// EXECUTIVE_SUMMARY

This roadmap outlines the solo development path for transforming the current D&D 5e MCP server implementation into a multiplayer RPG platform. Development is focused on core functionality first, with visual enhancements planned as post-launch features.

Current State: Sophisticated dual-server architecture with complete D&D 5e mechanics, 97+ MCP tools, AI integration via Claude (Phase 1: 90% complete)

Priority Goals: Universal system support, multiplayer functionality, platform launch

Post-Launch: AI video generation and visual storytelling features

Phase 1: Foundation

90% Complete
Status
90% Complete
Remaining
~2 weeks

Current Status

The foundation is largely complete with:

  • Full D&D 5e implementation (characters, combat, spells, inventory)
  • 97+ MCP tools
  • 3D spatial combat engine
  • Stronghold management system
  • AI DM integration via Roo Code
  • Persistent world state
  • Quest and progression systems

Remaining Work (10%)

1.1 Condition System (Week 1)

Goal: Automatic application of D&D 5e conditions with mechanical effects

CREATE TABLE conditions ( id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY, entity_type TEXT NOT NULL, entity_id INTEGER NOT NULL, condition_name TEXT NOT NULL, duration_rounds INTEGER, save_dc INTEGER, save_ability TEXT, onset_round INTEGER, effects TEXT -- JSON );

New Tools: add_condition(), remove_condition(), get_active_conditions(), process_condition_effects(), tick_conditions()

1.2 Concentration & Duration Tracking (Week 2)

Goal: Automatic concentration saves and spell duration management

Features: Auto-prompt CON save when taking damage, calculate DC = max(10, damage/2), track spell durations, end concentration automatically if save fails

1.3 Rest System (Week 3)

Short Rest: Spend hit dice to recover HP, recover some class features, takes 1 hour in-game time

Long Rest: Recover all HP, recover half of hit dice, recover all spell slots, reduce exhaustion, takes 8 hours in-game time

1.4 Character Import (Week 4)

Sources: D&D Beyond (via unofficial API), CSV files, JSON (structured data)

1.5 Web UI Foundation (Weeks 5-6)

Stack: React + TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, Express backend, WebSocket for real-time updates

Initial Pages: Character sheet (read-only), Inventory viewer, Spell list, Combat log viewer

Phase 1 Deliverables

  • Complete D&D 5e mechanics
  • 100+ MCP tools
  • Automated condition system
  • Concentration tracking
  • Rest mechanics
  • Character import
  • Basic web UI

Phase 2: Universal Systems

Upcoming
Duration
TBD
Focus
Any RPG System

Goal

Enable ANY RPG system to be played, not just D&D 5e.

2.1 Universal RPG Template

Abstract rule engine supporting multiple resolution types:

  • d20 + modifier (D&D, Pathfinder)
  • Dice pool (Shadowrun, World of Darkness)
  • 2d6 + modifier (Powered by the Apocalypse)
  • Percentile (Call of Cthulhu)
  • Narrative (Fate)

2.2 PDF-to-Game Converter

AI Extraction Pipeline:

  1. Extract text from PDF
  2. Identify system type
  3. Extract mechanics using Claude
  4. Build system definition
  5. Validate with automated tests

2.3 System Testing Framework

Test Scenarios: Create 10 valid characters, Roll 100 checks (analyze distribution), Simulate 20 rounds of combat, Level up character 5 times, Test edge cases

2.4 System Marketplace

Features: Search and browse systems, Rating and review system, Download/install with one click, Automatic updates, Creator analytics, Revenue sharing (70% to creator)

Phase 2 Deliverables

  • Universal system engine
  • 5+ RPG systems supported (D&D 5e, CoC, PbtA, Fate, Shadowrun)
  • PDF converter (90%+ accuracy)
  • Testing framework
  • System marketplace
  • 20+ community systems
  • Creator revenue program

Phase 3: Multiplayer & Social

Upcoming
Duration
TBD
Focus
Multiplayer

Goal

Enable groups of 2-6 players to play together online.

