I §1 Definition + scene goals
Narrative description is the module's base genre: prose that establishes place, atmosphere, time and state, without necessarily relying on action or dialogue. It supports every other genre as a foundation layer. When no genre is specified, use this as default.
Scene goals
- Plant the reader in the space economically.
- Communicate emotional and doctrinal state without naming it.
- Set the ground for the next narrative decision.
II §2 Technical principles
- Dominant sensory detail: pick one sense per paragraph (sight, smell, touch, hearing, microgravity proprioception) and let it lead.
- Spatial order: wide to intimate, or intimate to wide — never random. The reader's mental camera must not jump.
- Time: discreet markers (emergency lighting, watch cycle, doctrinal clock chime) in lieu of explicit timestamps.
- Adjectives: at most one adjective per substantial noun. If the noun is strong, the adjective is dispensable.
- Verbs: prefer concrete, specific verbs (creak, cool, strike, grease) over generic ones (be, have, do).
III §3 Recurring atmospheric inventory
Inventory of permitted and recommended images for the Republic's universe:
- Amber emergency lighting; faulty neon tubes; surgical white light in Holy Office corridors.
- Smell of lubricant, cold metal, disinfectant, military fatigues washed with industrial soap.
- Constant ventilation hum; low-frequency engine vibration; echo on metal decks.
- Worn insignia; pressed but fraying uniforms; genuine medals and mourning medals.
- Sanctum Officium Vigiliae icons; red wax seals; leather-bound books atop digital consoles.
Imagery to avoid
- Iconography lifted from external IPs.
- Excessive «neon noir» colour grading without doctrinal purpose.
- Imagery that softens the grimdark tone (mascots, visual comedy, excessive ornament).
IV §4 Scene model + example
- Establishing: location + dominant ambient condition (1–2 sentences).
- Sensory layer: one sense + two concrete details (2–3 sentences).
- Human presence: one body, one gesture, one uniform mark (1–2 sentences).
- Residue: an object, a sound, or a report line that remains (1 sentence).
Lower deck, third bell of the night watch. The amber corridor light fell on the rivets like on rows of teeth. The air smelled of warm oil and barracks soap. Sub-Commissar Vargas advanced down the gangway, hand resting on the holster more out of habit than suspicion. Beneath the oratory door, the red light of the Sanctum Officium held steady. The night log would record only this: presence confirmed, bell honoured, vigil intact.
Pro Humanitate. Semper Vigilo.
So speaks the Vigil.