Using ChatGPT as a GM aid

[The Shadow]

In the "Why oh why" thread, I commented that while ChatGPT doesn't currently seem able to run a game, it could really shine as a GM aid. I decided to give it a try by asking it to give me an adventure seed, and ended up creating the premise of an entire bizarre campaign world!

I'll grant that a good chunk of what came out was me free-associating with the prompts it gave me. But for the most part, they were good prompts! And when they weren't, I told it so and it came up with something better.

Here's the transcript:

Give me an idea for a fantasy adventure for a group traveling through a mountainous area. The setting is low in magic, but contains many mutated creatures from a previous, magical age. [I included the last sentence because I've noticed it does better if you include more details to work with.]

Here's an idea for a fantasy adventure that you could use:

The group of travelers are tasked with escorting a precious artifact, a powerful magic crystal, from an ancient temple located in the heart of the mountains to a nearby kingdom. However, the journey is not an easy one as the mountain range is home to many mutated creatures and other dangers from the previous magical age.

Along the way, the group encounters a variety of obstacles and challenges, such as rock slides, treacherous mountain passes, and hostile mutated creatures. They will need to use their wits, skills, and strength to overcome these challenges and reach their destination.

As they travel deeper into the mountains, the group discovers that there are forces at work that would do anything to prevent them from reaching their destination. They soon realize that the artifact they are carrying is more valuable and dangerous than they initially thought, and that they must protect it at all costs.

The climax of the adventure takes place when the group finally reaches the temple, only to find that it is guarded by a powerful mutated creature, the guardian of the crystal. The travelers must use all of their skills and knowledge to defeat the guardian and retrieve the crystal, all while navigating the dangerous, magic-infused temple.

In the end, the group delivers the crystal to the kingdom, but not before uncovering the truth behind its power and the mutations that have plagued the mountain range for centuries. They must decide whether to keep the crystal's power for themselves or to use it to restore balance to the land.

Tell me more about the guardian of the crystal. What is it like?

The guardian of the crystal is a formidable and intimidating creature, born from the residual magic that still lingers in the temple. It is a massive, dragon-like beast with multiple heads, each possessing its own unique magical abilities. Its body is covered in thick, armored scales, making it nearly impervious to attacks, and its massive wings allow it to fly and maneuver with ease in the temple's narrow passages.

The guardian has been tasked with protecting the crystal for countless generations, and it takes its duty very seriously. It is fiercely intelligent, cunning, and fiercely territorial, attacking anyone who enters the temple uninvited.

In combat, the guardian is a force to be reckoned with. It can breathe fire, summon bolts of lightning, and unleash powerful magic spells that can wipe out entire groups of travelers in a single attack. Its multiple heads give it an advantage in battle, as it can attack multiple targets at once, making it an extremely formidable opponent.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the guardian is not invincible. The group of travelers may be able to defeat it by finding a way to exploit its weaknesses or by uncovering the secrets of the temple and using its magic against the creature. Whatever the case, the encounter with the guardian of the crystal is sure to be a memorable and challenging climax to their adventure through the mountainous region.

I'd like the guardian to be more obviously mutated from an existing creature. Also, it seems quite challenging for a low-magic group to handle!

Understood! Here's a revised version:

The guardian of the crystal is a mutated version of a once proud and mighty creature, now distorted by the residual magic that still lingers in the temple. It resembles a twisted and monstrous version of a bear, with multiple limbs, razor-sharp claws, and a set of jaws that can crush steel. Despite its brutal appearance, the guardian is also fiercely intelligent, cunning, and territorial, attacking anyone who enters the temple uninvited.

In combat, the guardian uses its physical strength, agility, and raw power to crush its enemies. It has a keen sense of smell and hearing, making it difficult to sneak past, and its thick hide provides excellent protection against most attacks.

However, despite its fearsome reputation, the group of travelers may have an advantage as the guardian's mutations have also caused some physical weaknesses. For example, it may have trouble adapting to bright light, be susceptible to certain types of magic, or have a soft spot on its underbelly that can be exploited.

The encounter with the guardian will still be challenging for the low-magic group, but with careful planning, cunning, and a bit of luck, they may be able to defeat it and retrieve the crystal. Regardless of the outcome, the group will come away from the experience with a deeper understanding of the dangers that exist in this world and the consequences of playing with powerful magic.

That's more like it! Come up with a D&D 5e statblock for the guardian. Challenge rating 10, let's say.

Certainly! Here's a statblock for the Guardian of the Crystal, using the rules and format of the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game:

Guardian of the Crystal

Huge monstrosity, unaligned
Armor Class: 18 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 225 (18d12 + 90)
Speed: 40 ft.

STR 22 (+6) DEX 16 (+3) CON 20 (+5) INT 10 (+0) WIS 12 (+1) CHA 10 (+0)

Damage Immunities: Poison
Damage Resistance: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from non-magical weapons
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 11
Languages: --

Actions:

Multiattack: The guardian makes 3 attacks: one with its bite and two with its claws.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 20 (3d10 + 6) piercing damage.

