❦ Return to the Tome

The Gameplay Loop

— a visual storyboard of one round, step by step —

One run plays in six beats. Coin and gear carry between runs. Death does not.

1

Hub — Prepare

⚒ Blacksmith
⚔ Stat Vendor
↓ Gate to Level
◯ You

SPENDBuy stats. Craft, upgrade, or repair gear. Walk to the gate when ready.

2

Enter the Level

QUOTA
200g
— Forsaken Manor —
satchel: empty · timer: 00:00

READThe level loads. The Quota target is shown. Your satchel is empty; the timer starts.

▼ ▼ ▼
3

Scavenge — Early

QUOTA
30/200
THREAT
calm
loot in rooms

LOOTOpen chests and shelves. Watch the Quota bar fill. Threat is low — take your time.

4

Threat Rises

QUOTA
110/200
THREAT
restless
👁👁👁👁
monsters spawn

RISKThe longer you stay, the more spawn. Greed buys more loot — at the cost of blood.

▼ ▼ ▼
5

Extract at the Shrine

QUOTA
200/200 ✓
shrine alight · gate open

EXITPlace loot on the altar. Quota met → the gate ignites. Step through to bank everything.

6

Return Home

+ 200 GOLD
Round II complete
Next Quota: 350g
↻ back to step 1

REPEATCoin is banked. Next Quota is heavier. Loop back to the Hub — spend, prepare, descend again.

If You Fall

Die in the Level

Drop all loot you were carrying. Wake at the Hub. Coin already banked, gear, and stats are kept — you do not start over.

Fail the Quota

The level boots you out without payment. Some carried gear may break or be lost. Try the level again, or descend a lighter one.