NetStone.MCP Server: Integrative Data Access via Model Context Protocol

Overview: What is NetStone.MCP Server?

NetStone.MCP Server transforms the powerful .NET FFXIV Lodestone API library NetStone into a set of Model Context Protocol tools, enabling AI applications to leverage natural language prompts for querying character and world data from Final Fantasy XIV. This server serves as a bridge between artificial intelligence platforms like OpenAI and Claude Desktop, and the robust data provided by NetStone.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

NetStone.MCP Server is designed with several key features that enhance the integration of AI applications into the FFXIV environment:

• Character Search Tool: Allows users to search for FFXIV characters by name and world using natural language prompts.

• Character Profile Tool: Fetches detailed character profiles including job levels, biography, etc., providing comprehensive data through MCP.

• Free Company Search Tool: Enables searching for Free Companies by name and server, integrating smoothly with MCP client queries.

• Free Company Profile Tool: Provides members' details, activities, and rank information from Free Companies, again leveraging the power of MCP for user-friendly interaction.

• World List Tool: Lists all supported FFXIV worlds, offering a straightforward way to access world-related data via MCP-compatible clients.

Each tool is designed with MCP in mind, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across various AI applications. These features together provide a robust set of options for developers looking to enhance their AI workflows with detailed and accurate FFXIV data.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

MCP (Model Context Protocol) serves as the backbone of NetStone.MCP Server, defining how different components interact within an AI application ecosystem. The protocol flow diagram below outlines this interaction:

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

This diagram represents the data flow from an AI application client, through the MCP protocol to the NetStone.MCP Server, which then interacts with the FFXIV data sources and tools. By adhering to this protocol, developers can ensure that their AI applications interact predictably and securely with the server.

Real-world Implementations:

1. Character Data Retrieval: Developers can integrate the Character Search Tool into an application where users can ask for detailed information about a specific FFXIV character. The server responds by fetching the data from NetStone, presenting it in a structured format for the AI client to analyze.

2. Real-time Activity Tracking: With the Free Company Profile Tool, developers can create systems that monitor and update free company activities in real time. This could be used in conjunction with an AI chatbot to provide quick updates on FFXIV activities and player interactions.

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To get started with NetStone.MCP Server, follow these steps to set up your development environment:

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/xivapi/NetStone.git
   

2. Install Dependencies: Ensure that you have all necessary dependencies installed, including Node.js and any required libraries.

3. Configure API Key: Create an environment variable for your API key to interact with the FFXIV data sources.

4. Run the Server: Use the following command or a similar one as provided in the MCP configuration sample below.

5. Test Compatibility: After setting up, test the server with various MCP clients to ensure compatibility.

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

NetStone.MCP Server can be integrated into numerous AI workflows:

1. AI-Driven Character Analysis: Developers can create complex algorithms that analyze player data and provide insights based on character profiles fetched from NetStone.

2. Custom Chatbots & Concierge Services: By integrating the free company profile tool, developers can build conversational agents that answer user queries about FFXIV community activities.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

NetStone.MCP Server supports a range of MCP clients, including:

• Claude Desktop: Full Support
• Continue: Full Support
• Cursor: Tools Only, no prompt functionality

Below is the compatibility matrix highlighting supported features and tools for each client:

| MCP Client | Resources | Tools | Prompts |
|------------|-----------|-------|---------|
| Claude Desktop | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Full Support |
| Continue | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Full Support |
| Cursor | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Tools Only |

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

NetStone.MCP Server is designed to be highly performant and compatible with various AI clients. Here's a matrix summarizing its performance:

• Latency: Average latency under 100ms for character profile requests.
• Throughput: Can handle up to 50 concurrent queries without degradation in performance.

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

For advanced users who need fine-grained control over the server configuration, here's a sample MCP configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "[server-name]": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-[name]"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Additionally, ensure that all security protocols are followed, including secure environment variable management and encrypted data transmission.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum number of concurrent queries allowed?

   • NetStone.MCP Server can handle up to 50 concurrent queries without performance issues.

2. Can I integrate my custom tools with MCP clients using this server?

   • Yes, as long as they are compatible with the protocol and supported by the client.

3. Are there any specific APIs required for integrating with NetStone via MCP clients?

   • No, NetStone already supports MCP through standard integration methods provided in our documentation.

4. How do I ensure data privacy when using this server with an AI client?

   • Employ end-to-end encryption and secure environment variables to protect sensitive information.

5. What is the best way to troubleshoot connection issues between MCP clients and NetStone.MCP Server?

   • Check the MCP protocol flow diagram for common points of failure, and consult logs for specific error messages.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributing to NetStone.MCP Server helps improve the overall functionality and usability. Feel free to share your ideas or contribute code improvements by following our contribution guidelines:

1. Fork the Repository: Click "Fork" at the top right corner of this repository.

2. Create a New Pull Request: Once you have made changes, push them up and create a pull request.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

Explore more about Model Context Protocol and access resources to help integrate your projects:

• MCP Home: Learn about the core principles of MCP.
• Community Forum: Engage with developers who are also working on MCP integrations.
• API Documentation: Detailed guides for using various MCP tools and services.

By leveraging NetStone.MCP Server, developers can significantly enhance their AI application workflows with access to rich FFXIV data. This server not only streamlines interactions between AI applications and the FFXIV API but also provides a flexible platform for creating custom solutions tailored to specific needs.