Rurowe

Rurowe is a term used in certain online communities to describe a form of ritualized collaborative storytelling within shared fictional worlds. In practice, rurowe refers to structured sessions in which participants contribute modular narrative elements—such as character moments, scenes, or world details—in sequence to build a cohesive story. The term appears mainly in speculative-fiction forums and fan-wiki supplement communities and has no formal definition in scholarly literature.

The word rurowe was coined in the early 2010s by participants of a fan-fiction forum rooted in a popular fantasy series. It is likely drawn from a constructed language used within that setting, though exact origins vary by community.

Rurowe sessions are typically scheduled, with a rotating moderator or "gatekeeper." Contributors submit short modules that must align with established canon, tone, and world rules. A central archive or wiki collects all modules, tagged by character, location, and plot thread. Guidelines often emphasize inclusivity, for example by inviting new participants to contribute micro-entries before attempting longer arcs.

Some communities distinguish micro-rurowes (very brief entries) from arc-rurowes (multi-part narratives). Others use rurowe as a general term for any collaborative storytelling approach that uses a clear, rotating chain of contributions to sustain momentum.

Supporters cite rurowe as a way to democratize creation and maintain continuity across many authors. Critics worry about time commitments, uneven participation, and potential canon conflicts. See also collaborative writing, shared universe, worldbuilding, and fan fiction.