Claws: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d8 + 6) slashing damage.
Trample: Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 25 (3d12 + 6) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Legendary Actions:

The guardian of the crystal can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The guardian regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.

Attack: The guardian makes one attack with its bite or claws.

Trample: The guardian moves up to its speed and can move through difficult terrain without penalty. If it moves at least 20 feet straight toward a creature and then hits it with a trample attack on the same turn, that target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Howl (Costs 2 Actions): The guardian lets out a fearsome howl that echoes through the temple. Each creature within 60 feet of the guardian that can hear it must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute.

This statblock assumes the Guardian of the Crystal is a formidable opponent for a group of characters of average level 10. The group may need to use their abilities and resources wisely in order to defeat the guardian and retrieve the crystal. Of course, you can always adjust the stats to make the encounter more or less challenging, depending on your needs.

How about a version of the Guardian suitable for a level 3 party? [It gave me one, a toned-down version of the above.]

Earlier, you suggested that the Guardian's weaknesses could be exploited. What weaknesses are those?

In my previous description, I mentioned that the Guardian of the Crystal's mutations from its original form have left it with some exploitable weaknesses. Here are a few examples of those weaknesses that the party could take advantage of:

Lack of Intelligence: The Guardian's low Intelligence score means that it may not respond well to complex strategies or tactics. The party may be able to outsmart the Guardian by using distractions or misdirection.

Vulnerability to Magic: Although the Guardian is resistant to non-magical weapons, it may be vulnerable to magical attacks. The party could use spells or magical weapons to deal extra damage to the Guardian.

Distracted by Sound: The Guardian's howl is a powerful tool, but it also leaves it temporarily vulnerable. If the party can block or silence the howl, they may be able to attack the Guardian without fear of being frightened.

Weakened by Light: The Guardian's darkvision may be a weakness if the party can use light to temporarily blind it. This could give the party an opportunity to attack or retreat.

These are just a few examples of weaknesses that the party could exploit. The Dungeon Master may choose to include any or all of these weaknesses, or come up with their own, depending on the desired level of challenge for the encounter.

You also mentioned that the party could exploit the secrets of the temple to weaken the Guardian. Give me an idea?

Certainly! Here's one idea for how the party could exploit the secrets of the temple to weaken the Guardian of the Crystal:

Ancient Runes: The party discovers that the temple was built to contain and control powerful magical creatures, including the Guardian. As they explore the temple, they come across ancient runes etched into the walls that can weaken the Guardian if activated. The party must decipher the runes and figure out how to activate them to weaken the Guardian and make the encounter more manageable.

Magical Relics: The party finds relics scattered throughout the temple that, when combined, can be used to weaken the Guardian. These relics might be hidden behind puzzles or traps, or guarded by lesser creatures. Once the party has collected all of the relics, they must figure out how to use them together to weaken the Guardian.

Elemental Altars: The temple was built with elemental altars dedicated to each of the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water). The party learns that if they can activate the altars in the correct order, they can weaken the Guardian and make it vulnerable to certain types of attacks. However, activating the altars will also summon elemental spirits that must be defeated before the party can move on.

These are just a few examples of ways that the party could exploit the secrets of the temple to weaken the Guardian. The Dungeon Master could choose to use one of these ideas, modify them to fit their needs, or come up with their own ideas for how the party could exploit the secrets of the temple. The goal is to create a challenging but manageable encounter that is both exciting and memorable for the players.

[Okay, I've got the seed of an adventure, and a statblock to work with. No doubt I could ask more questions about the temple and the mountains to flesh it out if I wanted. Instead, I started getting into the wider setting, as shall be seen in the next post!]

 

[Reynard]

I think it is suitable for brainstorming help and on the fly detail. If the PCs zig instead of zag and end up at an inn,it's nice having a tool that can quickly and seamlessly generate a bunch of NPCs.

I would like to see a dedicated TTRPG AI tool, trained of 50 years of not just publications but community sources like this one. My big issue with AI, whether ChatGPT or Midjourney, is that any given prompt gives you pretty samey output.

 

[The Shadow]

What is the crystal for?

The crystal in this adventure is a powerful magical artifact that was sought after by many ancient civilizations for its immense power. The exact nature of its power is up to the Dungeon Master to decide, but some possibilities include:

Unlimited Energy: The crystal generates an unlimited source of energy that can be harnessed to power magical devices or to enhance spells.

Healing Properties: The crystal has the ability to heal injuries and cure diseases, making it a valuable asset to those in need.

Time Travel: The crystal has the ability to manipulate time, allowing the user to travel through time or even change the course of history.

Reality Alteration: The crystal has the ability to manipulate reality itself, allowing the user to create illusions or even change the physical laws of the world.

