Tutorialization and hints

Rephrased should teach primarily through level design, environmental prompts, camera framing, and the memory palace. UI prompts are allowed only when they protect basic usability or prevent avoidable confusion.

Teaching channels

Channel	Use
Environment	Murals, rune-like shapes, lit paths, and object placement.
Puzzle layout	Safe first use of a new rune, followed by a variation that proves meaning.
Camera	Direct attention toward goal objects, sentence results, and changed traversal paths.
Notebook / memory palace	Let players review discovered runes without turning the main game into menu reading.
Minimal UI	Basic controls and accessibility; avoid explaining puzzle answers.

Low-UI rule

If a puzzle needs more than a short prompt, first check whether the level itself can communicate the idea:

• Reframe the camera.
• Reduce available runes.
• Add a safe test target.
• Make cause and effect closer together.
• Repeat the layout with a clear twist.

Rune teaching pattern

1. Show the noun or verb in a clear physical context.
2. Let the player use the rune on a safe target.
3. Show a visible result immediately.
4. Require a second use that proves the meaning was learned, not guessed.
5. Record or review the rune in the memory palace.

Memory palace note

The notebook version of the memory palace should feel projected into the current space rather than forcing frequent scene changes. It exists to support language retention without breaking immersion.

Related pages

• Pillars and loop
• Level design template
• Camera authoring

Change history

• 2026-05-08 — Gabriel Li — Added baseline change history section for weekly wiki maintenance.