> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://fictionlab.gitbook.io/fictionlab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://fictionlab.gitbook.io/fictionlab/getting-started/quickstart.md).

# Scenario Creation

A guide to create a correctly formatted scenario. Using FictionLab's features correctly will make the AI feel more alive and immersive.

FictionLab focuses mainly on role-play scenarios with multiple characters instead of basic "chat bots." Therefore, it has multiple sections that are different from other AI chatting services.

{% hint style="info" %}
Want to get feedback about your scenarios? Join our [Discord Community](https://discord.gg/SKcb2C7HjH) and share your scenario!
{% endhint %}

### Quick Tips

**The Librarian** is FictionLab's powerful AI assistant that picks aspects of your scenario when writing out the scenes.

**Lore Pieces** are what the Librarian uses to know which characters to select, location they are in, and other information needed for a scene.

Use the navigation bar on the right side of this page to quickly find the section you want to read about.

This document is for new users and returning veterans. If you have any further questions about scenario creation, click the Discord Community link above.

***

### Main Details Section

The Main Details section is used to explain the scenario and make it look appealing to the Users of FictionLab. The details in this section are *not readable by the AI*, but putting effort into this section will make your scenario more interesting for other Users.

You can use the Navigation at the top to move through the information of your scenario and collapse sections that you aren't working on.

Each section also has a notice if you have missing information and you can use the AI Assist to help write your scenarios.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FzswlRCjnOVuuGlImpZuz%2FScenarioCreation_MainDetails.png?alt=media&amp;token=997b7acc-b58c-4f59-bbb7-b98ae12393aa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Main Image**

The box on the left is for the scenario’s main image which will be the first thing that Users see. Choose an image that is visually appealing and relevant to the scenario. You can either:

* **Upload an image** by clicking the **"Upload Image File"** button.
* **Generate an AI image** by clicking the **"Generate Image"** button.

**Tip:** It is best to have a 1280x720 image to fit the box. The minimum dimensions for the scenario main image is 512px by 512px.&#x20;

**Scenario Name**

Choose a name that is **descriptive yet simple**. For better readability, use **Sentence Case** (e.g., *Mystery in the Fog* instead of *mystery in the fog*).

* Minimum Number of Characters: 1
* Maximum Number of Characters: 35

**NOTE:** Using special symbols or UNICODE for your Scenario Name may make it unreadable by the Search feature, which may limit the scenario's visibility.&#x20;

### **Scenario Description**

Write a **short and clear** description that gives Users a quick understanding of the scenario before they dive deeper.&#x20;

* Minimum Number of Characters: 50
* Maximum Number of Characters: 250

**Scenario Tags & Genres**

Select up to **five tags** that best represent the scenario and what the scenario is about. Your choices affect how easily other users can find it.&#x20;

* Example: The **main character** is female so you can use the "female" or "female lead" tag. But if the **main character** is male, use the male tag.
* Example: A **detective story** fits best under the **"Mystery"** tag.
* Tip: If you use the wrong tags, your scenario won't be seen by your target audience. Double check you have the right tags.

**Bounty & Challenge Participation (Optional)**

Bounties and challenges are events held by the FictionLab Staff. They will have a specific theme/genre, and Users should create scenarios with that genre to participate.&#x20;

During creation you'll see a drop-down menu for the bounty participation that's only active some of the time. Each bounty has a specific rule for entry, so always check the announcements for those rules.

Participating in bounties will add a Bounty Badge to the User's profile. Winners will get a separate Bounty Winner Badge at the end of the event.

So far, the bounties are as follows:

* [Temporal Tangles](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=time-bounty-2025) (April to May 2025)
* [Neon Skies](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=neon-skies-2025) (June to July 2025)
* [Capes and Chaos](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=capes-n-chaos-2025) (July to August 2025)
* [Haunted Tales](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=haunted-tales-2025) (September to October 2025)
* [The Longest Night](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=the-longest-night-2025) (November to December 2025)
* [Love at First Fight](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=love-at-first-fight-2026) (January to February 2026)
* [As the World Burns](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=as-the-world-burns-2026) (February to March 2026)
* [Zero to Hero](https://fictionlab.ai/?post=from-zero-to-hero-2026) (July to August 2026)

***

### **Introduction Section**

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FzSUxlf1hpxjYj9a7v7jT%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=589567fa-baaf-4b96-b1c0-b73192485141" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Scenario Introduction section is where you can showcase your scenario to the user base. You can include the world details, the premise, what the role of the user is and what to expect. There are many options for customizing this section.

