Learn to craft engaging interactive narratives for RoleRealm.
1. Clear Direction Players should always know:
2. Player Agency The story should:
3. Escalating Stakes Build tension through:
4. Character Integration Best stories:
Sequential Objectives Stories progress through ordered objectives:
Objective 1 → Objective 2 → Objective 3 → ... → Conclusion
Each objective:
Dynamic Character Objectives When story has an objective, AI assigns individual character tasks:
Story Objective: "Navigate through dangerous strait"
├─ Captain: "Maintain steady course through rough waters"
├─ Navigator: "Chart safe passage using star charts"
└─ Lookout: "Watch for rocks and warn of dangers"
{
"title": "Story Title",
"description": "Overall story premise and setting. This provides context
for the entire narrative arc and establishes the world.",
"objectives": [
"First objective - specific and achievable",
"Second objective - builds on first",
"Third objective - escalates tension",
"Final objective - satisfying conclusion"
],
"current_objective_index": 0
}
Stories must be in: [Story Name]/story/[filename].json
Important: Only ONE story file per directory!
Bad Objective:
"Do something cool"
Problems:
Good Objective:
"Decipher the ancient map to determine the location of the first trial"
Strengths:
Make objectives SMART:
Specific - Exactly what needs to happen
❌ "Find information"
✓ "Interrogate the tavern keeper about the missing merchants"
Measurable - Clear completion condition
❌ "Help the village"
✓ "Defeat the bandits raiding the village farms"
Achievable - Possible within story context
❌ "Defeat the invincible demon lord" (if characters are beginners)
✓ "Escape the demon lord's lair with the artifact"
Relevant - Advances overall story
❌ "Win the pie-eating contest" (in serious treasure hunt)
✓ "Win the navigator's trust by proving your sailing knowledge"
Time-bound - Clear when it’s done
❌ "Prepare for the journey" (when is it enough preparation?)
✓ "Gather supplies and set sail before the storm arrives"
Investigation:
"Investigate [location] to discover [information/clue/truth] about [mystery]"
Acquisition:
"Obtain/Recover [item/artifact/knowledge] from [location/person/challenge]"
Navigation:
"Reach/Navigate to [destination] while overcoming [obstacle/danger]"
Social:
"Convince/Persuade [person/group] to [action] by [method/demonstration]"
Confrontation:
"Confront/Defeat/Evade [antagonist/threat] to [goal/protection/escape]"
Puzzle:
"Solve [puzzle/riddle/mystery] to unlock/access [reward/location/knowledge]"
Act 1: Setup (25%)
"objectives": [
"Learn about the quest and gather initial information",
"Assemble the team and prepare for the journey",
"Depart on the adventure toward the first challenge"
]
Act 2: Confrontation (50%)
"objectives": [
"Overcome the first major obstacle",
"Discover complication that changes the mission",
"Face setback and recover",
"Prepare for final confrontation"
]
Act 3: Resolution (25%)
"objectives": [
"Execute the plan to reach the goal",
"Overcome final challenge",
"Resolve and return victorious"
]
"objectives": [
"Discover the crime/mystery has occurred",
"Gather initial clues and interview witnesses",
"Uncover the first layer of deception",
"Follow the trail to a major revelation",
"Confront false lead or red herring",
"Piece together the true solution",
"Reveal the culprit and resolve the mystery"
]
"objectives": [
"Identify the target and why it must be acquired",
"Research the location and security measures",
"Assemble specialized team members",
"Create detailed plan accounting for obstacles",
"Execute the heist, adapting to complications",
"Escape with the prize",
"Deal with the unexpected consequence"
]
"objectives": [
"Depart from home toward distant destination",
"Overcome environmental challenge (storm, desert, mountains)",
"Help settlement along the way",
"Face personal trial that tests character",
"Discover shortcut or alternate route",
"Reach destination",
"Achieve the goal that required the journey"
]
Short Objectives (1-3 turns):
"Introduce yourselves and discuss the mission"
Medium Objectives (5-10 turns):
"Navigate through the treacherous mountain pass while avoiding avalanches"
Long Objectives (10+ turns):
"Infiltrate the fortress, locate the prisoner, and escape without detection"
