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
+### Phase 1: Vale Preparation
-**Duration:** Player-controlled, but cosmic pressure increases over time
+**Duration:** Player-controlled between expeditions
 
 **Activities:**
-- Explore current settlement and surrounding biome
+- Explore Vale and surrounding mountain sanctuary
-- Complete fetch quests and resource gathering
+- Complete fetch quests and resource gathering in safety
-- Craft and upgrade equipment for the journey to Vale
+- Craft and upgrade equipment for upcoming expedition
-- Accept requisitions from local guild
+- Accept delivery requisitions from Vale's Crystal Guild
-- Manage caravan supplies and crew for long-term survival
+- Manage caravan supplies and crew for long-distance missions
 
 **Mechanics:**
-- Real-time day/night cycle with cosmic threat progression
+- Safe haven environment with full NPC interactions
-- Relationship building with NPCs across multiple settlements
+- Advanced crafting system using Vale's unique resources
-- Crafting system focused on journey sustainability
+- Mission briefings with cosmic threat intelligence
-- Resource management with emphasis on long-term planning
+- Caravan customization for specific expedition requirements
 
-### Phase 2: Expedition
+### Phase 2: Expedition to Crisis Zone
-**Duration:** Variable based on requisition type and cosmic interference
+**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)
+- **Crystal Delivery:** Transport protective crystals to cosmic manifestation sites
-- **Hunting:** Eliminate threats blocking progress toward Vale
+- **Evacuation:** Rescue civilians from cosmic threat zones
-- **Scouting:** Map safe routes and locate resources for the journey
+- **Scouting:** Gather intelligence on terrain hazards, POIs, and route conditions
-- **Urgent:** Combat cosmic horrors threatening remaining settlements
+- **Supply Run:** Establish resource caches for future expeditions
-- **Vale-Bound:** Direct progress missions toward the ultimate destination
+- **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
+1. **Return to Vale:** Successful crystal delivery, teleport home with rewards and intelligence
-2. **Continue Journey:** Accept new requisition from current location
+2. **Continue Operations:** Address additional threats in the region
-   - **In Cities:** Full selection, potential Vale-bound opportunities
+   - **In Cities:** Accept evacuation or supply missions from local survivors
-   - **In Wilderness:** Limited to scouting and survival missions
+   - **In Wilderness:** Scout terrain hazards, POIs, and optimal routes for future expeditions
-   - **In Frozen Zones:** Only urgent cosmic threat missions
+   - **Near Cosmic Sites:** Emergency containment missions
-   - **Near Vale:** Specialized high-difficulty preparation missions
+   - **Multiple Threats:** Chain deliveries to address constellation events
 
 ---
 
-## The Journey to Vale
+## Vale: The Mountain Sanctuary
 
-### Ultimate Objective
+### Hometown Hub
-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.
+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)
+### Crystal Technology
-- **Single Stars:** Isolated cosmic threats appear every 3-6 days
+Vale's unique position provides access to protective crystal technology:
-- **Threat Level:** Manageable with proper preparation
+- **Crystal Harvesting:** Gather raw materials from Vale's protected deposits
-- **World State:** Most settlements remain functional
+- **Crystal Refinement:** Process materials into deployment-ready protective devices
-- **Player Focus:** Learning systems, building initial capabilities
+- **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)
+## Cosmic Crisis Response System
-- **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
 
-### Vale System
+### Ongoing Threat Management
-- **Distance Tracking:** Clear progress indicators showing journey advancement
+Rather than a single apocalypse, players face an ongoing cosmic crisis requiring constant vigilance:
-- **Route Planning:** Multiple paths with different risk/reward profiles
+
-- **Milestone Settlements:** Key stops that provide major preparation opportunities
+#### Standard Operations
-- **Final Approach:** Specialized endgame challenges requiring mastery of all systems
+- **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
+### Crystal Delivery System
-- **Long-term Resource Planning:** Food, medicine, and supplies for 40-60 day expedition
+- **Cargo Protection:** Crystals are fragile and require careful transport
-- **Caravan Durability:** Vehicle maintenance becomes critical over extended travel
+- **Environmental Hazards:** Cosmic interference affects crystal stability
-- **Crew Morale:** Managing team psychology during prolonged hardship
+- **Delivery Timing:** Some manifestations require urgent response
-- **Route Efficiency:** Balancing direct progress with necessary detours for supplies/safety
+- **Deployment Skill:** Proper crystal placement requires expertise and preparation
 
-### Cosmic Threat Escalation
+### Vale Development
-- **Threat Frequency:** Cosmic events become more common over time
+- **Infrastructure Upgrades:** Improve crystal production, caravan facilities, research labs
-- **Complexity Scaling:** Single stars → multiple stars → full constellations
+- **Population Growth:** Successful missions attract refugees and specialists to Vale
-- **World Persistence:** Destroyed settlements remain lost, safe areas diminish permanently
+- **Technology Advancement:** Research new crystal types and deployment methods
-- **Strategic Triage:** Players cannot stop every threat, must prioritize based on journey needs
+- **Resource Management:** Balance Vale's needs with expedition requirements
 
