Learning chess, building a world — would love your thoughts

Finally learning how to play chess after a year or two of being obsessed with the game in a more abstract way — the symbols, the tension, the idea that a whole world exists inside those 64 squares. Something about it always felt ancient and sacred, even before I knew how the pieces moved.

That obsession carried over into another part of my life: game design. I’ve been shaping a survival world in Rust where the logic of chess isn’t just a metaphor — it’s the rule of law. Forgiving? Not at all. Survivable? That’s the whole game. It’s called The Chess Realm, and yeah — it’s the PC game Rust, but a modded server with hundreds of unique twists:

• Lore-based chess trivia and map zones based on historically significant locations, with a large emphasis on the origins of Chaturanga. 
• Premium mods such as dynamic weather cycles that echo the tense and brooding gameplay of chess, plus a skins database allowing you to customize the look of just about any item.
  
  
• And last but not least, a brand new in-game GUI that lets you play actual chess, either solo or against other players on the server, with spectators allowed. So while you’re surviving the night, you can practice real chess skills. This particular mod, as far as I know, is unprecedented on Rust and a truly unique addition to the server. 
  
  

There are only 35 spots available for the population on this server. I’ve spent over $200 on all these mods, the hosting, and AI to get it all working (not gonna lie). With all these popular additions, the server will most likely fill up soon with regulars. However, I really wanted to offer it to all of you first; the chess community, seeing as the server revolves around it.

I’m not a master at chess or even high-rated. Just someone who couldn’t stop thinking about how this game feels, and what that feeling would look like if it bled into a different genre. If that resonates — or if you’ve got weird chess lore, favorite openings to share, or ideas on how to make this server even weirder (in a good way!) — I’d love to hear it!

Sorry to go off-topic, in the off-topic. I really appreciate this site, this forum, the mods, and I know posts like this are kind of like, ah. But honestly, I’m not advertising some new kitchen utensil I’ve invented. I’m learning the art of chess, and I'm just hoping to connect along the way with some of you in the game!

Sincerely, Jon