Merauders

OVERVIEW

Summary

Pirate-themed "coming of age" story about a teenager discovering who they are with the help/hindrance of an older brother and a new friend. The protagonist must navigate a world of intrigue, puzzles, and quests, determining their place in the world and forging their destiny.

• Discover an exciting new world filled with interesting characters, mysterious legends, forgotten islands, hidden coves, and puzzling quests
• Find clues and gather treasures as you delve deeper into the story and discover more about the world as you shape your destiny and that of your family
• Uncover the rich lore and legends of the realm of Modeiva as you meet new people, locate new places, and experience the vast world around you

Genre

• Narrative adventure RPG with puzzle elements

Similar Games

• To the Moon
• Stardew Valley

Setting and art style

• Fantasy/Pirate/Nautical theme
• 2D Pixel Art "Chibi" characters and gameplay
• Set in the Discordian Tales universe

**Main player goal**

• Self-discovery and achieving true potential, regardless of what society dictates

SYSTEMS

Game currency

• Plundered/recovered treasures

Player progression

• Decisions are based on chaos vs order as you follow the leads of the supporting cast

• Relationships and choices made along the way will influence how the world sees you and how you see yourself

Unique mechanics and features

• "wordless" dialogue system based on symbols and expressions; players must piece together the story based on visual clues and NPC reactions.

STORY

Protagonist

Alex, an orphaned teenager learning about themselves and their place in a world where they are caught between chaos and order.

Antagonist

The world at large and the forces of chaos and order, challenging the player to make choices and decide their fate in a place where the "right" decision may not be "good", and the "wrong" decision may not be "evil".

Plot setup

The protagonist, Alex, and their brother, George, arrive in a thriving "frontier" town to live with their estranged Uncle and his wife following the death of their Father, their mother having died giving birth to Alex. Their new guardians are not best pleased with their new responsibility and immediately put their wards to work as way for them to "earn their keep".

They meet Fabian, a roguish local troublemaker who encourages them to take shortcuts and live life rather than working. George is a hard worker and a firm believer in folllowing the rules over having fun. The two face off and Alex is left to make a decision on what they should do.

Endgame

Alex finds a path and a place in society, to the benefit and/or detriment of those around.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Achievers ♦️

• Locating items and solving puzzles

Explorers ♠️

• Discovering lore and locations

Socializers ♥️

• Meeting engaging characters

Killers ♣

• "winning" arguments and debates