# Timeline

Welcome to the Timeline page in Fortelling! This is where you map out the ebb and flow of your story’s chronology. Whether it’s a tense skirmish or the decades-long reign of a monarch, let’s dive into how to make the most of this feature.

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## What Is a Timeline?

A Timeline in Fortelling is a chronological list of Moments and Events:

* **Moments** are points or spans in time (e.g., "Dawn of the Great War," "Year 23 of Queen Alcina’s Reign").
* **Events** are what happen within those Moments (e.g., "First arrow fired at the Northern Gate," "Treaty signed at Mirtala Summit").

Combine these to paint a clear, ordered picture of your narrative’s flow.

## Adding and Organizing Entries

* Click the + button to add a new Moment or Event.
* Moments can be tagged as a single point (date-only) or a period (start and end dates).
* Events live under a Moment and can include rich descriptions.
* Use the Shuffle button (next to the + icon) to reshuffle entries if you need to refine your story’s pace or correct chronology.

## Labels, Attachments & Story Elements

Make each entry vivid and searchable:

* **Labels:** Color-code or tag entries (e.g., "Conflict," "Political," "Character-Driven").
* **Attachments:** Upload images, concept art, or reference docs to any Moment or Event.
* **Story Elements:** Link characters, locations, or magic systems—click the "Add Element" icon to connect these directly to your timeline.

## Tips for Timeline Mastery

1. **Keep It Concise:** Use Moments for major shifts (battles, coronations) and Events for key beats (dialogues, small skirmishes).
2. **Leverage Labels:** Create a consistent color scheme early; it helps you visually distinguish between military action and political intrigue.
3. **Attach Smartly:** Don’t upload every image; focus on maps, family trees, or critical prop sketches to avoid clutter.

## Example Timelines

### A. Battle Timeline

| Moment                     | Date          | Events                               |
| -------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| Preparation at Dawn        | 14 June, 1325 | - Scouts return with enemy positions |
|                            |               | - Archers take high ground           |
| Clash at the Northern Gate | 15 June, 1325 | - First arrow volley                 |
|                            |               | - Cavalry charge repelled            |
| Truce Negotiations         | 16 June, 1325 | - Envoy outreach                     |
|                            |               | - Temporary ceasefire                |

*Attachments:* Map of the battlefield, concept art of the gate defenses.\
\&#xNAN;*Labels:* "Military Action" (red), "Diplomacy" (blue).

### B. Reign of King Aurelius

| Moment                        | Period      | Events                                     |
| ----------------------------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Accession to the Throne       | Jan 1, 1078 | - Coronation ceremony                      |
| Conquest of the Eastern March | 1082–1085   | - Siege of Emberwood                       |
|                               |             | - Surrender of March lords                 |
| Golden Era of Peace           | 1086–1098   | - Charter of Free Trade                    |
|                               |             | - Founding of the Academy of Scholars      |
| Final Years and Legacy        | 1099–1102   | - Illness and regency                      |
|                               |             | - Succession planning for Princess Elinora |

*Story Elements:* King Aurelius, Princess Elinora, Emberwood Keep.\
\&#xNAN;*Labels:* "Political" (green), "Expansion" (orange).

## Interactive tutorial

Please ensure your audio is turned on for the optimal experience.

{% @arcade/embed flowId="by0E38dizYhLuSe5XhNK" url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/by0E38dizYhLuSe5XhNK>" %}