Theme, Setting
Welcome to my cyberpunk world! It’s an original setting, not borrowed from existing ones. You’ll find familiar cyberpunk themes, but I’m aiming for a more subtle approach. Plus, it’s got a LITRPG twist with an in-game explanation that I hope you’ll love!
Warnings and Content
Cyberpunk settings often come with some heavy themes, and this one is no different. Here's what to expect:
Violence: Yes, and plenty of it. It's a part of life at every social level.
Gore/Blood: Common and graphic.
Sex: The world is highly sexualized, so mature content warnings apply. While sex isn't the main focus, it does happen, and characters are quite active.
Drugs/Drinking: These are omnipresent, with characters frequently indulging.
Sexuality/Gender: Transhumanism is a major theme. Expect fluid gender identities and diverse expressions of sexuality.
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LITRPG: The main character only. Blue boxes are present, so if they scare you, be forewarned.
Other: Expect themes of coercion, blackmail, sexual favors, abusive corporate managers, abusive partners, and casual violence.
Author’s Vision (and Ramblings)
I grew up playing a Shadowrunner, watching the original Blade Runner, and reading Neuromancer. The cyberpunk setting is my pick for my favorite setting. Cyberpunk, the tabletop RPG, was great. I read all the lore books when I was young. I tried playing Cyberpunk with the GURPS system. And, of course, I’ve played the Cyberpunk 2077 computer game.
To say I am invested in the setting and theme of cyberpunk is an understatement.
I also find some things irritating in a way that only a die-hard fan can. I hated the magic vs technology in things like Shadowrun. I’m iffy on the ‘save your humanity’ that is centered around mysticism in Cyberpunk TTRPG and game. I also find most of the cyberpunk settings punch you in the face with the themes.
This setting is my take on it.
Schedule
My intention is for 5 days a week. I’m still figuring out the Royal Road editor (the table limits are rather egregious), so there might be a short delay before the chapters start rolling out! There is a backlog, so it should be consistent once I start.
Final Bits
This story was prompted by Seras’ Ghost in the City (link). The original idea of the setting is a decade old and has been tumbling around in the back of my head for at least that long. It’s my first story to share, though I’ve written some other (terrible) stuff just for myself. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it!