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RPG98 Design Document

Page 2: The Main Hub – Blackthorn Hollow

Overview

Blackthorn Hollow is the only truly safe location in the game. It is a small, fortified scavenger village built on the edge of a hostile wilderness. Every structure shows signs of repeated repair using materials salvaged from dungeons. The town provides brief relief and essential services between runs, but the surrounding wilds constantly press against its walls.

Atmosphere & Tone

The visual tone is gritty fantasy.

  • Super Retro Roguelike / Crawler assets form the primary base for buildings, paths, and general props — giving a grounded, lived-in survivor settlement feel.
  • ELV Rogue Adventure tiles are used selectively for darker wall sections, reinforced patches, weathered details, and defensive elements to enhance the sense of hard-won safety.

The overall mood is one of fragile refuge. Warm lantern light and braziers contrast with distant threatening sounds from the wilds.

Physical Layout & Points of Interest

Key Locations

  • The Ironvault (West Side) The largest and sturdiest building. Heavy wooden construction reinforced with iron bands and scavenged metal plates. This is the permanent stash where all successfully extracted gear is safely stored.

  • Crowe’s Tradehouse (East Side) A patched-together building with outdoor market stalls under worn awnings. Bargus Crowe buys unwanted loot and sells basic supplies, potions, and low-tier gear here. Also houses the Scavenger Exchange (auction house).

  • Aether Forge (Adjacent to Tradehouse) Outdoor stone-and-wood workbench glowing with unstable magical runes. Veyra operates it. Players can socket/unsocket/combine augments and craft new augments using Aether, Crux, and dungeon components.

  • Town Compactor (Near Tradehouse) Heavy mechanical station where players can safely break down unwanted gear into Crux at the standard exchange rate.

  • Bounty Board (Central Square) Weathered wooden board covered with overlapping papers. Displays optional daily and weekly tasks with their rewards.

  • Dungeon Portal (North Side) Heavily fortified arched gateway with spikes and burning braziers. This is where players choose queue type (PvE-only or PvPvE) and select portal operation mode (Unstable, Stable, or Empowered).

  • Respawn Area Small sheltered zone near The Ironvault. Players respawn here after death with no equipped gear.

Defensive & Fragile Character

Blackthorn Hollow is clearly a survivor settlement rather than a grand fortress. The palisade shows repeated repairs. Watch platforms and barricades are visible. The town feels temporary and hard-won — safety is never guaranteed.

Technical & Gameplay Notes

  • Safe Zone Rules: No combat or ability usage allowed inside the palisade. Pure preparation and trading area.
  • Navigation: Clear stone and dirt paths with strong visual landmarks (glowing Aether Forge, reinforced Ironvault, burning braziers at the Dungeon Portal).
  • Interactivity: Proximity-based interaction with buildings and NPCs. Dialogue is short and skippable.
  • Asset Usage: Majority of town structures from Super Retro Roguelike village/exterior packs. ELV tiles used selectively for darker, reinforced details.

Connection to Core Loop

Players return here after every run to:

  • Store extracted gear in The Ironvault
  • Recycle unwanted items at the Town Compactor
  • Check daily/weekly tasks on the Bounty Board
  • Craft augments or socket items at the Aether Forge
  • Prepare and choose their next portal mode

Version 0.2 • April 2026