Levels

Level loops

Each level will follow a relatively similar structure, although they will remain distinct from one another. The structure is as follows:

Level Sequences

There will be a world map that the player will have access to during different sequences to showcase the geography and the path they are taking in-game. Each sequence will be composed of different levels that will be tackled mostly linearly. There will be other optional and secret levels that may be unlocked in specific ways. For instance, a challenge level may become open to someone who has achieved a certain amount of skills in the erudition of magic skill tree that will allow them to then gain an extra skill in that erudition. Another secret level may be found within a level itself, for example, if a specific platform can only be accessed using a specific skill, it could lead to a new section or an entirely different, secret level. 

Level Overview

1. TUTORIAL:
2. Micro-Level 1: Teaches base controls/abilities. Takes place in a castle under siege.
3. Micro-Level 2: This level is dedicated to basic magic. Takes place across rocky terrain during the early morning. Introduction of OCCULTIST via cutscene.
4. Micro-Level 3: This level is dedicated to basic holy power. Takes place in an oasis during the early morning. Introduction of CLERIC via cutscene.
5. Micro-Level 4: This level is dedicated to Humanity Skills. Takes place in the plains outside the capital city approaching noon. Introduction of A PHILOSOPHER via cutscene.
6. Level 1 – Capital City: Mercenary traverses through the city at noon, fighting off thieves and guards until he arrives at the Sultan’s palace. The city is full of buildings and slums, decorated with rugs and roof gardens. The skyline is covered with other buildings and spires. 

7. CUTSCENE: The Mercenary meets the Sultan and the Rival. The Sultan tells of the importance of the idol artefact and the Mercenary and the Rival set out to get it.
8. In-Game Cutscene: Outside the city walls the Occultist and the Cleric confront the Mercenary and the player must choose which one to ally with. The one who is rejected appears near the end of the game as a boss. The rejected erudition is locked for the rest of the playthrough. The player can upgrade an erudition at this point.
9. Level 2 – Canyon: Mercenary traverses through a desert canyon/valley to reach the oasis.
10.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp, the player can upgrade an erudition.
11. Level 3 – Vast Oasis: Mercenary gets to a large oasis (full of grass, trees, water, etc.) and fights off Nomads
12.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp and meet a philosopher. The player can upgrade an erudition.
13. Level 4 – Abandoned Village: Mercenary reaches an abandoned village and fights off ghouls and djinn. The village is made up of sandstone houses and has signs of farming (mix of sand and greenery). 
14.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp. The player can upgrade an erudition.
15. Level 5 – Catacombs and Cave: Mercenary gets into a cemetery catacomb which is connected to a cave. He battles ghouls and other creatures.
16.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp and meet a philosopher. The player can upgrade an erudition.
17. Level 6 – Wasteland: Mercenary traverses through a large desert and fights off bandits and wildlife.
18.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp. The player can upgrade an erudition.
19. Level 7 – Crusader Stronghold: Mercenary arrives at a crusader stronghold and assists a siege on it for safe passage to the next level. Populated with crusader knights and soldiers. The stronghold is made up of grey stone and has a mediaeval European aesthetic.

20.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp. The player can upgrade an erudition.
21. Level 8 – City of Wonders: Mercenary arrives at the city and must fight off automata and advanced technology that the city’s architect has created, to reach the port. The city is full of advanced architecture including clock towers, lifts, canals, and artistic mosaics and statues (below mood board showcasing ideas).

22.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally stop at the city’s port and wait on the ship to set sail. A philosopher is on the ship. The player can upgrade an erudition.
23. Level 9 – Sea: At sea the Mercenary’s ship is attacked and sunk by a sea serpent and he must traverse through an underwater cave and lagoon in order to reach land.
24.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary, Ally, and Philosopher wash up on the beach and camp until nightfall. The player can upgrade an erudition.
25. Level 10 – Nomadic Settlement: An in-game cutscene shows the SORCERER levitating and casting a spell on a Nomad before disappearing. Mercenary runs into a nomadic settlement at night and battles the nomads who are controlled by the Sorcerer (except for the chieftain who was powerful enough to resist) to guard the ancient city. The settlement is made up of large tents and is by an oasis with palm trees and bushes scattered around.
26.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally make camp. The player can upgrade an erudition.
27. Level 11 – Ancient City Entrance and Ruins: Mercenary traverses through the ancient ruins and fights off djinnis, ghouls, and mind-controlled enemies (seen earlier in the game). The ancient city is filled with ancient structures such as ziggurats, statues, and old temples (inspired by ancient Egypt, Persia, and Mesopotamia).

28.  In-Game Cutscene: Mercenary and Ally rest on a rooftop. No more upgrades can be made.
29. Finale –  Ancient City Ruins and Temple: Mercenary traverses through the city and fights off similar enemies before battling either the OCCULTIST or the CLERIC and then the SORCERER. 
30.  Finale Secret: If the player specked purely into Humanity, the Mercenary fights the summoned ARCHANGEL as the secret final boss.
31.  CUTSCENE: The Mercenary