file

ple
m

Explorer’s
Sa

Guide
What is Steampunk Musha?

Imagine an island, cut off from the rest of the world by a series of treacherous coral reefs. Imagine that the island was plagued by a war
that lasted hundreds of years, only to be divided into provinces ruled by warlords. Imagine that as technology improved and advanced
in the world outside, the island has remained much the same as it has always been. Now imagine that foreigners have brought the
outside world to that island, and things have changed forever…This is the island of Rosuto-Shima, a place torn between honoring the
old traditions and embracing new technology. The rulers of Rosuto-Shima’s eleven provinces have turned from open warfare to quiet
competition, racing to develop improved technologies that will solidify and build the power of their province. It is a time of renais-
sance in Rosuto-Shima, but also a time of darkness. As more and more people turn to the new ways, the old ways are forgotten, and
the old gods are not pleased. Unlike traditional fantasy settings, Steampunk Musha draws on East Asian mythology and history and
combines aspects of several cultural traditions along with Victorian-era technology. The traditional Oriental setting is thrown into a
roaring industrial age, where incredible new inventions contrast with ancient mysteries and restless spirits. High fantasy and science
fiction clash and combine in the middle of the conflict between old and new, father and son, mechanical and spiritual.

In this document you will learn more about the Steampunk Musha setting, it’s inhabitants
and lands, and how you can get a copy of this upcoming Pathfinder Roleplaying Game
System compatible setting.
1
 The History
Of Steampunk Musha
Steampunk Musha was created by professional illustrator
Rick Hershey (Art Director for Adamant Entertainment’s
Far West, Art Director for Fat Goblin Games, owner of
Empty Room Studios) over 8 years ago as a collection of
all the content he wanted in his “dream” adventure game.
Knowing he needed someone who could actually
turn his notes into readable content, Rick teamed up with
the amazing Alana Joli Abbott (Serenity Adventures, Cow-
boys & Aliens II, Chronicles of Ramlar) who took those
notes and built the amazing, complex, exciting, and dan-
gerous world of Steampunk Musha.
Over the years many more writers would join the
group and contribute their own material to the lands, peo-
ple, places, and creatures of the island of Rosuto-Shima.
And in those years many attempts were made to make that
wonderful setting into a tabletop adventure game. but one
thing held it back. . .
Rick Hershey. With over 500 pages of content
created describing the setting, classes, races, and it’s rich
history, Rick wasn’t happy with the various rule systems
available. He felt that the setting was being compromised
to fit these systems, and it wasn’t the vision he had for the
setting or it’s game play.
Steampunk Musha Now!
Working closely with Fat Goblin Games co-owner and
veteran game designer, Jason Stoffa, Steampunk Musha is
ready to see completion and present it’s incredible setting
to the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
Steampunk Musha will be in full color and design
by the Fat Goblin Team. It will include full details on 8
playable races, 8 new classes, new feats and skills, new
magic systems, tons of equipment (including magic and
steampunk gear), details on the setting, and tons of variant
rules.
We will also be developing the Rosuto Shima
Campaign Guide, which will give even more details on the
12 provinces, introduce numerous npcs, adventure hooks,
and more variant rules for players. This is the ultimate
guide to the setting.
And last, the Steampunk Musha Bestiary. Cover-
ing dozens of new creatures, spirits, oni, and mechanical
creations roaming the world of Rosuto-Shima.
And if we reach our goal we have a ton of amaz-
ing milestone rewards to offer! Bonus material to show our
gratitude for your support!
2 3
Milestones
To show our appreciation for supporting the Steampunk
Musha kickstarter, we are offering some great milestone
rewards for once we complete funding for our project.
What that means is, after we reach our initial goal, we’ll
offer more incentives for each increment above the goal!
$4,000 (achieved) - If we reach 4k, we are going to throw in a
poster size map of Rosuto-Shima. This map will be fully painted and
details all the various regions and provinces of the island. This reward
will be offered to all Ronin level backers and up in printed form! All
backers will also receive a digital copy!
$5,000 - If we reach 5k, we’ll provide a copy in pdf form of 4 new
classes playable in Steampunk Musha. This pdf will be full color and
provide the same level of details on the new classes as the core book.
This will be available to all backers. If you are a Celestial Dragon level
backer and we reach this goal, the new classes will be included in your
Steampunk Musha Master Edition hardback.
$6,000 - If we reach 6k, we’ll unlock the Juunishi-p’o player race!
This race offers 12 variants and detailed history and description. This
pdf will be full color and provide the same level of details on the new
race as the core book. This will be available to all backers in digital
form. If you are a Celestial Dragon level backer and we reach this
e f keeping it a secret. He confessed his horrible act, and the Celestial Dragons explained that in order to regain
goal, the new race will be included in your Steampunk Musha Master
p l
Edition hardback.
m
$7,000 - We will add an additional 20 creatures to the Steampunk Sa
Musha Bestiary. This will be added to the bestiary book and available
to all levels receiving the Steampunk Musha Bestiary. If you are a Ce-
lestial Dragon level backer and we reach this goal, the new creatures
will be included in your Steampunk Musha Master Edition hardback.
