User Guide

Introduction & Overview

Welcome to Everything That Can Happen! This guide explains how to use the web interface, understand user roles, and navigate the platform features. For technical installation and development documentation, see the Developer Guide.

Everything That Can Happen is an AI-powered, web-based choose-your-own-adventure game with infinite branching stories, dynamic multi-layer images, and collaborative storytelling features.

Key Features:

• Multi-Layer Visual Storytelling: Stories include background, middle, and foreground image layers for immersive parallax effects
• Role-Based Access Control: Guest, Player, Storyteller, Moderator, and Admin roles with different capabilities
• Collaborative Story Creation: Players can create custom story branches that become available to the community
• Dynamic AI Generation: Stories and images are generated on-demand using advanced AI models
• Real-time Analytics: Track story engagement and user behavior

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User Roles & Permissions

The application implements a comprehensive role-based access control system:

Role Hierarchy

1. Guest (Unauthenticated users)

   • Read-only access to public stories
   • Can view story nodes and images
   • Cannot create accounts or save progress

2. Player (Standard authenticated users)

   • Can play games and make choices
   • Can create custom story branches
   • Can save progress and view personal analytics
   • Can access all public content

3. Storyteller (Content creators)

   • All Player permissions
   • Can create and edit stories
   • Can generate new story nodes
   • Can configure multi-layer image generation
   • Can access story analytics and management tools

4. Moderator (Content moderators)

   • All Storyteller permissions
   • Can moderate user content
   • Can manage user accounts
   • Can access moderation tools and reports

5. Admin (Full system access)

   • All Moderator permissions
   • Can manage system settings
   • Can access logs and system analytics
   • Can assign roles to other users

Authentication Features

• Email Verification: New accounts require email verification
• Password Reset: Secure password reset via email
• Session Management: Automatic login sessions with secure authentication
• Role Assignment: Roles are assigned based on user actions and administrator decisions

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Getting Started

Creating an Account

1. Sign Up (optional for guests):

   • Click “Sign Up” on the home page
   • Enter your email address and choose a secure password
   • Check your email for a verification link
   • Click the verification link to activate your account

2. Sign In:

   • Use your email and password to sign in
   • Your session will be remembered for future visits
   • Access additional features based on your user role

Starting Your First Story

1. Browse Available Stories:

   • Visit the home page to see featured stories
   • Browse by category or popularity
   • Read story descriptions and view preview images

2. Begin Playing:

   • Click “Start Game” on any story
   • Read the opening scene and view the story image
   • Choose from the available options to progress

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Story Navigation & Gameplay

Story Interface

Reading Stories

• Story Text: Each story node contains narrative text describing the current scene
• Story Images: Visual accompaniment to the narrative, often with multiple layers
• Choice Options: Available actions or dialogue choices to continue the story

Making Choices

• Default Options (Blue buttons):

  • Pre-written choices created by the story author
  • Generated by AI based on the current story context
  • Lead to established story paths

• Custom Actions (Orange buttons):

  • Player-created choices using the custom action input
  • Become available to other players who reach the same story node
  • Allow for creative and unexpected story directions

Navigation Controls

• Back Button: Return to the previous story node
• History: View your path through the story
• Share: Share specific story nodes with friends
• Bookmark: Save your progress (Player+ roles)

Settings Panel (Parallax Theme)

The Parallax theme includes an integrated Settings Panel that provides direct access to AI generation settings while playing, eliminating the need to navigate to the edit page.

Accessing the Settings Panel:

• Location: Bottom of the top-left navigation area (below Edit Tools)
• Icon: Gear icon with “Settings” label
• Availability: Only visible to authenticated users
• Theme Support: Currently available in Parallax theme only

Using the Settings Panel:

1. Toggle Panel: Click the gear icon to open/close the settings panel
2. View Current Preset: See which AI generation preset is currently active
3. Change Presets: Use the dropdown to switch between available presets
4. Quick Settings: Apply new presets instantly without page navigation
5. Manage Presets: Click “Manage Presets” to open the full configuration modal

Benefits:

• Seamless Experience: Change AI settings without leaving the story
• Real-time Adjustments: Test different visual styles during gameplay
• Quick Experimentation: Easily compare preset effects on story visuals
• Streamlined Workflow: Immediate access to commonly used settings

