STS2MCP: Instructions file for Codex

STS2 MCP — AI Gameplay Guide

MCP Tool Calling Tips

State Polling

• After combat_end_turn, the state may show is_play_phase: false or turn: enemy. Call get_game_state again to advance to the next player turn.
• Sometimes you need to call get_game_state twice — once to see enemy turn results, once to see your new hand.
• Use format: "json" during combat for structured data; format: "markdown" for map/event overview.

Card Index Shifting

• CRITICAL: Playing a card removes it from hand and shifts all indices. Play cards from RIGHT to LEFT (highest index first) to keep lower indices stable, or re-check state between plays.
• When targeting, always provide target for single-target cards. Entity IDs are UPPER_SNAKE_CASE with a _0 suffix (e.g. KIN_PRIEST_0).

Event & Reward Flow

• Events: event_choose_option. After choosing, there's often a "Proceed" option at index 0.
• Rest sites: rest_choose_option, then proceed_to_map.
• Rewards: claim from right-to-left (highest index first) to avoid index shifting. Card rewards open a sub-screen; use rewards_pick_card or rewards_skip_card.

Potions

• use_potion(slot=N) — slot is the potion slot index, not a card index.
• discard_potion(slot=N) — discard a potion to free up the slot when full.
• Potions don't cost energy or count as card plays. Use buff potions BEFORE playing cards.

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General Strategy

Core Principles

1. HP is a resource, not a score. Take calculated damage to deal more. Don't waste energy on block when enemies aren't attacking.
2. Deck quality > deck size. Skip card rewards if nothing synergizes. A lean deck draws key cards more often.
3. Front-load damage. Killing enemies faster means less total damage taken.
4. Read intents carefully. Sleep/Buff = go all-out offense. Attack = balance block and damage. Debuff = usually no damage, offense turn.

Combat Sequencing (General)

1. Play 0-cost utility/setup cards first.
2. Play skills before attacks when possible — many mechanics reward this order (e.g. Slow debuff on enemies stacks per card played).
3. Play biggest attacks last to benefit from accumulated buffs/debuffs.
4. Check enemy HP — if you can kill this turn, skip blocking entirely.