Update Game Design Doc

Game-Design-Doc.md

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 # Vale
-## Game Design Doc
+## Game Design Document
 
 ![Vale Concept](https://git.ratface.club/ratface-games/vale-public/raw/branch/main/Assets/Concepts/file_00000000f5686230bb8eaf09d5e151fd.png)
 
 ### Core Concept
-A roguelike adventure game where players manage a caravan on an epic 40-60 day journey to Vale, the last safe haven. Players must balance village preparation, caravan expeditions, and stopping cosmic horrors in an escalating fight for survival as the world slowly succumbs to eldritch forces.
+A roguelike adventure game where players embark from Vale, their mountain sanctuary hometown, on epic 40-60 day expeditions to deliver protective crystals to cosmic horror manifestations across the world. Players must balance hometown preparation, caravan expeditions, and stopping reality hemorrhages in an ongoing fight to save civilization.
 
 ### Genre & Inspirations
-- **Primary Genre:** Roguelike/Action-Adventure with Epic Journey Structure
+- **Primary Genre:** Roguelike/Action-Adventure with Heroic Mission Structure
 - **Inspirations:** Stardew Valley (village life), Monster Hunter (preparation), Oregon Trail (caravan travel), Dark Souls (combat), Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles (expedition structure)
 
 ---
 
 ## Core Game Loop
 
-### Phase 1: Village Preparation
-**Duration:** Player-controlled, but cosmic pressure increases over time
+### Phase 1: Vale Preparation
+**Duration:** Player-controlled between expeditions
 
 **Activities:**
-- Explore current settlement and surrounding biome
-- Complete fetch quests and resource gathering
-- Craft and upgrade equipment for the journey to Vale
-- Accept requisitions from local guild
-- Manage caravan supplies and crew for long-term survival
+- Explore Vale and surrounding mountain sanctuary
+- Complete fetch quests and resource gathering in safety
+- Craft and upgrade equipment for upcoming expedition
+- Accept delivery requisitions from Vale's Crystal Guild
+- Manage caravan supplies and crew for long-distance missions
 
 **Mechanics:**
-- Real-time day/night cycle with cosmic threat progression
-- Relationship building with NPCs across multiple settlements
-- Crafting system focused on journey sustainability
-- Resource management with emphasis on long-term planning
+- Safe haven environment with full NPC interactions
+- Advanced crafting system using Vale's unique resources
+- Mission briefings with cosmic threat intelligence
+- Caravan customization for specific expedition requirements
 
-### Phase 2: Expedition
-**Duration:** Variable based on requisition type and cosmic interference
+### Phase 2: Expedition to Crisis Zone
+**Duration:** 40-60 days depending on destination and cosmic interference
 
 **Core Systems:**
-- **Caravan Management:** Real-time movement across procedurally generated wilderness toward Vale
+- **Caravan Management:** Real-time movement across procedurally generated wilderness
 - **Combat:** Action-based encounters with monsters and cosmic manifestations
 - **Survival:** Resource consumption, weather, terrain hazards over extended journey
 - **Problem Solving:** Environmental puzzles and cosmic anomalies
+- **Crystal Delivery:** Protecting precious cargo while navigating toward reality hemorrhage
 
 **Requisition Types:**
-- **Delivery:** Transport goods between settlements (builds reputation, resources)
-- **Hunting:** Eliminate threats blocking progress toward Vale
-- **Scouting:** Map safe routes and locate resources for the journey
-- **Urgent:** Combat cosmic horrors threatening remaining settlements
-- **Vale-Bound:** Direct progress missions toward the ultimate destination
+- **Crystal Delivery:** Transport protective crystals to cosmic manifestation sites
+- **Evacuation:** Rescue civilians from cosmic threat zones
+- **Scouting:** Gather intelligence on terrain hazards, POIs, and route conditions
+- **Supply Run:** Establish resource caches for future expeditions
+- **Emergency Response:** Rush deliveries to prevent cascading cosmic disasters
 
-### Phase 3: Decision Point
+### Phase 3: Mission Completion
 **Options:**
-1. **Return to Settlement:** Process rewards, resupply for continued journey
-2. **Continue Journey:** Accept new requisition from current location
-   - **In Cities:** Full selection, potential Vale-bound opportunities
-   - **In Wilderness:** Limited to scouting and survival missions
-   - **In Frozen Zones:** Only urgent cosmic threat missions
-   - **Near Vale:** Specialized high-difficulty preparation missions
+1. **Return to Vale:** Successful crystal delivery, teleport home with rewards and intelligence
+2. **Continue Operations:** Address additional threats in the region
+   - **In Cities:** Accept evacuation or supply missions from local survivors
+   - **In Wilderness:** Scout terrain hazards, POIs, and optimal routes for future expeditions
+   - **Near Cosmic Sites:** Emergency containment missions
+   - **Multiple Threats:** Chain deliveries to address constellation events
 
