Everything you need to know:

Full Title: Riptide Raiders

Font: Blackbeard (Adobe Fonts) a stylized pirate-serif typeface with sharp edges and a weathered, maritime flair.

Use: Primary game title and branding mark across all media (cover art, UI, banners, and faction crests).

Logo

Description:

A bold black-silhouette emblem featuring two opposing ships presented side-by-side in a unified circular composition, symbolizing the two major factions of the game.

On the left, a Viking longship is depicted with a fierce dragon-headed prow and round shields lining the hull. Its sail displays the Vegvísir, the Norse guidance rune, representing the seafaring strength, tradition, and warrior culture of the Viking faction.

On the right, a pirate galleon rises with square rigging and a billowing sail marked by the classic skull and crossbones, capturing the lawless, adventurous, and lethal identity of the pirate faction.

Both ships are framed within a sharp, stylized compass rose, tying them together in a single powerful graphic without merging them into one craft. Beneath them, curling, flowing waves reinforce the maritime theme and the constant struggle for dominance at sea.

The design is meant to visually represent the duality and rivalry between the two key factions Viking and Pirate through strong, clean, iconic black linework.

Color Palette:

Currently rendered in black on transparent for flexible deployment across color variants. Future versions may incorporate seaworthy tones deep navy, aged gold, storm-gray, and bronze patina to emphasize realism and thematic richness.

Game Concept

Overview:

Riptide Raiders is a multiplayer open-world adventure set across a boundless oceanic realm forged in Unreal Engine 5. Players sail through vast, living seas filled with peril, treasure, and myth commanding their own ships and crews as they carve their legacy into the tides.

Core Gameplay Pillars:

● Multiplayer Ocean Sandbox: Explore, raid, trade, and battle across a shared, persistent world teeming with rival factions, sea monsters, and evolving seasonal events.

● Cross-Platform Access: Fully synchronized gameplay across PC, console, and mobile, enabling a unified player base.

● Web3 Integration: True player ownership through NFT-based ships, crews, and island territories, forming a player-driven economy and metaverse-ready ecosystem.

● Dynamic Ocean Simulation: Real-time waves, weather, and storm systems impact navigation, combat, and exploration using advanced Unreal Engine 5 physics.

● Faction Warfare: Join one of four major seafaring factions, each with unique strengths, aesthetics, and philosophies that shape world conflicts.

● Seasonal World Events: Global narrative arcs and time-limited challenges that reshape the seas and reward the most daring captains.

Gameplay Loop:

Players will command customizable ships and recruit diverse crews, engaging in:

● Ship-to-ship combat blending tactical positioning with cinematic brawling.
● Island raids and treasure hunts that uncover ancient artifacts and hidden wealth.
● Fleet battles where factions clash in epic large-scale warfare across the Eternal Sea.

Genre & Feel:

A fusion of naval combat action and fantasy adventure RPG, blending fast-paced ship battles with strategic seafaring and persistent world exploration.

Long-Term Vision:

To evolve Riptide Raiders:into a Metaverse-scale experience, where players shape the economy, territories, and politics of the sea through ownership, trade, and conquest all while Blending with the existing Ultra Kingdoms Multiverse.

Game Modes

Riptide Raiders features a suite of interconnected modes built in Unreal Engine 5.
Every mode blends PvE, PvP, PvPvE, and sandbox systems with zero pay-to-win.
All power is earned through skill, risk, exploration, and legend.

1. Exploration Mode (Open Waters / Freeplay Sandbox)

A persistent free-roam mode connecting the world’s regions.

Core Features:

Discover islands, shipwrecks, hidden caves, and NPC traders
Dynamic weather & random encounters

Storms
Ghost ships
Traveling merchants

Sail, trade, fish, salvage, and hunt Leviathans with full freedom
Build island homesteads, run trade routes, and uncover long-form story quests

Purpose:
Relaxed exploration, resource gathering, lore discovery, and cooperative sailing.

2. Raid Mode (PvE & Co-op) “Storm, Steal, Escape”

Players travel to villages, towns, fortresses, and ports to conduct structured raids.

Objectives & Rewards:

Steal gold
Acquire rare crafting materials
Capture hostages/prisoners for ransom
Loot ship upgrade components
Different factions target different regions

Vikings raid southern coastal towns
Pirates raid northern settlements

Core Flow:
Infiltrate → Breach vault → Grab loot → Survive waves → Escape to ship before reinforcements arrive

Tone:
Starts stealthy, ends chaotic.

3. Plotted Heists (Scripted Missions)

Cinematic treasure missions where crews hunt down legendary caches.

Includes:

Defending treasure under enemy attack
Light environmental puzzles & clue-hunting
Trap defusal
Time-pressured escapes from collapsing ruins or enemy fleets
Can be faction-specific or neutral

Gameplay Style:
High tension, puzzle-solving, tactical combat, and precision teamwork.

4. Treasure Hunt (PvPvE Exploration & Conflict)

A procedural island expedition mode.

Highlights:

Procedurally generated maps
Ancient riddles and crypt puzzles
Dynamic Leviathan or cursed guardian boss fights
Rival crews can ambush mid-mission

Identity:
Exploration + puzzle-solving + surprise PvP elements.

5. PvP Open-Water Battles (Faction Warfare)

Freeform naval combat across open seas.

Features:

Ship vs. ship or fleet vs. fleet
Capture-the-flag style objectives

Floating treasure crates
Island takeover points

Alliances, betrayals, ambushes
Seamlessly integrates into Exploration Mode

Tone:
Chaotic, emergent, strategic.

