Network Chronicles 2.0: The Vanishing Admin

⚠️ ALPHA RELEASE - TESTERS WELCOME! ⚠️

🚀 MAJOR REWRITE - Interactive Linux learning terminal with real-time system integration and personalized narratives.

🧪 Alpha Testing Notice

This is an alpha release seeking testers and feedback!

• Expect changes: Story elements, commands, and features may change significantly
• No migration support: Moving from older versions is not supported
• Breaking changes: Future updates may require starting fresh
• Feedback welcome: Issues, suggestions, and contributions are encouraged
• Solo development: Please be patient with response times

Perfect for: Linux learners, cyberpunk fans, interactive fiction enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to help shape an innovative learning platform.

A gamified Linux learning system that transforms traditional system administration training into an immersive cyberpunk mystery adventure.

Overview

Network Chronicles revolutionizes technical documentation by transforming it from a passive reading experience into an interactive adventure. By embedding critical infrastructure knowledge within an engaging narrative framework, it addresses the fundamental challenge of IT documentation: making it compelling enough that people actually want to engage with it.

Players assume the role of a new system administrator tasked with maintaining a network after the mysterious disappearance of their predecessor, known only as "The Architect." Through exploration, puzzle-solving, and documentation, players uncover both the network's secrets and the truth behind The Architect's vanishing.

Key Features

• Narrative-Driven Discovery: Learn about your infrastructure through an engaging storyline
• Progressive Knowledge Building: Information is revealed at the appropriate time and context
• Active Learning Model: Discover, solve problems, and document findings
• Gamification Elements: Experience points, tiers, achievements, and challenges
• Terminal Integration: Seamlessly blends with your actual terminal experience
• Dynamic Journal System: Automatically documents discoveries and progress
• Extensible Content: Easy to customize for your specific infrastructure

Installation

System Requirements

• Linux, macOS, or Windows
• Node.js 16+ and npm
• Git
• Modern web browser (Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+)

Quick Install

Local Development Installation:

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/Fimeg/NetworkChronicles.git
cd NetworkChronicles

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Build the application
npm run build

# Start the server
npm run serve

Or use the install script:

# Download and run the installer
wget https://github.com/Fimeg/NetworkChronicles/raw/main/install.sh
chmod +x install.sh
./install.sh

Docker Installation

git clone https://github.com/Fimeg/NetworkChronicles.git
cd NetworkChronicles
docker-compose up -d

Getting Started

After installation, log out and log back in to activate the shell integration. You'll see a welcome message and instructions on how to begin.

Basic commands:

• nc-status - Display your current status
• nc-journal - View your journal
• nc-help - Show available commands

Customization

Network Chronicles is designed to be customized for your specific infrastructure. See the Content Creation Guide for details on how to:

• Add custom quests and challenges
• Integrate with your actual network infrastructure
• Create your own narrative elements
• Extend the system with new features

Architecture

The system consists of several components:

1. Core Game Engine - Manages player state, story progression, and game mechanics
2. Shell Integration - Provides a seamless interface between the terminal and the game
3. Journal System - Interactive documentation that evolves with player progress
4. Content Management - Handles narrative elements, challenges, and discoveries
5. Infrastructure Integration - Connects the game with real network infrastructure

For more details, see the Architecture Documentation.

Development

For information on developing and extending Network Chronicles, see the Development Guide.

API

Network Chronicles provides several APIs for integration with other systems. See the API Documentation for details.

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please see CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Inspired by the countless system administrators who maintain our digital infrastructure
• Thanks to all contributors and testers who have helped shape this project