$8,500 - At this level we offer up a complete introductory adventure
to all backers in pdf. This adventure will introduce you to the city
of Shangti and have your players dealing with street urchins, nobility,
clockwork children, insane inmates, shape-shifting birds, and a psy-
chotic gaijin doctor! If you are a Celestial Dragon level backer and
we reach this goal, the introductory adventure will be included in your
Steampunk Musha Master Edition hardback.
$10,000 - Reaching this goal gives all backers a pdf copy of the Ste-
ampunk Musha short story collection. This book will feature a variety
of stories told by the many writers on the Steampunk Musha project.
Expect stories from Alana Abbott, Rick Hershey, Joseph Wise, Mark
Adams, and Jason Stoffa! If you are a Celestial Dragon level backer
and we reach this goal, you will receive a limited edition printed ver-
sion of the book.
Steampunk Musha Kickstarter
The Tale of Yu
All these things took place in a time before time was measured, before the gods knew their own names. The
great Celestial Dragons, whose names man may not speak, existed in a place that had no form, a place so
shapeless that no thoughts could contain it, and not even the Dragons considered its existence. It is said they
went on for uncountable moments in their way, knowing things that the Dragons know, doing things that the
Dragons do. Perhaps eons passed, but the truth of this is lost to men. What is known is this: the great Celes-
tial Dragons decided that the formless place should have some form, that its lifelessness should be filled with
breath. So they breathed in the shapeless place and breathed out the one called Yu.
The Celestial Dragons spoke their thoughts to Yu, and Yu acquiesced to their requests, taking upon himself the
task of giving shape to that which had none, breathing life where there had been no breath. But as he watched
the universe form, watched the stars begin to swirl, watched his patterns grow and begin to follow his own will
without being restrained, he grew selfish. Why should he share the universe he had created? All the Celestial
Dragons had given him was breath; he had given the universe his thoughts, given it the shape he would never
himself have. And so, having no form himself, he surrounded the universe and hid it from the Celestial Drag-
ons. He watched it grow and change, taking joy from the life that started inside of him, allowing it to shape
him as he shaped it.
The Celestial Dragons remembered the task they had given Yu, and though perhaps ages passed before they
thought of him, they eventually returned to ask him where he had placed the universe. As Yu watched the Ce-
ile
lestial Dragons and watched the universe inside of him, he realized he had done something dishonorable by
his honor, he would have to cut the universe out of himself. Yu quickly sliced himself in half and the universe
burst from him, and the Celestial Dragons were amazed at what he had created.
But Yu felt he had not done enough to regain his honor and continued to cut himself into pieces. As he cut, his
pieces were given form. Where the universe had been now became his bowels, which he spilled onto a small
world. His innards poured into an ocean, and his flesh covered them to create an island. His arms and legs be-
came the island’s mountains, and his hair became trees and grass. As he watched his form become part of one
of his worlds, he cried with joy, and these tears became the rivers which led to the sea. But the pain was great,
and Yu could not hold back a scream of pain, and this scream, too, took form, and from it came the seven thun-
der gods who still mimic his cry. And after he screamed, he retched blood, expelling the greed and dishonor
that had made him hide the universe, and this became the oni. On his back came fleas and lice, which became
our ancestors, and from his last thoughts, the gods were formed to rule over the land. With Yu’s last breath, the
four great winds began to blow.
The Celestial Dragons were pleased with Yu’s sacrifice, and so they sent other spirits to experience the land,
to which they gave the name Rosuto-Shima. They took Yu’s eyes and set them above the world, so that Yu might
watch over what he had made. In this way, they explained, he would be able to prevent his children from com-
mitting the dishonor that Yu himself had committed. And so it remains; the first eye, the sun, watches over the
joy and happiness of mankind, seeing only the bright hours of celebration. The second eye, the moon, only sees
the darkness of men, and is witness to the greed and selfishness that caused Yu such great dishonor. But though
Yu’s second eye only sees darkness, it shines, hoping that its light will guide men toward lives of honor and
away from his previous actions, the corruption of Rosuto-Shima.
And that is how all these things came to be.
