Dungeon Master Online (DMO) - Getting Started

Project Structure

DMO/
├── client/          # React/Next.js frontend
├── server/          # Node.js/Express backend  
├── database/        # Database schema and migrations
└── docs/           # Documentation

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+
• PostgreSQL 13+
• Redis (optional, for session management)
• VS Code Insiders

Quick Start

1. Set up the database

-- Create database
CREATE DATABASE dmo_db;

-- Run the schema
psql -d dmo_db -f server/database/schema.sql

2. Set up the server

cd server
npm install
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your database credentials
npm run dev

3. Set up the client

cd client  
npm install
npm run dev

4. Access the application

• Frontend: http://localhost:3000
• Backend API: http://localhost:3001
• API Health Check: http://localhost:3001/health

Key Features to Implement

Phase 1: Core Foundation

1. User Authentication

   • Registration/Login system
   • JWT token management
   • User profiles

2. Character Management

   • Character creation form
   • Stats calculation (D&D 5e rules)
   • Character sheet display
   • Inventory management

3. Room System

   • Room creation with unique codes
   • Join room functionality
   • Player management

Phase 2: Game Engine

4. Real-time Gameplay

   • Socket.io integration
   • Turn-based system
   • Dice rolling mechanics
   • Chat system

5. Combat System

   • Initiative tracking
   • Health/damage management
   • Spell casting
   • Attack rolls

Phase 3: AI Integration

6. AI Dungeon Master
   • OpenAI/Anthropic integration
   • Personality configuration
   • Dynamic story generation
   • NPC dialogue

Development Tips

Web-based vs Godot Decision

Why Web-based is recommended:

• ✅ Cross-platform (any device with browser)
• ✅ Easy real-time multiplayer
• ✅ Better for forms/text content
• ✅ Easier database integration
• ✅ Better AI API ecosystem
• ✅ No app store deployment hassles

Architecture Benefits

• React/Next.js: Modern, component-based UI
• Socket.io: Real-time bidirectional communication
• PostgreSQL: Robust data storage with JSON support
• Node.js: JavaScript everywhere, easier development

Next Steps

1. Initialize the projects with npm install
2. Set up your database
3. Start with user authentication
4. Build character creation
5. Add room/session management
6. Implement real-time features
7. Integrate AI functionality

File Structure Explanation

Client Structure

client/src/
├── components/
│   ├── auth/           # Login/register forms
│   ├── character/      # Character sheets & creation
│   ├── game/          # Game board, chat, dice
│   ├── room/          # Room management
│   └── ui/            # Reusable UI components
├── pages/             # Next.js pages
├── hooks/             # Custom React hooks  
├── context/           # Global state management
└── utils/             # Helper functions

Server Structure

server/
├── routes/            # API endpoints
├── models/            # Database models
├── services/          # Business logic
├── middleware/        # Auth, validation, etc.
└── database/          # Schema and migrations

Ready to start building your D&D platform! 🎲