 ---
 
-## The Journey to Vale
+## Vale: The Mountain Sanctuary
 
-### Ultimate Objective
-Players must reach Vale, a distant mountain sanctuary and the world's last true safe haven. This journey requires 40-60 in-game days of careful planning, resource management, and incremental progress through an increasingly hostile world.
+### Hometown Hub
+Vale serves as the player's permanent base of operations, a mountain sanctuary protected by ancient crystal formations. Between expeditions, players return to Vale to:
 
-### Cosmic Escalation Timeline
+- **Process Expedition Results:** Turn in completed missions, receive rewards
+- **Prepare for Next Mission:** Craft equipment, plan routes, select crew
+- **Advance Relationships:** Develop bonds with Vale's residents and guild members
+- **Upgrade Infrastructure:** Improve Vale's facilities with resources from expeditions
+- **Receive Intelligence:** Get briefings on new cosmic threats requiring intervention
 
-#### Early Journey (Days 1-15)
-- **Single Stars:** Isolated cosmic threats appear every 3-6 days
-- **Threat Level:** Manageable with proper preparation
-- **World State:** Most settlements remain functional
-- **Player Focus:** Learning systems, building initial capabilities
+### Crystal Technology
+Vale's unique position provides access to protective crystal technology:
+- **Crystal Harvesting:** Gather raw materials from Vale's protected deposits
+- **Crystal Refinement:** Process materials into deployment-ready protective devices
+- **Crystal Research:** Develop new crystal types for specific cosmic threats
+- **Crystal Logistics:** Plan delivery routes and protection protocols for fragile cargo
 
-#### Mid Journey (Days 16-35)
-- **Multiple Stars:** 2-3 threats appear simultaneously
-- **Constellation Formation:** Connected cosmic events requiring strategic prioritization
-- **Threat Level:** Players must choose which threats to address
-- **World State:** Some settlements permanently lost, safe zones shrinking
-- **Player Focus:** Efficient route planning, resource optimization
+---
 
-#### Late Journey (Days 36-60)
-- **Full Constellations:** Massive cosmic manifestations
-- **Cascading Threats:** Failed interventions trigger additional horrors
-- **Threat Level:** Survival-focused, limited ability to prevent all disasters
-- **World State:** Majority of world consumed, few safe havens remain
-- **Player Focus:** Sprint toward Vale, emergency resource management
+## Cosmic Crisis Response System
 
-### Vale System
-- **Distance Tracking:** Clear progress indicators showing journey advancement
-- **Route Planning:** Multiple paths with different risk/reward profiles
-- **Milestone Settlements:** Key stops that provide major preparation opportunities
-- **Final Approach:** Specialized endgame challenges requiring mastery of all systems
+### Ongoing Threat Management
+Rather than a single apocalypse, players face an ongoing cosmic crisis requiring constant vigilance:
+
+#### Standard Operations
+- **Single Manifestations:** Individual cosmic tears requiring single crystal deliveries
+- **Routine Frequency:** New threats appear every few weeks
+- **Manageable Scale:** Vale can handle normal threat levels with proper planning
+
+#### Escalating Events
+- **Multiple Manifestations:** Several threats appear simultaneously across different regions
+- **Constellation Formation:** Connected cosmic events requiring coordinated response
+- **Resource Strain:** Vale's crystal production stretched across multiple urgent deliveries
+
+#### Crisis Situations
+- **Cascade Events:** Failed interventions trigger additional manifestations
+- **Reality Storms:** Massive cosmic disturbances affecting entire regions
+- **Emergency Response:** All available resources dedicated to preventing total collapse
+
+### World State Persistence
+- **Successful Deliveries:** Cosmic sites become stabilized, regions remain safe
+- **Failed Missions:** Manifestations grow stronger, threatening larger areas
+- **Cumulative Impact:** Player's historical performance affects world stability
+- **Dynamic Threats:** New cosmic patterns emerge based on player actions
+
+---
+
+## Expedition Structure
+
+### Pre-Expedition Planning
+- **Cosmic Threat Assessment:** Analyze manifestation type and required crystal solution
+- **Route Planning:** Chart course using available intelligence from previous scouting missions
+- **Resource Allocation:** Balance cargo space between crystals, supplies, and equipment
+- **Crew Selection:** Choose specialists based on anticipated challenges
+
+### Journey Phases
+- **Departure from Vale:** Leave sanctuary with full supplies and clear objectives
+- **Wilderness Transit:** Navigate procedural world while protecting crystal cargo
+- **Crisis Zone Approach:** Overcome cosmic interference and environmental hazards
+- **Crystal Deployment:** Successfully deliver and activate protective crystals
+- **Mission Completion:** Neutralize cosmic threat and secure surrounding area
+
+### Return Options
+- **Immediate Return:** Teleport back to Vale with mission rewards
+- **Extended Operations:** Address additional regional threats before returning
+- **Emergency Evacuation:** Rapid retreat if mission parameters change dramatically
 
