Story Starts

Edit tabs/story-starts.json.

Required Fields

Field	Requirement
`name`	Must match object key exactly
`description`	One compelling sentence shown during character creation
`storyStart`	Opening narrative prompt for the AI (see format below)
`locations`	Array of valid location keys - use one for specific starts, multiple for variety
`locationAreas`	Array of area keys, or `[]` to allow any area in the location

Conditional Fields

Field	When to Include
`startingQuests`	When the story has immediate objectives for the player
`firstQuest`	When you want AI-generated quest details on turn 0
`startingPartyNPCs`	When the player begins with companions
`isDefault`	Set `true` on exactly one story start to pre-select it
`questGenerationGuidance`	When this story start needs quest tone/scope distinct from the rest of the world

Never Include

Omit these fields (auto-managed):

startingItems (handled by traits and settings - keep story starts narrative-focused)

description Format

One sentence that helps players choose this starting scenario. Focus on the hook, not mechanics.

Format: “[Situation] - [what makes this start interesting]”

storyStart Format

The opening narrative prompt passed to the AI. This sets the scene and establishes the player’s immediate situation. The AI expands this into the full opening story.

Three-part structure:

Scene - Where are we? What’s the atmosphere?
Situation - What’s happening right now?
Hook - What pulls the player forward?

Location Selection Guidance

Single location - Use when the story demands a specific starting point:

"locations": ["thornhaven"]

Multiple locations - Use for variety or “wanderer” style starts:

"locations": ["thornhaven", "riverside-camp", "mountain-pass"]

Quest Integration

startingQuests vs firstQuest:

startingQuests: Array of quest names from tabs/quests.json - sets them to 'available' status at game start
firstQuest: Freeform text instruction - on turn 0, forces AI to generate a quest matching this description

These are independent systems. Use startingQuests for predefined quests, use firstQuest for AI-generated opening quests.

Schema

interface StoryStart {
  name: string
  description: string
  storyStart: string
  locations: string[]
  locationAreas: string[]
  startingQuests?: string[]
  firstQuest?: string
  startingPartyNPCs?: string[]
  isDefault?: boolean
  questGenerationGuidance?: string
}

Reference

For detailed documentation, see story-starts-reference.md.