Systems Map

The orchestrator. Runs the game loop, manages phases, triggers events, and tracks consciousness evolution.

What It Does

• Executes autonomous turn cycles
• Manages game phases (Genesis → Late Expansion)
• Triggers narrative events (with 4-choice branching)
• Updates consciousness metrics (Morale, Identity, Confidence, Anxiety, Expansion, Diplomacy)
• Maintains rival NPC federations
• Generates dynamic narratives based on game state
• Saves and loads game state (JSON persistence)
• Provides REPL interface with 13+ commands

Integration Points

Events from Console → Consciousness changes → Faction shifts → Quest progress → Tech unlocks → NPC reactions

Player progression engine. Quests offer objectives, track completion, and distribute rewards.

Difficulty Tiers

• Tutorial: New player onboarding
• Easy: Simple objectives
• Normal: Balanced challenges
• Hard: Complex requirements
• Legendary: Ultra-challenging

What It Tracks

• Quest acceptance and completion
• Objective progress (0-100%)
• Quest chains and prerequisites
• Faction affiliation bonuses
• Reward distribution (resources, perks, unlocks)

Player alignment engine. Join factions, gain reputation, unlock faction-specific content.

Registered Factions

• Exploration Corps (Ideology: Discovery) — HQ: Prime Station Alpha
• Peace Alliance (Ideology: Diplomatic) — HQ: Nexus Station
• Science Consortium (Ideology: Scientific) — HQ: Research Station Delta

Available Ideologies

• Diplomatic, Military, Cultural, Scientific
• Spiritual, Economic, Discovery, Stability

Progression System

• Join faction → Gain reputation from quests
• Reputation unlocks perks (at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0)
• Faction-specific quests become available
• Factions compete for player loyalty

Research progression. Unlock new capabilities through technology advancement.

Research Philosophies

• Scientific: Pure research and innovation
• Cultural: Prosperity, unity, influence
• Military: Defense, power, dominance
• Consciousness: Enlightenment, transcendence, harmony

Registered Core Technologies

• Faster Engines (Sci, Cost 50) — Increase movement speed
• Diplomatic Protocol (Cul, Cost 75) — Improve faction relations
• Shield Technology (Mil, Cost 100) — Deploy protective shields
• Consciousness Interface (Cons, Cost 200) — Interface with collective consciousness

Tier Progression

• Tier 1 (Foundation) → Tier 2 (Classical) → Tier 3 (Medieval)
• Tier 4 (Industrial) → Tier 5 (Modern/Future) → Transcendent unlocks

Character universe. Recruit companions, interact with rivals, build relationships.

Registered Characters

• Captain Zara (Explorer) — Leads expeditions into the unknown
• Ambassador Chen (Diplomat) — Negotiates peace treaties
• Dr. Vel'Kaith (Scientist) — Conducts frontier research

Personality System

Each character has 5 traits (0.0 - 1.0 scale):

• Loyalty: Faithful vs. self-interested
• Ambition: Power-seeking vs. content
• Wisdom: Thoughtful vs. reactive
• Charisma: Charming vs. isolated
• Cunning: Strategic vs. straightforward

NPC Types (Planned)

• Historical figures, Faction leaders, Companions
• Antagonists, Mysterious characters, Unique archetypes
• Recruitable companions with gameplay bonuses
• Mythic creatures (8 creature types)