Image by Tithi Luadthong
Gears in the Dark
In a 1910s clockpunk city of gears and grime, scoundrels clash with cults and mechanists, chasing power, profit, and secrets best left buried.
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Weekly / Tuesday - 6:00 AM UTC
Feb 18 / Session 20
Session Duration / 3 hours
3 / 5 Seats Filled
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Schedule
Meet your party members
3/5
About the adventure
Step into a city where the hum of clockwork automatons fills the air, and shadowy cults thrive on the power of magical drugs. In this Blades in the Dark campaign, the usual ghosts and demons are replaced by the ticking of gears and the secrets of the mechanists, set against a backdrop reminiscent of 1910s East Coast America. The city is a living machine, where innovation and corruption go hand in hand, and your crew of daring scoundrels must navigate its dangerous streets to carve out their fortune. This game is perfect for players who love the gritty, underworld intrigue of Blades in the Dark but want to explore it in a fresh, clockpunk setting. Whether you're a seasoned criminal mastermind or new to the life of crime, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of mechanical marvels, strange religions, and power struggles. Every heist, deal, and betrayal will leave its mark on the city—and on your crew's legacy. Join us if you’re ready to dive into a world where the line between man and machine blurs, and the price of ambition is paid in blood and gears.
Game style
Roleplay Heavy
Sandbox / Open World
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(4)
2 years on StartPlaying
68 games hosted
Highly rated for: Storytelling, Knows the Rules, Creativity
Average response time: 6 hours
Response rate: 100%
About me
I've been involved in tabletop role-playing games for twenty years, and this form of storytelling is built into my bones. I'd love to run some games for you.
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
We'll be creating characters together during Session Zero, live on Zoom and Roll20.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
To join the game, players will need a webcam and mic for live interaction, and an account on Roll20 to participate in the sessions. I'll send out a basic overview of the rules beforehand for those new to Blades, but don't worry—character creation will be a collaborative process during Session Zero.
What Caleb Powers brings to the table
I bring a Roll20 Pro subscription with the Blades in the Dark compendium, custom maps, and tokens, if necessary, though typically theater of the mind is my preferred approach. I usually ask players to choose an actor to represent their character, and will cast NPCs in a similar way, making custom tokens based on the actors. I like deep roleplay, and try to use subtle character voices here and there. I stick to the Rules as Written, though obviously some things are different given the homebrew setting. I don't use ambient music, keeping the spotlight on the story and characters.
Homebrew rules
This is a homebrew clockpunk western edition of Blades in the Dark. Mostly just a setting change, almost all the mechanics will remain the same.
Equipment needed to play
Computer
Headphones
Internet
Microphone
Webcam
Platforms used
Safety
How Caleb Powers creates a safe table
Session 0: We’ll kick off the campaign with a Session 0, where we'll collaboratively discuss the setting, character creation, and themes. This session allows us to align our expectations and establish the tone of the game. We’ll also cover any boundaries or sensitive topics to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the content and direction of the campaign. This initial session is crucial for creating a shared understanding and setting the stage for a positive gaming experience. Debriefing: At the end of each session, we’ll have a debriefing period. This is a time to reflect on the session, discuss any significant moments, and share feedback. The debrief allows us to check in with each other emotionally, especially after intense scenes, ensuring that everyone leaves the game feeling good about the experience. It’s an opportunity to fine-tune the game as we go, making adjustments to better suit the group's needs.
Content warnings
Safety tools used