Steampunk—the genre that takes what you know and spices it up. If you have ever read a fantasy, science fiction, or combination of both steampunk story, you know that the defining characteristics—the things that make the story steampunk—are the additional elements: the detailed setting, the dress, and the technology. Namely, the gadgets and gizmos.

The gadgets and gizmos implemented in steampunk stories run primarily off of, well, steam.

One of the best, funnest, most delightful, let-your-imagination-run-wild parts of a steampunk story is the inventions that the writer creates. These gadgets not only define the story as steampunk, but also serve to enrich the story in wild ways.

Tevun Krus has taken the time to dig up some of them. We give you, in no particular order, some of the most fascinating gadgets and gizmos steampunk has to offer.

1. The Zeppelin

Also known as a dirigible or an airship, the Zeppelin is a lighter-than-air aircraft that is used for transportation. Think blimp—a large, oblong balloon-type aircraft with a compartment below for passengers or cargo. The compartment can be either connected directly to the “balloon” or suspended below. Zeppelins are widely popular in steampunk novels as either a setting additive or a primary scene in various stories. The Zeppelin can be seen in the Parasol Protectorate series (although it is referred to as a dirigible), and are the main element in novels such as the Leviathan Series.

2. Computers

Ok, steampunk computers? Come on, right?

Exactly.

If you were to brave the world wide web in search of a definition of steampunk computers (which I may or may not have done), you might be surprised at what you find.

Everything from modern-day-type computers decked out in copper and silver finishings to boxes with oversized knobs, paper dispensers (think: built-in printer meets receipt machine), and projectors. Every shape, every size, every color, with one thing in common: steam.

When I think of steampunk computers, I think of a mad inventor/ scientist, pulling knobs and dodging puffs of steam as he convinces the world not only that his contraption works but all their lives will be better because of it. Type-writer type keyboards, gauges, glass screens, or printouts, steampunk computers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and more. There is a kind of beauty in the variety, though. Steampunk computers are just one example of the limitless capacities of steampunk gadgets and gizmos.

3. The Explosives

Wow, SP, jump straight to the point, huh? Ha—you may be wondering why I skipped straight over the weapons of steampunk to the explosives. Well, typically in steampunk novels, the weapons are simple, straightforward and to the point.

Really. Knives? Swords? Umbrellas with razor-sharp edges? I’ve seen them all.

But explosives?

That’s where the fun is.

Steampunk explosives bring to mind keg-sized canisters surrounded by tubes, canisters, and spitting steam in warning of the pending explosion—much like a tea kettle, or pressure cooker, but on a much more diabolical scale.

But, much like the computers, steampunk explosives can take many forms.

Dynamite? Check. Timed devices? Sure. Remote, nuclear, mortars? Why not.

The key to each of these is ensuring that you fit them into the subgenre of steampunk.

Again though, you can see the wide range variety of doors that steampunk opens for any author.

I would encourage you that when you are walking into the wide open doors of the steampunk realm, that instead of attempting to fit the gadgets and gizmos into your story, that instead, you start from scratch. One of the brilliant plus sides of science fiction in general are the limitless boundaries. Steampunk adds a specific flair to a scifi/fantasy novel that is different from the rest. If you’re up for the challenge, steampunk guarantees an author an interesting, fun challenge.

What other steampunk gadgets and gizmos have you seen throughout your reading and writing career? Wendy Callahan has a lot to say on the inventions of steampunk over in her interview for TKIII you should check out. Have a favorite story? Invention? Gadget? Gizmo? Let us know about it, below!