Comprehensive Guide to Using the Virtual GM Interface
Welcome to the Virtual GM Interface! This guide will help you navigate the text adventure and make the most of your interactive experience. Here, you'll learn about common commands, how to interact with the game world, and what to expect from the Virtual GM (VGM).
You interact with the Virtual GM through natural language using a standard chat interface to enter your moves or ask the VGM questions.
Starting and Managing Your Story
New Game Setup Parameters
Users can fill in the following parameters to start a new adventure in the Virtual GM Interface. These fields allow for a customized experience tailored to the user's preferences.
- Genre
- Description: Defines the overall theme and setting of the adventure.
- Default: Fantasy
- Example: Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery
- Scenario
- Description: Specifies the main plot or objective of the adventure.
- Default: Rescue
- Example: Treasure Hunt, Escape, Investigation
- Character Archetype
- Description: Defines the role or background of the player's character.
- Default: Farmer
- Example: Warrior, Mage, Detective
- Character Name
- Description: Sets the name of the player's character.
- Default: Alice
- Example: John, Elara, Maximus
By providing these details, users can customize their adventures, creating unique and personalized experiences. If these fields are left blank, the Virtual GM Interface will generate a default story based on pre-set parameters.
Managing Your Story
- Start a new story by returning to the status page.
- Running stories can continue as long as you don't close the window.
- Sessions are being stored, but the load game function hasn't been implemented yet.
- If you don't fill out the adventure settings, it will go with a default story.
Common Commands
Basic Commands
- Look around: Get a description of your surroundings.
- Example: look around
- Examine [object]: Inspect an item in detail.
- Example: examine table
- Go [direction]: Move in a specified direction (north, south, east, west).
- Example: go north
- Take [item]: Pick up an item.
- Example: take key
- Use [item]: Utilize an item from your inventory.
- Example: use key on door
- Talk to [character]: Engage with a character you encounter.
- Example: talk to merchant
Inventory and Character Commands
- inventory: Check what items you are carrying.
- Example: inventory
- look self: Get a detailed description of yourself.
- Example: look self
- stats: Check your current status or character information.
- Example: stats
How to Interact with the Game World
Exploring
- Use look around to get an overview of your surroundings. This will provide you with the context and details necessary to decide your next move.
- Use examine [object] to get more information about specific items or features in the environment. This can reveal hidden details or clues.
Moving
- Navigate the world by using go [direction]. The directions typically include north, south, east, and west.
- Example: go east
Collecting and Using Items
- To pick up items, use take [item].
- Example: take sword
- To use items in your inventory, use use [item]. Sometimes you may need to specify how to use the item.
- Example: use potion
- Example: use key on door
Interacting with Characters
- To engage with non-player characters (NPCs), use talk to [character].
- Example: talk to guard
- Conversations can provide vital information, quests, or items that are crucial for your adventure.
Player Status and Inventory Management
- Use inventory to see what items you are carrying. This helps you keep track of useful items and tools.
- Example: inventory
- Use look self to get a detailed description of your current appearance, which might be important for solving certain puzzles or interacting with characters.
- Example: look self
- Use stats to check your character's health, skills, and other attributes.
- Example: stats
Getting Help
- If you are unsure of what to do next, you can type hint to receive suggestions on possible actions to take.
- Example: hint
Understanding VGM Responses
Descriptions and Outcomes
- The VGM will provide detailed descriptions of your surroundings, objects, and the outcomes of your actions. These descriptions are designed to immerse you in the game world and help you make informed decisions.
Actions and Consequences
- Your actions will have meaningful consequences. Some actions may lead to success, while others could result in failure or setbacks. Be mindful of your decisions and think strategically.
Showing, Not Telling
- The VGM uses descriptive language to illustrate events and consequences, allowing you to visualize the scene and feel the impact of your actions.
Example Playthrough
To give you a better sense of how to interact with the Virtual GM Interface, here's a detailed playthrough that showcases the use of various commands and the immersive experience provided by the VGM:
VGM: Opening Scene:
In the distant reaches of the Andromeda sector, on the lush, green planet of Veridion-7, you, Dr. Voss, have spent your days cultivating crops and tending to your small farmstead. The vibrant fields of luminescent flora sway gently in the warm breeze, their colors reflecting the twin suns setting on the horizon. The air is filled with the sweet scent of ripening fruit, and the sounds of chirping fauna create a serene backdrop to your simple life.
