Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the Embersteel FAQ! Whether you're a player, contributor, or simply curious, this section aims to address the most common inquiries about Embersteel. Please refer to the table of contents below to jump to a specific question.
Table of Contents
About Embersteel
Q: What is Embersteel?
A: Embersteel is a roguelike universe where time is fluid and mysteries encompass the vastness of space. As Cassius Flint, players venture to unravel the enigma of the time loop and unlock the secrets of The Great Machine.
Q: What are the main themes of Embersteel?
A: The game embraces surreal sci-fi pre-singularity, post-machine apocalypse steampunk, rustpunk, and cogpunk themes. The aesthetic, gameplay, and narrative are intertwined, offering a world where magic, science, and technology coexist and blend to create worlds that defy conventions and embraces the paradox of its time stuck reality.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Q: How does the time loop mechanic work?
A: Players can harness the power of the time loop, allowing you to rewind actions, fast-forward events, or momentarily freeze time to strategize and adapt to challenges. Beyond that, a core mechanic is exploring the map for safe zones and havens that exist outside of the time loop, allowing you to trade items, save progress, and venture further across The Fulcrum.
Q: Can I upgrade my character's abilities?
A: Of course! As you gather relics and gain insights, you can enhance Cassius's capabilities to better face the unique challenges of Embersteel. A core component of Embersteel is embracing the hyperbolic absurdities that are the abilities of its denizens. The time twisted, arcane riddled machine scape has given those who survive The Fulcrum powers of incredible weirdness and immeasurable greatness.
Open Source Contribution
Q: How can I contribute to Embersteel?
A: Embersteel has several open-source components. Enthusiasts can contribute to its development, design, story, or even provide voice acting. See our Help Wanted page for more details! We welcome Pull Requests and other contributions based on our GitHub guidelines. Contributors also have the chance to introduce major characters or items to the game's canon, but only after vetted processes and procedures. Following the guidelines and templates will maximize your chances of us seeing your submission and approving your community content!
Community Moderation
Q: How can I join the Embersteel community?
A: Embersteel has an official Discord server. Moderators help keep these platforms safe, engaging, and informed. You're invited to join, discuss, and share your love for Embersteel!
Q: Are there guidelines for community interactions?
A: Yes, we uphold a set of community guidelines to ensure a positive and respectful environment. We encourage all members to familiarize themselves with these rules to maintain a harmonious community. You can find these on our Discord or on our GitHub submission process page.
Artificial Intelligence Ethics
Q: What are your commitments to AI ethics?
A: At Embersteel, we see artificial intelligence as a tool that can extend our creative potential, not as a replacement for human talent and intuition. Our commitment lies in transparently showcasing where and how we utilize AI, always ensuring it benefits our player community and does not compromise on our core values. Additionally, a portion of our game's profit is redirected into commissioning human artists, as a testament to our dedication to human creativity. Furthermore, we actively engage in discussions about the evolving landscape of AI ethics, continually refining our practices to remain informed and responsible.
Q: What content is made by humans, and what content is made by AI?
A: The soul of Embersteel — its story, dialogue, sound design, game design, and overarching narrative themes — originates from the genuine imagination of our two-person development team. We then utilize AI tools mainly for proofreading, generating placeholder images, and fast-tracking our creative processes. Any generative AI art assets used in the initial stages of development serve as mere placeholders, with our ultimate goal being to replace them with handcrafted works from community artists. While we do experiment with AI to enhance certain workflows, the primary narratives, emotions, and ideas of Embersteel always stem from a human touch. We do not claim copyright on any of the AI generated assets. We own our story and continue to write it with plenty of blood, sweat, and (human) tears.
Technical Troubleshooting
Q: I encountered a bug while playing. How can I report it?
A: We're committed to improving Embersteel. If you encounter a bug, please report it through our official channels, providing as much detail as possible. The most direct way to report a bug is to join our Discord where the game's developer's are actively updating Embersteel. There you will have a channel to share your bug or crash report.
Q: Is there mod support for Embersteel?
A: Indeed! We have a framework for modding along with the Embersteel SDK. Creative modders can introduce new content, and standout mods might even be integrated into the official game as original canon or expansions that everyone gets to experience. See our Help Wanted page for more details!