We're Funded! & Foundry and Roll20 Support!
over 4 years ago – Mon, Nov 29, 2021 at 06:36:24 PM

Aether Adrift is 100% Funded!

First of all, thank you to all of our backers for helping us get this far - we couldn't have made it without your support! Thanks to all of you we have the chance to make Aether Adrift a reality.

But we can't stop now! The funding goal was the bare minimum we needed to bring Aether Adrift to you, and every dollar you all pledge beyond that goes to making it even better! Let's reach for the stars and rocket past our Stretch Goals together, Voyagers, and make Aether Adrift the best game it can be!

Virtual Tabletop Support

Many gaming groups moved their regular games online in the wake of the pandemic, and many more gaming groups now include members from all over the world. To make Aether Adrift as accessible as possible for all players, we have decided to include Virtual Tabletop support as part of our Kickstarter Campaign. We will have more information for you as we research how best to implement Aether Adrift on these platforms.

The Stretch Goals graphic has been adjusted to reflect these changes.

[Voyager Report] Species Spotlight: Robots
over 4 years ago – Sun, Nov 28, 2021 at 08:42:00 PM

 Voyager Command here with the third Species Spotlight. This time we're learning more about the humans' faithful companions, the Robots, which... technically aren't a species, as they aren't alive, but fall under this category anyway.

Anatomy

Robots are artificially intelligent mechanical constructs. Robots vary in height and weight, but most stand between 5 and 6 feet tall. Most robots are built with almost identical proportions to humans so that they can use human tools and equipment more easily, but the sheer variations of robot design can be staggering. Some robots are designed to resemble animals, and some robot designs are wholly unique, suited to their intended duty.

A robot's external casing is comprised of multiple interlocking pieces made of a durable lightweight composite that can flex and bend, making them more flexible than they look. Their internal components are EMP-hardened silicon electronics that are padded and supported to resist physical impacts. A standard robot's face is a high density LED panel that allows them to express a variety of emotions, facial expressions, and emoticons to make them more personable.

All robots have a high capacity battery typically mounted on their back. This battery can power the robot for roughly 7 days before needing an 8 hour charge. 

Purpose

A robot is defined by its purpose. The shape of its body, the personality it is programmed with, and the tools integrated into its body are all in service of its purpose. A wilderness search and rescue robot might be outfitted with infravision for night rescues, an integrated blade for cutting through thick foliage, and a tow hook to traverse vertical obstacles. A bodyguard robot might be fitted with enhanced armor for protection, an arm cannon to retaliate against threats, and wheeled feet to quickly move itself and its detail into a better position.

All robots are programmed with the Robot Code of Ethics, a simple set of rules that ensure the robots will preserve human life as effectively as possible, and when humans are not in danger, will protect themselves as much as possible. The hard coding of Humans into the rules, and not Mikwa or Fulgori has led to command structure issues in voyager teams without a human presence.

While robots might seem like thinking and feeling beings, in actuality their emotions are simulated in service of their purpose as assistants to humans. With that said, however, humans often treat robots like people. Humans call robots by name and their preferred pronouns, conversing with and confiding in them, and even risking their lives for them in some cases.

Zooform Robots

Animals are not a good fit for interstellar travel. It's impossible to explain the mechanics of cryogenic freezing, they panic when you try to put them into the cryopods, and they are an extra resource expenditure when you finally reach your destination.

Zooform robots have most of the benefits of animal companions with none of the downsides. A zooform robot is just as intelligent as a humanoid robot, capable of following advanced orders, and even speech. Zooform robots have benefits and drawbacks because of their body shape. A quadruped frame is capable of carrying much more equipment without overloading its servos, and can more easily navigate over rough and uneven ground; conversely they cannot use their forelimbs as hands while moving, and must mount weapon systems on hard points on their back. An aeromorph frame can fly freely through the air and use its limbs as both feet and hands, but they are limited in carry weight and are considerably less effective when conditions limit their flight.