6. Fleet Clash (PvP 4v4 Competitive Mode)

Tightly balanced naval arena for competitive players.

Features:

4v4 naval squads
Boarding actions and melee duels
Skill-based ship positioning and crew synergy
Comeback mechanics through critical volleys and timed abilities

7. PvP Arena Battles (Instanced Combat Maps)

Fast, focused, pick-up-and-play PvP.

Map Examples:

Cannon Brawl Arena (Pirate-themed bombardment map)
Shieldwall Clash (Viking melee/boarding arena)
Naval Gauntlet (mixed long-range + boarding lanes)

Style:
Quick matches, tight balance, high replay value.

8. Sea Monster Boss Fights (PvE Raids)

Epic multi-crew boss encounters across the ocean.

Kraken

Tentacle grabs
Ship-sinking whirlpools
Central eye weak point surfaces intermittently

Megalodon

Shock ambushes from below
Bites chunks from the hull
Must be harpooned to slow or control

Sea Serpent

Coils around ships
Poison spit or electric-variant attacks
Requires coordinated crew to break constriction

Scaling:
Fights adapt to ship size, crew count, and regional difficulty.

9. Crew Builder (Co-op Class Synergy Mode)

A mode for experimenting with cross-faction builds.

Purpose:

Test class combinations (e.g., Viking boarder + Drowned caster)
Co-op challenge runs
Experimentation, optimization, and mastery

Identity:
A creative lab for team synergy.

Seasonal / Special Mode The Maelstrom Arena

A rotating endgame event inside the world’s largest permanent storm.

Format:

Battle Royale–style PvP inside a giant ocean vortex
Dynamic storm hazards
High-stakes naval combat
Winner earns prestige cosmetics and titles

Special Event:
Every 100th battle triggers a Leviathan Break Event
→ All players must temporarily cooperate as a colossal sea monster rises inside the storm.

Access:
Through a Maelstrom Pass not pay-to-win; earned through prestige and challenge.

Core Gameplay Loops

Phase One – Narrative Exploration Loop:

Players begin by selecting a Captain/Ship (NFT) and exploring the map region by region. Gameplay focuses on lore discovery, faction intrigue, and survival in tiered ocean zones:

Region Danger Level Encounter Type

Shallow Shores Low Danger, Exploration, resource gathering

Sundrown Reaches Medium Danger, Lurkers, minor Leviathans

Frostwake Expanse Medium Danger, Sea Serpents

Drowned Trench High Danger, Kraken-class threats

Abyssal Crown Extreme Danger, All Leviathans active

Loop Summary:

Select Captain → Explore Map → Encounter Events → Earn Titles & Reputation → Progress to Deeper Waters.

Phase Two – Full Naval Progression Loop:

Once ships are unlocked, the Riptide Raiders world transitions into a full sailing and combat simulation loop:

Core Flow:

Sail → Explore → Fight → Loot → Return to Port → Upgrade → Venture Deeper → Enter Maelstrom → Earn Legend

● Treasure weight affects speed and risk.

● Cargo must be delivered to ports to secure gains (e.g., 1,000 value = 1 coin) to prevent inflation.

● Loss at sea means total cargo loss true high-stakes adventure.

The Maelstrom

Core Concept:

A locked, high-stakes endgame arena at the world’s center. Available only to Maelstrom Battle-Pass holders.

Access & Pass System

Pass Type

Duration Benefits

Standard 90 days Full access, base rewards Cost -20$

Premium 90 days Faster cosmetic unlocks, lore journals Cost - 30$

● Pass holders can enter the Maelstrom Arena; others may only spectate or engage in peripheral events.

● Passes grant accelerated progression does notgive you the items just more convenient access but only to ~80% of total gear potential full mastery still requires rare materials earned through missions and Leviathan hunts.

Arena Format

Feature Description

Type Battle Royale–style naval PvP

Players 16–40 ships

Entry Paid in-game gold stake (1k–5k

tier-based)

Reward Shared gold pot + cosmetic tokens

Event Every 100th battle = Leviathan Break

Duration 15–25 minutes

Victory Last Ship or Fleet Standing

Pot Distribution:

Placement Reward

1st 80% of pot

2nd–3rd 10% shared

Leviathan Survivors Cosmetic Token

Others Minor XP

Economy Integration:

● Entry gold partially recycled into port taxes and storm events.

● Unclaimed pots roll over to next matches, escalating stakes.

Reward Structure

● Cosmetics Only: Outfits, sails, tattoos, ship décor, titles, emotes, lore unlocks. ● Signature Reward Each Season:

○ Unique Captain outfit bundle

○ Ship sail + figurehead

○ Helm crest or badge

○ Exclusive, never reissued

● Progression: Earn XP naturally through gameplay; no forced grind.

Progression Philosophy

● Pass = Access, not Power.

● Players reach ~80% upgrade capacity via the Pass.

● Final 20% mastery demands in-world exploration, faction raids, and Leviathan encounters.

“The storm sells you passage not glory.

The sea makes you earn that.”