 ---
 
 ## Core Mechanics
 
-### Extended Journey Management
-- **Long-term Resource Planning:** Food, medicine, and supplies for 40-60 day expedition
-- **Caravan Durability:** Vehicle maintenance becomes critical over extended travel
-- **Crew Morale:** Managing team psychology during prolonged hardship
-- **Route Efficiency:** Balancing direct progress with necessary detours for supplies/safety
+### Crystal Delivery System
+- **Cargo Protection:** Crystals are fragile and require careful transport
+- **Environmental Hazards:** Cosmic interference affects crystal stability
+- **Delivery Timing:** Some manifestations require urgent response
+- **Deployment Skill:** Proper crystal placement requires expertise and preparation
 
-### Cosmic Threat Escalation
-- **Threat Frequency:** Cosmic events become more common over time
-- **Complexity Scaling:** Single stars → multiple stars → full constellations
-- **World Persistence:** Destroyed settlements remain lost, safe areas diminish permanently
-- **Strategic Triage:** Players cannot stop every threat, must prioritize based on journey needs
+### Vale Development
+- **Infrastructure Upgrades:** Improve crystal production, caravan facilities, research labs
+- **Population Growth:** Successful missions attract refugees and specialists to Vale
+- **Technology Advancement:** Research new crystal types and deployment methods
+- **Resource Management:** Balance Vale's needs with expedition requirements
 
-### Progressive World State
-- **Settlement Degradation:** Towns become less functional as cosmic influence spreads
-- **Resource Scarcity:** Materials become harder to find as world deteriorates
-- **Knowledge Accumulation:** Information about Vale and optimal routes discovered gradually
-- **Reputation Systems:** Relationships with surviving settlements become increasingly valuable
-
----
-
-## Requisition System Evolution
-
-### Early Game Focus
-- **Skill Building:** Low-stakes missions teaching core mechanics
-- **Resource Accumulation:** Gathering supplies for the long journey ahead
-- **Relationship Development:** Building networks across multiple settlements
-- **Equipment Foundation:** Basic caravan and gear improvements
-
-### Mid Game Priorities
-- **Efficiency Optimization:** Higher-value missions with better time/reward ratios
-- **Cosmic Intervention:** Urgent missions to preserve critical settlements and routes
-- **Strategic Positioning:** Missions that advance progress toward Vale
-- **Specialized Preparation:** Acquiring gear and knowledge for specific Vale challenges
-
-### Late Game Survival
-- **Emergency Resource Acquisition:** Desperate missions for critical supplies
-- **Path Clearing:** Eliminating obstacles blocking direct routes to Vale
-- **Final Preparations:** Last-chance missions for endgame equipment and knowledge
-- **Vale Approach:** Specialized missions preparing for mountain sanctuary challenges
+### Reputation Systems
+- **Vale Standing:** Relationship with hometown affects available resources and support
+- **Regional Influence:** Successful missions build trust with distant settlements
+- **Guild Progression:** Advance within Crystal Guild hierarchy for better assignments
+- **World Stability:** Overall cosmic threat level affects available missions and difficulty
 
 ---
 
 ## Progression Systems
 
 ### Character Development
-- **Journey Skills:** Abilities specifically relevant to long-distance travel
-- **Cosmic Resistance:** Protection against eldritch influences
-- **Settlement Relations:** Reputation with remaining safe havens
-- **Vale Knowledge:** Understanding of final destination and its challenges
+- **Crystal Mastery:** Expertise in handling and deploying protective crystals
+- **Expedition Leadership:** Skills for managing long-distance caravan operations
+- **Cosmic Knowledge:** Understanding of manifestation patterns and countermeasures
+- **Vale Citizenship:** Deep integration with hometown community and resources
 
-### Caravan Evolution
-- **Long-Distance Modifications:** Upgrades for extended travel capability
-- **Cosmic Shielding:** Protection against supernatural threats
-- **Resource Efficiency:** Better fuel consumption, storage, and sustainability
-- **Crew Capacity:** Ability to transport specialists and refugees
+### Vale Advancement
+- **Crystal Production:** Improved efficiency and variety in crystal creation
+- **Caravan Technology:** Better vehicles and equipment for expeditions
+- **Intelligence Network:** Enhanced information about cosmic threats and world conditions
+- **Sanctuary Expansion:** Growth of Vale's protected territory and population
 
