Understanding the Author’s Note
The Author’s Note is a specialized tool in Questsmith designed to give the AI narrator extra guidance. Because the AI has a limited context window, it can only process the most recent part of an Adventure. The Author’s Note compensates for this by inserting important information toward the end of every input, ensuring the AI stays informed on how to generate the next response.
How to Use Author’s Note Effectively
Unlike Plot Essentials or Story Cards, the Author’s Note uses special formatting. When sent to the AI, the text is wrapped in square brackets [ ].
- Technical Language: You can use out-of-character instructions because the AI interprets brackets as descriptive indicators rather than story text.
- Strategic Placement: It is sent near the end of the context, giving it a direct influence on the very next output.
- Conciseness: It takes up space in the context window, so you must keep entries dense and short (ideally 3-4 sentences).
Comparison of AI Components
It is vital to distinguish between AI Instructions (the System Prompt) and the Author’s Note to ensure the story remains coherent.
| Feature | AI Instructions | Author’s Note |
|---|
| Position | The very first thing the AI sees (Top). | Inserted near the bottom (End). |
| Authority | General “rules of the road” for the session. | The “Manager” that dictates immediate style. |
| Best Use | Logic, formatting, and content restrictions. | Tone, pacing, and specific scene atmosphere. |
Categories for Author’s Note Guidance
You can utilize the Author’s Note to control specific elements of the narrative flow:
- Writing Style: Define if the prose should be vivid, flowery, or minimalist.
- Tone and Theme: Establish a “Dark Fantasy” or “Cyberpunk” atmosphere.
- Narrator Behavior: Instruct the AI to be sarcastic or to focus on internal thoughts.
- Consequences: Tell the AI how to handle player choices and lethal stakes.
- Rules of Engagement: Specify things the story should avoid or how pacing should move forward.
Examples of Dense Author’s Notes
Use the following table to see how to turn simple ideas into powerful instructions:
| Goal | Optimized Author’s Note |
|---|
| Horror | [Horror science-fiction. Focus on humanity’s fear of AI. Tone: Suspenseful and claustrophobic.] |
| High Fantasy | [High Fantasy world of talking equines. Tags: noblebright, magical, fun. Narration: Vivid.] |
| Gritty Action | [Dark fantasy-horror. World corrupted by evil magic. Rated T for violence. Actions have consequences.] |
Remember, the Author’s Note should not replace the actual story structure. Use it for style and behavior, while using Story Beats to define everything that happens next in the plot.