New Sci Fi Setting Seeds

[Astromancer]

Originally Posted by Astromancer

Further notes:

Magery in this universe always comes with either positive or negative Charisma. Thus the in universe equivalents of James T. Kirk and Northwest Smith have spellcasting abilities. And the Wilbur Whateley power repels as much as his appearence. Thus a level of attractive Magery costs 15 points (Magery plus Charisma) and repellent Magery costs five per level (Magery minus Negative Charisma).

Near Humans are the main Aliens of this setting. Feel free to pull near humans in as you like. The Vulcans were obviously designed to be a Homo Superior group. But the early Vulcans were driven nearly mad by their own telepathy and the subconscious selves interfering in other people's dreams. Only there Iron disciple keeps them sane. C. L. Moore's take on Venusians fits this setting. They were angelically beautiful savages. "Faces like cherubs, hearts like devils.." was one of her phrases. Play around with the Star Trek and Northwest Smith aliens. Go for a subtle wrongness that builds to spooky.

Cultural Backgrounds should be lush, decadent, and exotic. Moore, Smith, and Brackett all went that way with Mars and or aliens. Lovecraft's The Dreamquest of Unknown Kadath should be a major guide to the style and appearance of alien societies. Pedantic Violet mists that don't believe in humans are a must.

Sorry, can't edit right now.