–Collected Writings of Quan Hong
 The World
Imagine an island, cut off from the rest of the world
by a series of treacherous coral reefs. Imagine that the
island was plagued by a war that lasted hundreds of
years, only to be divided into provinces ruled by war-
lords. Imagine that as technology improved and ad-
vanced in the world outside, the island remained much
the same as it has always been. Now imagine that for-
eigners have brought the outside world to that island,
and things have changed forever…
This is the island of Rosuto-Shima, a place torn be-
tween honoring the old traditions and embracing new
technology. The rulers of Rosuto-Shima’s eleven prov-
inces have turned from open warfare to quiet competi-
tion, racing to develop improved technologies that will
solidify and build the power of their province. It is a
time of renaissance in Rosuto-Shima, but also a time
of darkness. As more and more people turn to the new
ways, the old ways are forgotten, and the old gods are
not pleased.
Unlike traditional fantasy settings, Steampunk Musha
draws on East Asian mythology and history and com-
bines aspects of several cultural traditions along with
Victorian-era technology. The traditional Oriental set-
ting is thrown into a roaring industrial age, where in-
credible new inventions contrast with ancient myster-
ies and restless spirits. High fantasy and science fiction
clash and combine in the middle of the conflict between
old and new, father and son, mechanical and spiritual.
The Physical World
Dominated in the south by subtropical marshes, in the
east by desert, and in the north by cool temperate for-
ests, Rosuto-Shima encompasses several climates. A
large mountain range runs up the center of the island,
and the cities are spread throughout the island. Between
the cities, regardless of the climate, are small villages
where the country folk of Rosuto-Shima still strive to
make a living, while losing most of their young and
able-bodied workers to the lure of the cities. To the
north of Rosuto-Shima is Jigoku, a volcanic island that
belches flames that can be seen throughout the north-
ern areas of Rosuto-Shima. The constellations and the
zodiac that fill the night sky above Rosuto-Shima have
significance to the old ways, but as the cities begin to
create their own lights, it becomes harder and harder to
see the stars...
4 5
Because of the coral reefs surrounding Rosuto-Shima,
the waters are extremely dangerous to travel in large
craft. The seas are nearly always rough, and rainstorms
(or snow in the north) give very little warning before
unleashing their fury on the water below. In spite of
the dangers, much of Rosuto-Shima’s food comes from
the sea, and fish that live the closest to the coral reefs
are considered a delicacy because of the skill and risk
required to catch them.
Visiting Rosuto-Shima:
An In Character Guide
Twelve Months in Rosuto-Shima; or Notes for the
Traveler and the Andersen Shipping Company
by Constance and Archibald Fortune
Introduction
Rosuto-Shima. Just the name conjures images of blos-
soming peach trees, silk-clad dancers, and dashing war-
riors with the hearts of poets. Until a short time ago, the
land of Rosuto-Shima was unknown to the Civilized
Nations of the world, kept in the shadow of supersti-
p le from the traditional architecture, many of the roofs are tional plays in Rosuto-Shima. This district contains the
tion and savagery by a coral reef that makes the waters
m entertainment and other such disreputable vices), and
Sa
surrounding it dangerous for even the bravest souls to
traverse. But in the last several years, charts have been
drawn, making it possible for the enlightened traveler
to contribute to the continual civilizing influences now
bringing Rosuto-Shima into the Modern Age.
An uneducated traveler would be hard pressed to be-
lieve that in the recent past, the steam engine was
viewed as a strange supernatural phenomenon by the
people of this island! In our current day, the steam en-
gine permeates every aspect of Rosuto-Shiman society,
and its largest cities are lit night and day by gas lanterns
on every street corner. Yet behind this garb of civiliza-
tion, the land of Rosuto-Shima retains some of it sav-
age elegance. The savvy traveler can easily find native
entertainment to delight and bewilder, from the grace of
dance and theatre performed in the hearts of the cities
to the bewildering enormity of the mountains that rise
above the countryside. To eat the native delicacies is to
learn something of the culture itself: like much of the
seafood served in restaurants, the land of Rosuto-Shima
is raw, but despite its coarse texture, delicious.
Shangti traptions do not have the same elegance as a horse and
Perhaps the most civilized of the cities of Rosuto-Shi- carriage, their drivers reliably know their way around
ma is Shangti, quaintly referred to as the Imperial City. the city and can avoid taking travelers into treacherous
Here it is quite easy to find foods and places of business areas.
from the Civilized Nations beyond the small island, Walking around Shangti is inadvisable. Many
though the native temperament and stoicism permeates areas that are perfectly safe butt up against areas where
the atmosphere. Divided into four districts governed by properly civilized travelers would never choose to ex-
separate rulers, Shangti is a city of business and enter- plore. The city is not laid out upon an intuitive design,
tainment that only barely fits into the ancient city walls. and newcomers might easily lose their way and find
If one makes an effort, one can imagine the themselves in one of the city’s less reputable neighbor-
original state of the Imperial Palace, which was the hoods.
