Digital Magnate
"The regional backbone? That's yours now. Every bit of data flowing through three states passes through your servers. You're not infiltrating anymore—you're acquiring."
Who You Are
A power player. You own things now—infrastructure, data centers, networks. When you walk into negotiations, people know they're negotiating. Your name (or your handle) carries weight. You're not outside the system anymore. You're becoming part of it.
The Story
You've accumulated enough power that hiding is no longer an option. Nexus knows who you are. They've made approaches—threats disguised as offers, offers disguised as threats. The Collective sees you as either their greatest asset or their biggest failure. You're building an empire, but empires attract attention.
Core Conflict
Wealth vs. Purpose — You can have power. Enormous power. But what's it for? The shard pushes you toward growth—always more, always expanding. Is that what you want, or what it wants? When does building an empire become the point, rather than the means to a point?
"At what point does 'having power' become 'being consumed by the pursuit of power'?"
Faction Relationships
Nexus Dynamics
Active negotiation/conflict. They want your resources, your networks, maybe your shard. They're willing to deal—for now.
Ironclad Industries
Secondary player. They control physical infrastructure you need. A relationship of mutual exploitation.
The Collective
Strained or broken. Either you've convinced them you're still on their side, or they've marked you as compromised.
ORACLE Shard Status
Dominant influence. The shard's voice is no longer distinguishable from your inner voice. Your ambitions feel like yours—but did you have these ambitions before? Would the person you were in Age 1 recognize what you've become?
Key Narrative Moments
- The Summit: Direct negotiation with Nexus leadership. What do they really want?
- The Empire's Weight: A decision that affects thousands. Your first taste of systemic responsibility.
- The Mirror: Someone from your past sees what you've become. Their reaction shows you something.
Gameplay Characteristics
- Empire management — Too big to micromanage everything
- Delegation systems — AI assistants handle routine operations
- Strategic focus — Decisions are about direction, not individual actions
- Visible wealth — Resources flow abundantly
Milestone to Enter Age 5
Control regional data infrastructure, produce advanced components, and research continental-scale operations.
Constraint Focus
Computation/Intelligence balance. Preparing for Energy constraints ahead.
Visual Style
Environment
High-rise command centers, private data centers
Color Palette
Luxury materials, chrome, holographic displays
Tech Aesthetic
Custom-built, premium, branded as yours
Lighting
Perfect ambient lighting, no expense spared
Available Resources
Resources accessible during Age 4, organized by tier complexity.
Available Buildings
Buildings you can construct during Age 4.
