Embracing AI in TTRPGs - Enhancing, Not Replacing, Creativity

[Bagpuss]

Lets see how ChatGPT it does with one of your other problems.

Suggesting appropriate maps and tokens based on the planned encounter

Okay I think there are a number of map artists that could have drawn that, so now we are really getting into ethically questionable areas. But it's not like I (as an individual DM) would have paid an artist to do this in the past, I could find plenty of free examples online to use. But clearly if I was publishing something I intended to sell...

Hmm "Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or additional details."

Okay how about "Using that map as a bases can you add a campsite in the top left corner and a small wooden bridge across the river in the center of the map."

Erm you've added three camps not one in the top left and you seem to have forgotten how rivers work, also the style and paths have completely changed, that's not what I call an adjustment, but a redesign.

(And I need to go Pro if I want anymore out of you today)

 

[Bagpuss]

This immediately caught my eye because it's completely incorrect.

Nevron was one of Szass Tam's fiercest rivals who fought against Szass Tam to prevent him taking over Thay and died (technically, magic was involved) trying to strike him down in person.

But you'd have no way of knowing that without looking it up or reading the books it took place in.

I think this is the major problem with AI currently, it is great at making plausible stuff up, but isn't any good at fact checking. From what I've been told about how AI's currently work, it isn't something that is that easy to fix due to the nature of how they handle data, am sure it will be eventually, but currently you can't trust them.

 

[OptionalRule]

Some of the grand standing is due to not liking the current socioeconomic system we live in and since going into would hit the politics issue, this is how they express it.

That's likely and I probably share much of that frustration. If they want to discuss that, there are a million places they can go and do that. There also needs to be a space to discuss gaming outside that context. I think it's fair to hope to find that here.

 

[OptionalRule]

Lets see how ChatGPT it does with one of your other problems.


View attachment 380726
Okay I think there are a number of map artists that could have drawn that, so now we are really getting into ethically questionable areas. But it's not like I (as an individual DM) would have paid an artist to do this in the past, I could find plenty of free examples online to use. But clearly if I was publishing something I intended to sell...

Hmm "Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or additional details."

Okay how about "Using that map as a bases can you add a campsite in the top left corner and a small wooden bridge across the river in the center of the map."

View attachment 380731

Erm you've added three camps not one in the top left and you seem to have forgotten how rivers work, also the style and paths have completely changed, that's not what I call an adjustment, but a redesign.

(And I need to go Pro if I want anymore out of you today)

I either didn't communicate this example well, you missunderstood it, or both. I wasn't suggesting AI create the map. I was suggesting an AI assistant picks a map from your or some collection you have access to and set it up in the VTT without the DM having to do all that. Additionally, it can add monster tokens, place them propertly, connect them to the proper monsters (again, that you have access to), build in fog, lighting, and more. At least for me, I find the added overhead of prepping scenes in VTTs a bit much and distracts from my actual prep time. Is that more clear?

 

[OptionalRule]

Out of curiosity I threw a couple of your questions into ChatGPT.

Summarize the history of the city of Waterdeep

Spoiler

Waterdeep, also known as the "City of Splendors," is a major port city in the Forgotten Realms, a fictional world in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe. It is one of the most influential and largest cities on the Sword Coast of Faerûn, known for its rich history, diverse population, and political intrigue.

Origins and Founding
Waterdeep's history stretches back thousands of years, predating its modern incarnation. It originally started as a humble fishing village, inhabited by small groups of humans and non-human races. Its strategic location, along the coast and at the crossroads of many trade routes, soon led to its growth and importance. Over time, the village developed into a more structured settlement and became a gathering point for adventurers, merchants, and settlers. It grew significantly when human settlers came into conflict with other races, including the elves of nearby Ardeep Forest and the orcs of the Spine of the World mountains. The city's history has been marked by a series of wars, notably against orcs and other invaders.

Rise of Waterdeep
By the Year of the Curse (1032 DR), Ahghairon, a powerful wizard, rose to prominence and became the first Lord of Waterdeep. He established the system of governance by masked lords, an oligarchy that ruled anonymously, protecting the city from personal vendettas and ensuring fairness. Ahghairon's magic and leadership stabilized Waterdeep, fostering a period of growth and prosperity. Over the centuries, Waterdeep became a thriving hub for trade, magic, and culture. Its influence spread along the Sword Coast and beyond, making it a key player in regional politics. Adventurers from around Faerûn were drawn to the city due to its proximity to dungeons and ruins, particularly Undermountain, a vast labyrinth beneath the city filled with monsters, treasure, and ancient secrets.

Recent History and Modern Waterdeep
In modern times, Waterdeep is one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the Forgotten Realms, boasting a cosmopolitan population that includes humans, elves, dwarves, gnomes, and even more exotic races. Its political landscape is defined by the Open Lord, a public figurehead, and the Masked Lords, whose identities are secret. The city is also home to powerful factions like the Harpers, the Zhentarim, and the Lords' Alliance, all vying for influence. The city’s history is intertwined with the presence of Waterdeep's powerful guilds, temples, and noble houses. The Lords of Waterdeep, including the mysterious Masked Lords, maintain order through a mix of diplomacy, magic, and military power. The city remains a center for commerce, adventuring, and arcane studies, with institutions like Blackstaff Tower and the Yawning Portal serving as key locations for magical research and exploration. Waterdeep’s significance as a trade and cultural center remains unmatched in Faerûn, and it continues to be a focal point in many D&D campaigns and stories."

and "Give me a list of the named wizards from the city of Thay, from Dungeons and Dragons"

Spoiler

Thay, a powerful and feared nation in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, is renowned for its Red Wizards, a group of arcane spellcasters who control the nation's political and military power. These wizards are notorious for their pursuit of magical dominance and their brutal nature. Here are some of the most notable wizards from Thay:

1. Szass Tam​

• Position: Zulkir of Necromancy
• Description: Perhaps the most infamous Red Wizard, Szass Tam is a powerful lich who rose to become the leader of Thay. As the Zulkir of Necromancy, he has manipulated events in Thay to maintain his control, and he aims to achieve immortality and godhood. Tam’s rule is marked by tyranny, with the undead serving as key tools in his regime.

