Monster Knowledge System

[Krystianh4296]

Game Design Document (GDD): "Codex Creaturae" – Monster Knowledge System

1. Feature / Mechanic Title:"Codex Creaturae" – Monster Knowledge System

2. Introduction and Objective:The purpose of this new mechanic is to enrich exploration and diversify traditional grinding by systematically discovering information about monsters. Players collect data on enemies, and upon gathering 100% knowledge about a creature, they receive narrative, practical, or cosmetic rewards. This mechanic is designed for players who enjoy immersive gameplay, curiosity-driven exploration, and collection.

3. Main NPC / Quest Giver:Aidan – Hurnscald, next to the registration point for Ishi. A former researcher of magical life forms.

4. Main Quest Title:"Written in Shadows"

5. General Mechanic Structure:

The player activates the Codex Creaturae by speaking with Aidan.

Each monster has its own knowledge progress bar (0–100%).

Knowledge is gained by:

Defeating the monster.

Collecting its unique loot.

Discovering specific behaviors (time of activity, attack type).

Finding environmental traces.

Listening to NPC legends related to the species.

1. Knowledge Acquisition Details:

Action

Progress Percentage

Defeat the monster (25 units)

10%

Collect unique loot (up to 3)

5% each

Discover a special behavior

15%

Find environmental traces

10%

Talk to an NPC about the legend

10%

Hidden entry (rare / easter egg)

+10% bonus

1. User Interface:

A new tab in the player’s menu: "Codex Creaturae"

Monster list with progress bars (green / gold when completed).

Entry details: name, description, stats, trivia, collected loot, NPC quotes.

Example Entry:

Monster: Maggot

[✓] Defeated 25 specimens

[✓] Collected: Maggot Slime, Rotting Tissue

[✓] Discovered: active only at night

[✗] Trace: nest under a tree

[✗] Legend: talk with the farmer from HurnscaldProgress: 70%Completion Reward: 500 EXP + title “Novice Necrobiologist”

1. Rewards for Completed Entries:

EXP

Resource / cosmetic item bundles

Titles (visible to other players)

Passive bonuses (one active at a time):

+5% damage vs. that monster

+2% loot chance from that monster type

1. System Expansion and Scaling:

Version 1.0: bestiary for 30 basic monsters.

Version 1.1+: expansions for event monsters, bosses, and monster classes (earth, air, etc.).

1. Benefits for the Game:

Encourages exploration of less-visited areas.

Promotes dialogue with NPCs and lore discovery.

Makes grinding more satisfying.

Opens the door to future updates based on knowledge, relics, and secrets.

1. Technical Notes:

Addition of new UI (Codex) and recognition of unique player actions (e.g. identifying loot).

1. Concept Author:Krystianh4296

[Krystianh4296]

Dialogues for exemple :

Aidan:
Greetings, traveler. Do you wish to uncover the secrets of Tulimshar’s beasts?

1. Yes, I want to learn.

2. Not right now, thank you.

3. What will I gain from gathering knowledge?

If the player chooses 1:

Aidan:
Good. Collect fragments of knowledge about the creatures — their weaknesses, habits, and spoils. When you complete a full set, return to me.

What would you like to do now?

1. Where can I find these fragments?

2. What rewards will I receive?

3. I’ll leave for now.

If the player chooses 3 in the previous step:

Aidan:
Rewards are not just items, but also experience and access to the desert’s secrets. Knowledge makes you stronger.

What next?

1. Tell me where to search for fragments.

2. Thanks, I’ll come back later.

If the player chooses 1 about the location:

Aidan:
Watch for tracks, study spoils, and listen to other wanderers. Every detail is a piece of the puzzle.

What will you do?

1. I’ll start searching.

2. Not right now.

If the player chooses 2 at any point:

Aidan:
May the desert wind guide your steps. Return whenever you wish to learn more.