3.1 Cloud Infrastructure

Migration: SQLite → PostgreSQL, Add Redis (caching + pub/sub), WebSocket server, Load balancer, CDN for static assets

3.2 Session Management

Features: Create/join sessions, Session browser, Invite system, Spectator mode, Session templates

Chat System: In-character (IC) messages, Out-of-character (OOC) messages, System messages, Private whispers, Dice roll integration

3.3 DM Control Panel

Quick Actions: Adjust HP, Add/remove conditions, Award XP, Give items, Whisper player, Roll dice for NPC

Shared Views: Share images with players, Share battle maps, Share handouts, Control visibility per player

3.4 Session Recording

Replay Features: Play/pause, Speed control (0.5x to 2x), Jump to timestamps, Skip to encounters, Export to video

Phase 3 Deliverables

  • Cloud infrastructure (PostgreSQL + Redis)
  • Real-time synchronization (<100ms latency)
  • Multiplayer sessions (4-6 players)
  • Chat system (IC/OOC/whispers)
  • DM control panel
  • Session recording & replay
  • Support 1000+ concurrent sessions
  • 99.9% uptime

Phase 4: Platform Launch

Upcoming
Duration
TBD
Focus
Commercial Launch

Goal

Transform into polished commercial platform.

4.1 Public Beta

Beta Program: Invite-only access, 1000 beta testers initially, expand to 10,000+, 3 months free premium for beta users

4.2 Subscription Tiers

Tier Price Features
Free $0 3 characters, 720p video, 10 sessions/month
Plus $9.99 10 characters, 1080p video, unlimited sessions, session recording
Pro $19.99 Unlimited characters, 4K video, custom systems, API access
Creator $49.99 Pro + marketplace publishing + 70% revenue share

4.3 Creator Marketplace

Revenue Model: Creators set price (or free), Platform takes 30%, Creator gets 70%, Minimum withdrawal: $50, Monthly payouts via Stripe Connect

4.4 Mobile Apps

React Native Apps:

  • iOS App (native UI, push notifications, offline mode)
  • Android App (Material Design, widget support)
  • Haptic feedback for dice rolls
  • Voice input for commands
  • Tablet optimization

4.5 Launch Preparation

Launch Day:

  1. Final system checks
  2. Scale infrastructure
  3. Enable all features
  4. Open registration
  5. Send announcements
  6. Monitor closely

Phase 4 Deliverables

  • 1000+ beta testers
  • Subscription system live
  • Creator marketplace with payouts
  • Mobile apps (iOS + Android)
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Launch marketing campaign
  • 10,000+ registered users at launch
  • $50K+ MRR
  • 4.5+ star rating on app stores

Phase 5: Visual Integration (POST-LAUNCH)

Low Priority
Priority
POST-LAUNCH
Focus
AI Video Generation

⚠️ Lowest Priority Feature: Visual enhancements via AI video generation will be implemented after core platform launch. Focus is on functionality first.

Goal

Transform text-based gameplay into hybrid visual + text experience using AI video generation.

5.1 Video Generation API Integration

Technology Choice: Veo 2 (Primary)

  • 4K resolution
  • 2-minute video length
  • Camera control
  • Excellent quality
  • API via Vertex AI

5.2 Video Caching System

Smart cache architecture with:

  • Hash-based exact matching
  • Semantic similarity search (embeddings)
  • Access count tracking
  • LRU eviction for storage limits
  • CDN distribution
  • 100+ scenes pre-cached before beta launch

5.3 Visual Style Preferences

Style Presets:

  • Classic Fantasy (traditional book cover art)
  • Dark Souls (gritty, moody, atmospheric)
  • Anime RPG (bright, colorful, anime-style)
  • Pixel Adventure (16-bit retro aesthetic)
  • Oil Painting (classical art style)

5.4 Hybrid Text+Video Interface

Components: VideoPlayer (looping scene background), OverlayUI (HP bars, initiative tracker, conditions), NarrativePanel (story text + combat log), ChatPanel, CharacterPanel, InputBar with autocomplete

5.5 Performance Optimization

Bandwidth Tiers: 4K (>10 Mbps), 1080p (>5 Mbps), 720p (>2 Mbps), 480p (<2 Mbps)

Phase 5 Deliverables

  • Veo 2 API integration
  • Video caching system (>80% hit rate)
  • 5+ visual style presets
  • Hybrid UI deployed
  • Smooth scene transitions
  • 100+ pregenerated scenes
  • Adaptive streaming

// CONCLUSION

The Vision

A universal RPG platform combining:

  • AI-powered game mastering
  • Support for any tabletop RPG system
  • Seamless multiplayer experience
  • Complete D&D 5e mechanics
  • Persistent world state

Post-Launch: Visual storytelling through AI video generation, mobile apps, and creator marketplace.

The Approach

Solo development focused on core functionality first. Building a solid multiplayer platform before adding visual enhancements. Iterative development with community feedback.

Immediate Next Steps

  1. Complete Phase 1 remaining work (condition system, rest mechanics, web UI)
  2. Begin Phase 2: Universal system support
  3. Build towards functional multiplayer
  4. Gather beta testers and community feedback
  5. Launch core platform, add visual features later