## What is Realms World?
Realms World is a fully onchain, open-source gaming ecosystem built on Starknet, a high-performance Ethereum Layer 2. At its core lies Eternum, a decentralized 4X MMO strategy game, and a growing constellation of interoperable games developed by aligned studios and independent grantees.
The entire ecosystem is governed by Bibliotheca DAO, powered by Realm NFTs and the native token $LORDS. Every in-game economy, governance mechanism, and funding initiative flows through this DAO-governed, permissionless ecosystem.
## The $LORDS Token
$LORDS is the native utility and incentive token of Realms World. It powers the in-game economies, governance, and staking infrastructure that hold the ecosystem together.
**Utility Overview**
1. Gateway – $LORDS is used to access games, mint passes, purchase subscriptions, and more.
2. Denomination – It acts as the native currency across all games, DEX pools, and marketplaces.
3. Yield – Players can stake $LORDS to earn veLORDS, which unlock ecosystem-wide rewards.
## What is veLORDS?
veLORDS (vote-escrowed LORDS) is a staking derivative earned by locking up $LORDS over time. It transforms passive holders into aligned participants with deeper rewards.
**Yield Mechanics**
- veLORDS holders earn a share of protocol and in-game fees generated across the Realms ecosystem.
- As more games launch and generate onchain activity (e.g. minting, trading, entry fees), the veLORDS yield pool grows, resulting in naturally compounding APY over time.
- Stakers are rewarded not just for holding, but for believing in the growth of the entire gaming ecosystem.
## Realm NFTs
Realms (for Adventurers) NFTs are core governance assets that unlock unique utility:
- DAO voting rights in Bibliotheca DAO
- Free Eternum Season Passes (1 per Realm, per season)
- Exclusive access to playtests, tournaments, and game launches
- Tradable across Ethereum and Starknet (Realms.World, OpenSea, Element Market)