Ink Script Creation Skill

This skill helps you create interactive narrative scripts using the ink scripting language. Ink is designed for creating branching stories, interactive dialogues, and choice-based narratives.

When to use this skill

Use this skill when:

• Creating interactive fiction or choice-based stories
• Writing branching dialogue systems for games
• Building narrative-driven content with player choices
• Working with ink scripts (.ink files)
• The user mentions: knots, stitches, diverts, weaves, choices, or ink syntax

How to use this skill

1. Understanding the documentation structure

The ink documentation has been split into focused, modular files in the references/ directory. Only read the files you need for the current task to avoid filling the context.

Available reference files:

• references/introduction.md - Basic overview of ink
• references/1-the-basics.md - Part 1 overview
• references/1-1-content.md - Basic content and text
• references/1-2-choices.md - Creating player choices
• references/1-3-knots.md - Organizing content into knots
• references/1-4-diverts.md - Controlling story flow
• references/1-5-branching-the-flow.md - Branching techniques
• references/1-6-includes-and-stitches.md - Sub-sections and file organization
• references/1-7-varying-choices.md - Conditional and sticky choices
• references/1-8-variable-text.md - Dynamic text content
• references/1-9-game-queries-and-functions.md - Built-in queries
• references/2-weave.md - Part 2 overview: Weave syntax
• references/2-1-gathers.md - Gather points
• references/2-2-nested-flow.md - Nested choices and gathers
• references/2-3-tracking-a-weave.md - Labels and flow tracking
• references/3-variables-and-logic.md - Part 3 overview
• references/3-1-global-variables.md - Global variables
• references/3-2-logic.md - Mathematical and logical operations
• references/3-3-conditional-blocks.md - If/else structures
• references/3-4-temporary-variables.md - Temporary variables
• references/3-5-functions.md - Creating functions
• references/3-6-constants.md - Defining constants
• references/3-7-advanced-game-side-logic.md - External functions
• references/4-advanced-flow-control.md - Part 4 overview
• references/4-1-tunnels.md - Tunnel syntax for subroutines
• references/4-2-threads.md - Threading multiple story sections
• references/5-advanced-state-tracking.md - Part 5 overview
• references/5-1-basic-lists.md - List basics
• references/5-2-reusing-lists.md - Reusing list values
• references/5-3-list-values.md - List as numbers
• references/5-4-multivalued-lists.md - Lists with multiple values
• references/5-5-advanced-list-operations.md - Advanced list operations
• references/5-6-multi-list-lists.md - Combining multiple lists
• references/5-7-long-example-crime-scene.md - Complete example
• references/5-8-summary.md - Lists summary
• references/6-international-character-support-in-identifiers.md - Unicode support

2. Progressive learning approach

Start simple and add complexity as needed:

1. For basic stories: Read only 1-1-content.md, 1-2-choices.md, and 1-3-knots.md
2. For branching narratives: Add 1-4-diverts.md and 1-5-branching-the-flow.md
3. For complex flows: Use weave syntax from 2-1-gathers.md and 2-2-nested-flow.md
4. For state tracking: Read 3-1-global-variables.md and 3-2-logic.md
5. For advanced features: Consult Part 4 (tunnels/threads) or Part 5 (lists) as needed

3. Creating ink scripts

Basic structure

// Simple linear story
Hello, world!
This is a basic ink script.
-> END

With choices

You stand at a crossroads.
* [Go left] -> left_path
* [Go right] -> right_path

=== left_path ===
You head down the left path.
-> END

=== right_path ===
You take the right path.
-> END

With variables and logic

VAR health = 100
VAR gold = 50

=== start ===
You have {health} health and {gold} gold.
* {gold >= 30} [Buy a potion (30 gold)]
    ~ gold -= 30
    ~ health += 20
    You feel stronger!
* [Continue] -> next_scene

4. Best practices

1. Read only what you need: Don't load all reference files at once. Check the list above and read only the relevant sections.
2. Start with examples: Look at the code examples in the reference files for the feature you need.
3. Test incrementally: Build your script step by step, testing each feature as you add it.
4. Use comments: Add // comments to explain complex logic.
5. Organize with knots: Break your story into logical sections using knots (=== knot_name ===).
6. Use meaningful names: Choose descriptive names for knots, variables, and stitches.

5. Common patterns

Simple conversation

Read: 1-2-choices.md, 1-8-variable-text.md

State machine (e.g., door locked/unlocked)

Read: 5-1-basic-lists.md or 3-1-global-variables.md

Complex branching with rejoining

Read: 2-1-gathers.md, 2-2-nested-flow.md

Inventory system

Read: 5-4-multivalued-lists.md

Reusable dialogue

Read: 4-1-tunnels.md

6. File organization

For larger projects:

• Use INCLUDE to split content across multiple .ink files
• Keep related content in the same knot
• Use stitches for sub-sections within a knot
• Reference: 1-6-includes-and-stitches.md

Quick reference: Essential syntax

Content: Just write text

This is content that will be displayed.

Choices: Use * for once-only, + for sticky (repeatable)

* [Choice text] Content after choice
+ [Repeatable choice] This can be chosen multiple times

Knots: Sections of content

=== knot_name ===
Content here

Diverts: Flow control

-> knot_name
-> END

Variables: Track state

VAR health = 100
~ health -= 10
{health} // Display variable

Conditionals: Test conditions

{health > 50: You feel strong | You feel weak}
* {health > 30} [Fight] -> fight

Comments: Not displayed

// Single line comment
/* Multi-line
   comment */

Troubleshooting

If you need help with:

• Syntax errors: Check the relevant reference file for correct syntax
• Flow control: Review 1-4-diverts.md and 1-5-branching-the-flow.md
• Choices not appearing: Check conditionals in 1-7-varying-choices.md
• Variables not working: Review 3-1-global-variables.md and 3-2-logic.md
• Complex examples: Look at 5-7-long-example-crime-scene.md

Remember

Load references on demand - only read the files you need for the current task. This keeps the context clean and focused.