societal consequences. Which also exists in systems like Dark Heresy.

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How "Etherium Reclamation" Expands the TTRPG Landscape

While many TTRPGs operate within well-defined genres (fantasy, cyberpunk, hard sci-fi), "Etherium Reclamation" marries steampunk and dystopian sci-fi, emphasizing their contradictions. It prioritizes personal and societal consequences through integrated mechanics and focuses on dynamic, reactive world-building where enemies and factions evolve in response to player actions.