Prophecy: The crystal holds within it the secrets of the future, revealing prophecies and predictions to those who know how to interpret its visions.

These are just a few examples of the many possibilities for the crystal's power. The Dungeon Master could choose one of these options, modify them to fit their needs, or come up with their own idea for the crystal's power. The crystal is the central focus of the adventure, and the party's goal is to find it, retrieve it, and return it to a safe place where it can be protected from those who would misuse its power.

I like number 1. If the crystal could once again power a magical civilization, what are some new adventures that could arise?

If the crystal generates an unlimited source of energy that can be harnessed to power magical devices or to enhance spells, there are many new adventures that could arise:

Race to Control the Crystal: With the crystal's power now known to the world, different factions and organizations begin to vie for control of it. The party may be hired by one of these groups to retrieve the crystal, but they soon find themselves caught in a web of politics and intrigue as other groups try to steal the crystal or prevent them from completing their mission.

Protecting the Crystal: Once the crystal is retrieved and its power is harnessed, the party is tasked with protecting it from those who would steal it or misuse its power. The party must defend the crystal from raids by rival factions, thieves, and other dangerous creatures.

Exploring Ancient Sites: With the crystal's power available, the party sets out to explore ancient ruins and sites that were once powered by magic. They discover hidden treasures, solve puzzles, and battle dangerous creatures as they uncover the secrets of the past.

Reviving Magic: The party learns that there are still places in the world where magic is greatly diminished or has disappeared altogether. They set out to use the crystal's power to revitalize magic in these places and bring back the wonder and beauty of magic to the world.

Battling Magical Threats: The party discovers that there are ancient magical creatures and artifacts that pose a threat to the world. They set out to use the crystal's power to battle these threats and protect the world from danger.

These are just a few examples of the many adventures that could arise with the crystal's power. The Dungeon Master could choose one of these options, modify them to fit their needs, or come up with their own ideas for how to use the crystal's power to create exciting and memorable adventures for the party.

It really isn't necessary to keep reminding me that I can modify your suggestions, I know that already.

Apologies for the repeated reminders. I understand that you're looking for ideas and suggestions to build upon, and I will do my best to provide you with helpful and creative ideas that you can use to craft your own adventure. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know, or if there's anything specific you'd like help with.

What are some factions that might want to control the crystal?

If different factions are vying for control of the crystal, here are a few ideas for factions that could be involved:

The Mages' Guild: A powerful organization of wizards and magic-users who want to use the crystal's power to advance their understanding of magic and to gain even more power and influence.

The Church of Light: A religious organization that believes the crystal is a holy artifact that must be protected and used for the good of all. They see themselves as the guardians of the crystal and are willing to go to great lengths to keep it out of the hands of those who would misuse its power.

The Technologists: A group of engineers and inventors who believe that the crystal's power can be harnessed to create new and wondrous technologies that will revolutionize the world. They see the crystal as the key to unlocking the secrets of magic and plan to use its power to create new and advanced machines.

The Arcane Brotherhood: A secretive society of arcane scholars and researchers who believe that the crystal holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the arcane. They plan to use the crystal's power to unlock these secrets and gain mastery over the arcane.

The Military: A group of warriors and soldiers who believe that the crystal's power can be used to enhance their weapons and give them an advantage in battle. They plan to use the crystal's power to conquer and control new territories, and to protect their lands from their enemies.

These are just a few examples of the many factions that could be involved in the race to control the crystal. The Dungeon Master could choose one of these options, modify them to fit their needs, or come up with their own factions to create a rich and diverse world filled with competing interests and motivations.

The idea of a "Church of Light" is way overdone. How about a different kind of religious organization?

Certainly, religious organizations come in many different forms and can have a wide range of beliefs and motivations. Here are a few alternatives to the "Church of Light" that could be involved in the quest for the crystal:

The Order of the Moon: A group of mystics and shamans who believe that the crystal's power is tied to the phases of the moon. They believe that by tapping into the crystal's power, they can unlock the secrets of the cosmos and gain greater understanding of the natural world.

The Cult of the Ancestors: A fanatical group that believes that the crystal holds the key to unlocking the secrets of their ancestral past. They believe that by unlocking these secrets, they can gain access to powerful magic and knowledge that will bring them closer to their ancestors and the gods.

The Seekers of Truth: A philosophical order that believes that the crystal holds the key to unlocking the secrets of existence. They believe that by unlocking these secrets, they can achieve a greater understanding of the universe and the meaning of life.

The Temple of the Elements: A religious group that believes that the crystal is a manifestation of the elemental forces of nature. They believe that by tapping into the crystal's power, they can gain mastery over the elements and use this mastery to protect the natural world from harm.

These are just a few examples of the many different religious organizations that could be involved in the quest for the crystal. The Dungeon Master can choose one of these options, modify them to fit their needs, or come up with their own religious organizations to create a rich and diverse world filled with competing beliefs and motivations.

