panarr

Panarr is a term that has emerged in recent years within certain online communities, particularly those related to role-playing games and speculative fiction. It is generally understood as a portmanteau combining "pan" and "narrative," suggesting a broad or all-encompassing story. The concept often refers to a desire for or the existence of a rich, interconnected lore that spans multiple characters, factions, or even fictional worlds. In practice, panarr can manifest as the creation of detailed backstories for characters, the development of intricate plotlines that weave together various elements, or the establishment of a shared fictional universe where different narratives can coexist and influence each other. The term emphasizes a holistic approach to storytelling, where the individual story is seen as part of a larger, more complex tapestry. It is distinct from a single, linear plot and instead focuses on the interconnectedness and emergent properties of multiple narrative threads. While not a formally recognized literary term, panarr has gained traction as a descriptor for ambitious and complex storytelling endeavors, particularly in collaborative or fan-created works.