Activities
Activities form the core gameplay loop of Skittermaws ARPG. Each day, your Skittermaw can choose from several activity types, each with unique mechanics, risks, and rewards. The choice of activity significantly impacts your Skittermaw's development and the story of their journey.
Activity Selection
Every morning, you select one primary activity for your Skittermaw. Some activities can be combined or modified based on your Skittermaw's traits, equipment, and current status. Activity success depends on:
- Your Skittermaw's current level and traits
- Equipment and items carried
- Time of day and environmental conditions
- Random chance and luck modifiers
Exploration
Exploration is the most fundamental activity, allowing your Skittermaw to expand their territory and discover new opportunities.
Exploration Mechanics
- Territory Discovery: Uncover new areas to claim as your own
- Resource Gathering: Find food, materials, and valuable items
- Point of Interest: Discover ruins, settlements, or natural wonders
- Random Events: Encounter unexpected situations and opportunities
Exploration Risks
Unknown territories carry inherent dangers:
- Hostile wildlife and territorial creatures
- Environmental hazards (storms, unstable terrain)
- Exhaustion from long journeys
- Getting lost or trapped
Quests
Quests provide structured objectives with guaranteed rewards, though they often require specific skills or preparations.
Quest Acquisition
Quests become available through:
- Quest Boards: Public postings in settlements
- NPC Interactions: Direct requests from characters
- Faction Relations: Missions from allied groups
- Discovery: Finding quest items or clues during exploration
Quest Types
- Gathering Quests
- Collect specific items from designated areas
- Delivery Quests
- Transport items between locations safely
- Escort Quests
- Protect NPCs or caravans during travel
- Combat Quests
- Defeat specific enemies or clear infestations
- Investigation Quests
- Uncover mysteries or solve problems
Encounters
Encounters represent the dynamic social and combative interactions between your Skittermaw and the world.
Encounter Triggers
Encounters can occur:
- Randomly: During exploration or travel
- Territorially: When entering claimed areas
- Intentionally: By seeking out specific creatures
- Reputation-based: Due to your Skittermaw's fame or notoriety
Encounter Types
- Combat Encounters
- Direct confrontations requiring strategy and skill
- Diplomatic Encounters
- Negotiations, alliances, and social interactions
- Trade Encounters
- Buying, selling, and bartering opportunities
- Environmental Encounters
- Weather events, natural disasters, or phenomena
Activity Modifiers
Various factors can modify activity outcomes:
Positive Modifiers
- High trait compatibility with activity type
- Quality equipment and tools
- Favorable weather conditions
- Allied creatures providing assistance
- Previous successes building momentum
Negative Modifiers
- Injuries or status effects
- Poor equipment or lack of preparation
- Adverse weather or terrain
- Hostile territory or reputation
- Overexertion from multiple activities
Activity Frequency
Most activities can be attempted once per day per Skittermaw. Some special activities or events may allow multiple attempts, while others require cooldown periods or specific conditions.
Strategic Considerations
Choosing the right activity at the right time is crucial:
- Early Game: Focus on safe exploration and simple quests
- Mid Game: Balance risk and reward with varied activities
- Late Game: Pursue high-risk, high-reward opportunities
- Recovery: Use low-risk activities during injury recovery