Maelstrom System Summary

Feature Status

Locked Arena Pass Holders Only
Entry Pot Gold-Based
Reward Type Prestige Cosmetic Gold coins to Top Three
Power Scaling 80% Access / 20% Earned
Leviathan Events Every 100th Match
Seasonal Identity Fully Integrated
Rolling Pot Economy Active

Ship Progression & Systems

Starting Ships:

Faction Starting Vessel Traits

Pirates Skiff Fast, agile, light weapons
Vikings Skiff Durable, melee-focused
Drowned Salt-Logged Skiff Fragile but channeling dark power
Storm Riders Storm Skiff Lightning-quick, unstable in storms

Tier Progression:
Tier 1: Small vessels usually a skiff low durability but easy to maneuver.
Tier 2: Medium duty ships, sail powered, Incredibly durable but slower that tier 3.
Tier 3: Large full sized ships built for hauling crew/cargo long distance and battling.
Tier 4: Rare ships Massive in stature built for battling Leviathan’s and Finishing anyone in the path. Powered by Mystical spirit Relics.

Upgrade Materials

Upgrade

Materials

Sources

Hull Reinforcement/repair

Timber planks

Driftwood,Beaches,Wrecks

Weapon racks/ Weaponry

Iron Bits

Raids,Blacksmiths

Speed & control

Sailcloth & Rigging

Trade/ Port shops

Tier 4 Ships

Spirit Relics

Ruins/ Leviathan events

Hull Integrity System:

Hull Health %

Status

Gameplay impact

100-70%

Stable

Full Performance

69-40%

Strained

Reduced Turning/Speed

39-15%

Critical

Water intake, Heavy drag

14-0%

Sinking

Jettison 50% cargo to survive gives you 25% ship health only available one time while at sea.

Crew size affects repair capacity larger crews repair more but require coordination. Solo captains can survive but not dominate.

Boarding & Combat

Triggered via grappling hooks, collisions, or beaching.

Allows crew vs. crew melee, class synergy, and heroic duels between captains.

Emphasis on cinematic, earned victories, risk-based loot, and legendary repute.

Factions

1. Vikings

● Element / Alignment: Ice / Frost

● Core Identity: Northern raiders driven by honor, conquest, and survival. ● Ships: Karves durable longships built for ramming and boarding.

● Combat Style: Close-quarters melee, axe and shield warfare, berserker boarding.
● Naval Design: Heavy timber hulls, carved runestones, iron trims, frozen sails.
● Visual Tone: Frosted steel, glacial blues, furs, snow-weathered wood.
● Special Traits: High hull durability, limited ranged firepower, morale-based crew buffs.

2. The Drowned

● Element / Alignment: Shadow / Decay / Abyss

● Core Identity: Revenant sailors cursed to serve the depths beyond death.
● Ships: Salt-Logged Cutters rotted hulls animated by abyssal energy.
● Combat Style: Ambush warfare, fog and darkness manipulation, necrotic hexes. ● Naval Design: Coral-encrusted decks, dripping kelp, barnacle armor plating.
● Visual Tone: Black-green corrosion, ghostly blue glow, eerie seaweed banners.

● Special Traits: Self-repair over time in water, spectral boarding parties, morale drain on nearby crews.

3. Storm Riders

● Element / Alignment: Lightning / Wind / Storm

● Core Identity: Skyborne nomads who channel thunder to master the seas.
● Ships: Storm Skiffs fast, unstable vessels charged with storm energy.
● Combat Style: Hit-and-run strikes, lightning-charged harpoons, high-speed maneuvers. ● Naval Design: Sleek aerodynamic hulls, metal rigging, storm-veined sails.
● Visual Tone: Teal, silver, white; arcing electricity and cloud-wrapped decks.
● Special Traits: Superior speed in storms, electric weapon boosts, volatile hull control.

4. Pirates

● Element / Alignment: Fire / Sun / Brine

● Core Identity: Free captains and privateers bound by greed, legend, and liberty. ● Ships: Sloops & Warhulls agile vessels built for broadside brawls and raids.
● Combat Style: Cannon volleys, explosive traps, swashbuckling crew combat.
● Naval Design: Weathered wood, gilded fixtures, patched sails, flame-lit decks.

● Visual Tone: Burnished gold, black, crimson; embers and smoke trailing from cannon ports.

● Special Traits: High firepower, morale surge on kills, vulnerable to weather hazards.

Every captain begins their journey aboard a basic vessel, tied to their chosen faction. Ships are earned and grown, they evolve through exploration, salvage, and combat victory. Or by burning 3 of the same level ships to jump a tier.

Ship Growth

Ships level through use, or burning NFT’s.

Upgrades are achieved via:

● Salvage (wreck recovery, derelict exploration)

● Victory spoils (combat wins and plunder)

● Found artifacts (exploration-based rewards)

● Hidden Ruins (rare loot sites)

● Leviathan remains/relics (legendary material drops)

Repair Mechanics

● Repair kits are limited by crew size:

○ Solo player → max 10% repair

○ 5+ player crew → max 50% repair

● Larger ships require more crew to reach full repair potential.

Repairs consume salvaged resources (timber, iron) and take time encouraging cooperative maintenance.

Treasure & Cargo Weight

Carrying treasure impacts ship performance:

● More weight → slower speed and tighter risk margin.

● Captains must decide between profit and safety.

● Risk = Reward heavy cargo increases bounty and notoriety if safely delivered.

Sinking Rule

When a ship reaches critical status, captains may dump cargo to stabilize: 50% dump = +1 chance to survive. Boosts to 25% ship health

This risk/reward mechanic reinforces real stakes and crew decision-making. Combat & Risk Systems

● Boarding Combat: Triggered by grappling hooks, collisions, or intentional beaching leads to crew-vs-crew melee and captain duels.

