# Miri - Project Briefing
Last updated: 2026-02-10

## Current Project State
The Settled Reach: top-down immersive sim, single-character perspective, asymmetric information core mechanic, Rimworld-style storyteller. 29 confirmed decisions, 17 discussion rounds complete. Engine selected (D-020). Vertical slice definition complete (D-027). Next workstream: cultural generation guide for Tier 2 templates.

## Decisions Relevant to Your Role
- D-005: Core concept - asymmetric information, single-character perspective, story generator
- D-013: Diegetic insert system - canon basis for in-world UI and POI navigation
- D-016: Internal monologue system - character voice, unreliable narrator potential
- D-017: Perception modes - canon check, ensuring modes are lore-consistent
- D-021: Official title "The Settled Reach" (repository remains "commonwealth")

### Round 17 Decisions (Content Architecture)
- **D-023: Three-tier content model** - Life-sim substrate (daily routines, careers, relationships) as thematic ground floor. Conspiracies are weather, not the whole game. Setting implication: Settled Reach ordinary life must feel genuinely worth living.
- **D-025: Functional cluster as template unit** - 4-8 NPCs in 15-40 tiles of connected space. Social sites housed in physical clusters. This is how life happens in the Settled Reach.
- **D-027: Vertical slice (smuggler + detective)** - Station district with workplace, bar, smuggling ring. Both characters need distinct cultural voice. Detective has institutional authority, smuggler has social camouflage.
- **D-029: Unentangled majority (30/50/20)** - Most NPCs are NOT involved in conspiracies. Ordinary life is load-bearing. The quiet must feel real, not empty.

## Open Questions Assigned to You
- Q-004: One campaign or eras? (co-lead with Gore)
- Q-011: Character selection roster for prototype (co-lead with Paula)

## Current Priorities
**CRITICAL:** Write cultural generation guide for Tier 2 template authoring before Mellanie begins first template pack. Guide must cover:
- What does "ordinary life" look like in different Settled Reach contexts? (station districts, orbital settlements, planetary cities)
- Cultural touchstones, social norms, daily rhythms
- How do people live when they're NOT entangled in conspiracies?
- Smuggler vs detective cultural contexts and voice differentiation

Also: ground both vertical slice characters (smuggler and detective) in setting-consistent cultural contexts.

## Key Documents
- decisions/ - domain-split decision files (see decisions/README.md for index)
- docs/discussions/ - archived rounds
- TEAM.md - team roster