However, your peaceful existence is shattered when a distress signal crackles through your old communication device. It’s a familiar voice—your younger sister, Elara, who has been working as a scientist on the nearby research station, Astra-9. Panic laces her words as she explains that the station has been overrun by hostile forces, and she is trapped inside.
You feel a surge of determination; you cannot let her down. The fate of your sister hangs in the balance, and you must act quickly.
What will you do? (Remember, type 'hint' if you need suggestions)
You: look around
VGM: Your farmstead is modest but well-kept. To the north, you see your farmhouse, its wooden structure weathered by time. To the east, there is a small storage shed. The hovercraft you use for transportation is parked in the yard, its engine slightly rusted but functional. The fields of luminescent flora stretch out to the west, swaying in the breeze.
What will you do?
You: examine hovercraft
VGM: The hovercraft is an older model but still serviceable. The metal frame shows signs of rust, and the fuel cap is slightly ajar. Inside the cockpit, the controls are familiar to you, and a few personal items are scattered around.
What will you do?
You: secure fuel cap
VGM: You secure the fuel cap tightly, ensuring it is properly closed. The hovercraft is now ready for travel.
What will you do?
You: go north
VGM: You walk towards your farmhouse, the familiar creak of the wooden steps greeting you as you approach the door. Inside, the scent of earth and crops fills the air, and you feel a sense of calm wash over you.
What will you do?
You: inventory
VGM: You are carrying:
- A first aid kit
- A small blaster pistol
- A few energy bars
- A portable scanner
What will you do?
You: take more supplies from farmhouse
VGM: You gather additional supplies from your farmhouse:
- A sturdy backpack to carry your items
- A thermal blanket
- A map of the surrounding area
You pack everything into the backpack and prepare to leave.
What will you do?
You: go to hovercraft
VGM: You step back outside and head towards the hovercraft. The sun is setting, casting long shadows over your farmstead. The path to Astra-9 lies ahead, filled with unknown dangers.
What will you do?
You: start hovercraft
VGM: You climb into the hovercraft and start the engine. It hums to life, and the dashboard lights up with various indicators. You grip the controls, ready to take off towards Astra-9.
What will you do?
You: go east
VGM: The hovercraft lifts off smoothly, gliding over the landscape as you steer it east towards Astra-9. The journey is tense, with the dense forest below casting eerie shadows in the fading light. The hum of the engine is your only companion as you navigate through the treacherous terrain.
World Description: The path ahead is filled with dense trees and rocky outcrops. In the distance, you can see the faint lights of Astra-9, flickering like a beacon in the night.
What will you do?
You: hint
VGM: Choices:
- Continue towards Astra-9, hoping the hovercraft holds together.
- Land and attempt to make quick repairs before continuing.
- Try to contact Elara again, informing her of your delay and asking for advice.
What will you do?
You: continue towards Astra-9
VGM: You decide to press on, keeping a close eye on the warning lights. The hovercraft hums steadily, though you can feel a slight vibration from the earlier damage. The dense forest stretches out below you, the canopy of trees casting long shadows in the moonlight.
As you approach Astra-9, the research station comes into view, a sprawling complex of metallic structures and observation domes. You notice something alarming: the perimeter is surrounded by a barricade of makeshift defenses, and the flickering lights suggest the station is in chaos.
World Description: The research station is in turmoil. The barricades are hastily constructed, with crates and debris strewn about. The flickering lights and distant sounds of conflict create an ominous atmosphere.
What will you do?
You: land near barricade
VGM: You carefully lower the hovercraft to the ground, landing just outside the barricade. The night air is cool and filled with tension. You grab your supplies and step out, ready to face whatever awaits inside Astra-9.
World Description: The entrance to Astra-9 is a large, reinforced door, partially ajar. The sounds of conflict echo from within, and shadows move through the broken windows. The barricade outside is hastily constructed, with crates and debris strewn about.
What will you do?
By following this guide, you can navigate the virtual world, interact with characters, and engage in epic adventures guided by the VGM. Enjoy your journey!