History Main / DungeonPunk

[[{{Pun}} Not to be confused with]] [[PunkRock a '70s rocker]] [[BoundAndGagged who's into bondage]].

Done poorly it can come across as a mass HandWave for the FantasyKitchenSink, but done well it creates a rich and gritty SchizoTech AdventureFriendlyWorld where anything can ''plausibly'' happen because a MadScientist and AWizardDidIt as a joint project or [[MagicVersusScience because they had an argument over quantum theory.]]

* ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'', being set in the ''[[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons D&D]]'' ''TabletopGame/{{Planescape}}'' setting mentioned above, a city of [[SchizoTech surreal technology]], {{Alien Geometries}} and nightmarish magic perched on the [[MindScrew end-point of an infinitely growing spire]], is prime Dungeon Punk.

* ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'', being set in the ''[[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons D&D]]'' ''TabletopGame/{{Planescape}}'' setting mentioned above, a city of surreal technology and nightmarish magic set on the [[MindScrew end-point of an infinitely growing spire]], is prime Dungeon Punk.

* ''VideoGame/PlanescapeTorment'', being set in the ''[[TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons D&D]]'' ''TabletopGame/{{Planescape}}'' setting mentioned above and adding a grim, cynical storyline, is prime Dungeon Punk.

Welcome to Dungeon Punk, a PunkPunk genre that applies the gritty tone of CyberPunk and SteamPunk to a HeroicFantasy setting.

See also DarkFantasy, FantasticNoir, GaslampFantasy, ScienceFantasy and UrbanFantasy. Contrast with MedievalStasis.

* The ''Literature/CraftSequence'' takes place in a world with an early 21st century/late 20th century understanding of economics and technology, all achieved through {{Magitek}}. This comes complete with things like environmental damage from industrial runoff (which, when magic is involved, doesn't just kill animals but also [[RaisingTheSteaks brings them back]]) and predatory labor contracts (be sure to read the fine print before you sign your soul to a company, because they might just be allowed to ''keep'' it).

* ''WebOriginal/URealmsLive'': Gnomish and Elven technology runs on this; from the Hypnorings and Hurricane Bracers that Gnomes create and use to the Magical Trains the Elves use. Even the extinct Beenu used magic-based technology, such as the elemental-infused robots known as Elemechs.

** Crystalpunk'': Takes the same "magic is technology" set up of Eberron but much further advanced, to the point of Cyberpunk. People enhance their bodies using {{Magitek}} augmentations, the various gods now organize their cults as corporations (with the most powerful being {{Megacorp}}s) that dominate the crowded megacities, and your flying car is powered by a captured demon.

* In Film/TheHobbit, the Dwarf kingdom of Erebor has complex industrial machinery driven by gears, waterwheels, and what appears to be an automated production line powered by the heat of the gold forges. The Goblin town in the Misty Mountains is at a BambooTechnology level.

* ''Anime/VisionOfEscaflowne'' has mechas that are powered by dragon hearts.

** On a sillier note there is the [[{{Pun}} pun-filled]] ''The Case of the Toxic Spelldump''.

* ''TabletopGame/{{Xcrawl}}'' plays with this by making a "modern day with fantasy add-ons" world wherein dungeon crawling has become a RealityShow like a much more dangerous version of ''Series/AmericanGladiators'' or ''Series/{{Wipeout}}''. Those who survive long enough (and manage to entertain the audience while they're at it) will get pricy sponsorships and superstar status.

* Likewise, ''VideoGame/DMCDevilMayCry'' has it in the Virility Factory, Mundus corporation, and in Vergil's base: [[LaResistance "The Order"]]. Since most of the dealings of angels and demons are behind the scenes, the game leans more toward UrbanFantasy and GothicPunk, much like the [[VideoGame/DevilMayCry original series]]. [[spoiler:[[BrokenMasquerade At least until the ending]]]].

* This may be the best descriptor for the ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft''. Although at first [=WoW=] looks like classic medieval fantasy, then you see the zeppelins. Airships, airplanes, helicopters, oil rigs, clockwork and electric machines all exist. Since magical materials exist, including the actual crystallized blood of Eldritch Abominations, the fusion of magic and technology is omnipresent. Most notably in the Blacksmithing, Leatherworking, Tailoring and Enchanting professions (which can all be chosen by players). Some of the classes also have this ability intrinsically: such as shamans being able to infuse their weapons with elemental powers, or paladins having all their attacks be infused with holy powers. For death knights, the use of the aforementioned Eldritch Abomination blood is one of the defining characteristic of their class: and all of their weaponry or armor is supposedly made of this material. This functions in a sense as the in-universe explanation for stats.

** ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI VI]]'': Most of the world uses steampunk technology, while the Empire uses {{Magitek}} and is now taking over the world.

* Literature/WraithKnight by Creator/CTPhipps: The seemingly HighFantasy world rapidly shows itself to be full of FantasticRacism, classicism, corrupt gods, religious fanatics, and no actual good guys. How twisted is the world? The best person in the setting may be the GodOfEvil and even he's someone with a DarkAndTroubledPast.

* The ''Literature/GarrettPI'' novels by Creator/GlenCook are about a down-on-his-luck HardboiledDetective in a Dungeon Punk setting a Los Angeles like city full of sorcerers, dwarfs, elves, and so on. Mr. Cook himself has said that Tun Faire isn't based on any particular city, but is influenced by his hometown of St. Louis. The combination of PrivateEye FilmNoir fiction with HighFantasy yet not set in an UrbanFantasy world. The series stradles this and FantasticNoir. Tun Faire is a city full of corruption, crime syndicates, corrupt city watch, and noble families carrying dark secrets. Garrett has a distaste for all manner of authority and spends much of his time thumbing his nose at it, no matter whether its gods or kings.

* Glen Cook's ''Literature/GarrettPI'' novels are about a down-on-his-luck HardboiledDetective in a Dungeon Punk setting a Los Angeles like city full of sorcerers, dwarfs, elves, and so on. Mr. Cook himself has said that Tun Faire isn't based on any particular city, but is influenced by his hometown of St. Louis.

* The ''Literature/GarrettPI'' by Creator/GlenCook: A combination of PrivateEye FilmNoir fiction with HighFantasy yet not set in an UrbanFantasy world. The series stradles this and FantasticNoir. Tun Faire is a city full of corruption, crime syndicates, corrupt city watch, and noble families carrying dark secrets. Garrett has a distaste for all manner of authority and spends much of his time thumbing his nose at it, no matter whether its gods or kings.
* Creator/WraithKnight by Creator/CTPhipps: The seemingly HighFantasy world rapidly shows itself to be full of FantasticRacism, classicism, corrupt gods, religious fanatics, and no actual good guys. How twisted is the world? The best person in the setting may be the GodOfEvil and even he's someone with a DarkAndTroubledPast.

[[folder:Film]]

* In ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'', Khazad-dûm has shades of this in contrast with the "in touch with the nature" Elvish kingdoms. the Dwarwish sociey is more industrialized, leaving in a terra-formed UndergroundCity, where they have complex technologies driven by hydraulic power and gears like huge 19-century looking elevators, and even automatic doors made of stone.