Gameplay

Shartak is a browser-based massively multiplayer online roleplaying game (MMORPG). It utilizes a grid-like map for navigation and provides status information in a text-based format.

Players participate as Outsider and Native characters and interact with one another. There are also several characters controlled by the system. These non-player characters (NPCs) include helpful Shamans, Traders, and various Animals on the island.

Mechanics

Action Points

Characters rely on Action Points (AP) to perform actions such as combat, searching, and movement. Each action expends a certain amount of AP. When a character's AP reaches 0, they are no longer be able to perform any actions.

1 AP is regenerated every 20 minutes.

There is a maximum limit of 75 AP.

Experience Points

Performing certain actions will earn Experience Points (XP). XP can be spent by characters to acquire skills. These skills can improve a character's current abilities or grant new abilities.

Purchasing a skill increases a character's level. It also increases the cost of the next skill.

Hit Points

Every living creature in Shartak has a limited amount of Hit Points (HP). Damage inflicted to a character will reduce their HP. Certain items will restore it. If a character's HP reaches 0, they die and become a spirit.

However, death is not the end; it is just another part of the game. Visiting a shaman of any village will return a character to life. Contacting a shaman for 50 AP will also return a character to life.

Actions

Movement

Your character is located in the center block in the 5x5 map grid. You can move into any directly adjacent block that has the "Move" button by clicking on it.

Some terrain requires chopping down vegetation first. Some terrain is harder to traverse, consuming more AP.

Characters can also enter and leave huts. They can also climb up and down mountain paths.

Searching

You can attempt a search in any area that you are standing in, and have a chance to find items. The types of items you find depend on the type of terrain you are searching. Some terrain requires more than 1 AP per search attempt.

An unsuccessful search generally does not mean that there are no items in the area, just that you didn't find any on that attempt. You can search any area multiple times and continue to find items.

Inventory

Certain items in your inventory list can be used by clicking their respective buttons. Some items can only be used once. Some items have a limited use before breaking. Certain items can be used on others by selecting the target with the pull-down menu.

However, without certain knowledge skills it may not be possible for Outsiders and Natives to use certain items.

Items can be dropped from the inventory by using the pull-down menu and clicking the "Drop" button. Items that are dropped cannot be retrieved.

Writing

You can leave messages on huts, trees, and sand. These messages are not permanent, but they provide a means of creating temporary landmarks and communicating with other players.

However, without certain language skills it may be difficult for Outsiders and Natives to understand each other.

Speech

If another player is in the same area as you, you can communicate with them by using the textfield next to the "Speak" button and then clicking the button.

However, without certain language skills it may be difficult for Outsiders and Natives to understand each other.

Combat

You can attack other players and animals which are in the same area as you. Use the first pull-down menu to select the target. Use the second pull-down menu select the weapon you wish to use use.

The value is your damage. This is how much HP you will cause the target to lose if you hit it. The percentage is your accuracy. Higher accuracy means a higher chance of hitting the target.

Sometimes, you may even be able to inflict extra damage:

"Maybe it's luck or maybe it's skill, your attack is right on target and inflicts more damage than normal. You attack the tiger for 5 damage. It dies."