● Economic Risk: Treasure and salvage must be returned to ports to secure gains.
○ Conversion rate: 1,000 treasure value = 1 coin (to maintain economic stability).
● Crew Size: Impacts repair rate, combat endurance, and boarding strength.

● Persistent World Impact: Lost ships remain as wrecks that can be scavenged by others.

Crew System & Capacity

Each ship class supports a defined number of crew slots a mix of player-controlled and AI crew that scale with the vessel’s tier.

Tier

Base crew

Purchasable slots

1-Small Vessel

1-2

2- Medium Vessel

3-5

3- Large Vessel

6-10

4- Rare Leviathan ship

12-15

Crew management determines efficiency in sailing, repair speed, combat, and special abilities. Crew Capacity by Ship Tier

Hard Cap: No vessel exceeds 16 total slots (prevents server imbalance in large fleet play).

Base Crew Slots = default operational team (AI or player).

Purchasable Slots = expand capacity using crew deeds or earned upgrades (via ports or world events).

Crew Role System

Each role affects ship performance dynamically.

A well-balanced crew outperforms a larger but poorly managed one.

Role Function

Helmsman Controls ship maneuvering and speed efficiency.

Deckhand Handles maintenance and small repairs; improves response during critical hull damage.

Gunner Operates cannons and artillery; precision and reload rate scale with skill.

Sailmaster Controls wind catch, sail repair, and storm resistance.

Quartermaster Manages cargo, morale, and crew efficiency bonuses.

Boarder Boosts melee combat during boarding actions.

Navigator Reduces travel time and storm damage; improves Leviathan detection.

Crew Acquisition & Upgrade

○ Found at ports, taverns, or as survivors from shipwrecks.

○ Crew members possess traits (Loyal, Drunkard, Lucky, Cursed, etc.) affecting morale and performance.

● Purchasable Slots:

○ Bought through Captain Rank milestones or port licenses (not direct currency purchase).

○ Slots expand crew management capacity, not power scaling.

● Crew Loss:

○ Crew can die during ship destruction or boarding.

○ Fallen crew become part of the sea’s myth occasionally found as revenant NPCs or in Drowned service.

Crew Synergy

Combining roles and faction backgrounds yields passive bonuses:

● Viking + Storm Rider synergy = increased boarding aggression.

● Drowned + Pirate synergy = stealth boarding and faster plundering.

● Storm Rider + Drowned synergy = weather and fog advantage.

● Full-faction crews = morale and elemental affinity boosts.

Leviathans & World Threats

Core Role & Philosophy

Leviathans are non-playable world events and hazards massive sea creatures that shape the atmosphere, define progression, and build player legend through survival.

They are unfarmable, unpredictable, and untamable.

Each appearance rewrites the sea, forcing temporary alliances or desperate escapes. Purpose & Function

● Atmospheric Driver: Deeper waters mean greater Leviathan presence, transforming calm seas into mythic danger zones.

● Emergent Hazard: Sightings trigger panic, alliances, or hunts. Players choose fight, flight, or witness.

● Progression Catalyst: Spirit Relics and rare materials found near Leviathan territories unlock Tier IV ships and captain prestige lines.

● Prestige Rewards: Survivors gain titles, hull markings, and mythic cosmetics no numerical advantages.

Specific Leviathans & Encounters

Lurkers

Guardians of ancient ruins and treasure vaults.
Region / Mode: Treasure Hunt
Rewards: Elite-tier cosmetics found in relic chests.

Sea Serpents

Ice-veined hunters that stalk frozen channels.
Associated Region / Mode: Frostwake Expanse / Viking territories
Rewards: Reputation gains, frozen-scale salvage materials.

Megalodon

Apex predator of the mid-seas; specializes in fast ambush attacks.
Region / Mode: Storm-Torn Rift / Open Waters
Rewards: Trophy teeth, hull scar markings, unique figurehead décor.

Kraken

Abyssal tentacled horror dwelling within the Drowned Trench.
Region / Mode: Drowned Trench / Faction Events
Rewards: Spirit relics for Tier IV ships.

World Serpent

Ancient, world-spanning creature of legend.
Region / Mode: Abyssal Crown
Rewards: “World Serpent Herald” title and a mythic cosmetic aura.

Leviathan-God

Mythic apex of all sea monsters; trigger for the Maelstrom Break event.
Region / Mode: Maelstrom Arena / Endgame World encounters
Rewards: Legendary trophy sets, deep-lore unlocks.

Gameplay Integration

Treasure Hunt Mode:

Players uncover riddles leading to guarded vaults, Lurkers or Serpents ambush as environmental events.

Maelstrom Arena:

Every 100th battle spawns a Leviathan Break Event crews must unite to survive before resuming the fight for the pot.

Open Waters:

Random mid-ocean encounters (Megalodon / Kraken sightings). Crews can chase for salvage or flee to preserve cargo.

Ship Progression:

● Spirit Relics acquired from Leviathan sites enable Tier IV legendary ship construction. ● Leviathan materials craft faction-themed cosmetics and hull engravings.

Event Dynamics & Risk

Emote-capable legendary cosmetic line.

● Sightings → Stories: Leviathan events are cinematic not constant fights but tense encounters that create shared legends (“we outran a Kraken”).

● Evasion Gameplay: Success often means surviving or escaping rather than killing. ● Alliance Moments: Rival factions may pause conflict to survive a Leviathan emergence.

● Salvage Weight: Post-encounter salvage increases ship weight, adding risk until secured at port.

● No Repeat Farm: Each appearance is unique, timed, and non-grindable.