home of an Emperor said to have ruled over the entirety
of the island. Sadly, years of war marred the beauty of Where to Stay and What to See
Rosuto-Shima, and much of the original architecture “Shounin Square,” also known as “Merchant’s Square,”
has fallen into a state of disarray. Here and there are boasts some of the nicest and most prosperous inns in
remnants, mostly now inhabited by squatters. These Shangti. Though the prices are higher than one might
bits and pieces reveal what the city of Shangti must expect for the limited luxuries available, these inns
have once been, in an age of darkness and superstition. provide a measure of security, and crime rarely befalls
Now, the buildings that flood Shangti’s narrow travelers during their stay in Shounin Square.
streets are a hodgepodge of native and foreign design. A slightly less reputable area with lower pricing is the
Many residences and places of business have paper “Motenashi District,” or the “Entertainment District.”
walls, easily moveable to form new rooms, so that one The Motenashi District offers proximity to the Haimam-
f ile
might create a guest room to provide the hospitality
the people of Shangti are known for. In a move away
ire Gekijou, the “covered with ashes theater,” which
hosts the best performances of traditional and interna-
most restaurants (though many also provide gambling
peaked or slanted, imitating the style well known in our
own mountain nations. Engineers from the Civilized
Nations have begun conversing with the engineers and during the day the streets are lined with musicians and
scholars of the island with the hopes of building one of other performers, hoping to please the audiences that
the skyscrapers now being developed in other parts of pass by. Should one choose to get one’s fortune read
the world. The innovations seem endless! or experience other native superstitions, all of these are
easily accessible in the Motenashi District. However,
Getting to Shangti walking home at night may be dangerous for travelers,
From beyond the island of Rosuto-Shima, the only way as the streets come alive with beggarly and opprobrious
to reach Shangti is by boat. Ferries from nearby coasts men during the late hours.
are popular, and many ocean-liners now offer cruises Visitors intent on staying for any length of time should
with Shangti as the destination. consider hiring a bodyguard and guide from Hiromu
From other cities on the island of Rosuto-Shi- Sawa’s Ronin-for-Hire. These guards are reliable pro-
ma, the best way to travel is by rail. The Rosuto-Shi- tectors and tend to know more about the city than any
ma Steam Rail Authority is continually building better foreigners, making them ideal guides to learn the best
vehicles for passenger travel; many of their shipping (and worst!) places to visit in the city.
trains have added passenger cars of high quality. Travel
is very affordable for tourists, though sadly it seems Chinan
that local currency has yet to catch up with the value Known in Rosuto-Shima as the City of the Arts, Chinan
of our own, and the trains are largely used by Rosuto- is home to the most prestigious educational institutions
Shima’s upper class and foreigners. of the island, some of which have a history as long as
our own established universities. The entire city is built
Getting around Shangti to heighten learning, and many artists and craftsmen
The quickest and easiest way to get around Rosuto- come here to practice their trade, as they are certain to
Shima is hiring a steam rickshaw. Though these con- be appreciated by other likeminded individuals.
 Along with the native Rosuto-Shimans, two other races
are commonplace in Chinan, the Juunishi-p’o, a child-
like race with animalistic features, and the keshou, sav-
age looking men, small of stature, who seem to have a
knack for mechanics. Foreign travelers are less com-
mon here than in Shangti, but the people of Chinan are
eager to learn about the ways of the outside world, and
foreigners are invited to speak about their home nations.
Though not the most popular city in terms of
foreign tourism, Chinan is a place that receives the most
tourists from other areas of Rosuto-Shima. Many of the
more forward-thinking families have sent their children
to attend the growing educational institutions of Chinan
and come on visits during festivals (which happen sev-
eral times a year). Others come to see the galleries and
museums that can be found on nearly every street
corner.
Getting to Chinan
Chinan is easily accessible along the
Rosuto-Shima Steam Rail Author-
ity’s Coast Line, which connects Chi-
nan to the ports of Shangti and Talu.
People interested in slower travel
may also choose to rent a long-
range horse-drawn coach from
either of those cities.
Getting around Chinan
Though Chinan has steam-
powered rickshaws, many in
the city prefer to walk wher-
ever they go. The streets are
laid out intuitively, based on
the cardinal directions, and
once one orients oneself, it is
nearly impossible to get lost.
In the unlikely event that
a traveler finds himself in unfa-
miliar territory, the samurai of Lord
Yuu, the ruler of Chinan, are typi-
cally willing to help lost souls find
their way. The people of Chi-
nan tend to be friendly as well,
though many of them have not
yet learned one of the civilized
tongues, and will be only too
happy to offer directions to some-
one out of place.