Authentication Required:

The Settings Panel requires user authentication and appropriate permissions:

• Guest Users: Panel is not visible (no authentication)
• Authenticated Users: Can view and change presets for accessible stories
• Storyteller+ Roles: Full access to all preset management features

Custom Action System

Creating Custom Actions

1. Find the Input Box: Located below the standard choice options
2. Enter Your Action: Describe what you want your character to do
3. Submit: Your action becomes a new choice option
4. AI Generation: The system generates the resulting story content

Custom Action Benefits

• Creative Freedom: Explore unique story paths not anticipated by the author
• Community Contribution: Your actions become available to other players
• Story Evolution: Stories grow and evolve based on community creativity
• Personalization: Create story experiences that match your interests

Multi-Layer Image System

Viewing Images

• Click to Expand: Click any story image to view it in full-screen mode
• Layer Composition: Images may include multiple layers for depth and immersion
• High Quality: Images are optimized for your device and connection speed

Image Layers

• Background Layer: Environmental scenes, landscapes, atmospheric settings
• Middle Layer: Main content, characters, central story elements
• Foreground Layer: Overlays, UI elements, atmospheric effects

Image Interaction

• Full-Screen Mode: Click images to view in detail
• Close Options: Click outside, press Escape, or use the close button
• Responsive Design: Images adapt to your screen size automatically

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Story Creation (Storyteller Role)

Story Management Dashboard

Accessing Creation Tools

• Dashboard: Navigate to your storyteller dashboard
• Story List: View and manage your created stories
• Analytics: Monitor story performance and engagement
• Settings: Configure your default story preferences

Creating New Stories

1. Story Setup:

   • Enter story title and description
   • Choose genre and themes
   • Set content ratings and visibility

2. Configuration Options:

   • Enable/disable multi-layer image generation
   • Set AI behavior and personality
   • Configure collaborative features
   • Choose story structure preferences

Multi-Layer Image Configuration

• Layer Selection: Choose which image layers to generate

  • Background: Environmental and atmospheric imagery
  • Middle: Main story content and characters
  • Foreground: Overlays and special effects

• Cost Optimization: Disable unnecessary layers to reduce generation costs

• Performance: Fewer layers mean faster generation and loading

• Creative Control: Adapt layer usage to your story’s visual style

Image Layer Settings & Presets

The Image Layer Settings system provides advanced visual customization through configurable presets, allowing you to create consistent visual themes across your stories with fine-grained control over each image layer.

Understanding Image Layer Settings

What Are Image Layer Settings?

Image Layer Settings are configurations that control how AI generates images for each layer (background, middle, foreground) of your story’s visual content. Instead of using generic prompts, you can customize:

• Layer-specific prompts: Different AI instructions for each visual layer
• Visual style consistency: Maintain the same artistic style across story nodes
• Quality preferences: Choose standard or HD quality per layer
• Layer enablement: Turn specific layers on/off for performance or artistic reasons

Preset System

Template Presets (Built-in):

The system includes pre-configured visual themes designed by our team:

• Fantasy Adventure: Medieval settings with mystical elements
• Sci-Fi Space Opera: Futuristic environments with advanced technology
• Horror Gothic: Dark, atmospheric settings with ominous mood
• Modern Realistic: Contemporary settings with photorealistic style
• Cartoon Animated: Colorful, stylized artwork with playful aesthetics
• Film Noir: Black and white with dramatic lighting and shadows

Custom Presets (User-Created):

Create your own visual themes tailored to your specific story needs:

• Save custom configurations for reuse across multiple story nodes
• Share presets with other storytellers (future feature)
• Modify existing presets to create variations on successful themes
• Name and describe your presets for easy identification

Using Image Layer Settings

Accessing Layer Settings (Storyteller+ Role):

1. Navigate to Story Node Editor: Go to any story node edit page
2. Find Image Layer Settings: Look for the “Image Layer Settings” section
3. Current Preset Display: See which preset is currently active
4. Open Settings Modal: Click “Open Settings” to configure layers

Configuring Layers:

Background Layer Settings:

• Enable/Disable: Toggle background image generation
• Custom Prompt: Specific AI instructions for environmental scenes
• Style Control: Artistic style (realistic, stylized, painted, etc.)
• Quality Setting: Standard or HD quality selection
• Size Options: Image dimensions optimized for your needs

