¶ Mycora Gameplay Guide
A comprehensive overview of the gameplay experience offered by Mycora MUD games.
Table of Contents:
- Character Development
- Questing and Exploration
- Combat and Challenges
- Trading and Economy
- Interactions and Social Features
- Advanced Features and Strategies
¶ Character Overview
Mycora offers Free Characters and NFT Characters.
Each character type offers unique features and gameplay experiences, catering to different playstyles and preferences.
¶ Free Characters
Every player begins with a Free Character.
- Permadeath (PD): Free Characters permanently die after 2 respawns, offering intensity and a high-stakes challenge.
- Character Progression: Free Characters can level up, gain skills, and impact the game world in the same ways as NFT Characters.
¶ NFT Characters
When a Free Character reaches level 3, players can convert it into an NFT Character.
Issuing an NFT token costs a blockchain fee + whatever price the creators ask for it. Anyone can eventually create NFTs for their own use or to sell or auction to other players.
NFT (Non-Fungible Token) Characters offer enhanced features and benefits compared to Free Characters:
- Stats: NFT Characters' stats, skills, and level can be saved on the blockchain.
- No Permadeath: NFT Characters respawn and retain the stats and achievements that are stored on the blockchain.
- Appearance: NFT Characters have unique looks and can be personalized or chosen from an official selection of NFT avatars.
- Full Ownership: NFTs are owned entirely by the player's account and stored on the Ardor blockchain and IPFS (InterPlanetary File System).
- Peer-2-peer Trading: NFT Characters can be bought and sold on the blockchain DEX, including their saved stats.
- Cross-Game Compatibility: NFT characters can be played across multiple Mycora game worlds, maintaining their saved stats and items*.
*) It's up to the game creator whether or not to allow stats and skills achieved in other games to be used in their game, but the NFT Character's name and appearance will always be the same.
¶ Character Basics
The fundamental characteristics that define the player's in-game persona:
¶ Name
The unique identifier chosen by the player for their character.
The name you choose for your character helps establish their identity within the game world. Your character's name is how others will refer to you in chats, forums, and during gameplay. It can reflect the character's personality, backstory, or role-playing concept. A memorable or unique name can make your character stand out among other players, facilitate positive social interactions and make it easier for others to communicate with you. This can be especially important in a MUD where social interactions and community play a big role. Players may come to recognize and remember you based on your character's name, which can contribute to your reputation within the game.
¶ Level
A character's level refers to their progression and experience.
New characters start at level 1 and can advance by earning experience points (EXP).
Typing /stats will show the
- Name, Level
- EXP Bar: Represents the character's EXP (experience) and progression towards reaching the NEXT level.
Each level-up grants 5 CP (Character Points) that can be spent on customizing the character's attributes, and 1 TP (Talent Point).
As a character gains levels, they become more powerful, gain access to new abilities and skills, and can face (and overcome!) greater challenges.
¶ Health
Typing /stats will show the
- HP Bar: Represents the character's health. When a character's HP reaches zero, the character is defeated.
- MP Bar: Represents the character's Magic Points, used for casting spells and performing magical abilities.
Using and Losing HP/MP:
- Characters lose HP when taking damage from enemies or environmental hazards.
- Characters use MP to cast spells or use magic abilities. Casting spells consumes MP.
¶ Attributes and Character Points
In Mycora, five attributes form the foundation of a character's abilities and skills.
Typing /stats will show the character's:
- Strength (STR): Represents physical power, affecting melee combat effectiveness, carrying capacity, and damage output.
- Intellect (INT): Enhances the ability to learn and understand magic. Each point of INT raises the MP limit by +10.
- Dexterity (DEX): Influences agility, reflexes, and ranged combat proficiency, as well as evasion and accuracy in combat.
- Constitution (CON): Increases resistance to fatigue, illnesses, and poisons. Each point of CON raises the HP limit by +10.
- Spirit (SPT): Reflects belief in oneself and increases luck. High SPT also boosts HP and MP regeneration rate.
- Undistributed Character Points (CP) and undistributed Talent Points (TP), which are used to customize the character and make it more powerful in specific areas.
Acquiring CP:
- When a character levels up in Mycora, they earn 5 CP.
Using Character Points:
New characters in Mycora begin with 25 CP (Character Points). These points are the key to customizing a character's attributes, which determine its abilities and strengths in the game. Each CP can be allocated to increase one attribute +1. Plan strategically and consider your character's long-term development, based on your preferred playstyle and the type of character you want to develop, because once you allocate CP, you cannot undo your choices. As your character's progress and gain experience, you will earn additional CP; 5 CP per level.
