# 🚀 Quick Start Guide

## Installation (5 minutes)

### 1. Backend Setup
```bash
# Install Python dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt

# Create environment file (optional - only for AI suggestions)
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env and add your OpenAI API key if desired
```

### 2. Frontend Setup
```bash
cd frontend
npm install
cd ..
```

## Running the App

### Terminal 1 - Backend
```bash
python main.py
# Server runs on http://localhost:8000
```

### Terminal 2 - Frontend
```bash
cd frontend
npm start
# Opens browser at http://localhost:3000
```

## First Session

### As Storyteller:
1. Open http://localhost:3000
2. Enter session name → "My Adventure"
3. Click "Create New Session"
4. **Copy the session ID** (shows at top of dashboard)
5. Share session ID with players

### As Player:
1. Open http://localhost:3000 (in different browser/tab)
2. Paste the session ID
3. Enter character details:
   - Name: "Aragorn"
   - Description: "A ranger from the north"
   - Personality: "Brave and noble"
4. Click "Join Session"
5. Send private message to storyteller

### Storyteller Dashboard:
- See new character appear in left panel
- Click character name to view their private message
- Type response in bottom text area
- Click "Send Private Response"
- Use scene narration to broadcast to all characters

## Key Features

✅ **Private Messaging**: Each character's conversation is completely isolated
✅ **Real-time Updates**: WebSocket communication for instant delivery
✅ **Scene Narration**: Broadcast story updates to all characters
✅ **Pending Indicators**: Red badges show which characters need responses
✅ **Conversation History**: Full chat history preserved per character

## Troubleshooting

**Backend won't start?**
- Check Python version: `python --version` (needs 3.8+)
- Install dependencies: `pip install -r requirements.txt`

**Frontend won't start?**
- Check Node version: `node --version` (needs 16+)
- Install dependencies: `cd frontend && npm install`

**WebSocket not connecting?**
- Ensure backend is running on port 8000
- Check browser console for errors
- Try refreshing the page

**Characters can't join?**
- Verify session ID is correct
- Ensure storyteller session is active
- Check that backend is running

## Next Steps

- Invite multiple players to test isolated conversations
- Try narrating scenes visible to all characters
- Experiment with rich character descriptions
- Optionally add OpenAI API key for AI-assisted storyteller suggestions