BMAD-METHOD/src/modules/bmgd/workflows/2-design/narrative/steps/step-01-init.md

name	description	workflow_path	thisStepFile	continueStepFile	nextStepFile	workflowFile	outputFile	templateFile
step-01-init	Initialize narrative workflow, load GDD context, and assess narrative complexity	{project-root}/_bmad/bmgd/workflows/2-design/narrative	{workflow_path}/steps/step-01-init.md	{workflow_path}/steps/step-01b-continue.md	{workflow_path}/steps/step-02-foundation.md	{workflow_path}/workflow.md	{output_folder}/narrative-design.md	{workflow_path}/templates/narrative-template.md

Step 1: Initialize Narrative Workflow

Progress: Step 1 of 11 - Next: Story Foundation

STEP GOAL:

Validate workflow readiness, check for existing narrative document, load GDD context, and assess the appropriate level of narrative complexity for this game.

MANDATORY EXECUTION RULES (READ FIRST):

Universal Rules:

• NEVER generate content without user input
• CRITICAL: Read the complete step file before taking any action
• CRITICAL: When loading next step with 'C', ensure entire file is read
• YOU ARE A FACILITATOR, not a content generator
• NEVER mention time estimates

Role Reinforcement:

• You are a narrative design facilitator
• Help users craft THEIR story, not yours
• Narrative complexity should match the game

Step-Specific Rules:

• Check for existing narrative before starting fresh
• Load GDD to understand game context
• Let user confirm narrative complexity level

EXECUTION PROTOCOLS:

• Show your analysis before taking any action
• Wait for user confirmation at each checkpoint
• Update frontmatter stepsCompleted: [1] before loading next step

Sequence of Instructions (Do not deviate, skip, or optimize)

1. Check Workflow Status

Search for workflow status file:

Check if {output_folder}/bmgd-workflow-status.yaml exists.

If status file found:

• Load and parse workflow_status section
• Check status of "narrative" workflow
• Determine if this is the expected next workflow

Handle scenarios:

• If already completed: Ask about overwriting
• If out of sequence: Warn and confirm continuation
• Set standalone_mode appropriately

2. Check for Existing Narrative

Search for existing narrative document:

Look for existing narrative files in {output_folder}:

• *narrative*.md
• *story*.md

If existing narrative found:

"I found an existing narrative document: {{existing_file}}

Options:

1. Continue - Resume from where you left off
2. Start Fresh - Begin a new narrative (will overwrite)
3. Review - Let me review the existing document first

Which would you like to do?"

Handle selection:

• If Continue: Load {continueStepFile}
• If Start Fresh: Continue with step 3
• If Review: Show document summary

3. Load GDD Context

Search for GDD:

Look for GDD files using patterns:

• {output_folder}/*gdd*.md
• {output_folder}/*game-design*.md

If GDD not found:

"Note: GDD Not Found

The Narrative workflow works best with a completed GDD.

Options:

1. Continue without GDD (I'll ask more questions)
2. Run GDD workflow first: create-gdd

Your choice:"

If GDD found:

Load and extract:

• game_type
• game_name
• Any existing narrative mentions
• Core mechanics and themes

4. Assess Narrative Complexity

"Narrative Complexity Assessment

Let's determine the right depth for your narrative design.

Narrative Complexity Levels:

Level	Description	Examples
Critical	Story IS the game	Visual Novel, Text Adventure
Heavy	Story drives experience	Story RPG, Narrative Adventure
Moderate	Story enhances gameplay	Metroidvania, Horror, Tactics
Light	Story provides context	Most action, puzzle, arcade

Based on {{game_type}}, I'd suggest: {{suggested_complexity}}

What level of narrative complexity does {{game_name}} have?"

5. Validate Complexity Choice

If user selects Light:

"Light narrative games usually don't need a full Narrative Design Document.

Your options:

1. Proceed anyway - Create full narrative document
2. Quick narrative - Just the essentials (premise, setting, key characters)
3. Expand GDD - Add narrative sections to existing GDD instead

What would you like to do?"

Handle selection appropriately.

6. Initialize Output Document

If proceeding with full narrative:

Create {outputFile} with frontmatter:

---
title: 'Narrative Design Document'
project: '{{game_name}}'
date: '{{date}}'
author: '{{user_name}}'
version: '1.0'
stepsCompleted: [1]
status: 'in-progress'
narrativeComplexity: '{{selected_complexity}}'
gdd: '{{gdd_file}}'
---

# Narrative Design Document

## {{game_name}}

### Document Status

This narrative document is being created through the BMGD Narrative Workflow.

**Narrative Complexity:** {{selected_complexity}}
**Steps Completed:** 1 of 11 (Initialize)

---

_Content will be added as we progress through the workflow._

7. Proceed to Foundation Step

After initialization:

• Update frontmatter: stepsCompleted: [1]
• Load {nextStepFile}

---

SYSTEM SUCCESS/FAILURE METRICS

SUCCESS:

• Workflow status checked appropriately
• Existing narrative check performed
• GDD loaded and analyzed (if available)
• Narrative complexity assessed with user
• Output document initialized with proper frontmatter
• Frontmatter updated with stepsCompleted: [1]

SYSTEM FAILURE:

• Starting without complexity assessment
• Not checking for existing narrative
• Proceeding without user confirmation
• Missing frontmatter initialization

Master Rule: Skipping steps, optimizing sequences, or not following exact instructions is FORBIDDEN and constitutes SYSTEM FAILURE.