¶ Talent Points and Specializations
Talent Points (TP) are earned through leveling up and special in-game events.
Talent Points play a significant role in character specialization, allowing players to unlock new abilities and skills within specific talent trees.
Acquiring TP:
- Level-Up Rewards: Every time a character levels up in Mycora, they earn 1 TP.
- Special Occasions: During certain milestone events or quests, characters can earn additional TP, up to a maximum of 3 TP on rare occasions.
Using Talent Points:
TP can be used to unlock special skills within a character's specialization's Talent Tree.
Specializations are offered to characters during gameplay. These specializations represent focused paths or roles within the game world, such as mastering a specific combat style, refining crafting techniques, or delving into magical abilities. When a specialization opportunity arises, the player can choose to accept or decline the specialization. A character can have a maximum of two specializations at any given time, and specializations cannot be discarded once accepted.
Once a player accepts a specialization, they can allocate their earned TP into the Talent Tree associated with that Specialization. Each Talent Tree consists of various branches and skills that can be unlocked.
By specializing in different roles, players can form synergistic teams, collaborate and rely on each other's unique skills and expertise to overcome challenges and thrive within the Mycora game world. See available Specializations.
¶ Other Stats
In /stats , there are a few more parameters:
Attack (ATK), Magic Attack (MATK), Defence (DEF). Luck (LUCK), Charisma (CHA), and Speed (SPD).
They are results of character settings (Attributes, Specializations and special Skills) and can only be changed indirectly. Keep them in mind before taking risky actions, and when developing the character.
¶ Character Development
Everyone is equal - at the beginning.
Mycora's classless system empowers players to evolve their characters without predefined class restrictions.
So, how to go about it? Which character development mechanics drive gameplay progression in Mycora? How to enhance attributes through CP and acquire specializations through TP?
Read on.
¶ Leveling up
Leveling up is the cornerstone of character development.
The EXP Bar shows the character's progression towards reaching next level. EXP is gained by defeating enemies, completing quests, or achieving objectives.
As characters level up, they can:
- Increase base statistics.
- Use improved gear and equipment.
- Access new abilities, spells, or skills within their Specialization(s).
Each level gained forms the basis of advancing Attributes using Character Points (CP) and acquiring new skills within the character's Specialization(s) through Talent Points (TP).
¶ Attributes: Enhancing Character Abilities with CP
5 CP (Character Points) are received upon reaching every new level.
CP allows players to tailor their characters to specific roles or playstyles.
With the /avatar add command in Mycora Discord, players can allocate CP towards their character's Attributes.
By strategically allocating CP and managing HP, MP, and EXP, players directly impact their character's ability to learn and excel in specific Specializations.
A few rules of thumb:
- Strength-Based Skills: Characters with high Strength (STR) excel in melee combat, wielding heavy weapons, and performing physical feats like breaking barriers or lifting heavy objects.
- Intellect-Based Skills: Characters with high Intellect (INT) master magical spells, enchantments, and arcane knowledge, becoming formidable mages or spellcasters.
- Dexterity-Based Skills: Characters with high Dexterity (DEX) excel in ranged combat, stealth, and precision-based actions such as lockpicking or trap disarming.
- Constitution-Based Skills: Characters with high Constitution (CON) endure physical punishment, have greater HP, and resist fatigue or environmental hazards.
- Spirit-Based Skills: Characters with high Spirit (SPT) possess strong magical resistance, enhanced mana regeneration, and proficiency in non-combat abilities like negotiation or spiritual communication.
Certain quests and challenges in Mycora games require specific attribute combinations for success. Characters with aligned attributes will have an easier time completing these quests, while others may struggle or fail:
- Combat Quests: Characters with high Strength (STR) and Constitution (CON) excel in combat-heavy quests, while those lacking physical attributes may struggle.
- Magical Quests: Characters with high Intellect (INT) and Spirit (SPT) thrive in magical quests, unraveling mysteries and overcoming magical obstacles.
- Stealth Quests: Characters with high Dexterity (DEX) and Intelligence (INT) succeed in stealth-based quests, infiltrating enemy territories or evading detection.
Players must strategically distribute CP based on their desired character builds:
- Balancing offensive and defensive attributes is essential for creating well-rounded characters capable of facing diverse challenges.
- Aligning attributes with specialization ensures optimized performance and strategic gameplay progression throughout the adventure.
¶ Specializations and Unlocking Talent with TP
Under development!
Currently, players receive TP - but they cannot spend them yet. Follow our development in Mycora Discord.
In Mycora, Specializations represent focused paths of character development.
Specializations are presented as Talent Trees, allowing players to allocate TP (Talent Points) to unlock specific skills and abilities.
