SessionZero/Requirements and Specifications.md

SessionZero Requirements Specification

1. Executive Summary

1.1 Vision

A lightweight, flexible Virtual Tabletop (VTT) application that simplifies virtual tabletop roleplaying game management through an intuitive, game system-agnostic platform.

1.2 Project Objectives

• Develop a user-friendly VTT alternative to complex existing platforms
• Create a versatile tool supporting multiple roleplaying game systems through a more hands on, agnostic, and manual approach to game rules
• Establish an open-source application with sustainable monetization potential

2. Market and Audience

2.1 Target Users

• Casual tabletop RPG players
• Game Masters seeking streamlined management tools
• Role-playing groups desiring an intuitive and simple virtual play experience

3. Technical Architecture

3.1 Platform Support

• Primary Platforms: Windows, Linux
• Future Expansion: macOS support

3.2 Development Stack

Client

• Technologies: Godot Engine .NET 4.4, SQLLite
• Language(s): C#, gdscript

Server

• Technologies: ASP.NET, PosgreSQL
• Language(s): C#, HTML/CSS, JavaScript

4. Feature Requirements

4.1 Core Functionality (Alpha Release)

4.1.1 Character Management

• Fully customizable character sheet creation
  • Flexible custom attribute system
  • Ability to add, modify, and remove attributes
  • Support for various RPG system structures due to nature of manual creation
• Character Sheet Templates
  • Default D&D-style character sheet template
  • Customizable template creation and editing
  • Shareable custom character sheet formats
• Comprehensive Character Details
  • Integrated inventory management system
  • Detailed player notes and documentation sections
  • Attribute tracking and modification
  • Background and character history storage

4.1.2 Game Session Management (Normal User)

• Session Creation and Configuration
  • Create new game sessions
  • Customize character sheet templates for the session
  • Invite players via unique session links or codes
• Session Management Tools
  • Player role assignment (Game Master, Player)
  • Access control and permissions
  • Session settings and configuration

4.1.3 Game Master Session Capabilities

• Player Management
  • View and edit player character sheets
  • Manage player inventories
  • Add and track player status effects
  • Create private GM notes for players
• NPC Management
  • Create and maintain NPC databases
  • Detailed NPC character sheets
  • NPC tracking and manipulation
• Item Management
  • Comprehensive item database
  • Create, edit, and distribute items
  • Track item locations and distributions
• Game Session Tools
  • Turn order tracking
  • Dynamic attribute manipulation
  • Party management system
  • Session-wide status tracking
• Communication
  • In-game chat management
  • Private messaging capabilities

4.1.4 Player Session Capabilities

• Character Sheet Interaction
  • Real-time character sheet management
  • View and update personal character details
  • Inventory management
• Communication
  • In-game chat participation
  • View other players' status (limited by GM permissions)
  • Basic interaction tools

4.1.5 Server/Backend

• Database
• Users and authentication
• p2p(?) for sessions
• Multiple sessions can run on a single backend (Scalable for many users and sessions)
• Friends
• Online status
• Messaging

4.2 Future Considerations (FC)

4.2.1 Grid and Token System

• Visual Game World Representation
  • Tile-based world mapping
  • Token creation and management
  • Visual representation of characters, NPCs, and items
  • Real-time token movement and interaction

4.2.2 Marketplace Features

• Plugin Marketplace
  • Community-developed plugins
  • Verified and user-rated plugins
  • Easy installation and management
• Asset Marketplace
  • Character sheet templates
  • Token artwork packs
  • Item database expansions
  • NPC/Monster database collections
• Monetization and Sharing
  • Free and premium assets
  • Creator attribution and compensation model

4.2.3 Advanced Plugin Support

• Plugin Architecture
  • Standardized plugin development framework
  • API for deep application integration
  • Performance and security considerations
• Plugin Types
  • Game system adaptors
  • Custom UI/UX enhancements
  • Advanced game management tools
  • Automation and dice rolling systems

4.3 Extensibility and Integration

• Modular design to support future expansions
• (FC) Plugin API for third-party development

5. User Experience Design

5.1 Design Principles

• Minimize interface complexity
• Emulate physical tabletop interaction
• Achieve zero learning curve beyond game system
• Prioritize intuitive interface design

5.2 Accessibility Considerations

• Future multi-language support
• Clean, minimalist user interface

6. Monetization Strategy

6.1 Open-Source Commitment

• Core application remains fully open-source
• Potential Revenue Streams:
  1. Premium hosting service
  2. Community asset marketplace commissions
  3. Donation and sponsorship model
  4. Optional advanced feature packages

7. Development Timeline

7.1 Alpha Release

• Target Completion: November 2025
• Focus: Essential character and game management functionality
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach

7.2 Potential Expansion Phases

• Grid system implementation
• Plugin ecosystem development
• Asset marketplace creation
• Extended platform support

8. Technical Constraints

• Self-hostable backend infrastructure
• System-agnostic design
• No RPG system royalty dependencies
• Lightweight, high-performance architecture

9. Risk Mitigation Strategies

• Modular, extensible architecture
• Flexible character sheet system
• Community-driven development model

10. Success Evaluation Metrics

• User adoption rates
• Community engagement levels
• Usability feedback
• Performance and stability indicators