6 7
Where to Stay and What to See
Unlike Shangti, Chinan is one of the safest cities in all
of Rosuto-Shima (though tourists are encouraged to
keep track of their belongings, as pickpockets are eager
to make money through stealth and slippery fingers!). these dark spiritual movements, the city of Chengti itself is
For those hoping to be located close to the are-
nas, where the best martial competitions across Rosuto-
Shima are held, the northern district of Chinan has a
few select inns of quality and comfort: Plang House,
run by the Srisati family, often houses athletes as well
as tourists, while the Red Lion, run by Jacob Andrews
from abroad, specializes in providing the comforts of
home to foreign travelers. The games themselves are
no mere fisticuffs; while the sportsmen certainly do not
follow the rules of Duke Arlington’s Etiquette, their
athleticism is unmatched, and the savage arts of their
combat combine martial skill, both in swordplay
and unarmed, with the grace of dance.
The most popular inns in the city are
found in the University District, near
the educational institutions. While these
accommodations tend to be fairly
priced, they are often filled with
not only tourists but also pro-
spective students, or young
ple Getting around Chengti
travelers seeking the experi-
S
without responsibilities.
am
ence of life at a university
Thus, the nightlife in this
district tends to be very
active for the young,
and fairly noisy for the
ears of the old. Dur-
ing the day, however,
it is nearly impossible
to walk ten feet with-
out seeing the entrance to
a museum or gallery, and street per-
formers are plentiful. standard set of luxuries.
The Gakufu Sangyoukikai, a school
of industry, is also located in this
district, and many of the inventions
of the students are placed on display,
some of these even challenging the in-
genuity found in the Civilized Nations.
Chengti
In the days of darkness and su-
perstition, many of the residents of
Rosuto-Shima worshipped the spirits
of their ancestors, or strange, pagan gods. Though many For devotees of theatre, the Hat Cheo, also
have left those dark days behind, the city of Chengti is known as the Peasant Theatre, is not to be missed. It is
evidence that many of the traditional cults are still alive and the only true opera house in all of Rosuto-Shima, and
well. While respectable men and women should be wary of the musical performances held here are unparalleled.
Traditional operas and folk-musicals are performed
well worth visiting. From music to architecture, much of here, as well as the occasional foreign import.
Rosuto-Shima’s beauty can be found here in the gardens of
the place the locals call the City of Heaven. Kuang-Cho
Along with the rampant worship of strange gods, The novelty of Kuang-Cho is that much of the city is
there are festivals or parades nearly every day in Chengti. actually located underground. Local legends say that
If one takes these out of the context of pagan worship, the
a once-great emperor built his barracks here, and that
exquisite art that is displayed in these ceremonies and ritu-
now the city has changed from a military atmosphere to
als is quite enjoyable. Those seeking inner solitude may,
a more urban one, bring in warehouses, factories, res-
despite the hustle and bustle of the city, find one of the gar-
taurants, and inns.
dens of Chengti to be exactly the spot they need to visit in
Though still lagging behind Shangti in its tech-
order to calm their spirits.
nical resources, Kuang-Cho has made an effort to catch
up over the last few years, and has even developed a
Getting to Chengti
factory for clockwork mechanisms. The train station at
Chengti is connected to Shangti by the East Line of the
Kuang-Cho is a tribute to this local industry; the lobby
Rosuto-Shima Steam Rail Authority. As Chengti is a
of the station is filled with many large clocks that func-
holy place, there are several inns lining the road be-
tion as timers, each showing approximately how much
tween Shangti and Chengti, making it popular to take a
time is left before the next train arrives. This gives lo-
f ile
pilgrimage on foot from one city to the other.
cals the pleasure of complaining when their train is ei-
ther behind or ahead of schedule.
Steam-powered rickshaws are plentiful in Chengti, as
Getting to Kuang-Cho
are horses and carriages. The streets, which are lined
with statues and shrines, are extremely wide, making
Kuang-Cho is located on the Imperial Line of the Ro-
suto-Shima Steam Rail Authority between Shangti and
the city easily navigable by pedestrians, motorists, and
the Twin Cities. Traveling to the city any other way
equestrians alike.
is very time consuming and uncomfortable; though
long-range coaches still make the trip, the roads travel
Where to Stay and What to See
through Huinin, a city extremely inhospitable to for-
There are many inns throughout Chengti, many of them
eign travelers.
older than any of the buildings still standing in Shangti.
Since far earlier times, Chengti has been a place of pilgrim-
Getting around Kuang-Cho
age as well as the center of superstition in Rosuto-Shima.