Middle Layer Settings:

• Enable/Disable: Toggle main content image generation
• Custom Prompt: AI instructions for characters and central elements
• Style Consistency: Match background layer style or use different approach
• Quality Setting: Independent quality control for detailed content
• Focus Control: Emphasize specific story elements

Foreground Layer Settings:

• Enable/Disable: Toggle overlay and effects generation
• Custom Prompt: Instructions for atmospheric effects and overlays
• Transparency Control: How foreground elements blend with other layers
• Effect Types: Rain, fog, lighting effects, UI elements
• Subtle Enhancement: Light touches that enhance immersion

Preset Selection & Management

Choosing a Preset:

1. Open Image Layer Settings: Click “Open Settings” in the story node editor
2. Browse Available Presets: Use the dropdown to see all available options
3. Preview Current Settings: See the current preset name and description
4. Select New Preset: Choose from template or custom presets
5. Save Configuration: Apply the preset to your story node

Current Preset Information:

The system displays helpful information about active presets:

• Preset Name: Full name of the currently active preset
• Settings UUID: Unique identifier for tracking and debugging
• Preset Type: Template (built-in) or Custom (user-created)
• Description: Details about the preset’s intended use

Creating Custom Presets:

1. Start with Template: Choose a template preset as your starting point
2. Modify Settings: Adjust layer prompts, styles, and quality settings
3. Save as New Preset: Give your configuration a unique name
4. Add Description: Explain when and how to use this preset
5. Test and Refine: Generate test images to verify the results

Advanced Features

Preset Inheritance & Branching:

• Parent-to-Child Inheritance: Child story nodes automatically inherit image layer settings from their parent nodes
• Branch Customization: Different story branches can use completely different visual styles by applying unique presets
• Inheritance Chain: Settings flow down the story tree: Parent → Child → Grandchild, etc.
• Override Capability: Any node can override inherited settings by applying its own preset
• Branch Independence: Sibling nodes (different choices from the same parent) can have entirely different visual themes

Story Branch Examples:

• Main Story Path: Uses “Fantasy Adventure” preset with medieval themes
• Dark Magic Branch: Switches to “Horror Gothic” preset for ominous atmosphere
• Comic Relief Branch: Changes to “Cartoon Animated” preset for lighter mood
• Flashback Sequences: Applies “Film Noir” preset for dream-like quality

Preset Persistence:

• Automatic Saving: Preset selections are automatically saved with story nodes
• Cross-Node Consistency: Use the same preset across multiple related nodes
• Inheritance Support: Child nodes inherit parent node presets by default
• Update Propagation: Changes to shared presets affect all using nodes

Visual Consistency Tools:

• Style Matching: Ensure all layers use compatible artistic styles
• Color Harmony: Coordinate color palettes across layers
• Mood Consistency: Maintain atmospheric consistency throughout scenes
• Quality Optimization: Balance visual quality with generation costs

Performance Considerations:

• Layer Optimization: Disable unused layers to reduce generation time
• Quality Balancing: Use HD quality selectively for maximum impact
• Caching Benefits: Reused presets load faster due to system caching
• Cost Management: Preview estimated costs before applying settings

Understanding Inheritance Hierarchy

How Settings Flow Through Your Story:

The Image Layer Settings system uses a hierarchical inheritance model that allows visual themes to naturally flow through your story while enabling customization at any point.

Inheritance Flow:

Root Node (Opening Scene)
    ↓ [inherits]
Chapter 1 Node
    ↓ [inherits]           ↓ [inherits]
Choice A Node          Choice B Node
    ↓ [inherits]           ↓ [overrides with new preset]
Outcome A              Outcome B (different visual style)

Practical Inheritance Examples:

Example 1: Consistent Theme Throughout

• Root: “Fantasy Adventure” preset
• All Child Nodes: Automatically inherit “Fantasy Adventure”
• Result: Consistent medieval theme throughout entire story

Example 2: Branch Differentiation

• Root: “Fantasy Adventure” preset (bright, heroic)
• Good Path: Inherits “Fantasy Adventure” (continues bright theme)
• Evil Path: Overrides with “Horror Gothic” preset (dark, ominous)
• Each Path’s Children: Inherit their parent’s respective presets

