# Decay Upkeep

> Building decay and upkeep systems for survival games. Use when implementing timer-based decay, Tool Cupboard patterns (Rust-style protection radius), resource upkeep costs, or server performance management through automatic cleanup. Balances gameplay and server health. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/decay-upkeep` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/decay-upkeep`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/decay-upkeep/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/decay-upkeep

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# Decay & Upkeep

Timer-based building decay and resource-based upkeep for survival games.

## Quick Start

```javascript
import { DecayManager } from './scripts/decay-manager.js';
import { UpkeepSystem } from './scripts/upkeep-system.js';
import { ToolCupboard } from './scripts/tool-cupboard.js';

// Decay without protection
const decay = new DecayManager({ 
  mode: 'rust',
  decayMultiplier: 1.0 
});
decay.addPiece(piece);
decay.tick(deltaTime); // Called every frame/tick

// Tool Cupboard protection
const tc = new ToolCupboard({
  radius: 30,
  upkeepCost: { wood: 100, stone: 50 }
});
tc.setPosition(position);
tc.depositResources({ wood: 500, stone: 250 });
// Protected pieces won't decay while upkeep is paid
```

## Reference

See `references/decay-upkeep-advanced.md` for:
- Decay rate formulas by material
- Tool Cupboard mechanics (Rust pattern)
- Upkeep scaling with base size
- Server performance benefits
- Anti-raid delay mechanics

## Scripts

- `scripts/decay-manager.js` - Tick-based decay, material rates, damage states
- `scripts/upkeep-system.js` - Resource drain, calculation, UI data
- `scripts/tool-cupboard.js` - Protection radius, authorization, resource storage
- `scripts/cleanup-scheduler.js` - Server-side cleanup of abandoned structures

## Decay Modes

- **Rust**: Linear decay over 8-24 hours (material dependent), prevented by Tool Cupboard
- **ARK**: Slower decay (days to weeks), tribe-based protection
- **Minecraft**: No decay (creative/survival), optional via mods

## Design Philosophy

Decay serves dual purposes in survival games: gameplay balance (prevents infinite hoarding) and server performance (removes abandoned bases). The Tool Cupboard pattern elegantly ties both together—players must actively maintain bases, and inactive players' structures automatically clean up.

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/bbeierle12) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->