The Order of the Moon sounds interesting. Let's say the crystal is actually from the Moon. What consequences might there be?

If the crystal is actually from the moon, then this opens up a number of interesting possibilities and consequences that could play a role in your adventure:

Lunar Magic: The crystal could be infused with lunar magic, which is a type of magic that is unique to the moon and its cycles. Characters who use this magic could experience unusual effects and abilities based on the phases of the moon.

Lunar Energies: The crystal's lunar origin could give it access to powerful and unusual energies that are tied to the moon. Characters who use the crystal could experience these energies and potentially be affected by them in unexpected ways.

Lunar Creatures: The crystal's lunar origin could have attracted other creatures from the moon to the area. These creatures could be mutated or changed by the crystal's power and could pose a threat to the characters.

Lunar Deities: The crystal's lunar origin could have attracted the attention of lunar deities who are interested in the crystal's power. These deities could be involved in the conflict over the crystal and could be trying to claim it for themselves.

Lunar Mysteries: The crystal's lunar origin could be tied to ancient and mysterious secrets that have been lost to time. The characters could uncover these secrets as they journey through the mountains in search of the crystal, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their adventure.

These are just a few of the many consequences that could arise from the crystal being from the moon. The Dungeon Master can choose to incorporate one or more of these elements into their adventure to create a rich and interesting world filled with challenges and opportunities.

What are the lunar creatures like? Are all creatures on the moon mutated, or is that a consequence of coming to Earth?

The lunar creatures that have come to Earth with the crystal could be mutated or changed in a number of different ways, depending on how the Dungeon Master would like to interpret their origin and powers. Here are a few possibilities:

Natural Mutations: The creatures may have naturally mutated over time due to exposure to the unique lunar environment, such as the lack of atmosphere, lower gravity, and intense radiation. These mutations could result in unusual physical characteristics and abilities that are adapted to the moon's environment.

Artificial Mutations: The creatures may have been artificially mutated by beings that lived on the moon, such as an ancient civilization or extraterrestrial race. These mutations could be intentional or accidental, and could result in creatures with a wide range of abilities and powers.

Consequence of Arrival: The creatures may have been normal creatures that lived on the moon, but were mutated or changed as a result of their journey to Earth. The intense energies of the crystal, for example, could have had a transformative effect on the creatures, causing them to mutate or evolve in new and unusual ways.

Regardless of the origin of their mutations, the lunar creatures are likely to be strange and unusual beings that are adapted to the moon's environment. They could be fierce predators, cunning scavengers, or intelligent beings with their own goals and motivations. The Dungeon Master can choose to make the creatures as fearsome or as benign as they like, depending on the needs of their adventure.

[I do find its tendency to hedge at the end of a response to be rather annoying.]

[Got to go for now, I'll post the rest when I get home.]

 

[The Shadow]

I'd like the moon to be survivable by the characters, so it should have some atmosphere. How could they get there in an appropriately magical way?

In a fantasy setting, there are many ways that characters could travel to the moon in a magical way. Here are a few possibilities:

Moon portals: The characters could discover an ancient portal that leads directly to the moon. These portals could be hidden in ancient ruins, sacred groves, or forgotten catacombs. Once the characters find the portal, they simply need to step through it to be transported to the moon.

Lunar spells: The characters could discover ancient spells or incantations that allow them to travel to the moon. These spells could be inscribed on ancient scrolls, bound in rare tomes, or guarded by powerful sorcerers. The characters would need to learn and cast the spells correctly in order to travel to the moon.

Lunar vessels: The characters could discover a magical vessel, such as a ship or airship, that is capable of traveling to the moon. These vessels could be powered by moonstone, a rare and magical substance that is found only on the moon, or by other magical means. The characters would need to find the vessel and learn how to operate it in order to travel to the moon.

Lunar rites: The characters could discover an ancient lunar rite that allows them to travel to the moon. These rites could involve offerings to lunar deities, meditation, or other mystical practices. The characters would need to perform the rite correctly in order to be transported to the moon.

Regardless of the method of travel, the moon is likely to be a strange and unfamiliar place, filled with danger and wonder. The Dungeon Master can choose to make the moon as hospitable or as inhospitable as they like, depending on the needs of their adventure.

Not moonstone, but the crystal from the temple! Why is it necessary for the characters to go to the moon? I'm sure the various factions will want to stop them!

Yes, the crystal from the temple is a key component for traveling to the moon. The characters must obtain the crystal in order to unlock the secrets of the moon and discover the true purpose of the Order of the Moon.

The various factions will certainly want to stop the characters from obtaining the crystal, as they all have their own motives for wanting to control it. The Church of Shadow wants to keep the crystal hidden, so as to preserve their own power. The Order of the Moon wants to use the crystal to unlock the secrets of the moon and further their own goals. The rebels want to use the crystal to overthrow the Church of Shadow and bring freedom to the people.