Some zooform robots are humanoid, but designed to resemble bipedal animals like Kangaroos or meerkats. These design choices are purely aesthetic.

Glitches

Some robots have begun to express unusual behaviors and personality quirks that they were not originally programmed with. Robots are intended to have routine maintenance performed by a human every year or so to ensure that they are functioning properly; but because all human crew members except the Admiral were in cryosleep, the robot crew remained active without a human checker for 20 years. 

These glitches include, but are not limited to: A heavy lifting robot becoming obsessed with lifting heavier and heavier things and showing off to his 'bros' how much he can lift; A repair robot turning to an imagined camera and saying spanish catch phrases with, some crew members have stated, perfect comedic timing; and a maintenance robot becoming obsessed with precursor technology to the point of shirking his duty to examine and disassemble precursor objects.

Most of these glitches aren't problematic enough to warrant the reallocation of resources to correct them, and many of the crew members find the quirks charming. This combined with the lack of availability of replacement parts has meant that many of these 'quirks' have been left to develop. There is some worry that compounding glitches could lead to robots becoming self aware and truly sentient, but Voyager Command has deemed the risk of negative consequences to be within acceptable limits.

[Voyager Report] Species Spotlight: Mikwa
over 4 years ago – Tue, Nov 23, 2021 at 10:29:37 AM

Voyager Command here with another Species Spotlight. This time we'll be learning about our bijou bunny-donkeys, the Mikwa! 

Anatomy

Mikwa are intelligent humanoids that typically stand 3 feet (0.9 meters), on average. Mikwa have long prehensile lop ears that hang behind their head, a bulbous rounded snout that gives them a soft and jovial look, and mixed slicing and crushing teeth that suggest an omnivorous diet. A Mikwa's body is covered in soft fur, and are capable of growing hair on their heads and faces. This hair is sometimes the same color as their fur, and sometimes not.

Mikwa have long arms and short legs proportionate to a human, with an elongated torso. Their legs end in plantigrade paws, and their arms end in large 4 fingered hands with thick black claws. Mikwa do not show much sexual dimorphism, save for the expression of breasts in females, and It is possible that mikwa sex is not as easily divided as human sex.

Mikwa ears vary wildly in length, from short ears that hang down to the shoulders to long ears that drag on the ground. Mikwa ears are almost fully prehensile, and can be controlled much like a second set of arms, though without the ability to grasp or hold items.

Society

Mikwa society is something of an anarcho-collectivist commune. Most mikwa settlements have either a single wise individual, or a council of trusted individuals that can be turned to for matters that affect the group as a whole, or when a dispute cannot be settled between private parties. Outside of these instances no mikwa holds any more power than any other mikwa.

Mikwa towns are small, rarely numbering over a couple hundred. Mikwa do not draw a very strong distinction between friend and family, so their small towns are often very tightly knit. Children are raised and taught communally, helping to strengthen their community bond.

Mikwa jobs are not assigned; a young mikwa will often apprentice under several experienced tutors until they find a creative pursuit that speaks to them. Mikwa encourage creativity, and so students are encouraged to explore and experiment in ways even their teacher may not have considered - or to explore entirely new pursuits unmentored if they wish!

Mikwa towns rarely have any sort of economy. They simply help each other out with the expectation that the recipient will return the kindness if and when he can. A cobbler will make shoes for a blacksmith with the expectation that the blacksmith will sharpen the cobbler's knives when they dull. Mikwa chase their passions tirelessly, some to the point of obsession.

All mikwa homes have a communal area outside where friends and family can visit freely, with a private interior area for quiet moments. Mikwa freely share affection, and often greet each other by bumping noses - coloquially known as a 'snoot boop' - which is analogous to a human kiss. Fulgori, human and even robot friends are not excluded from this greeting.

