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About otaku

otaku is a free LLM frontend designed for roleplaying, available with both a web UI and a terminal interface. It runs entirely on the user’s machine without requiring additional infrastructure such as Docker or a database server. Installation is performed via a single command, and the tool can operate against a local model or a cloud API with minimal setup. Stories are stored in a local SQLite database, which is snapshotted daily, with configurable retention of the last seven snapshots. Encryption at rest is optional but can be enabled using AES-256-GCM, with key management options including OS keychain, passphrase derivation, or hardware tokens. The application emphasizes consistent prose by preserving the first 20 and last 150 messages in context, while intermediate messages are summarized to manage growing context. Characters are automatically recognized and maintain their own journals of experiences, and users can switch between characters dynamically using helper commands like /me and /you. Context transparency is supported through the /context command, and existing content can be imported to continue stories or play through imported text files.

Key features

  • Local LLM execution with web and terminal interfaces
  • Single-command installation
  • Consistent prose through fixed message retention
  • Automatic character recognition and journaling
  • Dynamic character switching with /me and /you commands
  • Context transparency via /context command
  • Content import from text files or SillyTavern chats
  • Optional AES-256-GCM encryption for data at rest

Use cases

  • Playing interactive roleplaying games locally
  • Continuing stories from imported text files or chats
  • Maintaining consistent character styles and journals

Pros

  • Runs locally without requiring Docker or a database server
  • Supports both web UI and terminal interfaces
  • Automatic character recognition and journaling
  • Context control with scene summarization
  • Optional encryption for data at rest

Cons

  • No built-in lorebooks or world info equivalent
  • Encryption at rest is disabled by default
  • Requires local installation and model setup

Frequently asked questions about otaku

What is otaku and who is it designed for?

otaku is a free LLM frontend designed for roleplaying, available with both a web UI and a terminal interface. It is intended for users who want to engage in interactive storytelling or roleplaying with AI models, either locally or via cloud APIs.

How do I install and set up otaku?

otaku can be installed with a single command, such as `curl -LsSf https://otaku.sh/install.sh | sh`, and runs entirely on the user’s machine without requiring additional infrastructure like Docker or a database server.

Does otaku support local models and cloud APIs?

Yes, otaku can operate against a local model or a cloud API with minimal setup, providing flexibility in how users interact with AI models for roleplaying.

How does otaku handle context and character consistency in stories?

otaku preserves the first 20 and last 150 messages in context to maintain consistent prose, while intermediate messages are summarized to manage growing context. Characters are automatically recognized and maintain their own journals of experiences.

Can I import existing content or characters into otaku?

Yes, users can import character cards, text files, or existing chats to continue stories or play through imported content using commands like /card, /import, or /system.

How does otaku handle data storage and privacy?

Stories are stored in a local SQLite database with daily snapshots retained for a configurable period. Encryption at rest is optional and can be enabled using AES-256-GCM, with key management options including OS keychain, passphrase derivation, or hardware tokens.

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