-### World Knowledge
-- **Route Mapping:** Optimal paths toward Vale through changing landscape
-- **Threat Patterns:** Understanding cosmic manifestation behavior
-- **Resource Locations:** Knowledge of supply caches and safe stops
-- **Vale Secrets:** Information about the sanctuary and its significance
+### World Impact
+- **Stabilized Regions:** Areas where successful crystal deliveries prevent cosmic spread
+- **Mapped Territories:** Detailed intelligence on terrain, hazards, and resources from scouting missions
+- **Safe Corridors:** Established routes between Vale and frequently threatened areas
+- **Allied Settlements:** Communities that support Vale's mission and provide resources
+- **Cosmic Understanding:** Growing knowledge of the cosmic crisis and potential solutions
 
 ---
 
-## Technical Considerations
+## Replayability Framework
 
-### Journey Persistence
-- **Progress Tracking:** Clear indication of advancement toward Vale across multiple sessions
-- **World State Continuity:** Cosmic damage persists between play sessions
-- **Route Flexibility:** Multiple valid paths allowing for player choice and replayability
-- **Checkpoint Systems:** Meaningful milestone settlements providing progress validation
+### Dynamic Mission Generation
+- **Procedural Threats:** New cosmic manifestations appear in different locations each playthrough
+- **Variable Urgency:** Some missions have tight deadlines, others allow careful preparation
+- **Scaling Difficulty:** Threat complexity increases based on player capability and world state
+- **Emergent Chains:** Successful missions unlock new opportunities and challenges
 
-### Escalation Management
-- **Difficulty Curve:** Steady increase in cosmic threat frequency and complexity
-- **Resource Balance:** Scarcity increases without becoming impossible
-- **Player Agency:** Meaningful choices remain available even under extreme pressure
-- **Failure Recovery:** Setbacks delay but don't completely derail progress toward Vale
+### Strategic Variation
+- **Expedition Specialization:** Different approaches to crystal delivery and caravan management
+- **Vale Development Paths:** Multiple ways to upgrade hometown infrastructure and capabilities
+- **World Exploration:** Vast procedural world with secrets and opportunities to discover
+- **Crisis Response Strategies:** Various approaches to managing multiple simultaneous threats
+
+### Long-term Progression
+- **Knowledge Persistence:** Some cosmic insights carry between playthroughs
+- **Vale Legacy:** Certain hometown improvements persist across runs
+- **World Memory:** Previous expedition successes influence starting world state
+- **Master Progression:** Advanced crystal techniques and expedition methods unlock over time
 
 ---
 
 ## Success Metrics
 
-### Journey Engagement
-- **Epic Scale:** 40-60 day journey creates genuine sense of odyssey
-- **Meaningful Progress:** Each day brings measurable advancement toward ultimate goal
-- **Escalating Tension:** Cosmic threats create mounting pressure without frustration
-- **Strategic Depth:** Long-term planning required for successful Vale approach
+### Mission Satisfaction
+- **Clear Objectives:** Each expedition has specific, achievable goals
+- **Meaningful Impact:** Successful crystal deliveries visibly improve world conditions
+- **Heroic Agency:** Players actively save communities rather than fleeing disaster
+- **Progressive Mastery:** Growing expertise in expedition planning and execution
 
-### Emotional Arc
-- **Hope and Determination:** Vale provides constant motivation and direction
-- **Mounting Dread:** World deterioration creates urgency without despair
-- **Resource Anxiety:** Scarcity creates tension around every decision
-- **Epic Catharsis:** Reaching Vale provides massive emotional payoff after extended struggle
+### Hometown Connection
+- **Vale Investment:** Players develop emotional attachment to their sanctuary home
+- **Community Building:** NPCs and infrastructure improvements create sense of belonging
+- **Safe Haven:** Vale provides respite and security between dangerous expeditions
+- **Purpose Clarity:** Crystal Guild missions give clear direction and motivation
 
-### Replayability
-- **Route Variation:** Multiple paths to Vale create different journey experiences
-- **Threat Randomization:** Cosmic manifestations appear in different patterns each run
-- **Strategic Optimization:** Players discover more efficient approaches to Vale over time
-- **Knowledge Persistence:** Some learnings carry between runs, others reset for fresh challenge
+### Long-term Engagement
+- **Endless Content:** Procedural cosmic threats provide unlimited mission variety
+- **World Building:** Each expedition contributes to larger narrative of world salvation
+- **Skill Development:** Complex systems reward continued learning and optimization
+- **Live Service Potential:** Framework supports ongoing content updates and seasonal events