> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://whitepaper.runehero.io/rune-hero/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://whitepaper.runehero.io/rune-hero/introduction.md). # Introduction {% embed url="" %} ### Welcome to Herud **Rune Hero** is a **Master-to-Earn multiplayer action RPG** set in **Herud**, a mystical world shaped by rune magic, ancient conflicts, dangerous frontiers, and treasures waiting to be claimed. The game combines action-driven combat, deep character building, competitive multiplayer modes, social cooperation, and a seasonal player-driven economy. Every player can pursue a different path. You may become a powerful dungeon explorer, a skilled Arena competitor, a daring Outland survivor, a specialized producer, an active trader, or a valued member of a guild. ### Mastery Comes First Master-to-Earn means that player knowledge, preparation, execution, and decision-making matter. Each hero has a distinctive combat identity, an extensive selection of skills, customizable talents, and multiple development paths. Players must decide how to build their hero, which equipment to use, and how to adapt their strategy to different enemies and environments. Success is not determined by character power alone. Understanding your hero, managing resources, reacting to opponents, and coordinating with others are all essential parts of the Rune Hero experience. ### Play Your Way Herud offers several connected gameplay paths: * **Heroes and Builds** — Combine skills, talents, equipment, and special effects to create a distinctive combat style. * **Dungeons** — Explore randomized PvE environments, defeat monsters and bosses, and collect equipment and materials. * **Arena** — Compete against other players, earn Arena Points, and climb seasonal rankings. * **Outland** — Enter a high-risk PvEvP environment where players must gather resources, survive hostile encounters, and successfully extract with their rewards. * **Life Skills and Trade** — Gather resources, produce useful goods, specialize in a profession, and participate in the player marketplace. * **Guilds** — Find teammates, cooperate toward shared goals, and represent your community in seasonal activities and competitions. These systems are connected. Combat players create demand for equipment and resources, producers support character progression, traders help resources circulate, and competitive players give powerful items and builds a lasting purpose. ### A World Built Around Seasons Rune Hero operates through seasons. Each season creates a new cycle of progression, resource competition, marketplace activity, rankings, and rewards. New seasons can also introduce additional heroes, equipment, dungeons, systems, and competitive goals. The seasonal structure gives players new reasons to return while allowing selected assets, achievements, and long-term benefits to connect one season to the next. ### A Player-Driven Seasonal Economy At the beginning of each season, the official team provides a base prize pool. During the season, **100% of in-game purchase revenue is allocated to the seasonal prize pool**, connecting player activity and game spending directly with the seasonal reward ecosystem. Detailed prize pool distribution, eligibility, settlement, and rollover rules are explained in the economy section of this whitepaper. Beyond the prize pool, resources move between players through gathering, combat, production, consumption, and trade. This creates an economy in which different types of players depend on one another and contribute value in different ways. ### Ownership Through Play Rune Hero is building a model in which digital assets are connected to player actions, not only direct purchases. Players can obtain selected materials through gameplay and use them to mint supported NFT assets. These assets may provide specific utility, identity, convenience, or long-term seasonal benefits. **NFT ownership is not required to begin playing Rune Hero.** Each NFT collection has its own purpose, supply, acquisition method, and rules, which are explained in the NFT section of this whitepaper. ### Shape Your Story Rune Hero is a world for competitors, explorers, builders, collectors, traders, and guilds. There is no single correct path through Herud. Your hero, your build, your decisions, your allies, and your willingness to take risks will shape the journey ahead.