ttuaan

ttuaan is a term used in online collaborative storytelling and worldbuilding communities to describe a modular, interconnected practice of creating narrative elements that fit into a shared fictional ecosystem. A ttuaan entry is typically a short, self-contained unit—such as a character sketch, location description, event outline, or piece of lore—that references established canon and links to related entries. The term functions as an umbrella for a range of formats across text, images, and meta-data, including timelines, maps, and cross-references.

The origin of the term ttuaan is uncertain; it appears to have arisen independently in multiple communities during the online collaboration era, with no single author. It is commonly associated with wiki-style projects and forums where contributors tag and categorize entries under a common schema to facilitate navigation and reuse. Because meanings and practices vary by community, ttuaan is best understood through examples rather than a single, fixed definition.

In practice, ttuaan emphasizes interoperability and connective storytelling. Entries usually include links to related items, a note on canon consistency, and a timestamp or versioning information. The approach supports iterative worldbuilding and collective authorship, enabling participants to expand a shared setting incrementally. Critics note that without clear editorial guidelines, ttuaan can become fragmented or inconsistent. Proponents counter that structured templates, moderation, and clear ownership can sustain coherence while preserving openness.

See also: collaborative writing, worldbuilding, participatory culture.