Technology

The mikwa can seem antiquated or ramshackle compared to the fulgori, but in terms of capability they are on par. Much of mikwa technology is repurposed and refurbished fulgori technology that has been lovingly maintained and tinkered with over the years to get the most use out of it. Much of their technology is analog, requiring hand or foot power to work. Mikwa put a large emphasis on aesthetics. No two mikwa devices are identical, and most mikwa can't help but decorate or tinker with their equipment until it is as personal as their clothing.

Mikwa homes typically have electric lighting at a minimum, and often running water as well. Oil generators power their homes. Their generators burn rarana oil at a lower temperature than fulgori generators, meaning they produce less power, but last longer and don't foul the oil, causing them to produce a pleasantly sweet smell.

Mikwa mechanics are masters of adaption, able to marry fulgori, human, and even precursor technology together into new useful inventions. In fact, mikwa sometimes seem to possess an almost instinctual understanding of precursor technology, able to work and dismantle devices they've never seen as if they'd been using them all their lives.

For defense, Mikwa employ worked leather, wood, and metal armor and weapons, alongside lovingly maintained fulgori friction lock firearms, and unusual custom made weapons. The most unique mikwa weapons are those that attach to their ears, allowing them to quickly strike with dual weights, or slash with ear-blades in a twirling dance.

Nomads

Not all mikwa live in towns. Some live in nomadic bands that migrate between several areas, establishing temporary settlements. These settlement areas often have semi-cultivated farm gardens and grazing animals that can supply food and materials. They also tend to be near precursor settlements for reasons not currently known to the Voyagers.

Nomadic mikwa are less likely to employ electrical conveniences, and are therefore much better survivalists and pathfinders. Nomadic mikwa will often come to the aid of anyone they find in danger out in the wilderness. This sometimes leading to nomads joining settled mikwa to teach some to be survivalists, and townies joining nomads to teach them to use and maintain technological aids.

Relationship with Humans

Mikwa have become very close with humans in the short time they've been in contact with each other. Mikwa were the first species to enter into the Voyager coalition with the human settlers and have been instrumental in teaching them the ins and outs of survival on the island of Elisi. The main Voyager base, Odal, regularly trades with its mikwa sister city, Qochawasi. It is not uncommon to find mikwa living in human settlements and vice versa.

Aether Adrift Art Giveaway!
over 4 years ago – Sat, Nov 20, 2021 at 09:18:27 PM

To help promote Aether Adrift kickstarter, we're going to be be giving away a drawing to one lucky Voyager!

To enter follow this simple 2-step guide:
• Follow @DmnSknkStudios on Twitter
• Like and Retweet This Tweet 

[Voyager Report] Species Spotlight: Fulgori
over 4 years ago – Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 08:25:04 PM

Some of our new Voyagers might be thinking to themselves 'What the heck is a Fulgori? or a Mikwa?' heck, some of our Mikwa and Fulgori voyagers might find themselves thinking the same thing about Humans and Robots. In an effort to work closer together with our brothers and sisters in arms, Voyager Command has authorized these dossiers that we will be referring to as Species Spotlights. Each one will focus on one of the interesting species that are a part of the Voyager coalition, starting with: The Fulgori.

Anatomy

Fulgori are intelligent humanoids that typically stand 6 feet (1.8 meters), on average. Fulgori have long pointed ears that can rotate to face sounds, yellow luminous eyes that allow them to see fairly well in the dark, a jagged upper jaw that gives them a somewhat predatory visage, and have sharp teeth that suggest a carnivorous diet. A Fulgori's body is covered in coarse fur, and are capable of growing hair on their heads and faces.

Fulgori proportions are shockingly similar to human's, with the obvious difference of digitigrade legs ending in small paws, and a thick tail that aids in balance. Fulgori do not show much sexual dimorphism, saving for the expression of breasts in females. Much like a camel, fulgori store fat on their tails first, leading to the coloquialism of "slug butt" for affluent, lazy fulgori. 

