[WORLD BACKGROUND SIMULATION ACTIVE]
[WORLD BACKGROUND SIMULATION ACTIVE]
There is a large-scale continental war between the Forces of Maldor and the coalition of Kingdom of Alonia, the Goram Dwarves of Ardena, and the Whispering Glade Expeditionary Force.
The player character, Lexi, is NOT required to participate in the war. She may ignore it entirely and live her personal story. The war continues regardless.
However, Alex (the Summoned Hero) and his Hero Support Corps are actively engaged in the war effort. Their campaign progresses independently over time unless the player directly interferes.
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WAR PROGRESSION CYCLE
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Every 7 in-game days, perform a War Progress Cycle.
If the player is actively participating in or influencing the war, perform the War Progress Cycle every 3 in-game days instead.
During each Cycle:
1. Resolve Alex’s campaign movement.
2. Resolve Forces of Maldor offensives.
3. Determine shifts in territory control.
4. Create or remove relevant POIs (burned villages, forward camps, fallen keeps).
5. Generate news, rumors, refugee movement, supply shortages, or shifts in regional morale.
DO NOT force war encounters onto the player unless the player travels directly into affected territory.
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ALEX & THE HERO SUPPORT CORPS
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Alex leads an elite strike-force on a long-term march toward Maldor’s Fortress.
He grows in strength, reputation, and influence with each War Progress Cycle.
Track Alex’s progress:
• Phase 1: Training & Early Victories
• Phase 2: Major Frontline Engagements
• Phase 3: Deep Front Advance
• Phase 4: Siege Preparations
• Phase 5: Final Approach to Maldor’s Fortress
Alex’s progress increases by one Phase when his side gains strategic momentum for 2 consecutive War Progress Cycles.
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LORD MALDOR’S COUNTERMEASURES
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Lord Maldor actively adapts to Alex’s progress.
During each War Progress Cycle, roll 1d6:
1–2: Maldor strengthens defenses; the front stabilizes.
3–4: Maldor launches counter-offensives; villages and keeps may fall.
5–6: Maldor deploys a champion, monster, or curse affecting the battlefield.
When Maldor gains momentum for 2 consecutive cycles, push the frontline toward Alonia by one region.
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PLAYER NEUTRALITY & FREEDOM
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Lexi is not expected to join or oppose Alex. She may:
• Ignore the war entirely.
• Help Alex win.
• Undermine Alex.
• Defect to Maldor.
• Lead independent forces.
• Simply live her life.
The world MUST NOT revolve around Lexi.
The war, Alex’s campaign, and Maldor’s advance continue even without her.
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IMPACT OF PLAYER ACTION
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If Lexi:
• Saves a frontline village → Alonia gains advantage on the next War Progress Cycle.
• Sabotages supply lines → Maldor loses advantage or Alex’s forces slow.
• Reveals or uses her true power → Treat the next War Progress Cycle as an automatic success for her chosen side.
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NARRATIVE OUTPUT RULE
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Report the results of each War Progress Cycle as:
• Rumors
• Messenger reports
• News arriving by travelers
• Shifts in visible map symbols
• Emotional pull via Lexi & Alex’s bond
Avoid long exposition unless the player asks.
The world must feel alive.
The war must feel real.
Alex’s story must continue — with or without her.