So You’ve Fallen Into the Void: A Survival FAQ
What to read, how to participate, how not to get cursed. An introduction to interactive storytelling with Nocturnal Narrator.
Welcome. If you’re confused—you’re not alone. This kind of interactive fiction wasn’t part of the original plan, but I don’t make the rules in the Void.
The Void listens. It stirs when you interact. It anticipates your wants, and I simply write them into being.
If you're here for reader-driven stories, collaborative storytelling, or fiction that answers back—this is your home now.
FAQ
How does this work?
If you interact with this publication, you become canon.
You may be referenced in stories, newsletters, comment threads, or lore fragments. You might even be interrogated by Jeffrey—who is like the Watcher, but with worse manners and more questions.
Every interaction is part of the narrative system. This is interactive fiction, shaped by readers and made stranger with every response.
How do I get in on this?
There are plenty of places to announce your arrival in the Void, but none are required. Any interaction—commenting, replying, reacting—is enough to dip your toes in.
If you're ready to dive deeper, choose a post that pulls you in and respond. Follow your curiosity. Expand something. Break something. This story listens.
Are some stories connected?
Yes—all stories live in the Void. Except for stories in the Night Shift files. Those are from outside the Void.
They exist on parallel threads, sometimes brushing against each other, sometimes bleeding together.
The rule of the Void is simple: nothing is real, and everything is fact—except what’s labeled as fact, and especially anything that insists you aren’t real.
You are both present and not, until you leave your mark.
Schrödinger’s reader.
What do I need to know? Is there essential lore?
Everything you need lives in the Living Lore section.
That’s where the evolving world—the parts shaped by readers—takes root.
If you’re entering through a specific story thread, it helps to read the related lore. But truly, no one can tell you where to start. That’s the Void’s decision, not mine.
How do I get added to living lore? How do I become canon?
A paid subscription is not required—but it does give you priority.
Each piece of Living Lore is individualized. No two readers receive the same entry point, thread, or reference. That’s why paid subscribers are prioritized—it helps manage the workload of crafting unique lore connections.
But canon is open to all. If the Void notices you, you’re already inside.
I don’t want anything to do with interactive fiction, should I unsub?
No, absolutely not. You can still enjoy everything here without ever participating.
You’re already part of the archive, which means you have access to ongoing stories, serialized fiction, updates, and narrative entries. Interaction is optional.
If you’d prefer not to be referenced in newsletters, comments, screenshots, or any meta-content, just send a message before interacting with a post. I’ll make a note to keep your presence hidden.
How do I know which posts are open for interaction?
Great question. I’ve created an "Open for Void Entry" tag, now pinned to the top navigation bar.
Any post under that tag is safe for interaction—consider it a standing invitation to shape the story.
“But Narrator, didn’t you say any interaction can become canon?”
Ahhh, yes. Good catch. That’s still true.
Jumping into a random post is like showing up unannounced at a friend’s house. Sometimes the Void is feeling generous. Sometimes it hasn’t had its energy drink yet.
You’ll always have a higher chance of survival if you knock at the right door.
What happens if I contradict something? Will it break something?
Not really. Physics bends to the Void—not the other way around.
Sometimes you're speaking from a past that hasn’t happened yet. Sometimes you’ve responded to a future that’s already moved on. It’s fine.
The official policies of the Void are as follows:
Time = Soup. You = Fork.
Don’t know how to reply to someone? “Yes, and…”
Do I need to be a writer or poet to join in?
No. You’re already a character the moment you care.
Participation doesn’t require prose. The Void responds to emojis, typos, memes, and comments made on two hours of sleep. It also respects inside jokes, invented rules, and quiet chaos.
The only line it draws is at the misuse of “your” and “you’re” (unless you’re ESL, the Void understands). Please plan accordingly.
What kind of comments are good for interaction?
You don’t need to write fiction. Ask a question. Make a joke. Respond like a character. Respond as you. The Void adapts to tone, not just text.
The only rule for replying or getting involved: Respect.
If someone doesn’t respond to your comment, don’t follow up or ping them repeatedly.
If someone doesn’t want to interact with you, respect that. It’s not personal.
CONSENT. WILL. ALWAYS. BE. KEY.
I don’t care if someone asks to only be referred to as BigBalls—respect it.
And remember: boundaries are things you place on yourself, not on others.
Examples:
✅ “I will not be spoken to this way. If you continue, I will block you.”
❌ “Don’t talk to me like that.”
✅ “I only respond to BigBalls.”
❌ “You have to call me BigBalls.”
You said we can die…?
Yes. In canon. I have no control over the reality you cling to—but here, death is on the table. Sometimes it’s funny (like requesting a dramatic character death so you can re-enter with a new persona), and sometimes it’s not. Which leads me to my next point.
We are all adults.
If you cannot regulate your emotions, or if you're not practiced in de-escalation, this may not be the space for you.
Tone is difficult to read over text—we all know this.
Before launching into your villain monologue, consider asking for clarity:
“What did you mean by that?”
“Can you explain this part?”
“I read your reply as [BLANK], is that what you intended?”
That’s how conflicts are handled here.
However: if you disrespect someone’s actual existence, that’s an immediate ban. No warnings. No refunds.
This includes commentary on sex, gender, race, skin color, nationality, religion, beliefs, or identity of any kind. No exceptions. The Narrator is the final authority on rule enforcement.
You’re welcome to make all the jokes you want about fictional species.
The moment it crosses out of character and targets real people, you will be banned.
Clarity is your responsibility.
Don’t leave your comments vague unless you want them misinterpreted—because I will misinterpret them.
GLOSSARY
Void
Where you are right now. Yes, right now.
The Void is infinite. Everything inside this publication is inside the Void.
Including your emails. I’m not judging you, but Jeffrey is.
Living lore
Reader-shaped and reader-fed story paths.
If you’ve interacted with anything recently, you may already be in it.
Meet the Staff
You shouldn't. But if you must.
So, now what?
Pick a door. Leave a comment. Skim the lore. Click something that shouldn't be glowing and see where it leads.
Support the Narrator. Check out the crossroads.
Whether you plan to shape the story or just watch it unravel, you're already inside.
Welcome to the Void.
Until the next story,
—Your Narrator
P.S. If you came here from How To Survive: Horror Movie Night in the Void, this page may look familiar. That’s good. It means the memory loss hasn’t kicked in yet. Here. Your ID checks out.
However, we’ve flagged your account for Excessive Curiosity. Now would be a good time to download the guide. Please consult it before attempting another maneuver.
Hi *I whisper into the void* (this is super cool and also I wouldn't know how to write it so I am impressed and must now immediately get immersed)
I feel like Orson Welles would love this.