For some reason this was the first image that came to my head when I think of the IFC, probably because the name sounds so similar (I am not a UFC fan per se, but mixed martial arts is interesting in its own right).

First, a big apology to @apolymask because I have been wanting to participate in the contest since @yeszuzia created those lovely images but there were lots of things to do in many other groups over the past few weeks... but now that this is also linked to the #newbieresteemday and #newbiegames initiative it makes my life just that much easier. I am of course now up to speed on where things are because of the excellent updates from @charisma777 and would like to put in my entry for Round 11.

Level system idea

@xomegax's idea of a visual representation of the levels and the calculation of the experience is a really good idea, although I have always been more of a board game person than a platform gamer myself. So I'd love to keep track of the game's progress visually using something like a board game (maybe an idea for the next round?), and also we can definitely get some templates for character sheets to keep track of levels and wins (also an idea for the next round?). I enjoyed seeing people come up with their own designs for the bingo game I hosted, so it might be good to see people create their own character sheet?

Anyway, getting back to the contest I think the core idea of Levels in RPG games has a few game mechanics elements associated with it:

• the use of more powerful items (e.g. weapons, artifacts, potions) which ties in with the artifact idea as well
• the unlocking of more powerful skills (typically tracked in a 'skill-tree'), but in this case I think it will complicate the game too much
• the increase in attributes (e.g. power, intelligence, dexterity) that help you with various tasks, so we can create different types of characters when people level up and introduce some criteria for the challenges

Let's look at the simplest way to implement the level system ideas

• create artifacts that require certain different levels to use, or have greater power when you are at a higher level
• allow unlocking of skills when you level up (e.g. ask someone else for help, collaborate with someone, get a heads up on the next round contest so you have more time, etc.)

You can then combine ideas to create more complex concepts

• create artifacts that require specific levels and attributes to use
• create skills that require specific artifacts (and level) to perform

I think depending on the comments and input from people that have already been playing for a little while, we can fine tune the complexity of the game mechanics to the appropriate level, but it certainly introduces more interesting dynamics to the game.

Artifact idea

Artifacts in games fall into categories based on the properties it requires to use, and the effects it has on the game. Without making things too complicated, let's look at the main ones:

• Consumables: these are generally perishable items that improve character attributes or skills (e.g. add health, boost strength/attack, etc.) and because they exist in larger numbers the effects tend to be less
• Equipment: these are permanent items (although some games allow them to be worn out from use) that also improve character attributes or skills
• Quest items: these are part of the requirements for completing a mission or quest, so you have to obtain them (sometimes more than one) but they are not used for anything specific

Let's look at some ways that we can use each of these types of artifacts then:

• how about a 'level up' consumable to allow people to level up instantly? Of course you have to earn this from playing so there is always some effort involved
• how about some quest items awarded for similar types of contests (e.g. an ART relic for drawing/creative related entries) and when you collect a certain amount you can exchange it for an artifact?
• there's plenty of ideas for equipment, and I think we can create a few different categories of artifacts that improve character attributes and skills as long as we don't make one player or another too powerful for some reason.

I think perhaps a discussion with @apolymask and @xomegax might generate more ideas, so I will probably drop by the Discord group and do that :) Any suggestions or feedback in the comments section would also be appreciated.