Above ground and below, steam-powered rickshaws
Because of this, there are many hostels for those seeking
are available for travelers. The drivers in Kuang-Cho,
to reduce their expenses, as well as inns that offer a more
however, are less than trustworthy, often taking corners
at inadvisable speeds and striking fear into the hearts
The restaurants and shops of Chengti are filled
with local delicacies and local art. Though artists are not of their passengers! For those with weak stomachs,
as prevalent in Chengti as in Chinan, there are several local walking is advisable in the city below, while horses and
poets and artists who sell their wares here. But the finest coaches are available for hire above ground.
place to visit in Chengti is the Garden of Heaven. Full of
ponds and butterfly gardens, bonsai trees and orchids, the Where to Stay and What to See
Garden of Heaven is a place both of quiet contemplation Below ground there are fewer inns than above, though
and of learning. Weekly debates are held in large seating these few below are closer to the action and the nightlife
areas throughout the gardens, and the local government of Kuang-Cho. The Mandate of Heaven, which locals
meets to discuss grievances and city decisions here in call the T’ien Ming, is a local restaurant that specializes
public. in entertainment; not only do local musicians and per-
formers frequent the restaurant, but it hosts lively de-
 bates featuring scholars and laymen from every corner
of the island. One night a week, the restaurant also en-
courages amateurs to perform, accompanied by an in-
house band. All of these performances are augmented
by a strange contraption developed by local mechanics
and engineers to amplify the voice, so that singers and
speakers can be heard from any part of the restaurant.
Hostess Doi Ren is often a performer at these amateur
nights, and anyone visiting Kuang-Cho without hear-
ing her perform will certainly have missed one of the
highlights of the underground city.
The Twin Cities
Ruled by two princes, the cities Chieng-Mow and
Yang-Mow are most commonly referred to as the Twin
Cities, and taken to be a single metropolis. The two cit-
ies are separated by a river two hundred feet wide and
extremely deep, and where this river passes through,
a docks district is the dominant feature. A long bridge
spans the river, wide enough for both steam-powered
rickshaws and horses and carriages to pass over with-
out difficulty. The river itself is often filled with steam-
powered boats, and the quickest way from one end of
the cities to the other is often via boats-for-hire on the
Where to Stay and What to See
The restaurants on both sides of the river are of superior
quality and provide excellent service. These range from
small counter services for pedestrians intent on enjoy-
ing the lovely weather to larger establishments that host
entertainers. Performances can be found in restaurants
as well as the theatres and dance halls, though the side
of the river often determines the style of entertainment.
In Chieng-Mow, dramatic and comedic theatre is ex-
tremely popular, while in Yang-Mow, musicians and
dancers bring in the largest crowds.
Along with these forms of entertainment, the
palaces of each city are open to the public for several
hours a day, much to the delight of museum-goers. Ad-
mission for palace tours is minimal, and both palaces
are home to fine eating establishments and wonderful
souvenir shops. The galleries within feature art from
across Rosuto-Shima, as well as pieces from around the
world.
Despite this pleasant atmosphere, which makes
the city attractive to tourists, there are dangers in the
Twin Cities. There is nearly always some form of vio-
lence breaking out along the riverfront, and local au-
thorities seem unable to stop such occurrences. Because
The farming city of Linan, called the Star of the Races of Rosuto-Shima
South, is perhaps the best place to experience what
Rosuto-Shima must have been like before the en- As contact with the world beyond our island’s borders
lightenment found in technology made its way increases, new zoological and anatomical knowledge is
to the island. The neighborhood pubs, called here introduced through newly revealed information about
sakedokoros, serve pleasant local vintages and fea- species from the barbarian lands. That the gaijin as-
ture more rustic pleasures. Walking tours make this sume our sentient races to be monsters speaks of how
district popular for adventure-seekers and explor- unusual it must be for humankind to share our land and
ers; otherwise, the city and surrounding countryside ways with other species, accepting them not as mon-
hold little interest for travelers more interested in sters, but as equals. It is no surprise that the barbarian
the comforts of home. invaders are backward thinking in this regard, but an
investigation of this unique phenomenon, recognized as
Kara Kora is a city located in the middle of a vast such by their skepticism at our own standing, is, in fact,
desert. If the climate were not harsh enough to keep a worthwhile pursuit.
travelers out, the residents of the city, a people called
the keshou, are a strange race of savage creatures. In this dissertation, I endeavor to shed light upon the
These denizens are quite threatening to outsiders, intelligent races of Rosuto-Shima, as well as the gaijin,
and their only virtue is that they seem to have a way in an effort to see which of these races is most related
with machinery. The city is filled with the sounds to mankind.