Example 3: Gradual Transition

• Chapter 1: “Modern Realistic” preset (normal world)
• Portal Scene: Switches to “Fantasy Adventure” preset (entering magic world)
• All Fantasy Nodes: Inherit “Fantasy Adventure” from portal scene forward

When to Use Inheritance vs Override:

Use Inheritance When:

• Maintaining consistent atmosphere within a story section
• Continuing the same visual theme through related scenes
• Keeping character and environment consistency
• Reducing configuration overhead for similar scenes

Override with New Preset When:

• Entering different story locations (dungeon, castle, forest)
• Changing story mood dramatically (comedy to horror)
• Switching time periods (present to flashback)
• Emphasizing different story themes (hope to despair)
• Creating distinct visual identity for story branches

Managing Complex Story Trees:

Multiple Branch Strategy:

• Trunk: Use your main story preset (establishes primary visual identity)
• Major Branches: Override with thematically appropriate presets
• Minor Branches: Let inheritance handle consistency unless dramatic change needed
• Convergence Points: Consider whether branches should return to trunk preset or maintain branch identity

Best Practices for Image Layer Settings

For Visual Consistency:

• Use Templates as Foundation: Start with built-in presets and customize as needed
• Maintain Style Coherence: Ensure all layers work together visually
• Test Combinations: Generate sample images to verify layer interactions
• Document Custom Presets: Add clear descriptions for future reference

For Inheritance Management:

• Plan Your Visual Journey: Map out where visual changes should occur in your story
• Strategic Override Points: Choose key narrative moments for preset changes
• Test Inheritance Flow: Verify that child nodes get expected visual themes
• Branch Coordination: Ensure sibling nodes have appropriate visual differentiation

For Performance:

• Strategic Layer Usage: Enable only layers that enhance your story
• Quality Optimization: Use standard quality for background, HD for focal points
• Preset Reuse: Apply successful configurations to similar story nodes
• Cost Monitoring: Track generation costs and adjust settings accordingly

For Storytelling:

• Match Mood to Content: Choose presets that support your narrative tone
• Scene Transitions: Consider how visual styles change between story nodes
• Character Consistency: Maintain visual continuity for recurring characters
• Environmental Storytelling: Use background layers to reinforce story themes

Real-World Inheritance Examples

Complete Story Example: “The Enchanted Library”

Let’s trace how image layer settings would flow through a branching story:

📖 Opening Scene (Library)
   Preset: "Modern Realistic"
   ↓
🚪 Discover Magic Door
   Inherits: "Modern Realistic" (still in library)
   ↓                              ↓
📚 Study Ancient Books        🌟 Enter Magic Portal
   Inherits: "Modern Realistic"   Override: "Fantasy Adventure"
   ↓                              ↓                    ↓
📜 Learn Spell              ⚔️ Fight Dragon      🏰 Explore Castle
   Inherits: "Modern"         Inherits: "Fantasy"   Inherits: "Fantasy"
                              ↓                    ↓
                           💀 Dragon's Lair      👑 Throne Room
                           Override: "Horror"     Inherits: "Fantasy"

Result: Each story branch maintains its appropriate visual atmosphere while allowing dramatic changes when the narrative demands it.

Advanced Branching Example: “Time Travel Mystery”

🏙️ Present Day (2023)
   Preset: "Modern Realistic"
   ↓
⏰ Time Machine Activated
   Inherits: "Modern Realistic"
   ↓                              ↓                        ↓
🏛️ Ancient Rome              🏴‍☠️ Pirate Ship           🚀 Future City
   Override: "Classical"       Override: "Adventure"     Override: "Sci-Fi"
   ↓                              ↓                        ↓
🗡️ Gladiator Arena          🏴‍☠️ Sea Battle             🤖 Robot Factory
   Inherits: "Classical"       Inherits: "Adventure"     Inherits: "Sci-Fi"

Benefits of This Approach:

• Automatic Consistency: Related scenes share visual themes
• Narrative Flexibility: Major story shifts get appropriate visual treatment
• Reduced Work: Don’t need to configure every single node
• Player Experience: Visual cues help players understand story context

