lorebaseLocal Hosting vs. Loresync
Lorebase is first and foremost a 100% local desktop application that runs entirely offline with zero network connections required. If you want to collaborate with others or sync across devices, choose between peer-to-peer live session hosting or multi-device sync.
Local Relay Hosting
Think of Local Relay like hosting a multiplayer video game. One creator acts as the host server. As long as the host keeps Lorebase running, friends and players can connect directly to co-edit in real-time.
The host computer must remain powered on, awake, and connected. If the host closes Lorebase, guest collaborators lose connection to the live session.
- 100% Free & Built-In: Works out of the box in every download without account registration.
- Direct LAN / VPN Connections: No external servers touch your data; traffic travels directly over your local network or VPN.
- Ideal for Live Sessions: Perfect for GMs running tabletop games or co-writers working in the same room.
Loresync
Work offline on your laptop or at your desktop at home. Changes sync automatically whenever you re-connect.
Loresync servers securely merge your offline edits so all your devices stay up to date.
- Offline-First Editing: Write offline anywhere. When you reconnect, changes merge automatically without conflicts.
- Multi-Device Sync: Keep your home desktop, laptop, and co-authors updated automatically.
- Signed Security Tokens: Cryptographically signed tokens ensure only authorized users access your sync node.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare features to find the workflow that fits your creative setup.
| Capability / Feature | Local Relay (P2P Host) | Loresync Node |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Concept | P2P Live Sessions (Like a multiplayer game) | Multi-Device Offline Sync |
| Host Computer Requirement | Host computer must stay open and online for others to connect | No host needed — edit anytime on any device |
| Offline Editing | Requires active connection to the host | Full offline editing; syncs automatically when online |
| Multi-Device Support | Active live session only | Automatic sync across desktop, laptop, and co-writers |
| Real-Time Co-Editing | Direct P2P WebSockets over LAN or VPN | Live co-editing + offline catch-up |
| Network Setup | LAN, VPN tunnel, or custom relay | Zero-config HTTPS & WSS Sync |
| Data Ownership & Storage | Saved locally on host machine | Local database on every device + sync node |
| Pricing Model | 100% Free & Built-In | Optional Sync Subscription |
1. How Local Relay Works
Local Relay operates directly inside the Lorebase desktop application. When you start a session, Lorebase opens a local WebSocket server. Guests connect directly over your LAN or VPN tunnel—no central server touches your notes.
2. How Loresync Works
Loresync uses dedicated worker nodes to coordinate changes. Edits you make offline are saved locally in SQLite. When back online, your device syncs updates with your node, which pushes them to your other connected devices.
3. Zero Data Lock-In
Whether you use Local Relay or Loresync, your worldbuilding stays stored in standard SQLite and mirrored to Markdown files on your computer. You can switch methods anytime.
Which One Should You Choose?
You don't have to choose permanently — Lorebase supports both models simultaneously in the same workspace.
Writing solo on one computer? You don't need either!
Lorebase runs 100% locally on your machine with all your data saved in standard SQLite files on your hard drive. Networking features are completely optional and only needed when hosting live sessions or syncing multiple devices.
Choose Local Relay If:
- You write on a single computer at home.
- You run campaign sessions with players on your local LAN or VPN.
- You want 100% peer-to-peer editing without creating an account.
Choose Loresync If:
- You write across multiple computers (e.g. desktop at home, laptop while traveling).
- You write offline on flights or remote trips and want seamless catch-up when back online.
- You co-author with remote creators who work at different times of the day.
Start Building Local-First Today
Download Lorebase for free and build your world offline-first, with optional cloud sync whenever you need it.