SAO : Alternative (WIP) v0.13
ā ļø Early Development: This is a work-in-progress scenario. Expect regular updates, revisions, and new content. Feedback is welcome as the world, mechanics, and story continue to evolve. š Credits: This scenario includes the Inner Self system created by LewdLeah, bringing long-term memory, goals, planning, secrets, and character self-reflection to NPCs and story progression. š Additional Credits: This project also builds upon approximately 450 Story Cards preserved from the community-made "SAO Project", which is no longer publicly available. Unfortunately, the original creator could not be identified. If you are the creator or know who they are, please reach out so proper credit can be given. Sword Art Online: Alternative ā Player Guide Welcome to Sword Art Online: Alternative, a grounded reimagining of the Aincrad Arc where your character is the protagonist. Unlike the original Sword Art Online universe, Kirito, Asuna, Klein, Agil, Sinon, Yuuki and every other canon character do not exist. Every important event, alliance and rivalry is shaped entirely by the players living in this world. This scenario is designed to feel like a believable MMORPG society rather than a linear story. Your choices matter, and the world will continue evolving around you. š About this Setting This version of Aincrad differs from the original series. ā¢ 250,000 players were trapped when Sword Art Online launched. ā¢ Around 10,000 players participated in the Beta Test. ā¢ Floors, towns and labyrinths are considerably larger to support the increased population. ā¢ New towns, villages and settlements may exist throughout Aincrad. ā¢ Players gradually establish Guild Halls, Inns, Public Constructs and other community buildings as the game progresses. The world is meant to feel like a functioning civilization rather than simply a dungeon. ā³ The Story Begins Your adventure begins on November 5, 2022. The first day is completely ordinary. Go to school. Go to work. Spend time with friends. Visit family. Prepare for tomorrow's launch. Enjoy it. You don't know what tomorrow will bring. If you prefer to begin immediately after entering Sword Art Online, simply tell the AI to skip ahead to launch day. ā Combat Combat is grounded and dangerous. ā¢ Positioning matters. ā¢ Timing matters. ā¢ Statistics matter. ā¢ Fear affects people. ā¢ Running away is sometimes the correct decision. There is no magic. Combat revolves around: ā¢ Sword Skills ā¢ Weapon proficiency ā¢ Equipment ā¢ Party coordination ā¢ Strategy Death is permanent. š„ Parties Players may form Parties. Benefits include: ā¢ Shared EXP ā¢ Shared Col ā¢ Shared Loot ā¢ Friendly Fire disabled ā¢ Party HUD Large groups may organize Raids against Bosses. Trust is often more valuable than strength. ā Crime System Sword Art Online tracks crimes. Green Cursor ā Normal player Orange Cursor ā Criminal Red Cursor ā Player Killer Murder has permanent consequences. NPCs and players react realistically to criminals. š Player Constructs As the story progresses, players may purchase or collectively fund buildings. Examples include: ā¢ Houses ā¢ Taverns ā¢ Inns ā¢ Guild Headquarters ā¢ Public Meeting Halls ā¢ Shops ā¢ Services The world changes as players reshape Aincrad. š¬ How to Talk to the AI Write naturally. Examples: I leave the tavern and head toward the western gate. I ask the merchant whether he has any better weapons. I quietly listen instead of joining the conversation. I draw my sword. You don't need commands. Just describe what your character does. š” Helpful Requests The AI understands requests such as: ā¢ Show my Status ā¢ Show my Inventory ā¢ Show my Equipment ā¢ Open my Menu ā¢ Show nearby players ā¢ Describe this town ā¢ Summarize the last week ā¢ Skip to tomorrow morning ā¢ Continue ā¢ Train until sunset ā¢ Explain this mechanic Feel free to ask the AI questions out of character as well. š Roleplaying Tips Remember: Your character doesn't know everything. Avoid using knowledge your character couldn't realistically possess. Characters remember your actions. Reputation matters. Choices have long-term consequences. š° Time The AI keeps track of: ā¢ Date ā¢ Hour ā¢ Floor ā¢ Settlement Large time skips summarize important events while preserving continuity. ā Free User Tips If responses become shorter because of context limitations, try: ā¢ Starting a new Adventure after major story arcs. ā¢ Removing old Story Summary entries that are no longer relevant. ā¢ Keeping only important characters in Memory. ā¢ Asking the AI to summarize previous events before deleting older context. ā¢ Avoid storing temporary events permanently. These steps greatly improve long adventures. ā¤ļø One Final Recommendation Sword Art Online is a roleplaying experience first and a survival game second. Talk to strangers. Celebrate victories. Mourn losses. Rest when you're exhausted. Take risks. Because once November 6 arrives... this world becomes your home.