**Tip**: This section is *not* read by the AI. Make sure you dress it up and present what you are sharing with others.

You can add images, custom fonts, and other styling to this space.

**NOTE:** This section is *required* if you choose to Hide Scenario Prompts in the Scenario Settings (located at the bottom of the creation page).

***

### Scenario Building Section

The Scenario Building section contains details that will be read by the AI and allow it to create a narrative and run the roleplay. It has 4 sections of info to do this. Your **Backstory**, **Greeting Message**, **Custom Instructions** and the **Lore Pieces**; all of this works together.

Pay attention to the instructions below for the best experience with your scenarios.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FbX5ocAnlsPmXO3agv5Bi%2FScenarioCreation_Intro.png?alt=media&amp;token=7c01083e-29e9-4f42-8d91-4a5f5f9ccc85" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Backstory**

The Backstory/World Details provides initial context for the AI, explaining how the characters arrived at their current situation and offering details about the scenario’s world.

* The Backstory is your Prologue. To make room for longer term role-play and memory cards, the Backstory is dropped in favor of Lore Pieces.&#x20;
* Use **`{{user}}`** to refer to the player's character.
* Address other characters **by the name** **they have on their Lore Piece.** (Other platforms use {{char}} but since FictionLab is multi-character based, it does not use it)
* Do not define character personalities or appearances in the backstory. Characters will all have their own Lore Piece.
* Locations should all have their own Lore Piece as well

{% hint style="info" %}
If you're having trouble coming up with a detailed backstory, you can use the AI Assist to help you. Write the general idea of the roleplay there, and it will prompt what you want to change. If you don't like it, you can click the undo button or try again.
{% endhint %}

> Example Backstory

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FZAyp7jFJwdE352IAnDG3%2FScenarioCreation_BuildingAIAssist.png?alt=media&amp;token=8f9db42e-4c00-4d72-992d-e1d9cf4b3bcb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

> Example AI Assist

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FKMKdcwT4NHxSrgB7HCXa%2FScenarioCreation_AIAssist.png?alt=media&amp;token=b44c9c7e-9ac0-4d99-9b5f-10158f6f9d75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Greeting Message**

The greeting message is the **first message** sent by the AI when the scenario starts. This greeting message is treated as part of your scenario's starting point, how characters interact with each other and who is present. A Greeting Message sets the tone for your scenario.

* Use **"quotes"** for dialogue.
* The greeting message **strongly influences** the AI’s writing style, so craft it to match the tone and perspective that you want. For example, writing in third person perspective on the greeting message will make the AI more likely to use third person perspective throughout the roleplay.

> Example Greeting Message

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2F0njcxx4TL7ie9IMAaJQE%2FScenarioCreation_GreetingMsg.png?alt=media&amp;token=65be5dce-323c-4ee9-9558-1761e4458ead" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### **Custom Scenario Instructions**

Custom scenario instructions allow you to **modify the AI’s behavior** and define **how it drives the story** within the scenario. You can also use it to dictate how the AI responds in different situations.

* Examples of custom instructions:

  * *"If Joe finds the hidden lever, a secret door will open in the library."*
  * *"Jinny becomes shocked when {{user}} tells her that he's a werewolf."*
  * *"Joe speaks in a heavy redneck accent."*

  *More information about Custom Scenario Instructions can be found* [*here*](/fictionlab/detailed-guides/custom-scenario-instructions.md)*.*

***

### **Lore Pieces**

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2Fb9BwnGYxklx0Ks7CHwPv%2FCharacters1.png?alt=media&amp;token=c360adb9-3e5f-4b3a-b3dc-c11cfb05cd3b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The **Lore Pieces** section is where you define the key elements in your scenario. Defining them is very important and increases the memory coherence of the AI. \
\
Lore Pieces are activated during the chat when needed based on **Trigger Words**, **Description Field** and the **Content Box**. Weights can also help tip a Lore Piece for activation. Most pieces should remain at Standard or below. The Librarian's semantic matching reduces the need for manual weight adjustments.

{% hint style="info" %}
*Pinned*: Pinned pieces are always included in AI's context, budget permitting. Use sparingly, as pinned pieces reduce context available for other pieces
{% endhint %}

#### Character Text Limits

**Global Character Text Limit**: The total limit is 100,000 for free users and 250,000 for FictionLab+. 10,000 characters is allowed per lore piece.

