A Server-Authoritative Social Deduction Framework (Built in Unreal Engine 5 | C++ | EOS Integrated)

The "3 Pillars of Implementation"

  • Pillar 1: Network Integrity
    • Focus: Server-authoritative role distribution and anti-cheat state management using C++ replication.
  • Pillar 2: Dynamic Archetypes
    • Focus: The "Lichtau" transformation system—swapping animation sets and mesh data in real-time via OnRep notifications.
  • Pillar 3: Logic-Driven Interaction
    • Focus: The "Action Gate" system (Prostitute/Police/Doctor logic) built on modular C++ structs.

🛡️ Technical Showcase: Pallor Noctis Online

The Multiplayer Framework

1. Role-Based Action Gates (C++)
  • The Shot: A side-by-side of your FPNActionGates struct from PNTypes.h and the in-game Killer UI showing the "Murder" button.
  • Technical Caption: "Implemented an asymmetric ability system using C++ structs to manage 'Action Gates.' This ensures that specific gameplay commands (Murder, Inspect, Revive) are only accessible to authorized roles, validated by the server to maintain competitive integrity."
2. Network Synchronization & State Machines
  • The Shot: Your OnRep_Phase() function and the Day/Night countdown timer in the UI.
  • Technical Caption: "Developed a server-authoritative GameState that manages global match phases. I utilized OnRep notifications to synchronize high-stakes transitions—like the Werewolf transformation—ensuring that all clients receive consistent visual and mechanical updates simultaneously."
3. Advanced UI/UX: Dynamic Interaction & Communication

  • The Shot: The text chat system and the minimap with the /meetmeat command.
  • Technical Caption: "Engineered a multifaceted UMG interface featuring real-time minimap location tracking, a dynamic player scroll box that filters for 'Living' or 'Dead' status and like so "Dead people do not talk", and a comprehensive Slash-Command system for localized and role-specific player communication."
4. Online Integration: EOS & Matchmaking
  • The Shot: A screenshot of Main Menu's 'Play Online' button or the Epic Account login flow.
  • Technical Caption: "Successfully integrated Epic Online Services (EOS) to support secure P2P matchmaking and online session management. The system supports both local LAN hosting and global authenticated play via the Epic Games ecosystem."

🎭 The Rules of Engagement: Social Deduction Logic

Pallor Noctis Online is a game of high-stakes observation and hidden agendas. One murder has already been committed—now, the cycle begins. Will you reveal the truth, or become part of the silence?
The Goal
  • The Innocent (Citizens, Police, Doctor, Prostitute): Identify and eliminate all Killers via the Day Phase vote or specialized pickups before your numbers dwindle.
  • The Killers: Systematically eliminate the witnesses (Innocents) during the Night Phase while maintaining your disguise during the Day.
The Specialist Roles
👮 The Police Officer (The Investigator)
  • Logic: The only role with the power of Scrutiny.
  • Action: Once per night, the Officer can Inspect a player.
  • The Outcome: A successful inspection bypasses the Killer’s visual disguise, revealing their true role to the Officer. Use this information to lead the Day Phase vote.
🩺 The Doctor (The Guardian)
  • Logic: The master of Redemption.
  • Action: Starting from the 3rd Night, the Doctor gains the Revive ability.
  • The Outcome: Choose a fallen player to bring back into the match. Note: If the Doctor is eliminated, the chance for revival is lost forever.
💃 The Prostitute (The Distractor)
  • Logic: The art of Disruption.
  • Action: Can choose a player to Block during the 4th night and every night.
  • The Outcome: If the blocked player was a Killer attempting a murder, the attack is canceled. Her "Scream" alerts the neighborhood, signaling a failed assassination.If the choice of the block has to do with the specific killer gets the last killpick always.
🔪 The Killer (The Predator)
  • Logic: Asymmetric Power and Deception.
  • Action: Use the Murder skill during the Night Phase.
  • The Outcome: Coordinate with your partner using the /meetmeat command to track each other. Eliminate key roles (Police/Doctor) first to ensure your victory.

The Phase Cycle
  • 🌑 Night Phase (Action): The time for specialized roles to act. Killers hunt, the Police inspect, and the Doctor prepares. Keep your /lumi light ready, but remember—light makes you a target.
  • ☀️ Day Phase (Judgment): Discussion and Deduction. Use the Text Chat to share findings (or lies). Every living player has one Vote to eliminate a suspected Killer. Choose wisely; an innocent lynch helps the enemy.

Essential Tools & Pickups
  • The Knife: Found in the environment. If held, it acts as a Counter-Measure. If a Killer attacks you, they become Wounded, leading to their death at dawn (though you may still fall in the process).
  • The Magnifying Glass: Boosts the Police Officer's reach or adds an extra charge of Inspection showing also the "Hidden Killer".
  • The Plague Mask: Passive protection for the Doctor, absorbing one night-time attack.
  • The Bra: When is picked by Prostitute the right after day (one time) vote if there is a lynch gets cancelled.

🚀 Pallor Noctis: The AI & Early Access Roadmap

Phase 1: The "Ghost in the Machine" (Current State)
  • Arlop Integration: Successfully implemented a custom slash-command system (/SpawnArlop, /ArlopPlay) that utilizes probability logic to simulate player agency and consent.
  • The Goal: Moving beyond simple commands to a Behavior Tree that allows Arlop (and other bots) to navigate the map and interact with objects.
Phase 2: The "Social Logic" Bot (Upcoming)
  • Deduction AI: Training bots to "remember" who was near a scream or who was inspected.
  • Simulation of Deception: Programming "Killer" bots to use the /meetmeat command and intentionally avoid being seen during a murder.
  • Lobby Filling: An automated system that checks player counts and spawns bots to meet the minimum match requirements, ensuring the game starts even for solo LAN players.
Phase 3: The "Turing Test" Chat Integration
  • Contextual Dialogue: Expanding the /ArlopPlay logic so bots can participate in the Day Phase vote by making "accusations" based on their internal data (e.g., "I saw [PlayerName] in the dark").

"To ensure the longevity and accessibility of Pallor Noctis Online, I am developing a comprehensive AI framework. Beyond simple lobby-filling, these bots are designed to simulate social deduction—using custom memory arrays to 'witness' events and participate in the Day Phase voting cycle. This turns the game into a fully playable Single-Player or Co-op experience."
[ Visit Official Game Site: pallornoctisonline.eu ] View the Early Access Roadmap, detailed role guides, and community updates.
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