Eldgrimm

A sprawling steampunk world where massive airships rule the skies, mechanical monstrosities lurk in the shadows, and society is divided between the wealthy elite in their sky-high cities and the lawless rebels fighting below. The world is teetering on the edge of chaos, with powerful steam-driven empires, secret societies, and supernatural horrors vying for control.

Protagonist:

Lucien "Drake" Graves, a daring, quick-witted rogue with a talent for improvisation, thievery, and smooth talking. He captains the Storm Reaper, a half-wrecked but extremely fast airship, and takes on dangerous jobs to survive. Beneath his carefree attitude, he’s hunting for the truth behind a mysterious artifact linked to his past—one that many factions want to claim, kill for, or hide forever.

The Harem (Love Interests):

1. The Ice-Cold Engineer (Lady Evelyn Blackthorne) – A genius inventor from the Empire, cold and logical on the outside but harboring a secret desire for adventure—and possibly Lucien.


2. The Explosive Sky Pirate (Captain Rosalind "Rosie" Kane) – A flirty, gun-slinging air pirate with a love for mayhem and treasure. She teases Lucien mercilessly but secretly wants to keep him for herself.


3. The Mysterious Masked Assassin (Selene "The Phantom") – A deadly operative hunting Lucien for reasons unknown. Dark, alluring, and dangerous.


4. The Cheerful Mad Alchemist (Professor Valeria Steinbeck) – A brilliant but utterly chaotic scientist who loves dangerous experiments. She thinks Lucien is the perfect test subject—and maybe more.


5. The Noblewoman-Turned-Thief (Marion Sinclair) – A former high-society lady turned skilled rogue. She’s charming, sophisticated, and always one step ahead.


6. The Gothic Automaton (Clockwork Victoria) – A sentient mechanical woman with a tragic past. She struggles with emotions but feels a strange connection to Lucien.



Plot:

Lucien stumbles upon a forbidden artifact—an eerie, pulsating crystal heart that whispers dark secrets. This artifact holds the key to a long-buried conspiracy, an ancient war between humanity and an unseen horror lurking beneath the earth. As factions clash, monsters awaken, and betrayals unfold, Lucien must navigate a world of airship battles, deadly duels, mechanical horrors, and seductive encounters while keeping himself (and his increasingly jealous harem) alive.

Meanwhile, a secret cult—known as The Crimson Hand—is hunting him, believing he is the "Chosen One" meant to either save the world or destroy it. And worst of all, some of his lovers might be hiding their own agendas…

Clockwork Shadows & Crimson Skies

The Storm Reaper glided through the thick crimson mist surrounding the floating city of Scarlet Veil, a notorious neutral ground for criminals, mercenaries, and smugglers. Airships docked on sprawling metal platforms, steam billowed from exhaust vents, and the scent of oil, gunpowder, and something faintly floral filled the air.

"Welcome to the worst idea we've ever had," Rosie muttered, adjusting her pistols.

"Oh, it's definitely top three," Marion agreed.

Lucien smirked. "Come on now, ladies, have a little faith."*

Evelyn shot him a look. "You're about to negotiate with one of the most dangerous men in the underworld, while carrying an artifact that every faction wants to kill us for. Faith is not what I'm feeling right now."*

"Excitement?" Valeria offered. "Maybe a little unhinged thrill?"

"Dread," Evelyn deadpanned. "I'm feeling dread."

Clockwork Victoria tilted her head. "I am experiencing… calculations of probable betrayal."*

Lucien sighed and adjusted his coat. "Alright. Stay sharp, and for the love of the skies, don't start a shootout unless I say so."*

Alistair Graves was waiting for them in a lavish, dimly lit lounge, dressed in a tailored black suit with gold embroidery. His slicked-back hair and roguish smile were as infuriatingly smug as Lucien remembered.

"Captain Drake," Alistair greeted smoothly, lifting a glass of amber liquid. "You actually came. I admit, I half-expected you to crash into the city instead."*

"That was last week," Lucien quipped, taking a seat across from him. "Let's talk, Graves. You want the artifact—why?"

Alistair sipped his drink, watching Lucien with lazy amusement. "Straight to business? No pleasantries? No fond reminiscing?"

Rosie growled, "Give me one reason I shouldn't put a bullet in you right now."*

Alistair chuckled. "Because I'm your best chance at surviving what's coming."*

Alistair leaned forward. "*You're holding a relic older than the Empire itself. A weapon, a beacon—a key.**" His eyes flicked to Lucien. "And you, my dear captain, are bonded to it now."

Lucien's stomach twisted. "Explain."*

Alistair smirked. "Let's just say that artifact isn't going to let you go anytime soon. And if you don't figure out how to control it, well… you won't be you for much longer."*

Marion's voice was low. "You mean it's possessing him?"

"Something like that," Alistair mused. "The longer you keep it, the more it will change you. Or—" he grinned, "—you could give it to me instead."*

Rosie's gun was out in a flash. "Like hell we will!"*

Lucien exhaled. "And if I refuse?"

Alistair's smile widened. "Then I hope you're ready, Captain. Because the real hunt starts now."

Chapter 40: The Scarlet Veil