4.2 Alternate Universes

Alternate Universe Feature Documentation

The Alternate Universe feature allows you to create parallel storylines within your interactive stories, offering readers multiple perspectives or outcomes for the same events.

Setting Up Alternate Universes

1. In the WordPress admin panel, go to "Story Builder" > "Parallel Universes."
2. Add new universe terms (e.g., "Prime Universe", "Mirror Universe", "Dystopian Timeline").

Creating Stories with Alternate Universes

1. Create a new story post (Post Type: Story Builder).
2. Set the Storyline, Season, and Episode numbers.
3. Assign a Parallel Universe term to the story.
4. Create the content for this universe's version of events.

Use Cases and Examples

Use Case 1: "What If?" Scenarios

Create alternate versions of key story events to explore different outcomes.

Example: "The Hero's Choice"

• Prime Universe: The hero saves the city but loses a loved one.
• Alternate Universe: The hero saves their loved one, but the city falls.

Implementation:

1. Create two story posts with the same Storyline, Season, and Episode.
2. Assign "Prime Universe" to one and "Alternate Universe" to the other.
3. Write the different outcomes in each post.

Use Case 2: Character Perspective Shifts

Tell the same event from different characters' viewpoints.

Example: "The Great Heist"

• Universe A: From the detective's perspective.
• Universe B: From the thief's perspective.

Implementation:

1. Create two story posts with identical Storyline, Season, and Episode.
2. Assign different universe terms (e.g., "Detective's Universe", "Thief's Universe").
3. Write the event from each character's perspective in their respective universes.

Use Case 3: Genre Shifts

Reimagine your story in different genres.

Example: "The Enchanted Forest"

• Fantasy Universe: A magical realm with elves and dragons.
• Sci-Fi Universe: A holographic simulation on a space station.

Implementation:

1. Create story posts with matching Storyline, Season, and Episode.
2. Assign universe terms like "Fantasy Realm" and "Sci-Fi Dimension".
3. Rewrite the core story elements to fit each genre.

Displaying Alternate Universes

The plugin automatically detects and displays links to alternate universe versions of the current story episode. Readers can switch between universes to explore different storylines.

Best Practices

1. Maintain consistency in Storyline, Season, and Episode numbers across universes for proper linking.
2. Use descriptive names for your universe terms to help readers understand the differences.
3. Consider creating a "hub" page that introduces your multiverse concept to readers.
4. Use the universe switching feature judiciously to avoid overwhelming readers.

Troubleshooting

If alternate universes are not displaying:

1. Verify that multiple stories have the same Storyline, Season, and Episode numbers.
2. Check that different Parallel Universe terms are assigned to these stories.
3. Ensure the stories are published and publicly viewable.