crucible-planner

Crucible Planner

Interactive planning system for epic fantasy novels using the Crucible Structure.

Overview

Starting from a simple premise, guide users through multi-choice questions to build seven interconnected planning document categories (14 files total):

1. Crucible Thesis — philosophical core
2. Strand Maps — Quest, Fire, Constellation (3 separate maps)
3. Forge Point Blueprints — five convergence crises
4. Dark Mirror Profile — antagonist design
5. Constellation Bible — character relationships
6. Mercy Ledger — mercy/payoff tracking
7. World Forge — world-building

Before Starting

Always read these references:

• references/crucible-structure.md (the 36-beat structure)
• references/question-sequences.md (complete question flows)

Workflow

Phase 1: INTAKE → Accept premise, initialize state, confirm scope
Phase 2: QUESTIONING → 9 document cycles with multi-choice questions
Phase 3: COMPILATION → Generate documents, present package

Phase 1: Intake

Accept Premise

Extract from user input:

• Core concept (1-2 sentences)
• Protagonist sketch
• Central conflict hint

If premise too vague, use AskUserQuestion:

{
  "questions": [
    {
      "header": "Protagonist",
      "question": "Who is your protagonist?",
      "options": [
        {"label": "Reluctant chosen one", "description": "A chosen one who doesn't want the role"},
        {"label": "Ordinary hero", "description": "An ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances"},
        {"label": "Fallen power", "description": "A powerful figure who's lost everything"},
        {"label": "Seeking redemption", "description": "A morally gray character seeking redemption"}
      ],
      "multiSelect": false
    }
  ]
}

Initialize State

python scripts/init_project.py "./crucible-project" "Title" "Premise"

Confirm Scope

Use AskUserQuestion to confirm scope:

{
  "questions": [
    {
      "header": "Novel Length",
      "question": "What is your target novel length?",
      "options": [
        {"label": "Standard", "description": "100-150K words, ~20-25 chapters"},
        {"label": "Epic", "description": "150-250K words, ~25-35 chapters"},
        {"label": "Extended/Series", "description": "250K+ words or multi-book series, 35+ chapters"}
      ],
      "multiSelect": false
    },
    {
      "header": "Complexity",
      "question": "What is your narrative complexity?",
      "options": [
        {"label": "Single POV", "description": "Single protagonist focus"},
        {"label": "Dual POV", "description": "Two protagonists sharing the story"},
        {"label": "Ensemble", "description": "Multiple POVs (3-5 characters)"}
      ],
      "multiSelect": false
    }
  ]
}