So, I've been tiptoeing around the idea of doing something with Pulp - what I've been calling my Slightly Cracked Colonials (had that name for maybe fifteen years now, maybe a bit longer). And I've been wondering about Pulp since I read Murch's article in Wargames Illustrated some years back (before 2008 or so). Then I became aware of Steampunk in a very peripheral way. Just yesterday I discover Rebel Minis has released a set of Steampunk figures with indications more on the way later in the year. And now that Rebel has that as well as other Pulp figures, Khurasan has a variety of items, Splintered Light also - and stumbled on Highland Studios who have some cool additons - plus what Blue Moon Manufacturing has been doing. Black Hat has items, too. If there are more, I want to know about them. Those who know all of those compaines will understand what I'm asking. All that is available makes something possible. But what?
But there is a problem, sort of. Pulp is generally, though not entirely, "interwar". (Right?) And Steampunk is more along the lines of "up to 1920." (Again, right?). So, today, I'm trying to decide where this puts me?
For me, miniatures gaming begins with the Vikings and more or less ends with the Boxer rebellion - though I might stretch it to German East Africa. Thus interwar is too late. And, frankly, Steampunk, while having some cool elements doesn't quite grab me. I'm one of those whose arrow on the Pulpometer just starts to melt above, oh, let's say 4. Though I might do a lost world sort of thing with ice age creatures -- probably not dinosaurs (but who knows). The laws of physics must be Obeyed! (or not, if you have other intentions)
I found my imagination wrestling with what to call what I want to do. Which is basically along the lines of Pulp where there are Heroes and Villains who are hard to kill, inspiration from cinema and fiction, which is right where Pulp is at. But then there is that 1900 barrier, more or less. More more than less.
And then, huzzah, (or electric shock therapy in the games some of you run, no doubt), it struck me.
What I'm after is Steampulp. Traction engines and electricity and lighter than aircraft and such, you bet. Giant tentacling things that aren't octopus - which not really get all
that giant? Not so much for me. Though enjoy such things if it fits your taste, of course.
Have no idea if I'm being original and it doesn't really matter.
Curious what others thing of the name?
Steampulp being much like Pulp but in the earlier period, say from around the Crimean War when warships in metal got going up to, maybe World War One, though preferarably earlier.
Am I on to something here or have I locked down the safety on my boilder and an explosion is imminent? There might be splattered brains but none of that zombie nonsese for this one, no sir! (Now, that's one phenomena I just don't get.)
