⌛Timeline

Map out the ebb and flow of your story arc.

This guide has already been updated for our upcoming 4.0 release. Learn more here.

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.

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. 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. Labels: "Political" (green), "Expansion" (orange).

Happy plotting! Remember, your story’s backbone lives here; stay organized, stay inspired, and let your narrative march to the beat of your very own Timeline.