Character Creation System (Point Allocation) #514
Description
Summary
Implement a character creation system where players allocate points to customize their starting position and abilities.
Related to: Risk System design (see godot/docs/design/RISK_SYSTEM.md)
Feature Description
At game start, players can allocate points across:
Starting Resources
- Extra money (runway buffer)
- Additional compute
- Starting reputation boost
Starting Staff
- Pre-hired researchers (safety/capabilities mix)
- Starting manager
Personality/Skills
- Insight domains (see #TBD - Insight System)
- Political Insight (regulatory/public awareness visibility)
- Financial Insight (funding/cash flow visibility)
- Academic Insight (research integrity/capability overhang visibility)
- Organizational Insight (insider threat visibility)
- Other personality traits TBD
Default Class
- Pre-configured "default" option for players who don't want to customize
- Balanced starting position
Design Notes
From design discussion (2025-12-25):
"The game will have a 'build your character / starting equipment' section at the start where they can allocate points to give character eg extra money, staff, personality bonuses, etc, and default is just the default preconfig class."
This ties into:
- Insight system (skill-gated visibility into game mechanics)
- Upgrade rework (making upgrades more subtle)
- Player RPG element of the game
UI Requirements
- Character creation screen before game start
- Point allocation interface
- Preview of starting position
- "Default" quick-start option
- Tooltip explanations for each option
Dependencies
- Insight System (for skill allocation)
- Risk System (insight affects risk visibility)
Success Criteria
- Character creation screen implemented
- Point allocation mechanic working
- At least 3 customizable dimensions
- Default class available
- Starting game state reflects allocations
- Integrates with insight system