The one and only VSF

OSHIROblog
1 hour ago
3 min read

I have had a love for Victorian Science Fiction since I was young and some of my favourite novels are by VSF writers; names such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne spring to mind and with The War of the Worlds being perhaps my favourite novel of all time, it sort of makes sense that a VSF range makes an appearance in the catalogue.

VSF ranges

There has been debate in recent times regarding the difference between VSF and Steampunk and suffice to say, my opinion is that VSF wins every time as it is a contemporary view rather than a modern interpretation (I just don't like the over use of cogs, goggles and corsets outside of normal clothes lol) and with this being in mind, this is where the vast majority of inspiration comes from for the ranges.

There are two sections to the range, 'additions' and vehicles. The additions are really useful for people wanting make their own Victorian contraptions as there is a wide selection of deck items, guns and other such paraphernalia. They are a mix of cast and 3d printed resin and the vast majority have some basis in reality so can be used for Colonial and naval wargaming. The vehicles are for those that have less time or imagination and will be added to with different designs including some navel ones when time allows. A lot of the vehicles use parts from the additions range and flight bases are supplied where needed.

Combinations of some of the catalogue items can be done and it proves to be fun finding out what does and doesn't go together. The above example is the bottom half of the small, personal walker and the armoured AA mount plus a Gatling gun. It's silly, yet potentially viable contraptions like this that gives VSF it's appeal. In our games, 'steam tech' doesn't really take centre stage but it's certainly necessary to provide that authentic feel.

I have been asked in the past whether I would do a range of VSF inspired buildings but to be honest, there are enough real buildings from the Victorian period that admirably suit VSF and adding cogs to them just makes it feel halfhearted.

Along with the actual VSF products, many of the Victorian buildings can be used in conjunction with them; whether your games happen in a fog laden London or the vast deserts of Mars, there's a place for many of the products on offer. As mentioned above, I believe that the buildings on their own are perfectly fine for VSF gaming. In fact, one of our longest campaigns happened on Mars and followed, in the main, the antics of anti-hero Allan Farquarson and his band of misfits from the streets of London to the wonder of the solar system; New Victoria, which is Mars' primary human settlement. In fact, I have 30+ game reports to eventually write up for OSHIROblog, with most of them set on Mars. Using the Victorian buildings in a Martian environment, along with a slightly different colour scheme, helps to make the setting more believable.

I have also started a smaller venture with the well known Captain Nemo but it is my own personal interpretation. Not straying too far from the source material but adding a selection of grander VSF elements along the way which will include many of the products linked above. There is an intention of making his secret lair and I would be using lots of elements from the additions range for this

As mentioned in the Japanese promo, I have loved Japanese terrain for many years but my guilty pleasure is VSF and I hope to expand the ranges in the coming months with various contrivances that should suit most peoples VSF gaming needs. I have a large collection of 28mm scale aeroneffs but these are generally too big to release but the recent small aeroneff picket (VSFV08) will hopefully bridge that gap between what's playable and what's practical. There will be other vehicles of a similar size in the near future so watch this space.

We have also mixed Gothic Horror into some of our VSF games as there is a definite cross-over potential, but again, the amount of tech is minimal and is only there to give the games flavour. To be hones, with my bad luck with dice rolling, the tech usually ends up failing or blowing up under my control so, in a way, it's fortunate there isn't a lot on the table!

As always, here's a gallery of products and game shots to show off the ranges and to hopefully inspire your own VSF gaming and building.