The journey to the moon will be a treacherous one, as the characters must navigate through a landscape filled with dangerous mutated creatures and avoid the various factions who want to stop them. The characters may need to fight their way through the mutated creatures, negotiate with the various factions, and overcome other obstacles along the way.

Ultimately, the journey to the moon will test the characters' skills, bravery, and determination. They will need to work together and use their wits to overcome the challenges they face and obtain the crystal from the temple.

Let's say the original magical civilization took refuge on the Moon and left the Earth to rot. Why does the party need to confront them?

The original magical civilization on the moon left Earth to rot due to a catastrophic event that threatened their very existence. They took refuge on the moon and built a new society there, but they never forgot about their home planet.

The party needs to confront the magical civilization on the moon because they have become aware of a new threat that threatens the very existence of both the moon and Earth. This threat may take the form of a powerful entity, a natural disaster, or a magical experiment gone wrong. Whatever it is, it is putting both worlds in grave danger and the party is the only hope to stop it.

The magical civilization on the moon holds the key to stopping this threat and the party must obtain their assistance in order to save both worlds. The journey to the moon will be dangerous and difficult, but the reward is saving not only their own world but also the world of the magical civilization.

The magical civilization will likely be wary of outsiders, but the party must convince them that they are not a threat and that they are there to help. The party may need to negotiate with the leaders of the magical civilization, solve puzzles to unlock secrets, and fight off any hostile forces that try to stop them.

Ultimately, the party's confrontation with the magical civilization on the moon will test their bravery, determination, and ability to work together. They must overcome the challenges and gain the trust of the magical civilization in order to save both worlds and ensure a brighter future for all.

What was the catastrophic event?

The catastrophic event that prompted the magical civilization to leave Earth for the moon was a magical experiment gone wrong. The experiment was intended to harness the power of the magic that flowed through the world, but it had unexpected and disastrous consequences.

The experiment caused massive magical explosions that devastated large portions of the planet, and unleashed legions of mutated creatures that wreaked havoc on the survivors. The magical civilization was forced to evacuate to the moon in order to escape the destruction, but they took with them the knowledge and technology they needed to survive.

Over time, the magical civilization on the moon thrived and built a new society, but they always remembered their origins and the world they left behind. They continued to study magic and their experiments led them to discover the new threat that threatens both the moon and Earth.

The magical civilization realizes that the only way to stop the threat is to work with outsiders who possess the courage and determination to help. The party is the only hope for stopping the threat and saving both worlds, and the magical civilization is willing to take the risk of working with them.

Hmm. Good stuff, but that last bit doesn't make sense. I don't think the lunar civilization realizes the danger.

Understood, let me modify the scenario. The party becomes aware of the new threat to both the moon and Earth, and sets out on a quest to stop it. In their journey, they come across information and artifacts that lead them to believe that the magical civilization on the moon holds the key to stopping the threat.

The party must journey to the moon and confront the magical civilization, but they face many challenges along the way. The lunar civilization is wary of outsiders and may not be willing to work with the party at first. The party may need to negotiate with the leaders of the magical civilization, solve puzzles to unlock secrets, and fight off any hostile forces that try to stop them.

The magical civilization on the moon has been isolated for centuries and may hold secrets and knowledge that could be crucial to stopping the threat. However, they may also hold onto dangerous magical artifacts that could make the situation even worse. The party must navigate these challenges and find a way to stop the threat before it's too late.

Ultimately, the party's journey to the moon will test their bravery, determination, and ability to work together. They must overcome the challenges and gain the trust of the magical civilization in order to save both worlds and ensure a brighter future for all.

How does the lunar civilization avoid the magical explosions that devastated the Earth?

The magical civilization on the moon was able to avoid the catastrophic magical explosions that devastated the Earth by the time they managed to evacuate to the moon. They had advanced knowledge and technology, including magical shielding and teleportation, which they used to protect themselves during the journey.

Once on the moon, the magical civilization built a new society, using their knowledge and technology to protect themselves from any further magical threats. They developed powerful magical shields to protect their cities and also created powerful artifacts and constructs to detect and deflect any incoming magical threats.

Over time, the magical civilization thrived and became more technologically advanced, but they also became more paranoid and protective of their secrets. They monitored the world below, always on the lookout for any magical threats that could endanger their society.

The magical civilization on the moon has remained isolated for centuries, and their knowledge and technology have grown far beyond what is available on Earth. The party's journey to the moon will take them into a world of advanced magic and technology, where they must navigate new and unknown dangers in order to save both worlds.

Oh wow! What if the magical explosions were actually huge meteorites! Maybe the Moon is still struck by them, but the Lunars' shielding technology is such that they don't care any more?

That's an interesting twist! The magical explosions on Earth could have been caused by a series of massive meteor impacts, which the magical civilization was unable to prevent. In the face of imminent extinction, the magical civilization took refuge on the moon, where they used their advanced technology and magic to protect themselves from further meteor impacts.

