A sourcebook of "Pulp" science

[eachna]

I know Pulp defines a very broad category of writing, but I'm looking for possible sourcebooks for pulpy science (science fiction/weird science). My husband is playing a Son of Ether (mad scientist/gadgeteer) in my Mage game and is stalling on ideas for the construction of specific gadgets. I was hoping to provide him with a sourcebook or two for inspiration. Books from specific systems are fine, I can ignore the rules and pull out the useful fluff.

That's what I'm looking for - sources of weird science fluff . The sort of things that might advise that Lunarium allows you to defy gravity while Mesmerium allows you to control peoples minds, etc.

Gwen

[phindar]

I'm not terribly familiar with the system, but GURPS tends to have a wide range of sourcebooks.  (I myself picked up several from their historical line for my Mythic History game.)  GURPS Steampunk would be my first thought.  There's also a "Weird Science" chapter in their Weird War II sourcebook.  The Deadlands game also has the same sort of pseudo-science aspect to it, and has been published in the original system, GURPS and d20. 

A random source of steampunk inspiration is the Steampunk Lab. 

There's also this free preview of GURPS Warehouse 13, which going by the ToC seems to have a lot of weird science elements to it. 

[eachna]

Thanks for the suggestions, all great. I'll point my hubby at them and hopes he feels inspired!

It's not only the GMs who can burn out!

Gwen

[Rick_TWA]

I alway enjoyed Doc Savage (who's a later-day pulp) and the Torg RPG's New Nile Empire fluff is all about Pulp. You can grab that stuff on ebay pretty cheap, including the excellent book of short stories "strange tales from the new nile empire".  In addition, Dungeon magazine put out a pulp D20 magazine that was pretty good that might be good to draw inspiration from. 

Also, try out this gadget name generator.

[Wilmanric]

Hi,

Google has scanned A LOT if not all the old Popular Mechanics magazines -- back to the 30's (I think).

Some of them have CRAZY ideas about the technology of the future.  Just looking at some of the old covers is great.

You can use them for all types of inspiration. 

Best, Jim