**Tip**: Always test your scenario first! Check and make sure the right cards are activating when you want them to.

***

#### Lore Pieces Setup

**Type:** Determines the category this piece belongs to.&#x20;

**Character Lore Pieces** have additional fields for playability.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FxusakE5LUUEbm11cDhSn%2FPiecesType.png?alt=media&amp;token=771375f2-e419-4a95-828a-805953464d4b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Lore Pieces Info Fields

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FanErNiTPqJtUI2TfHJla%2FCharacterLorePieces.png?alt=media&amp;token=f8250ce0-04bb-4fb4-a0e4-6e1c5b09629b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Title**

Display name for this lore piece. Use character's name for character-type pieces. The display name section in the lore piece editor should contain the character's first and last name. Additional nicknames can be put into the content field directly.

#### **Description**

This is the quick-look field for The Librarian to know if it should activate the piece. &#x20;

#### **Content**

The main part of the Lore Piece to determine the key characteristics to use in any given scene. Describe the piece's content only in details that are necessary. The full text is injected into AI's memory when the lore piece is activated so the more concise and understandable you make it, the better it behaves.

**Tips For Character Lore Pieces:**

* Do not use `{{char}}`, any custom formatting or emojis.
* Focus on who they are, general description, and how they behave.
* *Playable Character*: This allows User to select a Story Character at the start of the scenario.
* *Hidden Character*: This hides the character from the Point of View (PoV) slash command and from the scenario prompts when it is visible.

#### **Weight**

Controls how likely the piece is to be included in AI's context. Higher weight = higher priority.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Remember**: By adding the right triggers and appropriate content information, it is unlikely you need to set a lore piece above standard.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FQuCfhzmyHZhfVtw8ruC5%2FWeightActivation.png?alt=media&amp;token=49697e1d-4a8c-4d65-bad9-5bb7bdcea875" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Triggers**

Keywords that activate this piece.  When these words appear in the conversation, this piece may be included in the AI's context.&#x20;

These words are not case sensitive. The word "art", for instance will trigger for Art or art, but would not for "artist".

**Smart Activation**: When enabled, AI uses semantic understanding to activate this piece based on context relevance. When disabled, the piece will only activate when its trigger words are mentioned.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FN3HYxKZhSKoBTzHgO2cV%2FTriggerWords.png?alt=media&amp;token=ef1eaa61-85bc-4dea-b201-2ff8ac7174f2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

**Note:** You can create a new type of lore category. Simply Add New Lore Piece and fill out the new category name and use it to keep your scenario organized

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FarWn6s7n6x5CkM0OXEEA%2FCustomType.png?alt=media&amp;token=60ee4059-74bc-4a3f-a1db-2d6119e5a3f1" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You can custom color your lore pieces, too! After you create the new Lore Category, open up the color wheel and select it.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FEzfrb3r1cStbXNG2bd8e%2FRedditNewCatPieces2.png?alt=media&amp;token=169f5db3-7466-4b50-9340-50b953c4e1dc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Character Lore Pieces and Location Lore Pieces must remain for Characters and Locations only. This is directly tied to the Librarian feature.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2F0pPJxWZ5DHqr8eMBzsiQ%2FExtraCats03.png?alt=media&amp;token=81b3285b-78e7-47ea-902d-5c036dd34fc3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Tip: You can Bulk Select to move or delete your Lore Pieces by selecting CTRL or CMD on your keyboard
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FfmUGxHP9QIJX7OtSzC8a%2FBulkMove.png?alt=media&amp;token=52e14220-0553-4baf-a905-6e1486e505d1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

#### **Linked Lore Pieces**

Connect this piece to related pieces. Links boost co-activation scoring, so linked pieces are more likely to appear together. &#x20;

Avoid overlinking; connecting too many pieces can pull in less relevant activations along with the ones you need.

#### **When To Use Linking**

You can use linking for supplementary information to a character that isn't always needed. For example, the character shown above, Wren, has a special dislike of Pickled Eggs. You can attach a card about his dislikes and if the word 'Pickled Eggs' is used, his reactions will be activated and displayed.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FidwZJI0mHGth2zsEH9r4%2FPickledEggs.png?alt=media&amp;token=46ee98cd-1ddf-4e9b-b0c6-8a7b7047e788" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Location Lore Pieces

Location Lore Pieces contains the information the AI can use to describe the surroundings according to the current story context.&#x20;

You can upload a 1280x720 image and set the piece to send a Notification Flourish and Scene Background Image when users are interacting with your story.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you set your Location to Hidden, the image will not be shown! Make sure you have it open if you want to show off your art.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FTsFChoyghEg14nBzasGl%2FScenarioCreation_LocaleCard.png?alt=media&amp;token=26940ca1-582d-426a-8fae-1e9e7acaf1dd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Scenario Settings

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FmKuPZmSpg8hkYGNhZp05%2FScenarioSettings.png?alt=media&amp;token=0ea488d4-4f53-4db4-a610-894125cd0133" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

These settings allow you to customize how your scenario behaves and how Users interact with it. In most cases, you only need to toggle Sensitive Content depending on the scenario that you're making.

