F.A.Q.

What is steampunk?
Steampunk started as a new genre of fiction that revolved around telling Sci-fi stories in times past (mainly Victorian). However steampunk has evolved into a cultural and aesthetic movement that can on the surface be seen to be just an excuse to wear goggles, corset and top hats*. But underneath this veneer it is more than this, steampunk is (in brief):
-Trying to live and adventure in a time that never was- but one that we wish to be in,
-Taking modern technology and adding Victorian sensibilities and aesthetics,
-Trying to escape the homogenous beige plastic prefabricated modern world, back to a world where everything is beautiful, individual and unique,
The main thing about steampunk is that there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to ‘do’ the steampunk aesthetic, originality and self creation are however two of the watchwords of this movement.

* Though to be frank, goggles, corsets and top hats are pretty neat and many people get into Steampunk simply due this fact.

So what is going to happen at the Steampunk Spectacular?
Well telling you everything that is going to happen would ruin a lot of the surprises. Here is what we can tell you:
You will be ‘boarding’ the air/Aether” ship the Olympia on its first voyage to the moon, Among the guests will be Royalty, Explorers, Spies, Mad Scientists and many other people of Interest.
All the guests will be give characters, back story and motivations akin to a “how to host a murder mystery” evening* – albeit with 100 people.

*you could also think of it as a Live Action Role Play (LARP)

So I get a character? Can I choose who?
Sort of, we have 150+ characters* pre written that can be tweaked. By the Online Registration form you can ask for certain roles or give us information on what you would prefer to do. Want to be an US oil tycoon, an Indian maharaja, a spy for the Chinese or even just an old British General, ask and we will see what we can do.

*These character are all based off historical figures who exist in this parallel universe, and so are slightly different to how they were in real life (see the history file for the recent history of the world you will be playing in).

So I fill out the form and the character and my motivation gets sent to me, by e-mail?
Yes exactly! There is also a chance to get things on the night in person, but the earlier you register the better you chances are of having a character customised and being able to prepare your role better.

My role? This thing sounds pretty chaotic, what happens if I can’t stay in character?
Just try your best, we are all pretending, just suspend your disbelief and the time will fly by and you will have a lot of fun. Don’t feel awkward there are lots of crew around to help you feel immersed, and remember everybody is in the same boat (well Aether ship) as you!

So what is going to happen during the flight?
Oh lots of things. We can assure you that we *hope* that it’s a smooth flight - but it never is. So all we can assure you of is that there will be tea! Lots of tea and may be a spot of cards.

Tea eh? Will there be alcoholic drinks?
Sadly drinks of an alcoholic nature may combust when the Aether engines are functioning, due to this reason Alcohol is not allowed onboard The Maiden Flight of the Olympia. Tobacco products likewise are sadly right out. The new ‘invisible’ tobacco developed at Oxford labs is welcome however (bring your pipes for costuming purposes just please don’t smoke)

For more information on anything..
Please contact info@adelaidesteampunk.info and someone will be sure to answer all your questions!