of explosions all day long, and the threat of being
blown up in an experiment gone awry feels very real. –From The Biological Implications of the Indigenous
Races of Rosuto-Shima, with Notes on Gaijin: A Dis-
f ile
Though no more hideous race has been seen in the
entire world, the jinteki-oni look far fiercer than
sertation by Uotani Hijiki of Chinan University

river. of this, staying at a hotel or inn farther away from the

p le their true demeanor. Their small city in the moun- Humans - Although humans have shorter life spans
river is recommended, even though this likely means tains, known as Tendou, is a place of spiritual re- than other races indigenous to Rosuto- Shima, they
m
Sa
Getting to The Twin Cities spending more on transportation. The more expensive treats, and many are able to find solace there. Ten- are one of the oldest of the races present on the is-
The Twin Cities are located on the Imperial Line of the inns near the palaces are all highly recommended, as dou is very small, but in spite of its size, there are land, younger only than the oni, the demons who once
Rosuto-Shima Steam Rail Authority, and also sport a the exchange of money for safety will surely grant a several places open and inviting to travelers, and roamed the land freely. From a culture steeped in tra-
river port, making the cities easily accessible by boat. more pleasant visit. those seeking out a place for beautiful views and dition, many humans keep to the old ways, following
Small boats traveling around the island between the kind neighbors will surely find it in Tendou. very traditional patterns of life and honoring their an-
coast and the coral reef are popular for sightseers, Other Places of Interest cestors. Others have turned to the new technologies to
though they cancel their travel plans due to anything Talu, a city where pirates run amok and crime goes guide their lives, adapting quickly to the changes on
less than perfect weather. Liaoyan, the forest city, is a delightful place to visit, unchecked, is to be visited only by those with a pen- Rosuto-Shima. Still others exist in the middle, follow-
though staying for any length of time is not recom- chant for adventure and danger. The city is built out ing newer philosophies without betraying the old ways.
Getting around The Twin Cities mended. A place dominated by traditional concepts onto the water, connected to the land by a series of
As mentioned above, steam-powered boats are eas- of honor, Liaoyan has yet to move fully into the floating barges. The most effective way to travel is Although the humans of Rosuto-Shima appear to be
ily available for hire and are typically the fastest way Modern Era. The city itself is built into the trees, by boat, and it is said that the sky over the water of- much the same as the foreigner’s visiting their lands,
to travel from one end of the city to the other. Many and the architecture is very impressive, but there are fers some of Rosuto-Shima’s most beautiful sunsets. they are not the humans of Pathfinder, and have some
river tours are also available, taking travelers beyond few inns here and almost no entertainment available Those enjoying the view, however, should pay close options you are going to enjoy.
the walls of the city and out toward the coast. Sports- to travelers, making the sparse living conditions de- attention to their wallets and handbags as well, or
men might enjoy the fishing to be found on these tours, sirable only to see the architecture and then retreat they may find it difficult to afford passage home. Clockwork Ronin - The clockwork ronin is a living,
while ladies will most certainly enjoy the rustic views. to more hospitable climes. breathing, and thinking assemblage of gears, springs,
Inside the city, steam-powered rickshaws are and metal. But without being inhabited by the spirit of
readily available, though, as in Kuang-Cho, the drivers Huinin, once known as the Summer City, is off lim- a bushi, or warrior, summoned by the clockwork ronin
are notoriously dangerous. Near the palaces, walking its to any travelers carrying machinery of any sort. creators, the body of the Ronin would be only a ma-
is recommended, and horses and carriages are highly The lack of hospitality to outsiders makes this a city chine, incapable of acting independently. The bushi
encouraged for those traveling from the docks district to avoid at all costs, lest one leave the fair island of spirit remembers its old skills, enabling the clockwork
to or from the center of either city. Rosuto-Shima with a foul taste in one’s mouth. ronin to perform feats thought possible only in history

8 9
 and legend. However, the bushi spirit is unable to re- The keshou are my favorite race. Visually, they look Tanuki - Tanuki describes two species on Rosuto- face down the horrors of the spirit realms. These people
member his ancestors, his hometown, or his family. De- like a cross between goblin and dwarf, but their per- Shima: the raccoon dog, a harmless animal no more are called the nikobo. They are demon hunters, exor-
prived of his own identity, the Clockwork Ronin strives sonalities are relatively pleasant. This former slave race intelligent than its canine counterparts, and the tanuki, cists who have dedicated their lives to the teachings of
either to develop a new life for himself or to seek out excelled beyond anyone’s expectations, becoming both shape-shifters who often take the form of a human- enlightenment and the vanquishing of the dark forces
the past of the bushi spirit, hoping to regain memories skilled craftsman, machinists, merchants, and warriors. oid version of a badger crossed with a raccoon. In this plaguing the land.
of his former life. child-like guise, they worm their way
Kijo - There has been some speculation in recent years into the hearts of shopkeepers and restaurant owners in Kabukika- The world of theater is considered to be
So, you’ve seen living constructs in setting before. . . that the kijo provide the link between apes and men. order to procure free sake, free food, and occasionally,a magical place, where nothing is real but the story.
