UNIQUE DNA
Excerpt from the Voltaic Blood SourceBook:
RETRO-FUTURE / CASSETTE FUTURISM
Retro-futuristic can mean many things, emulating/alluding to many eras. In the case of Voltaic Blood, it refers specifically to ‘Cassette Futurism’, an aesthetic that emulates (and further stylizes) the 70s to mid-90s (early 00s for certain factions). Cyberpunk flourished in this era, and the aesthetics themselves are a staple and a must to the genre. This means that even though the characters and world have the technology of the future, the majority of the physical instruments, gadgets, computers, cars, fashion, etc, are reminiscent of the 70s-90s.
STYLE & SUBSTANCE
In the same way, Voltaic Blood content must strive to emulate being created during that era, with all its unique limited technology and techniques (as possible within budget).
Furthermore, Voltaic Blood should emulate the 70s to 90s era in the ‘mood and tone’ of its stories. Often rebellious in nature (punk), its stories were often characterized by a healthy balance of dark gritty Neo-Noir with a fun and ultimately hopeful tone, that doesn’t take itself too seriously and takes creative risks. This energy and mood (and 70s-90s aesthetics) are also present in the design of characters, fashion, technology, and environments, interior design, etc.
Finally, Voltaic Blood ultimately seeks to embody classical hacker and punk ethos and spirit, both creatively and commercially, filled with childlike curiosity and desire to innovate. It must walk a fine line by being in the system but not of it. It must not strive to fit in or be trendy, and least of all sell its soul to corporate masters, but free to explore.
APOCALYPTIC
The world is grounded in biblical themes and allusions, adding substance and texture. This includes its vampiric origins coming from deviant remnants of the Nephilim. Furthermore, it draws inspiration and imagery that comes from apocalyptic literature- mainly the book of Revelation, the book of Daniel, and the apocryphal book of Enoch. Babylon plays a big part in these books, therefore, allusions to ancient Babylonian culture, imagery, and architecture also permeate the rebuilt Neo-Babylon.
“The woman wore purple and scarlet clothing, and she glittered with gold and jewels and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of the vile and impure things that came from her activity as a prostitute. A name—a mystery—was written on her forehead: “Babylon the great, the mother of prostitutes and the vile things of the earth.” I saw that the woman was drunk on the blood of the saints and the blood of Jesus’ witnesses. I was completely stunned when I saw her.”
Example from Revelation 17:4-6
PARASITICAL
Don’t be a sucker. Vampires are parasites. Technology and Corporations can be parasites. Nature has parasites. Society has parasites. Ideas can infect and take hold. Parasitism is a dominant theme and dynamic that permeates the world of Voltaic Blood.
LINK THIS
EXPLORING WHERE THE SCIENTIFIC AND SPIRITUAL MEET
What happens to a brain when jacking into the matrix? What happens to the spirit? What alterations to body and soul are done to a human when turning into a vampire? How does the physical world, experienced with the senses, reveal or display the hidden spiritual world?
UNIVERSAL VAMPIRE LORE
Vampirism is a worldwide historical phenomenon. Different regions and cultures have unique vampiric legends and characteristics. Voltaic Blood/Neo-Babylon has a conglomeration of cultures (as often with cyberpunk worlds) where these different vampire cultural expressions can come alive.
HISTORICAL CHARACTERS
The inclusion and fictional evolution of historical characters that are playing a part in the shaping landscape of Neo-Babylon, whether in influence or in person (through the immortality of vampirism or technology), is also an element that makes up the DNA of Voltaic Blood.