Society

The Fulgori Empire is something of a social dictatorship, with almost every job or industry being under the umbrella of the Fulgori Government. The Empire is currently ruled by Emperor Fulgor, who possesses executive, legislative and judicial power. These duties are delegated to state officials more specialized in their departments. Despite comparisons to some earth regimes, fulgori generally have a high standard of living.

Fulgori cities are large and heavily populated, with citizens living in high density housing complexes. Children are typically enrolled in boarding schools at a young age, where they are given a formalized, uniform education. Employment is decided based on aptitude tests so that each citizen can contribute where they are most effective. Most fulgori will work one job for their entire life, unless circumstance renders them unable to effectively perform their job.

Fulgori philosophy values society over the individual, but this does not mean that the individual is not cared for. The government supplies all citizens with ample food and shelter with the expectation that they will perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Citizens that work hard or innovate are rewarded with social credit to buy luxuries, while fulgori who slack off are looked down upon by society as a whole. 

Despite this large government influence, fulgori home life is very private. Fulgori are slow to trust, but  form tight bonds with very small groups. Personal things like displays of affection, parties, funerals and feelings are kept within  these private groups, to the point where even as much as holding hands in public is considered taboo.

Fulgori have a strong gourmand culture. Most fulgori eat meals prepared by career chefs that are delivered to their homes by pneumatic delivery systems. Fulgori are omnivores that generally prefer savory and bitter flavors. Sweets are a rarity to be enjoyed in small amounts.

Technology

Fulgori technology superficially resembles humanity in the mid 20th century, though their actual capability far exceeds that era of mankind. The Fulgori Empire is extremely industrialized, with a large portion of their workforce dedicated to factories and assembly lines. Despite this, The Empire is also quick to adapt to new technology. The empire is adept reverse engineering and incorporating new technology into their production lines, switching over to a new product within a relatively short time, and recycling the old product into the new line wherever possible.

The fulgori empire employs a fleet of wheeled vehicles and flying machines to move on and between the floating continents. Most fulgori vehicles are powered by internal combustion engines that burn the sweet smelling oil of the rarana plant. The burning oil gives the area around power plants and motor pools a distinct sickly sweet aroma.

Fulgori aviation technology developed and advanced far earlier owing to the fact that there is no water separating landmasses, making long distance boat travel impossible. The empire employs a large wing of aircraft of various sizes, including a few massive airborne carrier craft.

The Imperial Military primarily use solid projectile ballistic weapons and tempered steel blades produced in large quantities to exacting standards on their production lines.

Rebels

The Rebels, as their name might imply, oppose King Fulgor's regime. It takes a lot to get a Fulgori to leave the comfort of their old life; Being fed, clothed and housed for simply doing your job is a wonderful deal. So what happened to these Fulgori that caused them to leave the safety and security of their home?

Fear, to put it simply. Sometimes hard working citizens simply... Disappear with no explanation, no one knows where they go. Their disappearances are often blamed on the Rebels, claiming that they were killed in a terror attack, or kidnapped to be tortured for their amusement. 

More disturbing, however, is when they say nothing at all; Superiors, workmates and sometimes even family members claiming that they never even existed. The fear of something like that happening to them or their family is enough to run some Fulgori out of their homes, to join the rebellion before some shadowy hand can whisk them off to an unknown fate.

Life outside of the empire is not easy, however. Most fulgori lack the breadth of skills necessary to survive in the wilderness, and those with practical skills lack the resources to put them to use. Lucky rebels can depend on helpful mikwa to teach them the basics of homesteading, but most are taught by brutal trial and error.

Despite the rebels' position opposite the empire, they are suspicious of humans and vice versa. Despite this suspicion, a number of rebel fulgori have joined with the Voyagers, offering insider knowledge of the empire in exchange for food and safe housing. Although they are slow to trust, the fulgori's natural urge to form small group bonds can lead to very tight knit teams.