Choosing a Specialization:
- Players are offered Specializations during interactions with NPCs.
- Choosing a specialization does not require spending Talent Points (TP).
- A character can have a maximum of two Specializations at any given time.
- Specializations cannot be discarded once accepted, adding a layer of permanence and strategic decision-making to character progression.
Talent Trees:
- Each Specialization is represented as a Talent Tree, showcasing different branches and nodes of skills and abilities.
- Nodes in the Talent Tree represent specific talents or abilities that players can unlock by investing Talent Points (TP).
Talent Point (TP) Allocation:
- Players earn Talent Points (TP) through leveling up. 1 TP per new level.
- On special occasions, players might receive extra TP when achieving in-game objectives.
Skill Progression:
- Players can prioritize certain nodes to strengthen core abilities or unlock advanced talents.
- Players strategically allocate TP to unlock skills that align with their chosen Specialization and playstyle.
- Skill progression within the Talent Tree allows for customization and specialization based on individual preferences.
Simplified Example:
Player's Choice: A player who wishes to specialize in magic chooses the "Arcane Sorcery" Specialization.
Accessing the Talent Tree: Upon choosing the Arcane Sorcery Specialization, the player gains access to the Arcane Sorcery Talent Tree.
Allocating Talent Points (TP): The player invests earned TP into nodes within the Talent Tree to unlock magical abilities, such as elemental spells, enchantments, or magical buffs.
Customization and Progression: By strategically allocating TP, the player shapes their character's magical abilities and progresses through the Talent Tree to unlock more powerful spells and abilities.
¶ Exploration
Exploration in Mycora is a fundamental aspect of gameplay.
By using the /move command and moving from hex to hex, the player reveals new locations, NPCs, and adventures.
The hex description is always shown in Discord.
For a visual view of the Player Character (PC)'s location in the world, there's a map in the Mycora web UI.
Players can only see the hexagon their PC stands on and those they have visited before. The rest of the map is hidden to them, covered by a “Fog of War”.
As the PC moves to a new location, the map fades to black. It fades up again and reveals the look of the new location.
A great alternative to typing /move-commands in Discord is to move the character by clicking the arrows in the web UI map:
On every location, a description of the surroundings is provided in Discord, detailing the appearance, atmosphere, and notable features of the location.
Information about interactive elements in the location, such as objects, NPCs (Non-Player Characters), or points of interest that the player can engage with.
For taking a closer look at things and interacting with items, objects, NPCs, and other PCs, the player can use commands like /look, /look into, /talk, /take, /drop, /use, and /enter.
A detailed description of all player commands can be found here.
Exploring enables players to collect valuable resources like ores, herbs, and rare materials essential for crafting and enhancing equipment, or for selling.
It may lead to encounters with other players that the player can trade and socialize with, team up with, and it gives opportunities for quests, missions, and valuable rewards.
And through exploration, players can encounter diverse NPCs, each with their own stories and personalities, allowing players to piece together the history of different regions, factions, and characters.
¶ Questing
Questing refers to the process of undertaking specific tasks, missions, or objectives.
Here's how questing typically works in Mycora:
- Quest Acquisition:
Players can acquire quests by interacting with NPCs throughout the game world. - Quest Objectives:
Each quest has defined objectives that players must fulfill to progress and complete the quest. - Progress Tracking:
Players can track their quest progress through quest logs displayed in Discord, using the/avatar quest-command. - Reward System:
Upon successfully completing a quest, players are typically rewarded with EXP (experience points), in-game currency, items, equipment upgrades, or other valuable resources.
¶ Quest Varieties
There are 2 types of quests in Mycora MUD games.
- Challenges / Side Mission Quests
- Story-driven Quests that advance the main narrative
Not all games have to offer both. Also, in addition, there can be “non-programmable” quests initiated by players and the playing community inside the game world, but those are not described here.
¶ Challenges and Side Missions
NPCs may offer quests through dialogue, hints, or explicit requests for assistance.
Examples:
- Monster Hunts: Players are tasked with defeating a specific number or type of monsters within a designated area. For example, a quest to hunt down 10 goblins in a forest.
- Gathering Expeditions: Players must gather rare resources or ingredients from specific locations in the game world. For instance, collecting herbs from a magical garden, or firewood.
- Puzzles: Quests that involve solving puzzles or navigating through traps and obstacles in dungeons or ruins. This could include finding hidden switches or deciphering ancient runes.
- Delivery or Escort Missions: NPCs may request players to deliver items or escort them safely to a destination, while fending off threats along the way.
Challenges and side missions provide opportunities for exploration, skill-testing, and rewards outside of the main storyline. Some quests might be repeatable.
