Inspirations

Stuart R. Hammeroff, Ultimate Computing: Biomolecular Consciousness
and NanoTechnology, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., 1987 (online version at http://www.consciousness.arizona.edu/hameroff/ultimate_comp/introtoultcomp.htm) The original book about Hammeroff’s quantum microtubuli theory of the mind (later extended in other papers and in Roger Penrose’s The Emperor’s Mind). While I do not believe this theory to work in reality, it is a basis as good as any for the mental physics in this campaign.

Greg Bear, The Forge of God. One of the better “end of the world” novels out there. Part of the chill is the realization that the unseen enemy is not just powerful but actually does not care – it is automated. As a storyteller, one should be ready to destroy the world.

Charles Stross, A Colder War. A novellette also with lovecraftian themes, but especially with a wonderfully cold mood. This sense of doom is just right when people start to realize what is truly happening or trying to escape from the star-eaters.

The Matrix Films. While plot and style is different, the sense of manipulation from a-human entities using humans as mere batteries or tools for adjusting the balance of the matrix fits perfectly. And a world consisting of star-wrecking novas is a good mirror of a world of Agent Smiths. The “superpowers” within the Matrix fit what I consider to be the right power level of the first, second and third wave novas in the corresponding films (super kung fu and flying first, superstrength, regeneration and portals second, city-wrecking power third). The issues of control, manipulation and seeing true reality is also relevant.

Grant Morrison, Zenith. Superheroes and Lovecraftian gods – a natural inspiration. The Entities are so abstract and alien that they make Yog-Sothoth and the other lovecraftian entities look positively human (they have eyes! mouths!), but the basic idea works.

Alan Moore, Watchmen. The classic break from four-colour comic book heroes and a damn fine novel in its own right – amazing structure, depth of character and exploration of the role of superpeople in society. Also relevant because of the portrait of a fourth wave nova, Dr Manhattan.

Warren Ellis, Global Frequency. Networked agents try to deal with all kinds of threats – from terrorists to alien memes. Not a superhero story per se, but with a graphical style, pace and global reach that fits the campaign.