660 words
3 minutes
Level 1: Infiltration – The Cistern of Shadows

This level introduces stealth mechanics, environmental storytelling, and resourceful combat, setting the tone for the game’s blend of history, culture, and action. The oppressive atmosphere, period-accurate assets, and high-stakes mission create a tense and immersive experience.

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Tags:#

- Stealth Gameplay

- Historical Setting

- Rescue Mission

- Environmental Storytelling

- Moroccan Culture

- 16th-Century Architecture

- Portuguese Occupation

- Moroccan Resistance

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The first level of Deserted Tales: Aicha Qandicha is a stealth-based rescue mission set in the Portuguese Cistern of 16th-century Mazagan (modern El Jadida). The cistern, historically used for water storage, has been repurposed by the Portuguese as a torture chamber for captured resistance leaders. Aicha must infiltrate the cistern, rescue the prisoners, and escape undetected.

Requirements#

- The player must rescue the captured resistance leaders by finding keys and unlocking their cells.

- The player must take down guards quietly using stealth mechanics, daggers, and poisoned weapons.

- The player must navigate the cistern’s dark, claustrophobic environment, using environmental assets (e.g., crates, barrels, shadows) to hide and avoid detection.

- The player must escape the cistern without raising an alarm.

Goals#

- The player should discover hidden intel about Portuguese plans, adding depth to the story.

- The player should use environmental traps (e.g., collapsing structures, falling objects) to distract or eliminate guards.

- The level should impose a feeling of tension and urgency, emphasizing the high stakes of the mission.

Game Context#

- This level introduces the player to Aicha’s stealth mechanics and her resourcefulness as a resistance fighter.

- The level sets the stage for future missions, establishing the Portuguese occupation as a central antagonist.

- The rescued resistance leaders will play a role in later levels, providing intel and support.

Setting#

- The entire level takes place in the Portuguese Cistern, recreated with historical accuracy.

- Use assets from env_portuguese_cistern and env_16th_century_mazagan.

- Add period-appropriate props like oil lamps, crates, barrels, and torture devices.

- Lighting should be low and flickering, with pools of darkness for the player to hide in.

- The atmosphere should feel oppressive and eerie, with distant echoes of screams and dripping water.

Time#

- The level takes place at night, under the cover of darkness.

Metrics#

- Player and Player Movement: No changes to player movement. Aicha’s agility and stealth mechanics are consistent with the GDD.

- World: No major changes to world metrics. The cistern’s layout is historically accurate but slightly modified for gameplay (e.g., added hiding spots).

- Items: Aicha uses daggers and poisoned tools crafted by her siblings. These items are introduced in this level and are essential for stealth takedowns.

Narrative & Drama#

- Beat Chart:#

1. Infiltration: Aicha enters the cistern through a hidden passage.

2. Discovery: Aicha overhears guards discussing the prisoners’ location.

3. Rescue: Aicha finds the keys, rescues the prisoners, and eliminates guards quietly.

4. Escape: Aicha and the prisoners flee the cistern, avoiding detection.

- Explicit Narrative:#

- Aicha learns that the Portuguese are planning a major offensive against the resistance.

- The prisoners reveal that more resistance fighters are being held in other locations.

- Implicit Narrative:#

- The cistern’s torture devices and bloodstains hint at the brutality of the Portuguese occupation.

- Graffiti in Amazigh script on the walls suggests previous prisoners tried to leave messages of hope.

Mapping#

- Pathing Diagram:#

- The level consists of three main areas:

1. Entrance: A hidden passage leading into the cistern.

2. Torture Chamber: The central area where prisoners are held.

3. Escape Route: A narrow tunnel leading out of the cistern.

- Landmarks:#

- Macro: The cistern’s central chamber.

- Meso: The torture devices and prisoner cells.

- Micro: Hidden alcoves and crates for stealth.

Challenges & Rewards#

- Encounters:#

- Guards: Patrol the cistern in predictable patterns. The player must avoid or eliminate them quietly.

- Prisoners: Provide intel and emotional stakes, urging Aicha to hurry.

- Puzzles:#

- Finding Keys: The keys are hidden in different parts of the cistern, requiring exploration and stealth.

- Environmental Traps: The player can trigger falling debris or extinguish lights to distract guards.

- Combat:#

- Stealth Takedowns: Aicha uses daggers and poisoned tools to eliminate guards silently.

- Alarm System: If detected, reinforcements arrive, increasing the difficulty.

- Rewards:#

- Intel: Documents revealing Portuguese plans.

- Tools: Poisoned daggers and herbal potions for future levels.

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