These quests can be undertaken at the player's discretion based on their interests and playstyle. They often yields valuable rewards such as EXP, currency, items, or reputation with factions.
¶ Story-Driven Quests That Advance The Narrative
Story-driven quests are central to the overarching narrative of the game.
Examples:
- Storyline Quests: Quests that unravel the main plot of the game, involving key characters, plot twists, and significant events. For instance, uncovering the mystery behind a powerful artifact or thwarting a villain's scheme.
- World-Altering Events: Epic quests that have lasting impacts on the game world, such as restoring a lost kingdom, awakening ancient guardians, or initiating large-scale conflicts.
- Character Development Quests: Quests focused on developing specific NPCs, forging alliances, or uncovering backstory. This could involve helping a companion overcome personal challenges or reconciling with a rival faction.
Story-driven quests contribute to the progression of the game's narrative, revealing new plot elements, locations, and characters over time.
Completing story-driven quests often unlocks new areas, Specializations, abilities, or opportunities, and provides insights into the game's lore, background stories, and the motivations of key figures. Ultimately, revealing the End Game.
¶ Kick some ass
Can we talk about death?
There are agro monsters and non-aggressive monsters.
¶ Combat and Challenges
Enemy Encounters: Battle monsters, adversaries, and other players (PvP).
Combat Mechanics: Engage in strategic real-time combat using a variety of commands and abilities.
Challenges and Boss Fights: Conquer formidable foes and bosses to earn rewards and progress in the game.
¶ Trading and Economy
Trade Mode: Enter Trade Mode to buy, sell, or exchange items with NPCs.
Use blockchain: Trade items and avatar NFTs with other players and build your own economy.
Economic Activities: Discover valuable resources, craft items, and engage in commerce to build wealth and influence.
¶ Interactions and Socializing
Discord: Connect with other players and engage in social interactions.
In-Game Chat: Communicate with fellow players, form parties, and coordinate activities using in-game chat features.
Community Events: Participate in community-driven events, tournaments, and game jams - create a social game.
Let's battle! Issue NFT avatars with your clan's mark and arrange battles against other server communities. Showdown time!
¶ Advanced Features and Strategies
There are plenty.
Player-evoked events, tournaments, raids, world building features and web3 empowers players to participate in gameplay experiences that extend way beyond scripted quests. To some, this is the very essence of MUD gaming.
Player-initiated activities add dynamic content and social interaction to the game, while players take ownership of the world they live and open new opportunities for cooperative gameplay and community engagement.
Here's some inspiration, from the more classic oldschool examples (I won't mention the first in-game wedding!) to the new that come with web3 integration, NFT, and smart contracts. I invite you to join this brainstorm or even better - just do it!
¶ Player-evoked Quests
Player-evoked quests, such as raiding, tournaments, and social events.
Player-driven events may have lasting effects on the game world, influencing storylines, alliances, or in-game dynamics.
MUDs aren't made by the devs but by the people
¶ Raiding:
Missions where a clan or groups of players work together to defeat powerful enemies, obtain rare loot, clear a dungeon, overcome challenging encounters – or each other!
- Rewards: Completing raids often yields substantial rewards, including valuable items, equipment upgrades, and EXP for participants.
- Successful raids require coordination, teamwork, and strategic planning. Players must coordinate their actions, use tactics, and adapt to dynamic battle scenarios.
¶ Tournaments:
Tournaments are structured competitions where players compete against each other in various challenges or contests.
- Prizes: Tournaments may offer sponsored or crowdfunded rewards to top performers, such as unique items, titles, in-game accolades, crypto currency, or rare NFTs.
- Players sign up and compete in games such as PvP (Player vs. Player) battles, or skill-based challenges (craft the best item, kill goblins fast, etc). Participants earn rankings based on their performance.
¶ Social Events:
May include interactive activities, games, storytelling sessions, or live performances within the game world.
Discord meeting are kinda meta but easy to do, as everybody's on.
- Rewards: Social recognition, forge friendships, and build alliances, enriching the overall player experience.
¶ Anything
- Community Engagement: Players engage in social interactions, forge friendships, and build alliances during these events, enriching the overall player experience.
Social events foster community interaction, role-playing, and immersive storytelling among players.
Social events
¶ Build!
¶ Blockchain features
Mycora adds a whole new layer of possibilities with its integration of blockchain.
Explore advanced gameplay features and strategies to master Mycora games.
Crafting and Professions: Learn crafting skills to create items, equipment, and consumables.
Puzzle-Solving and Exploration: Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and unlock hidden areas using critical thinking and exploration.