Troubleshooting Image Layer Settings

Common Issues:

• Preset Not Saving: Ensure you click “Save Settings” before closing the modal
• Visual Inconsistency: Check that all layers use compatible style settings
• Generation Failures: Verify prompts don’t contain prohibited content
• Cost Overruns: Review quality settings and layer enablement

Inheritance-Related Issues:

• Unexpected Visual Style: Check parent node settings - child may be inheriting unwanted preset
• Settings Not Applying: Verify node has parent relationship and inheritance chain is correct
• Branch Confusion: Ensure sibling nodes have distinct presets when different themes are needed
• Override Not Working: Confirm preset selection was saved before checking inheritance

Layer-Specific AutoGenerate Issues (Fixed in v0.6.5):

• Images Still Generating When Disabled: The system now properly respects layer-specific autoGenerateImages: false settings
• Cost Control: Individual layers can now be disabled to control image generation costs
• Inheritance Working: Child nodes properly inherit parent layer settings and respect per-layer generation preferences
• Legacy Fallback Eliminated: System no longer falls back to story-level settings when layer-specific settings are available

Getting Help:

• Built-in Validation: The system warns about potential issues
• Preview Mode: Test settings before applying to story nodes
• Documentation: Refer to this guide for configuration details
• Community Support: Share successful presets with other storytellers

Image Generation Pricing

The platform provides transparent pricing for AI image generation to help you make informed decisions:

Pricing Display

• Real-time Cost Estimates: See estimated costs as you configure your story settings
• Model Comparison: Compare costs between different AI models
• Quality Impact: Understand how quality settings affect pricing
• Size Considerations: See how image dimensions influence costs

Pricing Structure

• DALL-E 3:
  • Standard quality: $0.040 - $0.120 per image
  • HD quality: $0.080 - $0.120 per image
• GPT-IMAGE-1:
  • Low quality: $0.011 - $0.016 per image
  • Medium quality: $0.042 - $0.063 per image
  • High quality: $0.167 - $0.250 per image
• DALL-E 2:
  • Standard quality: $0.016 - $0.020 per image

Cost Management Tips

• Choose Appropriate Quality: Use standard quality for most content, reserve HD/High for key scenes
• Optimize Image Sizes: Smaller dimensions cost less while still providing good visual quality
• Plan Layer Usage: Generate only necessary layers to control costs
• Budget Planning: Estimate total story costs based on expected image count
• Quality vs Cost: Balance visual quality needs with budget constraints

Pricing Transparency Features

• Story Cost Estimates: Each story shows estimated image generation cost
• Real-time Updates: Pricing updates automatically when you change settings
• Administrative Tracking: Administrators can monitor actual generation costs
• Budget Planning: Use cost estimates to plan story creation budgets

Story Node Management

Editing Story Content

• Text Editing: Modify story narrative and descriptions
• Choice Management: Add, edit, or remove choice options
• Image Regeneration: Request new images for story nodes
• Metadata Updates: Adjust tags, categories, and settings

Visual Content Management

Image Overview & Thumbnails:

• Thumbnail Previews: See small preview images for each story node’s images directly on the edit page
• Quick Visual Reference: Get an immediate overview of all generated images without clicking through variants
• Click to Expand: Click thumbnails to view full-size images and all available variants
• Main Image Indicators: Green checkmarks show which image is set as the main/thumbnail for the story node
• Optimized Loading: Thumbnails use WebP format for fast loading and minimal bandwidth usage

Image Layer Management:

• Layer Configuration: Access image layer settings to customize visual generation
• Preset Application: Apply and manage visual presets for consistent theming
• Quality Control: Adjust image quality settings per layer for optimal cost/quality balance
• Regeneration Options: Request new images with updated settings or prompts

Story Analytics

• View Counts: See how many players have visited each story node
• Choice Popularity: Understand which options players prefer
• Engagement Metrics: Track reading time and player behavior
• Community Contributions: See custom actions created by players

Visual Node Editor (Storyteller+ Roles)

The Visual Node Editor provides a graph-based interface for managing complex story structures, allowing you to visualize story flow, create new nodes, and understand the relationships between different story paths.