well, not like this. These warriors have bodies made Certainly, there is similarity between the kijo and the a free tumble with the shopkeeper’s wife. On Rosuto-Shima, the kabuki theaters, called kabuki-
for adaptability, and actually have a variety of military large mountain apes found on the mainland to our west, za, have combined real magic into their performances,
themed builds. and the similarity between the kijo and humans cannot The tanuki are charming little shape-shifters, known enhancing the illusion of the tale further than props or
be denied. But it is also worth noting that the kijo show for their powers of seduction. They need this charm, as backdrops would allow. Through dance and extrava-
Jinteki-Oni - The jinteki-oni are born of both human remarkable similarities to the jintenki-oni, whose direct tanuki tend to indulge in everything, often wearing out gant costumes, the kabukika, or actors in the theater,
and oni ancestry. In spite of their demon ancestry, the relation back to the creatures considered “supernatural” their welcome, and causing mayhem in the process. practice the arts of the thespian, as well as the arts of
large, powerful jinteki-oni seek to live in solitude and by our ancestors is well documented. So is the kijo a the sorcerer.
harmony. Despite their friendly and peaceful outlook, true primate and sibling of man? Or is he a monster, as
they are often shunned by the humans of Rosuto-Shima Classes of Rosuto-Shima
our ancestors would have put it—a creature with “su- Machinist- Though few admit to the belief, there is a
due to their frightening appearance and their heritage. pernatural” abilities? Certainly, one might attribute his
Presented below are the 8 classes of Steampunk Mu- common superstition, even among the “enlightened” of
The origin of the jinteki-oni is, in fact, often left out of strength to a source beyond nature. But such is folly.
history books in an effort to avoid the spread of preju- sha. Each class will have a full detail of their history Rosuto-Shima, that some people are born with an innate
Any small amount of study reveals that the kijo are, in
dice against these gentle creatures. and their place in the lands of Rosuto-Shima. In addi- understanding of the inner workings of new technology.
fact, the most natural of all sentient species living on
tion, these classes will present to Archetypes express-
Rosuto-Shima.
This is one of the races that the setting material was sac-
rificed, because the rules couldn’t do (easily) what we Kijo are sort of this yeti/ogre like race. They have very f ile
ing specific areas of expertise found amongst those who
choose these classes.
wanted. The Jinteki-Oni come in a wide variety. Some
have claws, lots of horns, prehensile tails, a third-eye,
primate looking bodies and faces, but also bluish-pur-
p le Shangti Cowboy- The tradition of the Shangti Cow-
ple skin and horns. They are the largest of the races, and
armored skin, etc. The use of Alternate Racial Traits is m boy began in the gritty slave city of Shangti, where the
Sa
once nomadic, have begun to explore what the other
going to allow us to offer up these variety of traits and societies have to offer. cowboys were considered a freelance militant police
features to be built on the same basic racial frame. force. They patrolled the city and investigated homi-
cides, found missing persons, tracked down known
Sarpa - The sarpa clearly have greater resemblance to
Kappa - For hundreds of years, long before the first the Celestial Dragons, from which they are said to have criminals, and worked as bodyguards or private detec-
gaijin traveled to Rosuto-Shima, some say before men tives. The organization in Shangti lowered the crime
been born, than the Imperial Family, but this should be
were given the earth by the gods, the kappa inhabited rate significantly, and soon, other cities were clamor-
no cause for concern among devoted loyalists. If it is
the waters of the island. With the hard shell of a tortoise ing for the services of men trained among the Shangti
true that, like the First Emperor, the sarpa are directly
and the beaked face of a sea turtle, the kappa has elon- Cowboys. With an open market for their services, the
descended from Celestial Dragons, then we must think
gated limbs that allow it to walk either on all fours or core force in Shangti began to crumble, and soon all the
of them as the cousins to men—distant cousins, per-
upright. Shangti Cowboys were working on their own, looking
haps, but directly related by lineage (if one
out for their own profit. The rivalry was fierce, and soon
assumes that all Celestial Dragons are related!).
These are not the kappa you are thinking of. The kappa public opinion turned to the belief that the vigilantes
of Rosuto-Shima are fierce tribal warriors with a mean were actually causing more problems than the crimi-
The sarpa were originally conceived as a snake like
disposition. These little fierce warriors are armored nals.
race. You know, the serpent body, human torso type. I
plated, clawed, and kind of creepy.
hated that. So, I redesigned the entire look of the sarpa
to be more draconic. But I didn’t want the dragon hu- Nikobo- Although the modernized people of the cities
Keshou - Though most closely related to goblins, ke- manoids typical in a lot of modern fantasy rpg’s. The may try to ignore it, Rosuto-Shima is plagued by de-
shou barely resemble their foreign relatives; they stand mons and evil spirits: in the mountains, in the temples,
sarpa are the combination of eastern dragons and hu-
upright to a height of around four feet and are built ex- in the forests, and most commonly in the hearts of men.
mans. Their anatomy reflecting both, but also being
tremely broadly across the chest and face. Their thick In every generation, people are called by the spirits who
very original and almost alien like. This was my favor-
limbs and stocky build make them heavier than a hu- oppose these demons and evil entities and are given the
ite race to conceptualize.
man of their height would be. knowledge and strength to fight them. These people
leave their homes, follow the path of righteousness, and
10 11