The Creedverse
1877
Scope
The motivation behind building The Creedverse
The Creedverse is the setting for my steampunk western fiction, which includes novels, short stories, and novellas. The purpose of this world site is to serve as my series bible, a repository of information about the characters, setting, and much more.
The goal of the project
I've already gotten a lot out of this world site. I can look up information about anything related to The Creedverse, and, if I haven't included that information yet, I can get it down.
Also, keeping this site is fun. It's allowed me to explore things I may not have otherwise, such as creating portraits of my characters and maps of individual buildings. It's gotten me to think about aspects of my characters, settings, and so on that I might not have considered, giving me story ideas and adding richness to my writing.
The Creedverse's Unique Selling point
It's a steampunk western world! On top of that, though, it's different from most of the sparse steampunk western settings in several ways.
- Many era technologies were invented in United States, not England.
- Resurrection is possible using technology, as is accelerated healing.
- The primary setting is California, unlike most westerns.
- One of the main characters, and a prime mover in the world, is a genius inventor, a young woman who had to work as a prostitute to survive until she could prove herself.
- The other main character is an undead lawman.
Theme
Genre
Steampunk Western with Horror Elements
Reader Experience
The world feels adventurous and chaotic. There's a rich and diverse cast of characters, most invented for the series, some historic but living in an alternate timeline.
Reader Tone
The tone is somewhere in the middle, tending toward dark, but with a lot of hope.
Recurring Themes
Recurring themes include injustice, family, and doing what's right.
Character Agency
Character agency is tremendous. The players act in accordance with their personalities and goals, and while they certainly follow leads and are influenced by others, the stories are character-driven.
Focus
Drama
The Tension Over Technological Monopoly
The state of California is gripped by the controversial California Technological Rights Act, which was enacted in 1872. Miles Morgan, the influential owner of Morgan's Mechanicals and Morgan's Automatons, played a significant role in the law's passing. This act restricts inventors from developing new technologies unless they collaborate with Morgan or pay fees to his company. The legislation has plunged California into an economic recession and fueled a black market for inventions. The Evil Eye Syndicate, an illicit organization, has exploited this opportunity to gain power and wealth by selling gadgets. Public dissent against the Act is growing; however, the ordinary citizen feels powerless against Morgan's influence.
Rise of the Automaton Pets
San Francisco is witnessing a surge in the popularity of automaton pets. The city’s populace is particularly enamored with dog automatons, known as auto caninus, which are used by bounty hunters, game hunters, and as domestic pets. These automatons, produced by Morgan's Automatons, are legal. However, the Evil Eye Syndicate has entered the market with illegal automaton pets, which are also finding favor among the residents. These mechanical companions are reshaping society and redefining the relationship between humans and their pets. But with the introduction of these automatons, ethical questions surrounding the treatment and use of such creations are beginning to surface.
Bodacious Creed's Miraculous Resurrection
The resurrection of James Hamilton Creed, famously known as Bodacious Creed, has become the talk of the town. After being killed in the line of duty in 1876, Creed was brought back to life by his daughter Anna, a prodigious inventor, using a mixture of technology and the mysterious Luminiferous Ether. His mechanical enhancements, such as bones as hard as steel and enhanced senses, make him a formidable force for justice. The citizens are in awe, and many see him as a symbol of hope in turbulent times, but his very existence raises profound questions about the nature of life and death.
Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding the Luminiferous Ether
In The Creedverse, the Luminiferous Ether is a tangible substance with properties and uses that are beyond the wildest dreams of scientists. The ability to use a specific type of Celestium Alloy to channel the Luminiferous Ether to communicate with the dead has raised concerns among religious groups. The majority of the population is either unaware or skeptical of this phenomenon, but the few who know the truth are wrestling with ethical and theological questions. The potential of Luminiferous Ether to blur the boundaries between life and afterlife is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
The Quest to Refine Life-Giving Alloys
Anna Boyd, the daughter of James Creed and a genius inventor, is on a mission to alter the Celestium Alloy that can be used to revive the dead. While the Alloy’s ability to heal is revolutionary, it poses a threat if it falls into the wrong hands and is used to create zombies. She is working tirelessly to modify the formula so it can only heal living cells. Her endeavor to make the technology widely available for medical professionals in clinics and hospitals is fraught with challenges. The weight of the potential consequences weighs heavily on her as she races against time to unlock the safe use of this miraculous Alloy.
© 2010-2023 Jonathan Fesmire