The World of Kedem
Core Concept
Kedem is a player-driven MMO RPG survival game set in a vast, open world where players shape the environment and their destiny. The game emphasizes freedom, individual agency, and an unrestricted power fantasy through intuitive mechanics. The ultimate goal is for players to forge their own legend, with pathways leading to challenging the very gods and potentially ascending to godhood.
The Nature of Humans
Humans, the player characters, are a unique and unnatural presence in Kedem. Created by the Titan Prometheus, they were fashioned with a 60% godlike and 40% ape essence, a direct violation of the established 40/60 ratio for other humanoids. This forbidden act granted humans partial immortality (the in-game respawn mechanic), stronger souls, and a profound degree of free will.
Because they do not truly die, their souls are not reabsorbed into the life cycle of Gaia, the Earth primordial. This fundamental break from the natural order makes their existence both a potential blessing for the world and a grave danger to its cosmic balance.
Mana and Sentience
Mana is the fundamental energy of creation. Particles of mana are naturally attracted to each other and to mass, forming vast clouds of energy that eventually coalesce into consciousness, a spirit, or a soul. The larger and denser an entity—be it a star, a mountain, or a living being—the greater its mana concentration, and thus its potential for intelligence and magical power. This principle explains why cosmic bodies like Gaia and the Sun are sentient, and why colossal beings like Dragons and Titans are innately magical, capable of bending reality through sheer will. Mortals, with their limited mana, must rely on spells, rituals, and artifacts to channel this power.
Inspirations
The design of Kedem is influenced by a diverse range of sources, blending sandbox survival elements from games like Ark and Valheim, player-driven emergent gameplay from Rust, and the deep, immersive worlds of RPGs like Skyrim. Literary influences include the intuitive magic systems of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle and the cosmic horror of Lovecraftian mythology, all woven together with threads from Greek, Norse, and Egyptian myths.
The Pantheon
The divine and cosmic entities of Kedem are vast and varied, from the unknowable Primordials to the interventionist Overlords and the scheming Devils. These beings are not merely lore; they are active forces in the world, some of which can be worshipped, challenged, or even replaced by powerful players. This section provides an interactive explorer for the known deities. Use the filters to navigate the complex cosmic hierarchy.
Bestiary
The world of Kedem is populated by a wide array of creatures, from natural wildlife to magically engineered humanoids and colossal Titans. Many of these beings were created by the gods for a specific purpose, and understanding their origins and behaviors is key to survival and mastery. This section details some of the known inhabitants of the world.
Engineered Humanoids
Goblins
Engineered by the Overlords from 60% coyote essence and 40% god essence, Goblins are small, cunning, and highly opportunistic scavengers. They form chaotic, tight-knit clans where survival trumps honor. Despite a crude appearance, they are intelligent enough to craft weapons and set traps, making them a persistent threat when united.
Hobgoblins
The larger, stronger kin of Goblins, Hobgoblins were developed from wolf essence. This lineage makes them disciplined, tactical, and highly militant. They form rigid hierarchies and excel in organized combat. Valuing honor through dominance, their ultimate goal is subjugation, making them a more strategic and formidable foe than their smaller cousins.
Titans
Gigantic beings of immense power, Titans were originally created by Gaia as her first protectors. Some, however, have fallen to the chaotic influence of the Outer Gods. Titans often embody the raw forces of nature—mountains, oceans, storms, and more. Once vanquished, they do not truly die, but slowly reform over vast spans of time, their essence forever part of the world they shape.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Kedem's mechanics are built around the core pillars of player freedom and power fantasy. The systems are designed to be intuitive yet deep, allowing for diverse playstyles to emerge. From the progression of a naked survivor to a legendary hero, every mechanic is tied to the world's lore. This section explores the core gameplay loops, player attributes, and magic systems.
Player Progression: A Hero's Journey
Early Game: Survival
Players begin naked and vulnerable, gathering basic resources to craft tools, build shelter, and fend off creatures of the night. This phase is about pure survival and taking the first steps by choosing a divine blessing.
Mid Game: Establishment
Focus shifts to building advanced bases, acquiring steel weapons and armor, and engaging more deeply with the gods by fulfilling their requests. Alliances and trade with other players become crucial.
End Game: Power Fantasy
The ultimate stage where legends are forged. Players can delve into the procedurally generated Labyrinth to slay the Minotaur, hunt for unique Legendary Relics, or master a domain to challenge its respective god for a chance at ascension.
Player Attributes
Visualization of core player resource relationships.
Magic Systems
Sorcerer
Natural-born magic users who develop their own power through sheer will and progression in the Arcana.
Warlock
Borrow power by striking contracts with powerful entities, building monuments to strengthen their connection and magical abilities.
Cleric
Gain magical powers and boons through dedicated worship, catching the attention of a patron god.
Casting & Resources
Casting spells requires time; players must channel mana, with the spell's effectiveness increasing with the amount invested. The primary magical attributes are Max Mana and Mana Flow (channeling speed). Crystals are a key resource, used to store mana safely and as a form of currency among mages.