Salt & Steel Design Bible
00 Vision & Pillars ›
↳ Section Overview Creative Identity Design Philosophy Pillars
01 World & Lore ›
↳ Section Overview Factions And Civilizations History And Timeline Mythology And Supernatural World Overview
02 Characters ›
↳ Section Overview Attributes And Stats Classes And Ascendancies Leveling And Progression
03 Combat & Skills ›
↳ Section Overview Combat System Movement And Controls Skill System
04 Items & Crafting ›
↳ Section Overview Base Types And Categories Modifier System
05 Currency & Crafting Methods ›
↳ Section Overview Crafting Methods Currency System
06-campaign Campaign ›
↳ Section Overview Campaign Structure Npcs And Dialogue
06-economy Trade & Economy Philosophy ›
↳ Section Overview Economy Philosophy Trade System
07 Endgame ›
↳ Section Overview Endgame Progression Nautical Chart
08 Seasons & Voyages ›
↳ Section Overview Expansion Model Voyage System
09 Social Systems ›
↳ Section Overview Community Tools Crew And Social
10 Technical Architecture ›
↳ Section Overview Client Architecture Instance Management Networking Model Performance Optimization Security And Integrity Server Architecture
11 Visual & Audio ›
↳ Section Overview Animation System Art Direction Music And Atmosphere Sound Design Vfx System
12 UI / UX ›
↳ Section Overview Accessibility Hud Design Inventory And Stash Nautical Chart Interface Skill Atlas Interface
13 Monetization ›
↳ Section Overview Business Model Cosmetic Mtx Stash And Convenience Voyage Packs
14 Progression Systems ›
↳ Section Overview Skill Atlas
15 Monsters & Encounters ›
↳ Section Overview Boss Design Encounter Design Monster Taxonomy
16 Naval Systems ›
↳ Section Overview Naval Combat
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Section 00

⚓ Vision & Pillars

The soul of Salt & Steel — foundational design pillars, creative identity, and the philosophical commitments that define every decision.

Creative Identity

Salt & Steel: Creative Identity Document type: Product Vision — Foundational Status: Canonical Last updated: 2026-04 See also: Design Pillars | Design Philosophy | Visual & Audio Direction | World & L

Design Philosophy

Salt & Steel: Design Philosophy Document type: Product Vision — Foundational Status: Canonical Last updated: 2026-04 See also: Design Pillars | Creative Identity | GURPS Framework | Combat Systems | V

Pillars

Salt & Steel: Core Design Pillars Document type: Product Vision — Foundational Status: Canonical Last updated: 2026-04 See also: Design Philosophy | Creative Identity | GURPS Mechanical Framework | Na

Salt & Steel — Game Design Bible
A pirate-themed ARPG built on GURPS-depth mechanics, dual-layer combat, and a living sea.
Design documentation — work in progress