Vary objective intensity:
High │ ╱╲ ╱╲
│ ╱ ╲ ╱ ╲ ╱╲
│ ╱ ╲ ╱ ╲ ╱ ╲
│ ╱ ╲ ╱ ╲ ╱ ╲
Low │─╱────────╲─╱────────╲╱──────╲─
Setup Peak Rest Climax Resolution
Example tension mapping:
"objectives": [
"Gather at tavern and discuss the map", // Low - Setup
"Race to beat rivals to the temple entrance", // High - Peak
"Explore the peaceful outer chambers", // Low - Rest
"Solve deadly traps in the inner sanctum", // High - Climax
"Escape with treasure as temple collapses", // High - Climax
"Return home and celebrate victory" // Low - Resolution
]
Connect major story beats:
"objectives": [
"Defeat the guardian beast", // Action climax
"Tend to wounds and rest", // Recovery/character moment
"Decode the map found on the guardian", // Investigation begins
"Journey to the location revealed", // Transition
"Infiltrate the enemy stronghold" // Next action sequence
]
These “breathing room” objectives allow:
Structure: Journey → Challenges → Prize → Return
Example:
{
"title": "The Quest for the Phoenix Feather",
"description": "The king lies dying from an incurable poison. Only a feather
from the legendary Phoenix, said to dwell atop Mount Ashfire,
can cure him. You must journey across dangerous lands, prove
your worth, and return before time runs out.",
"objectives": [
"Receive the quest from the royal court and learn about the Phoenix",
"Cross the Whispering Desert with its mirages and sandstorms",
"Climb Mount Ashfire despite heat and volcanic hazards",
"Prove your purity of intent to the Phoenix guardian",
"Obtain a single feather from the Phoenix",
"Descend the mountain and race back to the capital",
"Administer the cure and save the king"
]
}
Structure: Crime → Clues → Deduction → Revelation → Resolution
Example:
{
"title": "Murder at Blackwood Manor",
"description": "Lord Blackwood has been found dead in his locked study.
Six guests were present at the manor that night, each with
secrets to hide. As the detective, you must uncover the truth
before the murderer strikes again.",
"objectives": [
"Examine the crime scene and note all evidence",
"Interview each of the six guests and note their alibis",
"Discover the hidden passage in the study",
"Uncover the blackmail scheme Lord Blackwood was running",
"Determine which guest had access to the rare poison used",
"Set a trap to make the killer reveal themselves",
"Present your case and bring the murderer to justice"
]
}
Structure: Target → Plan → Preparation → Execution → Escape
Example:
{
"title": "The Diamond of Destinies",
"description": "The infamous Diamond of Destinies is being transported to
the National Museum for exhibition. Your team has been hired
to acquire it before it disappears into the vault. One chance,
one week to plan, and a security system designed to be impenetrable.",
"objectives": [
"Scout the museum and identify security measures",
"Recruit specialists: lockpicker, tech expert, and distraction artist",
"Obtain blueprints and guard schedules through social engineering",
"Test the plan using the museum's sister building across town",
"Execute the heist during the gala opening night",
"Overcome unexpected security upgrade",
"Escape and deliver the diamond to the mysterious client"
]
}
Structure: Trapped → Explore → Resources → Challenges → Freedom
Example:
{
"title": "Escape from Deadrock Prison",
"description": "Wrongly convicted and sentenced to life in Deadrock, the
most secure prison in the realm. You know you're innocent,
and staying means death. You must escape, but first you need
allies, resources, and a plan that has never succeeded before.",
"objectives": [
"Survive the first week and learn the prison's routines",
"Gain the trust of veteran inmates who know the layout",
"Acquire tools through the underground trade network",
"Discover the weakness in the eastern wall drainage system",
"Create a distraction during the guard shift change",
"Navigate the drainage tunnels despite flooding",
"Reach freedom and evade the pursuit"
]
}
Structure: Threat → Preparation → Battle → Victory/Defeat → Aftermath
Example:
{
"title": "The Siege of Last Light Citadel",
"description": "The Shadow Army approaches. Last Light Citadel is the final
stronghold before the capital. If it falls, the kingdom falls.