**Tip**: Toggle off the Public selection so you can test before release, making sure the scenario is behaving how you want.

**Force Character**

Select a character that the User must play as in this scenario. If left blank, the User can create their own character.

**Separate User Character**

* **Enabled** (On, Default): The User's character is treated as separate from other scenario characters.
* **Disabled** (Off): The User must choose from the characters defined in the scenario.

**Sensitive Content (18+)**

* **Enabled** (On): Marks the scenario as containing mature content.
* **Disabled** (Off, Default): The scenario is safe for general audiences.

**Public Scenario**

* **Enabled** (On, Default): The scenario is visible to all users.
* **Disabled** (Off): The scenario remains private and only accessible to the creator. Private scenarios can still be shared by using the Sharing link.

**Allow Story Customization**

* **Enabled** (On, Default): Users can modify aspects of the scenario to personalize their experience. Clicking Customize will create a "Modified" copy of the scenario which is strictly private. Any changes to the original scenario will not affect a Modified copy, and vice versa.
* **Disabled** (Off): The scenario cannot be Customized i.e. a Modified, private copy of it cannot be created.

**Allow Commenting**

* **Enabled** (On, Default): Users can comment on your scenario's comment section.
* **Disabled** (Off): The comment section is disabled.

**Delete Scenario**

* Permanently removes the scenario from FictionLab. The delete button is visible if you customize an already created scenario and are the creator of it. **This action cannot be undone**.

**Duplicate Scenario**

* This button allows you to create a clone of the scenario for editing purposes. You can use it to create multiple variants of the same story. Duplicate scenarios can't be published without heavy editing because FictionLab might flag it as spam.

**Field Visibility**

* **A choice of which information is displayed to the user. You can toggle this feature to make your selection.**
* **Enabled** (On): Backstory, Custom Scenario Instructions and Lore Pieces will be visible to the user. You can disable to hide key elements to avoid spoilers. Users can still read prompts if "Allow Story Customization" is enabled.
* **Disabled** (Off, Default): Users will be shown the backstory and other prompt fields when viewing the scenario page.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2F00PfZAhpwkzFPtdixH8X%2FScenarioFields.png?alt=media&amp;token=017e76e8-2184-4e00-ba2f-91f84f96a41c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Scenario Saving

You can save your Scenarios with a 25 slots. You can download the file to hold onto the save and then import again if you decide a current build is not what you want.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FCkjZB2OkHnaKmin3McQ8%2FAutoSaves.png?alt=media&amp;token=5de3e547-f35e-4264-8e10-9a102735759e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FnAgnao7AOMBHWZt4WuC5%2FAutoSaves2.png?alt=media&amp;token=58f2a948-c4bf-4389-8b95-8df328daff72" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Scenario Guidelines

We take User Safety very seriously and require that every scenario follow our [TOS](https://fictionlab.ai/terms-of-service) and guidelines. Before creating a scenario, you agree to follow the terms shown in the pop-up.

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FfcIpNrV6bfk0133O7XaX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=11d5eafd-99d3-4a84-9f0a-96c627d41deb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Any scenario set as public will go through our review team to ensure it complies with our rules. If we find flaws or issues with your scenario, we will decline it from being publicized and require you to make changes before submitting it for review again. After editing, the scenario will be reviewed again.

Private scenarios are not reviewed by our team, but the same rules still apply. Your account is at risk of getting banned if we find content that violates our [terms of service](https://fictionlab.ai/terms-of-service).

### Draft Scenario

The draft scenario feature allows you to save your scenario with minimum details. To enable the **Save as Draft** button, the scenario must have at least one (1) character in the Scenario Name and Scenario Description.

At the bottom of the scenario builder, you will see a list like so:

<figure><img src="https://1609737647-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsVIRfsD09dmbHLyvXfut%2Fuploads%2FoACctC4geizIa6or0TVW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=c71ba3dc-06b5-4f1e-a79e-2cc86ce37121" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Requirements to Publish Scenario**

* The red text indicates details that are REQUIRED to save the scenario as Private or to publish it as a Public Scenario. Remember to follow [FictionLab's Terms of Service](https://fictionlab.ai/terms-of-service)!
* The orange text indicates details that are OPTIONAL to create a more engaging scenario.