-### Progressive World State
+### Reputation Systems
-- **Settlement Degradation:** Towns become less functional as cosmic influence spreads
+- **Vale Standing:** Relationship with hometown affects available resources and support
-- **Resource Scarcity:** Materials become harder to find as world deteriorates
+- **Regional Influence:** Successful missions build trust with distant settlements
-- **Knowledge Accumulation:** Information about Vale and optimal routes discovered gradually
+- **Guild Progression:** Advance within Crystal Guild hierarchy for better assignments
-- **Reputation Systems:** Relationships with surviving settlements become increasingly valuable
+- **World Stability:** Overall cosmic threat level affects available missions and difficulty
-
----
-
-## 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
 
 ---
 
 ## Progression Systems
 
 ### Character Development
-- **Journey Skills:** Abilities specifically relevant to long-distance travel
+- **Crystal Mastery:** Expertise in handling and deploying protective crystals
-- **Cosmic Resistance:** Protection against eldritch influences
+- **Expedition Leadership:** Skills for managing long-distance caravan operations
-- **Settlement Relations:** Reputation with remaining safe havens
+- **Cosmic Knowledge:** Understanding of manifestation patterns and countermeasures
-- **Vale Knowledge:** Understanding of final destination and its challenges
+- **Vale Citizenship:** Deep integration with hometown community and resources
 
-### Caravan Evolution
+### Vale Advancement
-- **Long-Distance Modifications:** Upgrades for extended travel capability
+- **Crystal Production:** Improved efficiency and variety in crystal creation
-- **Cosmic Shielding:** Protection against supernatural threats
+- **Caravan Technology:** Better vehicles and equipment for expeditions
-- **Resource Efficiency:** Better fuel consumption, storage, and sustainability
+- **Intelligence Network:** Enhanced information about cosmic threats and world conditions
-- **Crew Capacity:** Ability to transport specialists and refugees
+- **Sanctuary Expansion:** Growth of Vale's protected territory and population
 
-### World Knowledge
+### World Impact
-- **Route Mapping:** Optimal paths toward Vale through changing landscape
+- **Stabilized Regions:** Areas where successful crystal deliveries prevent cosmic spread
-- **Threat Patterns:** Understanding cosmic manifestation behavior
+- **Mapped Territories:** Detailed intelligence on terrain, hazards, and resources from scouting missions
-- **Resource Locations:** Knowledge of supply caches and safe stops
+- **Safe Corridors:** Established routes between Vale and frequently threatened areas
-- **Vale Secrets:** Information about the sanctuary and its significance
+- **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
+### Dynamic Mission Generation
-- **Progress Tracking:** Clear indication of advancement toward Vale across multiple sessions
+- **Procedural Threats:** New cosmic manifestations appear in different locations each playthrough
-- **World State Continuity:** Cosmic damage persists between play sessions
+- **Variable Urgency:** Some missions have tight deadlines, others allow careful preparation
-- **Route Flexibility:** Multiple valid paths allowing for player choice and replayability
+- **Scaling Difficulty:** Threat complexity increases based on player capability and world state
-- **Checkpoint Systems:** Meaningful milestone settlements providing progress validation
+- **Emergent Chains:** Successful missions unlock new opportunities and challenges
 
-### Escalation Management
+### Strategic Variation
-- **Difficulty Curve:** Steady increase in cosmic threat frequency and complexity
+- **Expedition Specialization:** Different approaches to crystal delivery and caravan management
-- **Resource Balance:** Scarcity increases without becoming impossible
+- **Vale Development Paths:** Multiple ways to upgrade hometown infrastructure and capabilities
-- **Player Agency:** Meaningful choices remain available even under extreme pressure
+- **World Exploration:** Vast procedural world with secrets and opportunities to discover
-- **Failure Recovery:** Setbacks delay but don't completely derail progress toward Vale
+- **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
+### Mission Satisfaction
-- **Epic Scale:** 40-60 day journey creates genuine sense of odyssey
+- **Clear Objectives:** Each expedition has specific, achievable goals
-- **Meaningful Progress:** Each day brings measurable advancement toward ultimate goal
+- **Meaningful Impact:** Successful crystal deliveries visibly improve world conditions
-- **Escalating Tension:** Cosmic threats create mounting pressure without frustration
+- **Heroic Agency:** Players actively save communities rather than fleeing disaster
-- **Strategic Depth:** Long-term planning required for successful Vale approach
+- **Progressive Mastery:** Growing expertise in expedition planning and execution
 
-### Emotional Arc
+### Hometown Connection
-- **Hope and Determination:** Vale provides constant motivation and direction
+- **Vale Investment:** Players develop emotional attachment to their sanctuary home
-- **Mounting Dread:** World deterioration creates urgency without despair
+- **Community Building:** NPCs and infrastructure improvements create sense of belonging
-- **Resource Anxiety:** Scarcity creates tension around every decision
+- **Safe Haven:** Vale provides respite and security between dangerous expeditions
-- **Epic Catharsis:** Reaching Vale provides massive emotional payoff after extended struggle
+- **Purpose Clarity:** Crystal Guild missions give clear direction and motivation
 
-### Replayability
+### Long-term Engagement
-- **Route Variation:** Multiple paths to Vale create different journey experiences
+- **Endless Content:** Procedural cosmic threats provide unlimited mission variety
-- **Threat Randomization:** Cosmic manifestations appear in different patterns each run
+- **World Building:** Each expedition contributes to larger narrative of world salvation
-- **Strategic Optimization:** Players discover more efficient approaches to Vale over time
+- **Skill Development:** Complex systems reward continued learning and optimization
-- **Knowledge Persistence:** Some learnings carry between runs, others reset for fresh challenge
+- **Live Service Potential:** Framework supports ongoing content updates and seasonal events