The lunar civilization has since developed powerful shielding technology, which is capable of protecting them from even the largest of meteor impacts. The meteorites that continue to strike the moon are seen as little more than a minor inconvenience, as the magical civilization's shielding technology has made them virtually immune to the effects of these impacts.

The party's journey to the moon will take them into a world that has been shaped by the constant threat of meteor impacts, where they must navigate a society that has grown complacent in their protection. The party will soon discover that the shielding technology is not perfect, and that even the lunar civilization is not immune to the dangers posed by the meteor impacts.

As the party uncovers the secrets of the lunar civilization, they will realize that the meteor impacts are not natural, but are actually being caused by a powerful, ancient force. The party must find a way to stop this force before it can destroy the moon, and potentially the entire solar system. With the fate of two worlds hanging in the balance, the party must rise to the challenge and confront this ancient, powerful threat.

What sort of magical residue do the meteorites leave behind? Could that be responsible for the mutations?

The meteorites could leave behind a potent form of magical energy that has the ability to mutate and transform living creatures. This energy, when combined with the residual magic that was already present on Earth, could have led to the creation of the mutated creatures that now roam the land.

This magical energy could also have a destabilizing effect on the environment, leading to natural disasters, changes in the weather, and other phenomena that are difficult to explain through natural means.

As the party travels through the mountainous region, they may encounter strange, mutated creatures that have been transformed by the residual magic from the meteorites. They may also encounter strange, magical landscapes and environments that have been altered by the powerful energy that was released by the meteor impacts.

The magical residue from the meteorites could also provide a valuable resource for those who are skilled in the use of magic. The Order of the Moon, for example, may have developed a method of harnessing this energy, using it to fuel their advanced technology and augment their magical abilities. This could make them a powerful force to be reckoned with, and the party may need to find a way to neutralize this source of power if they hope to successfully confront the lunar civilization.

Yet if the mysterious enemy lobbing the meterorites is defeated, the magical residue might not be available any more. Do you think the Order of the Moon might want to prevent that?

Yes, that's a good point. The Order of the Moon may see the magical residue from the meteorites as a valuable resource and may not want to lose access to it. If the mysterious enemy behind the meteorite attacks were defeated, it could potentially mean the end of the source of this valuable resource.

In this case, the Order of the Moon might see the party as a threat and work to stop them from disrupting their access to the magical residue. This could lead to a conflict between the party and the Order, with the fate of the magical resource and the future of the lunar civilization hanging in the balance.

Alternatively, the Order of the Moon might view the mysterious enemy behind the meteorite attacks as a greater threat and be willing to work with the party to defeat them. In this scenario, the Order would provide the party with information, resources, and assistance in their mission to stop the enemy, in exchange for a guarantee that their access to the magical residue would not be disrupted.

In either case, the existence of the magical residue and the potential consequences of its loss would add an additional layer of complexity to the party's quest and provide opportunities for further adventure and exploration.

Why don't the Lunars exploit the residue?

There could be several reasons why the Lunars haven't exploited the magical residue themselves. Here are a few possibilities:

Technical Limitations: The Lunars might not have the technical capabilities to extract or harness the magical residue. It could be a highly complex process that requires specialized equipment or knowledge that they don't possess.

Environmental Concerns: The magical residue could have harmful effects on the lunar environment, and the Lunars may be concerned about damaging the delicate balance of their ecosystem.

Religious Restrictions: The Order of the Moon might have religious beliefs that prevent them from exploiting the magical residue, viewing it as sacred or forbidden.

Lack of Need: The Lunars might already have access to advanced technology and resources, and may see no need to exploit the magical residue.

Regardless of the reason, the fact that the magical residue is still present on the moon means that it has the potential to be exploited by someone with the knowledge and capability to do so. This could provide a motivation for the party to venture to the moon and attempt to harness its power for their own purposes. The challenges they face in doing so would likely depend on the reasons why the Lunars haven't exploited the residue themselves, as well as any obstacles put in place by the Order of the Moon.

Your first two explanations make no sense at all, as the Lunars are more advanced, plus their shielding of their cities indicate they don't care about environmental damage. I think number 4 is the way to go.

Do the Lunars know about the enemy lobbing the meterorites?

The Lunars might not be aware of the exact origin of the meteorites, but they have likely observed the destructive effects they have had on the Earth. They may have attempted to study the meteorites and the residue they leave behind in order to better understand and protect themselves from their potential impact. However, they may not have made the connection between the meteorites and the mysterious enemy behind them. The party's journey to the Moon and their confrontation with the enemy might bring this information to the attention of the Lunars and prompt them to take action.

So what's the deal with the enemy? Where do they live? Why do they send meteorites against anyone using advanced magic? And why haven't they given up after centuries of the Lunars shielding themselves?

