WHITEPAPER
Complete technical specification for the PEGASUS: Ascended Protocol smart contract architecture, mutation algorithms, and infection vectors.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 ABSTRACT
PEGASUS: Ascended Protocol represents a paradigm shift in digital asset architecture. Unlike static NFT collections, each Pegasus entity exists as a living data organism encoded directly into Ethereum's calldata layer via Ethscriptions, creating permanent, immutable digital life forms that mutate, evolve, and interact through deterministic on-chain algorithms.
The protocol implements a multi-layered trait system where 8,888 Genesis Units possess unique trait vectors drawn from a possibility space exceeding 2.4 million combinations. These traits are not merely cosmetic—they directly influence mutation probability, infection resistance, battle effectiveness, and fusion compatibility through verifiable on-chain computation.
2.0 SMART CONTRACT ARCHITECTURE
2.1 Contract Hierarchy
The protocol deploys a modular contract system enabling upgradeable mutation logic while preserving immutable ownership records. Core contracts include:
Primary registry contract managing token ownership, trait storage, and metadata URIs. Implements ERC-721A for gas-optimized batch minting with O(1) complexity.
Upgradeable logic contract processing mutation requests. Utilizes Chainlink VRF v2.5 for verifiable randomness with 200,000 gas callback limits.
Manages infection propagation logic, quarantine states, and cure mechanics. Implements probabilistic state machines for viral trait transfer.
Handles token burning and trait combination for fusion operations. Implements genetic algorithms for offspring trait inheritance.
2.2 Storage Architecture
struct PegasusEntity {
uint256 tokenId;
uint8[12] traitVector; // Packed trait indices
uint32 mutationCount; // Total mutations applied
uint32 infectionResistance; // Base immunity score
uint64 lastMutationBlock; // Cooldown tracking
bytes32 geneticHash; // Deterministic trait DNA
EntityState state; // DORMANT | ACTIVE | INFECTED | QUARANTINED
}
mapping(uint256 => PegasusEntity) public entities;
mapping(bytes32 => bool) public usedGeneticHashes; // Uniqueness enforcement2.3 Gas Optimization
All trait data is packed into single storage slots using bitwise operations. A complete 12-trait vector occupies only 96 bits (12 bytes), enabling batch reads/writes in single SLOAD/SSTORE operations. Estimated gas costs:
3.0 ETHSCRIPTION PROTOCOL
PEGASUS leverages Ethscriptions—a protocol for inscribing arbitrary data directly into Ethereum transaction calldata. Unlike traditional NFTs that store metadata off-chain (IPFS, Arweave), Ethscriptions embed content permanently on-chain, achieving true immutability and censorship resistance.
3.1 Data Encoding
Each Pegasus is inscribed as a self-contained SVG with embedded trait data, rendering independently without external dependencies. Total inscription size: ~12-18KB per entity.
3.2 Indexing & Validation
The protocol maintains deterministic indexing rules: the first valid ethscription of a unique genetic hash claims ownership. Subsequent duplicates are rejected. Indexers validate:
- ▸Content-type header matches expected MIME type
- ▸Genetic hash uniqueness across all inscriptions
- ▸Trait vector falls within valid bounds
- ▸Sender address matches authorized minter during genesis
4.0 MUTATION MECHANICS
Mutation is the core progression mechanic allowing holders to alter their Pegasus's trait composition. Each mutation operation consumes resources and introduces controlled randomness to trait selection.
4.1 Mutation Algorithm
function mutate(uint256 tokenId, uint8 targetTrait) external {
require(ownerOf(tokenId) == msg.sender, "NOT_OWNER");
require(block.number >= entities[tokenId].lastMutationBlock + COOLDOWN, "COOLDOWN_ACTIVE");
require(targetTrait < 12, "INVALID_TRAIT_INDEX");
// Request VRF randomness
uint256 requestId = VRF_COORDINATOR.requestRandomWords(
keyHash,
subscriptionId,
requestConfirmations,
callbackGasLimit,
1 // numWords
);
pendingMutations[requestId] = MutationRequest({
tokenId: tokenId,
targetTrait: targetTrait,
requester: msg.sender
});
}
function fulfillRandomWords(uint256 requestId, uint256[] memory randomWords) internal {
MutationRequest memory req = pendingMutations[requestId];
uint256 entropy = randomWords[0];
// Calculate mutation outcome
uint8 currentValue = entities[req.tokenId].traitVector[req.targetTrait];
uint8 traitRange = TRAIT_RANGES[req.targetTrait];
// Weighted probability favoring adjacent values
uint8 newValue = calculateMutatedTrait(currentValue, traitRange, entropy);
// Apply mutation
entities[req.tokenId].traitVector[req.targetTrait] = newValue;
entities[req.tokenId].mutationCount++;
entities[req.tokenId].lastMutationBlock = uint64(block.number);
entities[req.tokenId].geneticHash = keccak256(abi.encodePacked(
entities[req.tokenId].traitVector
));
emit MutationComplete(req.tokenId, req.targetTrait, currentValue, newValue);
}4.2 Probability Distribution
Mutation outcomes follow a weighted Gaussian distribution centered on the current trait value. This creates strategic depth—rare traits are harder to achieve but mutations tend toward stability:
4.3 Mutation Catalysts
Special catalyst tokens can modify mutation probabilities. These are earned through gameplay, staking, or seasonal events:
5.0 INFECTION SYSTEM
WARNING: Infection mechanics introduce permanent trait modification risk. Infected entities may lose valuable traits or gain corrupted variants. Proceed with strategic caution.