Accessing the Visual Node Editor

1. Navigate to Story Management: Go to your storyteller dashboard
2. Select a Story: Choose the story you want to edit
3. Open Visual Editor: Click “Visual Editor” or “Node Graph” from the story tools
4. Graph Loading: The system loads and displays your story as a connected graph

Understanding the Graph Interface

Story Flow Visualization:

• Nodes: Each circle represents a story node (scene/choice point)
• Connections: Lines show how story nodes connect to each other
• Layout: Automatic positioning shows story flow from top to bottom
• Color Coding: Different colors indicate node types and status

Navigation Controls:

• Zoom: Mouse wheel or zoom controls to see more or less detail
• Pan: Click and drag to move around large story graphs
• Fit to View: Button to automatically show all nodes in optimal size
• Mini-map: Small overview showing your position in large graphs

Node Information Display:

• Node Titles: Displayed directly on each node for quick identification
• Node Content: Preview of story text shown in expanded view
• Connection Count: Visual indicators showing how many choices lead from each node
• Status Indicators: Icons showing node completion status and configuration

Creating New Story Nodes

Missing Node Creation:

When the visual editor detects missing story nodes (referenced by choices but not yet created), it provides streamlined creation tools:

1. Identify Missing Nodes: Missing nodes appear with placeholder text and gray styling
2. Create Button: Click the green “Create” button with plus icon on missing nodes
3. Instant Creation: New nodes are created with default values (“New Node Title”, “New node description”)
4. No AI Costs: Creation skips automatic image generation to prevent unexpected costs
5. Immediate Update: The graph updates instantly to show the new node with real content

Manual Node Creation:

For creating planned story expansions:

1. Select Parent Node: Click on the node where you want to add new choices
2. Add New Choice: Use the choice management tools to add a new option
3. Create Target Node: System automatically creates or prompts for target node creation
4. Configure Node: Fill in title, content, and configure image generation settings

Editing Existing Nodes

In-Place Editing:

The visual editor supports direct editing of node content without leaving the graph view:

Title Editing:

1. Edit Button: Click the pencil icon next to the node title
2. Inline Editing: Title becomes editable directly in the graph
3. Save Changes: Press Enter or click away to save
4. Instant Update: Changes appear immediately in the graph

Description Editing:

1. Edit Content: Click the edit button for node description
2. Text Area: Larger editing area appears for story content
3. Auto-Save: Changes are automatically saved to the backend
4. Visual Feedback: Updated content displays immediately

API Integration:

• Real-time Updates: All changes sync immediately with the database
• Error Handling: Clear error messages for failed operations
• Rollback Support: Failed changes don’t affect the displayed graph
• Permission Checks: Editing respects user roles and story ownership

Navigation and Story Flow

Navigate to Story Nodes:

• Direct Navigation: Click “Navigate to this node” to jump to that scene in the story
• Proper URL Generation: Links include both story and node parameters for correct navigation
• Game Integration: Seamlessly switch between visual editing and game play-testing

Understanding Story Structure:

• Branching Visualization: See how player choices create different story paths
• Depth Indicators: Understand how far each path extends from the beginning
• Connection Mapping: Trace the flow from any node to understand story progression
• Dead End Detection: Identify nodes that need additional choices or conclusions

Advanced Graph Features

Performance Optimization:

• Efficient Rendering: Handles large story graphs (1000+ nodes) smoothly
• Progressive Loading: Only loads visible portions of very large graphs
• Smart Caching: Frequently accessed nodes load faster
• Resource Management: Minimal impact on browser performance

Collaboration Features:

• Real-time Sync: Multiple editors can work on the same story simultaneously (future feature)
• Change Tracking: See what has been modified since your last session
• Conflict Resolution: Handle simultaneous edits gracefully
• Version History: Track changes and revert if needed (future feature)

Graph Layout Options:

• Automatic Layout: Algorithm positions nodes for optimal readability
• Manual Positioning: Drag nodes to custom positions for specific organization
• Layout Algorithms: Different arrangements for different story types
• Export Options: Save graph images for documentation (future feature)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Missing Nodes:

• Cause: Story choices reference nodes that haven’t been created yet
• Solution: Use the Create button to generate missing nodes instantly
• Prevention: Plan story structure before creating choice references

Navigation Errors:

• Cause: Broken or incomplete story/node relationships
• Solution: Check that all nodes have proper storyId assignments
• Fix: Use the edit tools to correct broken relationships

Performance Issues:

• Large Graphs: Consider breaking very large stories into chapters
• Complex Connections: Simplify overly complex branching patterns
• Resource Usage: Close other browser tabs if experiencing slowdowns

Best Practices for Visual Editing

Story Organization:

• Logical Flow: Arrange nodes in a way that reflects natural story progression
• Clear Naming: Use descriptive titles that make the graph easy to read
• Consistent Structure: Maintain similar patterns for similar story elements
• Documentation: Add descriptions that help understand complex branching

Efficient Workflow:

• Plan First: Sketch story structure before implementing in the editor
• Iterate Gradually: Build stories incrementally rather than all at once
• Test Frequently: Use navigation features to test story flow regularly
• Backup Regularly: Export or save work frequently to prevent data loss

Performance Considerations:

• Reasonable Complexity: Keep individual story graphs manageable in size
• Smart Branching: Balance story complexity with usability
• Loading Optimization: Be mindful of very deep or very wide story structures
• Browser Limits: Consider performance impact of extremely large graphs

Story Node Settings Integration

The Story Node Settings system provides granular control over AI generation parameters at the individual story node level, allowing you to fine-tune the AI behavior for different scenes, characters, or narrative moments.

Understanding Story Node Settings

Instead of having the same AI behavior throughout an entire story, you can customize:

• AI System Prompt: Different personalities, styles, or narrative voices for different scenes
• Title Generation: How titles should be generated for specific story nodes
• Story Text Generation: Narrative style (dramatic, comedic, horror, detective, etc.)
• Choice Generation: How options and choices should be presented to players
• Image Generation: Visual style, mood, and atmospheric direction for images

Smart Settings Management

Settings Inheritance & Sharing:

• UUID-based Sharing: Multiple nodes can use the same settings configuration
• Copy-on-Write: When you update shared settings, it creates a new version and updates all nodes using it
• Parent Inheritance: Child nodes automatically inherit custom settings from parent nodes
• Fallback Hierarchy: Node settings → Story defaults → System defaults

Practical Use Cases

Example: Mystery Story

• Opening Scenes: Calm, descriptive AI prompts with atmospheric imagery
• Investigation Nodes: Detailed, analytical generation focusing on clues and deduction
• Chase Sequences: Fast-paced, action-oriented prompts with dynamic visuals
• Horror Reveals: Dark, atmospheric image generation with suspenseful narrative tone

Example: Fantasy Adventure

• Tavern Scenes: Cozy, social narrative style with warm lighting
• Dungeon Exploration: Tense, detailed descriptions with dark, mysterious imagery
• Combat Encounters: Dramatic, action-heavy text with dynamic battle visuals
• Magic Scenes: Mystical, wonder-filled prompts with ethereal image generation

Using Story Node Settings

Accessing Settings (Storyteller+ Role):

1. Navigate to your story in the management dashboard
2. Select a specific story node to edit
3. Look for the “AI Settings” or “Node Settings” section
4. Toggle “Use Custom Settings” to enable node-specific parameters

Understanding the “Use Custom Settings” Checkbox

The “Use Custom Settings” checkbox controls whether a story node uses its own custom AI settings or inherits settings from its parent node or story defaults.

Default Behavior (Checkbox Unchecked):

• New story nodes start with the checkbox unchecked
• Node inherits settings from its parent node or story-wide defaults
• Multiple nodes can share the same inherited settings
• Efficient and maintains consistency across related story sections

Custom Settings Enabled (Checkbox Checked):

• Creates a completely new, unique settings record for this node only
• Allows you to customize AI behavior specifically for this scene
• Settings changes only affect this individual node
• Ideal for special scenes that need different AI behavior

Settings Hierarchy:

1. Custom Node Settings (when checkbox is checked) - Highest priority
2. Parent Node Settings (when parent has custom settings) - Medium priority
3. Story Default Settings (story-wide configuration) - Low priority
4. System Default Settings (fallback) - Lowest priority

Important Notes:

• Checking the box: Creates new custom settings and enables individual control
• Unchecking the box: Removes custom settings and reverts to inheritance
• Settings inheritance: Child nodes automatically inherit parent settings
• UUID tracking: All settings changes are logged for debugging and cost tracking