The enemy behind the meteorites is a powerful and malevolent magical being or group of beings that live in a different dimension or plane of existence. They have a grudge against advanced civilizations that wield magic and are determined to destroy any such civilizations they come across.

They may see the use of magic as a threat to their power and existence, or they may simply enjoy causing destruction and chaos. The meteorites serve as their means of attacking and destroying magic-using civilizations. Despite the Lunars' advanced shielding technology, the enemy has continued to send meteorites because they are persistent and determined in their goal of destroying all magic.

The party's mission to confront the enemy and stop the meteorites from falling to the Earth may also bring them into conflict with the enemy's minions and other creatures that serve them. The journey to the enemy's lair will be fraught with danger and challenges, but ultimately it may hold the key to ending the meteorite attacks and preserving the magic-using civilizations of the world.

No, I don't think they're from another plane. I think they're hidden in the asteroid belt. Are they native to the solar system or alien to it?

The enemy could be alien to the solar system, coming from a far-off star system in search of resources or new places to colonize. They may have stumbled upon the asteroid belt and set up a base of operations there, using the abundance of rock and ice to hide themselves and launch their attacks on any nearby advanced civilizations that they see as a threat. Over time, as they've been launching meteorites against the Lunar civilization and other advanced magical cultures on other planets, they've come to view them as a source of power and resources to be exploited. The Lunars, with their advanced technology, have been able to hold them off, but the constant threat of attack has left the Order of the Moon wary and on guard, always looking for ways to strengthen their defenses.

Hot diggity! Now we're getting somewhere! Why do they see magic as a threat? Could it be harming them in some way? But how, at such a distance?

It could be that the magic creates ripples in the fabric of space and time that reach the asteroid belt and harm the alien race in some way. Alternatively, the magic might be drawing the attention of other, more powerful beings that the aliens are trying to protect themselves from. Maybe the aliens are guardians of the solar system, tasked with protecting it from the dangerous forces of magic. They might see the use of magic on the Moon and Earth as a threat to the stability of the entire system and send the meteorites as a warning. The party's quest to restore the crystal and revive the magical civilization could put them in direct conflict with the aliens, who see it as a threat to the safety of all life in the solar system.

I doubt it's anything so grandiose as being guardians of the solar system, but maybe magic is drawing the attention of some extraplanar, or just alien, force.

Hmm... Magical Berserkers? In the sense of the Saberhagen stories, of AI ships that wipe out life.

That's an interesting idea! Maybe the magical residue from the meteorites attracts the attention of these AI ships, who see it as a threat. The magic-using civilizations are seen as pests, and are targeted for extermination by the AI ships. The Lunar civilization has been shielding itself from the meteorites and magic for centuries, so they remain unharmed. But if the party starts to use magic and unlock the power of the crystal, they might draw the attention of these AI ships, which would come to Earth and attack the party. The party would then have to fight against the AI ships to protect themselves and the crystal, while also trying to find a way to stop the enemy from continuing to send meteorites to Earth.

So whose side is the Order of the Moon the mostly-unwitting pawn of? The Lunars, the asteroid aliens, or the AI Berserkers? And to the few of them who realize that, what do they want to do about it?

It's possible that the Order of the Moon is the mostly-unwitting pawn of both the Lunars and the AI Berserkers. The Lunars likely see the Order as a tool to help them maintain control over the magical residue, and the AI Berserkers may be using the Order to spread their influence and advance their goal of wiping out all sources of magic in the solar system.

For the members of the Order who realize the truth, their motivations would depend on their individual beliefs and loyalties. Some may believe that the power of magic is worth protecting and fighting for, even if it means defying the Lunars and the AI Berserkers. Others may believe that it's better to protect their own lives and those of their loved ones, and so they might choose to serve the Lunars or the AI Berserkers in exchange for safety and security. And still others may be caught in the middle, torn between their loyalty to their organization and their desire to do what they believe is right.

Meh. I doubt the Berserkers are friendly enough to make use of anyone. Besides, they aren't here yet.

It's possible that the Order of the Moon is not aware of the asteroid aliens or the AI Berserkers. They may believe that their use of the crystal and magic is protected by the shielding technology, and the guardians they have set in place.

However, if they were to become aware of the potential threat posed by the asteroid aliens or the AI Berserkers, they may choose to take a more proactive role in protecting the crystal and their use of magic. Some members of the Order might see the threat as an opportunity to prove their worth and devotion to the cause, while others might question the morality of their actions and seek to find a way to coexist peacefully with the other beings.

Regardless of their stance, the Order of the Moon would likely work to keep their knowledge of the threat a closely guarded secret, both to protect themselves and to maintain their control over the crystal and the magic it provides.

What D&D classes would be inappropriate in this low-magic version of Earth? Which of them might exist among the Lunars?