World Impact & Economy

● Wreck Sites: Leviathan attacks generate dynamic salvage events visible on the map.

● Port Contracts: Factions issue temporary bounties for Leviathan fragments or Spirit Relics.

● Market Flux: Regional resource prices spike after sightings.

● Faction Dominance: Regions under heavy Leviathan threat may shift control or access.

Progression & Legacy

Surviving Leviathan encounters permanently influence:

● Captain Titles and Reputation

● Crew Morale and Loyalty

● Ship Insignias (glowing runes or cursed etchings)

● Faction Standing and Access to Elite Ports

“The deeper you sail, the older the sea becomes and the hungrier it gets.” Economy & Ports

Economic Core

The world of Riptide Raiders runs on a player-driven maritime economy built on faction loyalty, risk, and wealth management.

Every coin has a story earned through raids, trade, or triumphs in the Maelstrom. The seas reward daring, not grinding.

“Gold buys ships. Loyalty buys safety.”

Currency System

Gold

Source: Earned from voyages, trade, raids, and Maelstrom victories.
Primary Use: Purchases up to 80% of ships, weapons, crew, and cosmetics.

Relic Tokens

Source: Gained from Leviathan encounters, ancient ruins, and deep-sea expeditions.
Primary Use: Used to forge the final 20% of legendary-tier upgrades.

Faction Marks

Source: Rewarded for completing faction missions and long-form contracts.
Primary Use: Unlocks exclusive ships, faction cosmetics, and unique harbor privileges.

Trade Goods

Source: Commodities such as spices, timber, gems, and rum.
Primary Use: Bought and sold along regional trade routes for profit-driven gameplay.

Ports & Faction Tax System

Ports are the economic lifeblood of the seas, governed by faction control and player influence. Faction alignment determines trade tax, harbor safety, and access to exclusive markets.

Faction-Based Tax Rules

● Your Faction’s Port: 0% Tax Loyalty pays dividends.

● Neutral / Freeport: 10% Tax Safe and balanced trade.

● Rival Faction Port: 20% Tax Risky docking, high fees, chance of hostility.
● Pirate Haven: Variable (5–25%) Influenced by reputation and bounty.

● Drowned Anchorage / Forbidden Ports: No tax; trades occur through favor and relic exchange.

“Sail under your banner, and you’re family. Dock under another’s and you pay for the privilege.”

Port Types

Faction Port

Description: Safe harbor operating under your faction’s banner.
Tax: 0%
Risk: Low
Access: Requires faction allegiance.

Rival Port

Description: Port controlled by enemy forces.
Tax: 20%
Risk: High
Access: May trigger PvP ambushes on entry.

Freeport

Description: Neutral trading hub ideal for diplomacy and open commerce.
Tax: 10%
Risk: Medium
Access: Open to all players.

Pirate Haven

Description: Lawless city filled with raiders, smugglers, and black-market vendors.
Tax: 5–25%
Risk: High
Access: PvP always active.

Drowned Anchorage

Description: Deep-sea relic market built within abyssal ruins.
Tax: None
Risk: Extreme
Access: Drowned faction only.

Storm Rider Skyport

Description: Floating fortress carried within storm currents.
Tax: 10%
Risk: Medium
Access: Storm Rider faction only access

Purchasables & the 80% Rule

Upgrades, gear, and ships can be purchased up to 80% of their total power using standard currency.
The remaining 20% mastery must be earned through exploration, rare resources, Leviathan encounters, and major world events.

Ship Maintenance & Repair

Ship damage is persistent and must be addressed at ports.
Available services depend on port ownership and faction loyalty.

Services

Hull Repair

Base Cost: 1,000–10,000 gold
Faction Discount: –20%
Description: Restores hull integrity, fixes leaks, and repairs structural damage.

Cannon Refit

Base Cost: 2,000–6,000 gold
Faction Discount: –10%
Description: Cleans, recalibrates, and improves firing rate and reliability.

Sail Replacement

Base Cost: 2,000 gold
Faction Discount: –10%
Description: Replaces torn or burned rigging and restores maneuverability.

Hull Cleansing

Base Cost: 5,000 gold
Faction Discount: –25%
Description: Removes curses, corruption buildup, or abyssal taint.

Crew Healing

Base Cost: 500 gold per crew member
Faction Discount: –15%
Description: Restores vitality, morale, and combat-readiness to crew.

Trade & Supply System

The economy fluctuates dynamically storms, faction wars, and Leviathans alter markets. Key Mechanics:

● Supply & demand shift globally.

● Trade cargo slows ships and increases risk.

● Faction loyalty yields tax-free trade and bonuses.

● Trade losses directly impact your faction’s economy and port strength.

Example Commodities:

Material Source Market Role

Timber Planks Driftwood beaches Hull repair

Iron Fittings Raider forts Ship upgrades

Sailcloth Trade ports Speed and agility

Abyssal Coral Leviathan sites Decorative crafting

Rum & Spices Freeports Crew morale & trade profit

Crew Economy & Upkeep

Crew Morale Overview

Crew morale depends on steady pay, fair treatment, and consistent victories at sea.
Unpaid crews become demoralized, reducing combat performance and repair efficiency.

Crew Tiers & Weekly Pay

Basic Crew (Tier 1–4)

Weekly Pay: 500–1,000 gold
Notes: Maintains stable morale with standard treatment.

Standard Crew (Tier 5–8)

Weekly Pay: 2,000–4,000 gold
Notes: Requires occasional tavern morale boosts to stay loyal and effective.