You must prepare the defenses, boost morale, and hold the line
long enough for reinforcements to arrive.",
"objectives": [
"Assess the citadel's defenses and available forces",
"Convince neighboring villages to send supplies and fighters",
"Fortify the weakest wall section before the enemy arrives",
"Survive the first assault and identify enemy tactics",
"Lead a raid to destroy enemy siege weapons",
"Hold the breached wall through the night",
"Welcome the reinforcements and turn the tide",
"Pursue and scatter the retreating enemy forces"
]
}
Structure: Meeting → Bonding → Conflict → Resolution → Commitment
Example:
{
"title": "A Royal Affair",
"description": "As a common artist commissioned for the royal portrait, you
never expected to capture the heart of the crown prince. But
love between classes is forbidden, and powerful forces conspire
to keep you apart. Navigate court politics, prove your worth,
and fight for a love that defies tradition.",
"objectives": [
"Complete the portrait while getting to know the prince",
"Attend the royal ball as the prince's secret guest",
"Navigate jealous nobles and scheming advisors",
"Discover the plot to marry the prince to a foreign princess",
"Prove your value by exposing the corrupt finance minister",
"Earn the respect of the king through your talents and character",
"Choose between love and letting the prince fulfill duty",
"Find the solution that honors both heart and kingdom"
]
}
Design objectives that utilize character abilities:
Character: Navigator with celestial navigation expertise Relevant Objectives:
"Navigate through the starless Void Sea using only the ancient compass"
"Determine the correct island among dozens by calculating stellar positions"
"Guide the ship through fog using knowledge of ocean currents"
Character: Diplomatic scholar who reads people well Relevant Objectives:
"Negotiate safe passage with the territorial pirates"
"Determine which council member is the traitor through conversation"
"Convince the hermit to share knowledge of the ancient temple"
Create objectives where each character shines:
{
"objectives": [
"Decipher the ancient map's symbols", // Scholar's moment
"Navigate through the treacherous reef", // Navigator's moment
"Defeat the guardians in single combat", // Warrior's moment
"Unlock the magical seal on the vault", // Mage's moment
"Persuade the spirit to grant safe passage" // Diplomat's moment
]
}
Link story objectives to character goals:
Character Goal: “Prove worthiness to father’s legacy” Story Objectives that advance this:
"Lead the team through the challenge father failed"
"Make the difficult choice father couldn't make"
"Succeed where father's expedition disappeared"
The story progression helps character arcs.
While RoleRealm uses linear objectives, you can hint at alternatives:
{
"title": "The Stolen Artifact",
"description": "The sacred artifact has been stolen. Recover it by force,
stealth, or negotiation - the choice is yours, but time is running out.",
"objectives": [
"Track down the thieves to their hideout",
"Choose your approach: infiltrate stealthily, attack directly, or offer to trade",
// The next objectives adapt based on the approach chosen
"Overcome resistance and secure the artifact",
"Escape with the artifact before reinforcements arrive"
]
}
The description suggests options, and character roleplay determines approach.
Create objectives that can be tackled simultaneously:
{
"objectives": [
"Prepare for the festival: Gather information, secure invitations, and plan the heist timing"
]
}
One objective, multiple aspects - characters can work on different parts.
Add depth with ethical choices:
"Decide whether to use the dark ritual to save the village, knowing it requires a sacrifice"
Characters with different values will debate, creating rich roleplay.
Later objectives reference earlier choices:
{
"objectives": [
"Steal supplies from the corrupt merchant or buy them honestly",
"Cross the border checkpoint (harder if you're now wanted for theft)",
"Seek help from the merchant's guild (impossible if you stole from a member)"
]
}
This creates a feeling that choices matter.
