Starcrystals and Space Glass
Over the past few weeks, as I've immersed myself in Daggerheart, I've found myself with the desire to create my own custom Campaign Frame. Each of the six sample CFs in the Dagerheart core book list multiple inspirations, so I've come up with a short list of my own, and the result has given me a base to explore: Art Nouveau science-fantasy IN SPAAAAAAACE!
Imagine Spelljammer, but as if its influences were drawn from Space: 1889 and the work of Alphonse Mucha: ships created with reinforced alchemical "space" glass and organic, flowing curves, rather than space-going ocean lifeforms; pistols and bombards instead of crossbows and catapults. Many things would stay the same, of course: fantastic worlds, a plethora of nonhuman beings, and adventure at every turn.
Instead of "helms" which draw eenrgy from their pilots, ships in this Campaign Frame would be strengthened and powered by energy drawn from "starcrystals", unique glittering stones found buried on many worlds. Starcrystal engines extract this energy and flood it throughout the hull of the ship, providing resilience and motive force both. Within an atmosphere, this motion is restricted, but in space it can accelerate to fantastical velocities, enabling travel between worlds in mere days.
"Space" itself is full of a thin, cold, invisible gas, which can be condensed with a special device to provide breathable air. This "ether" is said to be the ultimate source of magic and may in fact also be the source of the starcrystals, but no one has been able to create artificial starcrystals as of yet; therefore, the crystals are incredibly valuable and highly sought, often being the cause of conflicts. Those who control a reliable source of starcrystals are influential indeed.
Strange new worlds call. The relics and treasures of ancient civilizations await. Evil lurks in the dark. Are you daring enough to delve the far reaches of the universe?
My list of inspirations for this Campaign Frame includes Spelljammer, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dune, and classic science fiction such as Flash Gordon and the novels of Edga Rice Burroughs and HG Wells, as well as Art Nouveau (especially the work of Alphonse Mucha) and Art Deco. I'm currently scouring the internets looking for other people's ideas for naval and space rules, as well as things like firearms and steampunk inventions.