Storytelling

Tips and advice for storytelling, especially in the context of multiplayer text-based games such as MU*s, play-by-post games, and chatrooms RPGs.

Latest posts

Text-based adventure games: from Zork to AI Dungeon

Text-based adventure games: from Zork to AI Dungeon

Jan 8, 2026

Learn about the history and evolution of text-based adventure games, from the classic Zork to the modern AI Dungeon platform.

Blu and Roadspike: on designing game websites and systems

Blu and Roadspike: on designing game websites and systems

Jan 8, 2026

Blu and Roadspike, two longtime members of the MUSH community, talk about their past games and lessons learned.

Shattered MU: beyond monsters and magic

Shattered MU: beyond monsters and magic

Jan 8, 2026

Tat, creator of Shattered MU (a post-apoc game), talks about the importance of community and shares her guidelines for game design.

Excelsior: new stories in a unique Marvel universe

Excelsior: new stories in a unique Marvel universe

Jan 8, 2026

Manu (Power) and Lae (Mind) share their experiences running Excelsior: a roster-only MUSH set in a unique Marvel universe.

The Network: only the finest quality programming

The Network: only the finest quality programming

Jan 8, 2026

Clockwork, mastermind behind The Network MU, shares lessons learned from years of creating and running online roleplaying games.

Striking a balance: simulation vs. storytelling in text-based roleplaying games

Striking a balance: simulation vs. storytelling in text-based roleplaying games

Jan 8, 2026

Guest author Brandon Cross offers advice for MUD developers on how to use storytelling vs. simulation to create a more immersive game.

Concordia MU: Write your own destiny

Concordia MU: Write your own destiny

Jan 10, 2026

Spes, owner and co-creator of Concordia MU, talks about the many hats she wears and what she sees as her most important role in the game.

The Gary Sue character type explained

The Gary Sue character type explained

Jan 8, 2026

Learn what a Gary Sue character is (with examples) and where the term "Gary Sue" comes from. Plus, get tips for adding depth to your own characters.

How to use a character arc roadmap in RP

How to use a character arc roadmap in RP

Jan 7, 2026

What is a character arc roadmap, and how can you use it for roleplaying? Find out in this guide with tips and examples from fellow roleplayer Amika.

Immersive Roleplay 101: the essential guide

Immersive Roleplay 101: the essential guide

Jan 6, 2026

Immersive roleplay is any roleplay that allows players to focus fully on their character, the setting, and the story with minimal OOC distractions.

Gaming with partial sight: an interview with Aaron

Gaming with partial sight: an interview with Aaron

Jan 8, 2026

Aaron shares his perspectives on gaming with partial sight and what he looks for in a MUD.

How to be a better game master: 10 tips for running great interactive stories

How to be a better game master: 10 tips for running great interactive stories

Jan 8, 2026

Want to be a better game master? Here are 10 tips for running great interactive stories. Ideal for online events and open sessions.

List of character flaws (150+) with examples for writers and roleplayers

List of character flaws (150+) with examples for writers and roleplayers

Jan 8, 2026

A list of character flaws you can use to make your characters more dynamic, relatable, and compelling. Over 150+ options, plus examples for writers and roleplayers.

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