Build intrigue with mysterious goals:
"Discover what the cryptic message 'The stars will fall when the heir returns' truly means"
The objective itself is learning what the objective is!
Add urgency:
"Reach the temple before the eclipse ends and the portal closes forever"
Creates natural pacing and tension.
Each objective reveals more:
{
"objectives": [
"Investigate why ships are disappearing near the island",
"Discover the island is protected by an ancient sea monster",
"Learn the monster is controlled by a marooned wizard",
"Realize the wizard is your mentor, thought dead years ago",
"Confront your mentor about why he's killing innocents"
]
}
Each answer raises bigger questions.
{
"title": "The Shattered Crown",
"description": "The ancient Crown of Unity, which kept the five kingdoms at peace
for centuries, has shattered into five pieces. Each kingdom now holds
one shard, and old rivalries resurface. As neutral adventurers, you
must recover all five shards and reforge the crown before war erupts
across the land. But each kingdom has its own reason for keeping its
shard, and not all will surrender it willingly.",
"objectives": [
"Meet with the Council of Elders to learn the crown's history and the location of each shard",
"Journey to the Forest Kingdom and earn the Wood Elves' trust by solving the corruption in their sacred grove",
"Convince the Mountain Dwarves to surrender their shard by proving your worth in their Trial of Steel",
"Infiltrate the Desert Sultanate's palace during the Festival of Lights to reclaim the stolen shard",
"Negotiate with the Ocean Kingdom's council while navigating their complex political alliances",
"Confront the Shadow Kingdom's sorcerer who plans to use his shard to break the crown's protective magic forever",
"Race to the Forge of Unity with all five shards before the eclipse",
"Defend the forge from the Shadow Kingdom's army while the crown is being reforged",
"Return the restored crown to the Council and broker a lasting peace between the kingdoms"
],
"current_objective_index": 0
}
{
"title": "Signal from the Dead Star",
"description": "Your research vessel picks up an impossible signal from Kepler-442b,
a star that went supernova three centuries ago. The signal is clearly
artificial and contains coordinates to a location within the nebula.
Against protocol, your captain decides to investigate. What you find
there will challenge everything humanity thought it knew about the
universe, time, and our place in it.",
"objectives": [
"Analyze the mysterious signal and decode its mathematical message",
"Navigate through the radiation-heavy nebula to reach the coordinates",
"Discover the massive ancient structure floating in the dead star's remains",
"Board the structure despite its active defense systems",
"Uncover evidence that a previous human expedition reached here... 200 years from now",
"Access the central AI that's been waiting for you specifically",
"Learn that the structure is a time-anchor preventing a future catastrophe",
"Decide whether to destroy the anchor and prevent the dark future, or preserve it and doom your own timeline",
"Deal with the consequences of your choice as reality begins to shift"
],
"current_objective_index": 0
}
{
"title": "The Night Market",
"description": "In modern London, a hidden world exists just beneath the surface.
The Night Market appears only during the new moon, a bazaar where
magical beings trade in impossible goods. Your best friend has gone
missing after visiting the market, and you've discovered you have
just enough magical blood to see it yourself. Find your friend, but
be careful - everything in the Night Market has a price, and not
all costs are paid in coin.",
"objectives": [
"Locate the Night Market's entrance hidden in the abandoned Underground station",
"Navigate the market's confusing layout while avoiding drawing attention from dangerous beings",
"Trade information with the goblin merchant about your friend's last known location",
"Win a game of chance against the fate-weaver to earn passage to the restricted section",
"Discover your friend made a deal with the Shadow Broker and is bound by contract",
"Find a loophole in the contract by consulting the ancient Sphinx in the Court of Whispers",
"Challenge the Shadow Broker according to the old rules of the market",
"Pay the price for your friend's freedom (sacrifice something precious of your own)",
"Escape before the market vanishes and you're trapped until the next new moon"
],
"current_objective_index": 0
}
Last Updated: December 2025
Author: Jit Roy
License: MIT