# Blockchain ### What is a blockchain? A blockchain is best described as a public database that is updated and shared across many computers in a network. "Block" refers to the fact that data and state are stored in sequential batches or "blocks". If you interact with the blockchain, the transaction data needs to be added to a block for it to be successful. "Chain" refers to the fact that each block cryptographically references its parent. A block's data cannot be changed without changing all subsequent blocks, which would require the consensus of the entire network. Each new block and the chain as a whole must be agreed upon by every computer in the network. These computers are known as "nodes". This is so everyone has the same data. To accomplish this distributed agreement, blockchains need a consensus mechanism. ***Credit**: Ethereum Foundation see* [*here*](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/intro-to-ethereum#what-is-a-blockchain)*.* ### Why does Synergy of Serra use blockchain technology? By integrating blockchain technology, Synergy of Serra allows Serrans more control over their Synergy of Serra Items and Resources through fungible tokens (FT), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and soul-bound tokens (SBTs). The blockchain also allows super-secure, transparent transactions and executions to occur. This means you are able to trace and verify all on-chain activity, such as how the contents of the crates are randomized or how Alpha Fame is distributed. This transparency and openness also mean that you will be able to trade your cards, just like physical trading cards, but in a perfect information economy, as you will always be able to check how many of each Synergy of Serra Item or Resource exists at any one time. This links into our game economy and global reward distribution with its transparent nature, facilitating scrutiny and analysis from the community. Using the blockchain also means Synergy of Serra can deploy smart contracts to develop exciting game features such as earning Fame (see [The Fame](https://synergyofserra.gitbook.io/the-compendium-of-serra/the-fame)) or winning a Golden Ticket (see [here](https://synergyofserra.gitbook.io/the-compendium-of-serra/the-special-drops/what-is-the-golden-ticket)). Furthermore, the blockchain is still a nascent technology, and future possibilities could be endless. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://synergyofserra.gitbook.io/the-compendium-of-serra/support-1/the-blockchain.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.