Veteran Crew (Tier 9–12)

Weekly Pay: 6,000–10,000 gold
Notes: Needs high-quality rations, consistent pay, and successful voyages.

Elite Crew (Tier 13–16)

Weekly Pay: 12,000+ gold
Notes: Demands rare rum, prestigious victories, and strong leadership.

Black Markets & Relic Traders

Hidden smugglers offer unique opportunities for captains willing to risk reputation. Services Include:

● Relic Brokers: Trade fragments for crafting materials.

● Smugglers: Evade faction taxes risk of bounty increase.
● Shadow Auctions: Bid on mythic cosmetics or relic parts.

Reputation & Allegiance

Your faction loyalty directly affects your economy, taxes, and access.

Faction Loyalist

Earned From: Trading within faction ports, defending faction territory.
Economic Benefit: 0% tax, repair discounts, priority dock access.

Neutral Trader

Earned From: Maintaining balanced alliances, avoiding major conflicts.
Economic Benefit: Moderate taxes; access to most standard ports.

Smuggler

Earned From: Running pirate or rogue trade routes, avoiding authorities.
Economic Benefit: Low taxes but comes with high risk; access to covert markets.

Outlaw

Earned From: Attacking faction ports, raiding civilian vessels.
Economic Benefit: Black-market access only; barred from legitimate ports.

Relic Hunter

Earned From: Leviathan salvage, ancient ruins, deep-sea expeditions.
Economic Benefit: Access to relic forges and high-end upgrade crafting

Economic Philosophy

● Faction allegiance = zero tax and protection.

● Rival trade = profit and peril.

● 80% of progression is purchasable, but costly.

● The last 20% must be earned through mastery and survival.

“You can buy your way to power

but you have to sail your way to greatness.”

System Summary

Faction-Based Taxes

0% tax when aligned with your faction.
Standard or increased taxes when docking elsewhere.

80% Purchasable Cap

Fully enforced across gear, ships, and upgrades.
The final 20% requires world engagement, relics, or events.

Maintenance Costs

Persistent and always active.
Requires regular repairs, cleansing, and upkeep.

Dynamic Markets

The economy fluctuates based on region, conflict, and supply/demand.

Crew Upkeep

Fully integrated weekly pay and morale system.

Black Markets

Active in pirate regions and covert ports.
Offer rare or illicit goods with risk.

Reputation System

Economically integrated; affects taxes, access, and benefits.

Captain Progression & Reputation

Overview

Captains in Riptide Raiders are measured by legend, loyalty, and legacy not levels or arbitrary stats.

Every voyage, trade, and survival contributes to the story written in the tides. “Experience fades. Legend echoes.”

Progression System

Key Pillars:

● Earned Renown: The measure of all public deeds and victories.

● Faction Reputation: Determines safety, taxes, and allies.

● Economic Influence: Wealth and trade power shape ports and crew morale. ● Legacy: Unique titles and cosmetics that persist across seasons.

Core Loop:

Sail → Fight → Earn → Trade → Upgrade → Gain Legend.

Faction Standing
Source: Missions, defense contracts, port protection.
Benefit: 0% tax in aligned ports and exclusive faction-only harbor access.

Renown
Source: Surviving Leviathan encounters and winning Maelstrom events.
Benefit: Discounted repairs and access to high-tier crew members.

Infamy
Source: Piracy, smuggling, and raiding rival ports.
Benefit: Black market access and Corsair-themed cosmetics.

Spiritual Favor
Source: Exploring ruins, gathering relics, and interacting with Leviathan forces.
Benefit: Mystic gear unlocks and spiritual aura cosmetics.

Commerce Rank
Source: Successful trade routes, delivery streaks, and merchant efficiency.
Benefit: Trade discounts, port prestige, and stronger bargaining power.

Rank Structure

Rank Title Unlocks

I Deckhand Basic ship, small crew

II Corsair Freeport access, first upgrades

III Raider Choose faction allegiance

IV Sea Warden Command 8+ crew, unlock Tier III ships V Leviathan Hunter Relic access, Tier IV blueprints

VI Maelstrom Veteran

Arena access, seasonal cosmetics

VII Tideborn Captain Faction mastery, elite ports VIII Eternal Legend Permanent world title and custom crest

Titles & Auras

Storm-Scarred
Requirement: 100 Maelstrom victories
Effect: Lightning aura

Krakenbound
Requirement: Survive the Drowned Trench event
Effect: Abyssal glow

Saltborn
Requirement: Sail 1,000 nautical leagues
Effect: Gold trim + unique sea shanty

Breaker of Waves
Requirement: Unite all factions once
Effect: Custom ship crest

Tideborn
Requirement: Reach Eternal Legend rank
Effect: Bioluminescent wake trail

Captain Identity Card

Each captain has a persistent record visible in ports and alliances: ● Captain name, faction, and insignia

● Current rank and active title

● Reputation bars (Faction, Commerce, Infamy, Spiritual)

● Crew emblem and ship crest

● Auras and cosmetic badges

These evolve visually based on playstyle and faction alignment.

Legacy Rewards

Your deeds persist between seasons:

● Portraits in Freeport taverns

● Statues in owned ports

● Hall of Legends access

● “Bloodline” system for future captains (inherits cosmetic lineage) ● World Chronicle entries recording your exploits

“Names fade from memory but legends get carved into the hull of time.”
Rank Progression – Renown-based progression system, fully dynamic.