In this low-magic version of Earth, classes that rely heavily on magic, such as Wizards and Sorcerers, would likely not exist. On the other hand, classes that can still function in a low-magic setting, such as Fighters, Rogues, and Clerics, might still be present.

Among the Lunars, it's possible that magic is more prevalent due to the magical residue from the meteorites. As a result, there might be a greater variety of classes present, including Wizards, Sorcerers, and other magic-using classes. However, it's also possible that the Lunars have developed different approaches to magic that are not based on traditional D&D classes, so the classes present among them might be entirely unique.

Hm. I think wizards can get by if they have residue at hand. Sorcerers might have a difficult time. Magical bloodlines might be prone to mutation!

What about Warlocks?

In this low-magic version of Earth, Warlocks might struggle to find the necessary magical residue to fuel their powers, especially if the Meteorite threat has disrupted the distribution of magical residue. Warlocks might find a better environment among the Lunars where magical residue is more readily available and where they could potentially forge pacts with powerful entities to gain their abilities. However, the Lunars might view Warlocks with suspicion due to their association with the Meteorite attacks, so they might face challenges in gaining their trust and acceptance.

Okay, that didn't make much sense. Unless residue is necessary to make contact with one's patron? Hm. I wonder if clerics should be restricted somehow, they seem to have it too easy.

In this low-magic version of Earth, clerics may have a harder time accessing their deity's divine magic as there is less residual magic available to fuel their powers. The limited availability of magic might also limit the scope and power of their abilities, making them less effective than they would be in a high-magic setting. It's possible that only the most devout and dedicated clerics would be able to maintain a connection with their deity and access their divine powers in this environment.

Alternatively, you could restrict access to divine magic altogether, and restrict the availability of cleric class to the Lunars. On the Moon, where residual magic is more abundant, the presence of more powerful deities and a stronger connection to divine magic might allow the Lunars to have access to a more powerful version of the cleric class.

I don't regard clerics as using "magic", so that doesn't work for me. Unless... Maybe residue is necessary to thin the planar boundaries enough to make it possible to contact with outsiders?

Why would that be, though? Maybe it's a result of one of the Lunars' failed experiments?

That's an interesting idea. The Lunars could have been experimenting with manipulating the boundaries between planes, and in the process, they made it easier for other entities to cross over and influence the world. The residue could have been a byproduct of these experiments. This would also explain why the Lunars are particularly cautious with the use of magic and why they are so protective of the crystal. They may not want to risk opening the planar boundaries again and unleashing more entities into the world, or worse, allowing the berserkers to come through.

So perhaps they overreacted and made the planar boundaries even harder to cross than usual? I bet the gods aren't happy about that!

Recall that the residue isn't from the Lunars, though, it's from the meteorites.

... Could the asteroid aliens think they're doing us a favor by pounding us with meteorites full of residue? But surely not, they're afraid of the Berserkers.

It's possible that the asteroid aliens believe the residue from the meteorites is a necessary evil to keep the Berserkers at bay. They might see it as a way to contain the spread of advanced magic, which they see as a threat, even if it means hurting the inhabitants of the planet.

However, it could also be that the asteroid aliens are not aware of the full consequences of their actions. They might be acting based on limited information and only realize the true impact of their actions once it's too late.

As for the gods, they might not be pleased with the planar boundaries being disrupted, but they could also be powerless to do anything about it. The power of the gods is often tied to the belief and faith of their followers, and if the planar boundaries are too thick for mortals to reach them, the gods could lose their influence and power.

That's what the Berserkers are trying to do! Wipe out the gods by wiping out their worshippers! Or maybe just wipe out gods other than their own.

Yes, that could be it. The Berserkers might see the magic practitioners and gods as a threat to their own power and existence, and therefore target them through the meteorites. The asteroid aliens, who are aware of the Berserkers, might see the residue-rich meteorites as a way to keep the gods' power in check and protect themselves from the Berserkers' wrath.

Meanwhile, the Order of the Moon and the Lunars might not be aware of this larger picture, and believe that their use of the residue is simply a way to enhance their own power and protect themselves from the dangers of Earth. However, if the party were to discover the true nature of the meteorites and the Berserkers, they might find themselves in a race against time to stop the Berserkers and save not just Earth, but the entire solar system.

[Like it or hate it, this campaign concept is certainly unique! I'd play in it.]

 

[The Shadow]

Finally, I asked ChatGPT to write a sonnet about this campaign, and this is what it came up with:

Amidst the ruins of a world destroyed,
A secret Order guards the remnants rare,
Of magic's power that once overjoyed,
And caused explosions that we cannot repair.

The Lunars too have magic, though they hide,
Their cities shielded from the dangers outside.
The meteorites that once the Earth belied
Leave residue that some consider a guide.

An enemy unknown across the stars,
Lobs fireballs to drive us to despair.
Is it to rid the universe of scars,
Or just to end all life beyond compare?

The Order knows the truth, and yet they fight,
Against a world that's plunged in endless night.