The infection system simulates viral trait propagation between Pegasus entities. When entities interact in battle or through proximity staking, infection vectors can transfer, creating dynamic trait economies and risk/reward gameplay.
5.1 Infection Propagation
struct InfectionStrain {
bytes32 strainId; // Unique strain identifier
uint8 targetTrait; // Which trait category it affects
uint8 corruptedValue; // Value it attempts to inject
uint16 virulence; // Transmission probability (basis points)
uint16 incubationBlocks; // Blocks before symptoms manifest
bool isLethal; // Can cause trait deletion
}
function attemptInfection(
uint256 sourceId,
uint256 targetId,
bytes32 strainId
) internal returns (bool) {
InfectionStrain memory strain = strains[strainId];
PegasusEntity storage target = entities[targetId];
// Calculate resistance
uint256 resistance = target.infectionResistance;
resistance += getTraitBonus(target.traitVector, IMMUNITY_TRAIT);
resistance += getEquipmentBonus(targetId);
// Roll infection check
uint256 roll = uint256(keccak256(abi.encodePacked(
block.timestamp,
sourceId,
targetId,
strainId
))) % 10000;
if (roll < strain.virulence - resistance) {
// Infection successful
target.state = EntityState.INFECTED;
activeInfections[targetId] = ActiveInfection({
strainId: strainId,
infectedBlock: block.number,
sourceEntity: sourceId
});
emit InfectionSpread(sourceId, targetId, strainId);
return true;
}
return false;
}5.2 Strain Classifications
Low virulence (5-15%), may grant temporary buffs or cosmetic variations. Often intentionally spread for aesthetic experimentation.
Medium virulence (20-40%), gradually degrades one trait category over time. Cure available but costly. 72-hour incubation period.
High virulence (50-70%), permanently overwrites target trait with corrupted value. Can create ultra-rare "Corrupted" trait variants. No cure—only quarantine.
5.3 Quarantine Protocol
Infected entities can be voluntarily quarantined to prevent spread. Quarantined Pegasi cannot participate in battles, staking, or transfers for the quarantine duration but are protected from further infection and may naturally recover:
6.0 FUSION PROTOCOL
Fusion permanently burns two Pegasus entities to create a new offspring with inherited traits. This deflationary mechanism reduces supply while enabling trait optimization and the creation of unique genetic combinations impossible through mutation alone.
6.1 Genetic Inheritance Algorithm
function calculateOffspringTraits(
uint8[12] memory parent1,
uint8[12] memory parent2,
uint256 entropy
) internal pure returns (uint8[12] memory offspring) {
for (uint8 i = 0; i < 12; i++) {
uint256 traitEntropy = uint256(keccak256(abi.encodePacked(entropy, i)));
uint256 roll = traitEntropy % 100;
if (roll < 40) {
// 40%: Inherit from parent 1
offspring[i] = parent1[i];
} else if (roll < 80) {
// 40%: Inherit from parent 2
offspring[i] = parent2[i];
} else if (roll < 95) {
// 15%: Blend (average rounded)
offspring[i] = uint8((uint16(parent1[i]) + uint16(parent2[i])) / 2);
} else {
// 5%: Spontaneous mutation
offspring[i] = uint8(traitEntropy % TRAIT_RANGES[i]);
}
}
return offspring;
}6.2 Fusion Requirements
- ▸Both parents must be owned by the same wallet
- ▸Neither parent can be infected or quarantined
- ▸Minimum 1000 blocks since last mutation for each parent
- ▸Fusion fee: 0.02 ETH + gas (adjustable via governance)
- ▸Both parents are permanently burned upon fusion
7.0 TOKENOMICS
7.1 Supply Dynamics
7.2 Revenue Allocation
7.3Fee Structure
8.0 SECURITY MODEL
8.1 Audit Status
PegasusCore.sol - Trail of Bits
MutationEngine.sol - OpenZeppelin
8.2 Access Controls
- ▸Multi-sig admin wallet (3/5 threshold) for contract upgrades
- ▸48-hour timelock on all parameter changes
- ▸Emergency pause functionality for exploit mitigation
- ▸Reentrancy guards on all state-modifying functions
8.3 Bug Bounty
Active bug bounty program with rewards up to 50 ETH for critical vulnerabilities. Report via security@pegasus-protocol.io or through Immunefi.
INITIALIZE YOUR ENTITY
The Genesis Awakening approaches. Secure your position in the protocol before the first mutation epoch begins.