Reputation System – Fully dynamic, influenced by player actions across all regions.

Legacy Titles – Cosmetic and historical; persist across seasons.

Seasonal Persistence – Active; progress carries forward with seasonal refreshes.

Faction Ties – Direct economic impact; affects taxes, access, and services.

Captain Identity – Fully customizable via gear, titles, and auras.

Endgame Loop – Legend-tier progression active; centered on high-stakes challenges.

Damage Types & How They Interact

Physical Damage

Cannons, ballista, arrows, harpoons, rams
Reduced by Armor

Fire Damage

Fire pots, explosive kegs, flaming arrows
Bypasses armor, burns structural integrity
Ships can take:

Burn Damage Over Time (BDOT)
Permanent hull degradation if not extinguished

Water Damage

Comes from hull breaches & monster attacks
Slowly decreases HP until repaired

Impact Damage

Rams, Megalodon bites, collisions
Partially bypasses armor

Monsters & Their Damage Profiles

Kraken

Tentacle slam = high physical dmg
Ship grab = immobilization + integrity loss
Abyssal pull (whirlpool) = hull stress over time

Megalodon

Bite = massive impact dmg (30% ignores armor)
Tail smash = AoE knockback
Charge = hull breach guaranteed

Sea Serpent

Coil = constriction DoT
Acid spit = fire/poison hybrid
Lightning variant = stun + electrical burn

Repair System

Standard Repairs

Done by any crew
Fix hull breaches, restore HP slowly

Emergency Patching

Quick, temporary fix
Stops water intake
Reduces max HP until fully repaired in port

Full Drydock Repair

Restores ship to 100% max HP
Removes debuffs
Repairs sails, masts, ballista/cannon mounts

Critical Damage States

On Fire

Spreads across decks
Crew must extinguish or the ship loses integrity rapidly

Broken Mast

Ship loses 50% speed
Repairable mid-battle (takes time)

Hull Breach

Water leaks in
Must be patched immediately

Crew Panic (Morale Zero)

Ship partially loses control
Boarding defense drops by 50%
Can surrender in PvP

RIPTIDE RAIDERS NFT INTEGRATION OVERVIEW

The Riptide Raiders NFT Collection is a curated set of Captain Deeds that grant far more than beautiful artwork.
Each Deed represents a sworn captain within the Riptide Raiders world and unlocks identity, prestige, and long-term world influence.

NFT ART STRUCTURE

Each NFT appears as a parchment-style Captain Deed, overlaid onto one of several unique backgrounds.
Backgrounds vary by theme (oceanic, storm, forest, faction-specific, mythic, etc.) and help distinguish rarity and identity within the collection.

Every NFT contains the following visual components:

1. Captain Status Icon (Top Left)

A black-ink illustration representing the captain's role:

Leviathan Handler
Gunner Captain
Quartermaster Captain
Boarder Captain
Navigator Captain

2. Seal of Fate (Top Right)

A wax-pressed emblem displaying one of the 13 Seals.
Each seal uses unique embossed artwork tied to its lore.

3. Personal Quote (Centered)

One of 20 unique quotes, displayed on the deed to personalize each captain.

4. Ship & Rank (Lower Half)

A faction ship rendered in black-ink linework, with:

Ship Size (Small, Medium, Large) shown in the lower-left
Ship Rank (1–3) displayed in the lower-right as stacked faction emblems

5. Unique Background

Each NFT uses one of several custom backgrounds, offering variety without requiring individual documentation.

CAPTAIN STATUS ROLES

Every Deed assigns one Core Captain Class:

Leviathan Handler

Bonded to deep-sea monsters. Specialists in Leviathan hunting, taming, and encounters.

Gunner Captain

Masters of cannons, volleys, and precision bombardment. The artillery backbone of any fleet.

Quartermaster Captain

Tactical overseers. Excel in resource management, repairs, crew morale, and operational efficiency.

Boarder Captain

Close-quarters raiders. Dominate boarding combat, infiltration, and ship invasions.

Navigator Captain

Pathfinders and storm-readers. Piercing fog, guiding fleets, and finding hidden routes.

These roles define identity, unlock cosmetic potential, and influence lore-driven interactions never gameplay power.

FACTION SHIP ASSIGNMENT

Each NFT Deed includes a starting ship from one of the world’s factions:

Pirates
Vikings
Storm Riders
Drowned
Empire / Outlanders (future expansions)

Ship Sizes

Small – Fast raiders and scouts
Medium – Balanced cruisers
Large – Heavy warships and flagships

Lower-left corner of the NFT art:
Shows the ship size (Small / Medium / Large).

Ship Ranks (1–3)

Rank 1 – Basic vessel
Rank 2 – Veteran cosmetic tier
Rank 3 – Prestige origin vessel

Lower-right corner of the NFT art:
Shows the Rank using the faction emblem stacked:
1 emblem = Rank 1
2 emblems = Rank 2
3 emblems = Rank 3

Ranks are cosmetic prestige only for Phase 1.

THE THIRTEEN SEALS OF FATE

Each NFT is stamped with one of the 13 ancient wax seals, each tied to deep lore, rarity, and identity.

Rarity Structure

Common: 5 seals
Rare: 4 seals
Epic: 3 seals
Legendary: 1 seal (The Twin Leviathans)

THE FINAL LORE SET 13 SEALS

1. The Abyss Lantern (Rare)

Symbol: Runic deep-sea lantern
Meaning: Guidance through the dark
Lore: Reveals hidden paths and pierces illusions beneath the world.