Configuring Custom Settings:

1. Choose Your Approach:

   • Create new custom settings for this node only
   • Share settings with other nodes using the same style
   • Inherit and modify settings from a parent node

2. Customize AI Parameters:

   • Adjust the AI system prompt for different narrative voices
   • Modify title generation instructions for consistent theming
   • Set story text generation style (formal, casual, dramatic, etc.)
   • Configure choice presentation (detailed, concise, action-oriented)
   • Customize image generation prompts for visual consistency

3. Preview and Test:

   • Use the validation tools to ensure your settings work correctly
   • Generate test content to see how the AI responds
   • Make adjustments based on the results

Managing Shared Settings:

• Update Shared Settings: Changes apply to all nodes using those settings
• Copy Settings: Duplicate successful configurations to new nodes
• Remove Custom Settings: Return a node to using story-wide defaults

Settings Validation

The system includes built-in validation to ensure your custom settings work correctly:

• Parameter Length Validation: Ensures prompts aren’t too long or short
• Content Safety Checks: Prevents inappropriate or harmful content
• AI Compatibility: Verifies settings work with the AI generation system
• Performance Optimization: Warns about settings that might slow generation

Best Practices

For Effective Settings:

• Be Specific: Clear, detailed prompts produce better results
• Stay Consistent: Use shared settings for nodes with similar themes
• Test Thoroughly: Generate multiple examples to ensure quality
• Monitor Performance: Check how settings affect generation speed

For Story Flow:

• Gradual Transitions: Ease between different AI styles rather than abrupt changes
• Character Consistency: Maintain character voices across related scenes
• Genre Coherence: Ensure settings support your overall story genre
• Player Experience: Consider how setting changes affect player immersion

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Advanced Features

Analytics & Insights (Player+ Roles)

Personal Analytics

• Story Progress: Track which stories you’ve played and completed
• Choice History: Review the decisions you’ve made across different stories
• Time Spent: Monitor your reading and engagement patterns
• Favorite Genres: Discover your preferred story types and themes

Community Analytics (Storyteller+ Roles)

• Story Performance: See how your created content performs
• Player Engagement: Understanding what captures player interest
• Community Contributions: Track custom actions and player additions
• Trending Content: Identify popular stories and emerging themes

Content Moderation (Moderator+ Roles)

Community Standards

• Content Guidelines: Maintain appropriate content standards
• User Reports: Review community-flagged content
• Content Removal: Remove inappropriate or harmful content
• User Management: Manage problematic user accounts

Moderation Tools

• Review Queue: Process reported content efficiently
• Quick Actions: Approve, edit, or remove content with one click
• User Communication: Send warnings or explanations to users
• Audit Trail: Track all moderation actions for accountability

System Administration (Admin Role)

User Management

• Role Assignment: Promote users to higher roles
• Account Management: Create, modify, or deactivate user accounts
• Permission Control: Fine-tune user capabilities
• Bulk Operations: Manage multiple users efficiently

System Monitoring

• Performance Metrics: Monitor system health and performance
• Error Tracking: Identify and resolve technical issues
• Usage Statistics: Understand platform usage patterns
• Resource Management: Monitor and optimize system resources

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Need Help?

For troubleshooting guides and frequently asked questions, see the FAQ.

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Tips for Success

For Players

• Explore Widely: Try different genres and story styles
• Create Thoughtfully: Make custom actions that enhance the narrative
• Engage Respectfully: Follow community guidelines
• Provide Feedback: Help creators improve their stories

For Storytellers

• Plan Your Stories: Think about structure and pacing
• Use Descriptive Language: Help AI generate better content
• Monitor Analytics: Understand what resonates with players
• Iterate and Improve: Refine your stories based on feedback

For Moderators

• Stay Consistent: Apply guidelines fairly and consistently
• Communicate Clearly: Explain moderation decisions when appropriate
• Support Creators: Help users understand and follow guidelines
• Document Issues: Keep records of significant moderation actions

For Administrators

• Monitor System Health: Keep track of performance and errors
• Support the Community: Foster a positive creative environment
• Plan for Growth: Anticipate scaling needs and resource requirements
• Stay Updated: Keep current with platform updates and best practices