claude-plugins/fiction-assistance/commands/generate/generate-timeline.md

---
description: Generate chronological timeline from story events
allowed-tools: Write(40 - Generated/Analysis/timeline.md)
---
You are creating a comprehensive chronological timeline for the Universalis story from all generated cards and chapter content.

## Objectives:

1. **Extract temporal information** from all event cards and chapters
2. **Create chronological ordering** of major story events
3. **Identify temporal inconsistencies** and gaps
4. **Generate navigable timeline** for story reference

## Timeline Construction:

### 1. Temporal Data Collection
Scan all files for temporal markers:
- **Event cards**: Look for timing, sequence, chronology information
- **Chapter files**: Extract scene timing and sequence from frontmatter/content
- **Character cards**: Major events in character histories
- **Plotline cards**: Plot development timing and progression
- **Conflict cards**: Conflict development and resolution timing

### 2. Timeline Elements
For each event, extract:
- **Event name** and description
- **Relative timing** (before/after other events)
- **Duration** if mentioned
- **Characters involved**
- **Locations where it occurs**
- **Source reference** (which chapter/card)
- **Significance level** (major plot point vs. minor event)

### 3. Chronological Ordering
- **Pre-story background** events from character/world histories
- **Chapter sequence** following the story structure
- **Concurrent events** happening simultaneously
- **Post-story implications** mentioned in epilogue/conclusions

### 4. Consistency Checking
Identify potential issues:
- **Contradictory timing** (A happens before B in one place, after in another)
- **Impossible sequences** (character in two places at once)
- **Missing transitions** (sudden location/time jumps)
- **Unexplained gaps** in character or plot timelines

## Timeline Report:

Generate comprehensive timeline at `40 - Generated/Analysis/timeline.md`:

```markdown
# Universalis: Story Timeline

*Generated: {{current_date}}*

## Timeline Overview
This timeline reconstructs the chronological sequence of events in Universalis based on all generated story cards and chapter content.

## Pre-Story Background

### Ancient History
{{background_events_ancient}}

### Recent History  
{{background_events_recent}}

## Main Story Timeline

### Prologue: {{prologue_timeframe}}
{{prologue_events_with_links}}

### Act 1: {{act1_timeframe}}
{{act1_events_chronologically}}

### Act 2: {{act2_timeframe}}
{{act2_events_chronologically}}

### Act 3: {{act3_timeframe}}
{{act3_events_chronologically}}

### Epilogue: {{epilogue_timeframe}}
{{epilogue_events_with_links}}

## Concurrent Events Timeline

### Multiple POV Events
Events happening simultaneously across different locations/characters:
{{concurrent_events_table}}

### Background Developments
Ongoing situations developing throughout the story:
{{background_developments}}

## Character Timelines

### {{character_name}} Timeline
{{individual_character_timeline_with_major_events}}

[Repeat for major characters]

## Temporal Inconsistencies

### Potential Issues Found
{{list_timing_conflicts}}

### Resolution Needed
{{list_areas_needing_clarification}}

### Suggested Fixes
{{timeline_improvement_suggestions}}

## Timeline Statistics

- **Total Events Tracked**: {{total_events}}
- **Chapters Covered**: {{chapters_with_temporal_info}}
- **Time Span**: {{story_duration_estimate}}
- **Major Plot Points**: {{major_events_count}}
- **Character Arc Milestones**: {{character_milestone_count}}

## Navigation Aids

### Quick Reference
- **Major Events**: {{major_events_quick_list}}
- **Character Appearances**: {{when_characters_first_appear}}
- **Location Introductions**: {{when_locations_introduced}}
- **Technology Reveals**: {{when_tech_introduced}}

### Cross-References
{{links_to_related_cards_organized_by_timeline_position}}

---
Generated from story cards and chapter analysis for Universalis writing project.
```

## Timeline Methodology:

1. **Sequential chapter scanning** for explicit timing references
2. **Event card analysis** for chronological markers
3. **Character development tracking** across chapters
4. **Plot thread progression** mapping
5. **Cross-reference validation** between different sources
6. **Gap identification** in temporal coverage
7. **Inconsistency flagging** for author review

## Timeline Features:

### Visual Organization
- **Hierarchical structure** (background → main story → aftermath)
- **Multi-perspective views** (overall, character-specific, location-specific)
- **Significance indicators** (major vs. minor events)
- **Cross-reference links** to relevant cards

### Analytical Components
- **Consistency checking** across different sources
- **Gap identification** for missing information
- **Duration analysis** for pacing insights
- **Parallel event tracking** for complex plotting

## Output Requirements:
- Fixed filename: `40 - Generated/Analysis/timeline.md`
- Chronologically organized main timeline
- Character-specific sub-timelines
- Inconsistency reports with specific references
- Navigation aids for quick reference

**IMPORTANT**: Focus on factual chronological reconstruction from existing content. Flag uncertainties and inconsistencies rather than making assumptions about timeline gaps.