2. The Barnacle Crown (Epic)

Symbol: Coral crown
Meaning: Rulership, ancient sea authority
Lore: Whispers of forgotten thrones and tidal dominion.

3. The Captain’s Mark (Common)

Symbol: Crossed spyglasses & compass
Meaning: Leadership, destiny
Lore: The oath-bound mark of every true captain.

4. The Deepfang Banner (Epic)

Symbol: Serpent coiled around a spear
Meaning: Hunt, vengeance
Lore: Carried by feared leviathan hunters.

5. The Drowned King’s Coin (Rare)

Symbol: Kelp-crowned skull
Meaning: Curse, debt
Lore: Owning it means owing the Drowned King himself.

6. The First Wave (Common)

Symbol: Spiral crest
Meaning: Beginnings, momentum
Lore: Embodies the first wave to ever strike land.

7. The Harbinger’s Harpoon (Rare)

Symbol: Hooked harpoon
Meaning: War omen
Lore: Seers of conflict read fate in its spray.

8. The Riptide Crest (Common)

Symbol: Tide-locked compass
Meaning: Chaos, inevitability
Lore: The riptide chooses who it drags under.

9. The Saltforged Knot (Common)

Symbol: Enchanted rope knot
Meaning: Craft, unity
Lore: Seal of ancient shipwrights who wove magic into rope.

10. The Siren’s Promise (Rare)

Symbol: Singing siren
Meaning: Temptation, oath
Lore: Break a vow sworn on this seal and pay with your soul.

11. The Stormcaller’s Eye (Epic)

Symbol: Spiraling storm vortex
Meaning: Tempest mastery
Lore: Grants clarity in storms; rumored to shape lightning itself.

12. The Tidebreaker Fang (Common)

Symbol: Beast fang in twine
Meaning: Dominance, survival
Lore: Worn by raiders who conquer tides through brute will.

13. The Twin Leviathans (Legendary)

Symbol: Two intertwined leviathan heads
Meaning: Balance, ancient power
Lore: Carved from the bones of the first leviathans. Favors monster gods.

THE FULL-SET REWARD MASTER OF THE THIRTEEN

Anyone who collects all 13 Seals earns the right to shape the future of Riptide Raiders.

1. Choose the Next Island or Faction

Full-set collectors design core elements of the next expansion:

Biome
Culture
Faction identity
Signature Leviathan
Lore & story hooks

2. Title: Ruler of the Thirteenth Tide

A permanent, on-chain legendary status.

3. Exclusive Rewards

Ruler’s Badge
Unique “Thirteenfold” ship
Lore integration (quests, NPC mentions, historical canon)
Throne hall within the new island

THE OFFICIAL QUEUE SYSTEM

Because only one island/faction can be developed at a time:

Any player who provides verified proof of owning all 13 Seals

will be added to the official queue through the
Riptide Raiders Official Discord.

Order of verified collectors = order of future Rulers.
Every full-set collector eventually gets their turn to shape the world.

THE BURN DILEMMA POWER OR DESTINY

Ship progression requires burning NFTs, creating strategic tension:

Option A: Burn NFTs → Upgrade Your Ship

Rarer, higher-ranked vessel
But seals permanently leave circulation

Option B: Keep NFTs → Collect All 13 Seals

Enter the Ruler Queue
Become a future world-shaper
Unlock the rarest prestige path in the franchise

You choose your fate power or immortality.

Game Modes

1. Exploration Mode (Open Waters / Freeplay Sandbox)

2. Raid Mode (PvE & Co-op) “Storm, Steal, Escape”

3. Plotted Heists (Scripted Missions)

4. Treasure Hunt (PvPvE Exploration & Conflict)

5. PvP Open-Water Battles (Faction Warfare)

6. Fleet Clash (PvP 4v4 Competitive Mode)

7. PvP Arena Battles (Instanced Combat Maps)

8. Sea Monster Boss Fights (PvE Raids)

Kraken

Megalodon

Sea Serpent

9. Crew Builder (Co-op Class Synergy Mode)

Seasonal / Special Mode The Maelstrom Arena

Specific Leviathans & Encounters

Lurkers

Sea Serpents

Megalodon

Kraken

World Serpent

Leviathan-God

Currency System

Gold

Relic Tokens

Trade Goods

Port Types

Faction Port

Rival Port

Freeport

Pirate Haven

Drowned Anchorage

Storm Rider Skyport

Purchasables & the 80% Rule

Categories

Weapons & Cannons

Ship Hulls & Armor

Crew Expansion

Cosmetics

Captain Gear

Ship Maintenance & Repair

Services

Hull Repair

Cannon Refit

Sail Replacement

Hull Cleansing

Crew Healing

Crew Morale Overview

Crew Tiers & Weekly Pay

Basic Crew (Tier 1–4)

Standard Crew (Tier 5–8)

Veteran Crew (Tier 9–12)

Elite Crew (Tier 13–16)

Reputation & Allegiance

Faction Loyalist

Neutral Trader

Smuggler

Outlaw

Relic Hunter

System Summary

Faction-Based Taxes

80% Purchasable Cap

Maintenance Costs

Dynamic Markets

Crew Upkeep

Black Markets

Reputation System

Damage Types & How They Interact

Physical Damage

Fire Damage

Water Damage

Impact Damage

Monsters & Their Damage Profiles

Kraken

Megalodon

Sea Serpent

Repair System

Standard Repairs

Emergency Patching

Full Drydock Repair

Critical Damage States