2. Lallara Mediocros​

• Position: Zulkir of Abjuration
• Description: Lallara is known for her expertise in protective magic. As the Zulkir of Abjuration, she is deeply involved in the political intrigue of Thay, often opposing Szass Tam’s ambitions. Though a powerful Red Wizard, her alliances and motivations can be complex and self-serving.

3. Yaphyll​

• Position: Zulkir of Divination
• Description: A former Zulkir, Yaphyll was a skilled diviner and seer. She played a key role in Szass Tam's rise to power but fell out of favor after being forced to perform a prophecy that foretold his potential downfall. Her current status is uncertain, as her involvement in Thayan politics diminished after Szass Tam consolidated his control.

4. Druxus Rhym​

• Position: Zulkir of Transmutation
• Description: Known for his skills in altering reality and reshaping matter, Druxus Rhym was the Zulkir of Transmutation. He was one of the wizards who opposed Szass Tam during the civil war but was ultimately defeated. His death or disappearance marked the end of his resistance against Tam's rule.

5. Nevron​

• Position: Zulkir of Conjuration
• Description: Nevron, the Zulkir of Conjuration, was a staunch ally of Szass Tam and a master of summoning creatures from other planes. He played a critical role in supporting Szass Tam’s rule during the Thayan civil war. Nevron’s loyalty and power helped solidify the lich’s control over Thay.

6. Samas Kul​

• Position: Zulkir of Enchantment and Guildmaster of the Thayan Enclave System
• Description: Samas Kul was the Zulkir of Enchantment and the mastermind behind Thay’s economic strategies, particularly the creation of Thayan enclaves in foreign lands. He used his skills in Enchantment to manipulate and control others, securing both political power and wealth for Thay.

7. Aznar Thrul​

• Position: Zulkir of Evocation
• Description: Aznar Thrul, the Zulkir of Evocation, was a fire-mage with ambitions of expanding Thay’s borders. He held immense military power and was often engaged in conquest and warfare. However, he was eventually assassinated during Thay’s internal conflicts, a victim of the deadly politics among the Red Wizards.

8. Mythrell'aa​

• Position: Zulkir of Illusion
• Description: As the Zulkir of Illusion, Mythrell'aa was known for her manipulative and secretive nature. She was one of the most enigmatic figures among the Red Wizards, using her mastery of illusion magic to influence events from behind the scenes. She opposed Szass Tam’s necromantic ambitions but was ultimately outmaneuvered.

9. Zhengyi​

• Position: Red Wizard (Formerly)
• Description: Zhengyi, known as the Witch-King of Vaasa, was once a Red Wizard of Thay before breaking away to pursue his own ambitions in the lands to the north. He became a powerful lich and established his own kingdom, though he was eventually defeated. His story remains a cautionary tale of what happens when a Red Wizard's ambitions outgrow Thay.

10. Homen Odesseiron​

• Position: Red Wizard
• Description: Homen Odesseiron was a prominent Red Wizard who served as an influential figure in Thay’s military. He was involved in several key campaigns and was known for his strategic acumen in leading Thay’s armies, though he never rose to the rank of Zulkir.

These wizards represent some of the most prominent figures from Thay, each shaping the nation’s history through their mastery of magic and involvement in the dark and dangerous politics of the Red Wizards.

Problem is being produced by AI I've no way of knowing what is accurate, that it has pulled form information on the internet, and what it just made up because it suits the fantasy world of D&D. It all seems plausible, and my knowledge of the setting isn't deep enough to know what might be inaccurate. Looking up the wizards they seem to be existing characters but not all current or necessarily about at the same period.

I wonder about the ethics of something like the above, and copyright issues. Both results are clearly pulling information gathered from what is available on the internet on various wikis (often produced by fans), but what is available on the internet is pulling from originally copyrighted works. How much has been significantly transformed from say The Forgotten Realms Campaign guide? And if copyright is being broken who is breaking the copyright ChatGPT or the fan wiki, both? Why is the AI search and worse than an old fashioned google search and visiting the fan wiki?

Thanks for bringing up these examples and questions. They really highlight the complexities we're facing with AI in our hobby.
You're right that the AI-generated answers, while impressive, have accuracy issues. This is exactly why I argued in my blog post for more tailored, ethically-implemented AI solutions rather than relying on general-purpose LLMs.

Imagine if WotC (or another publisher) created a properly sourced RAG system from their own lore. It would be incredibly useful and far more reliable than what we're seeing with current AI. The key is doing it ethically and transparently.

Now, I know some folks might be skeptical about whether big companies would actually implement this responsibly. That's a fair concern. But my goal is to outline a positive vision - to show there could be a way forward that enhances our games without replacing creativity or trampling on rights. We need these frameworks for productive discussions.

Even if the major players don't bite, smaller publishers or community projects might embrace this approach. Level Up 5e, for example, could benefit from an AI-powered search and summary tool for their extensive rules. Some gamers are already experimenting with personal use systems using their own PDFs.
The copyright questions you raise are thorny. The wikis likely claim fair use, and there's an argument that the companies have allowed this use by not challenging it. Personally, I'd prefer if these were non-profit fan resources, but that ship has sailed.

It's crucial to remember that you can't copyright knowledge itself - only specific expressions of it. This distinction protects our ability to reference ideas and build upon them. It's why WotC had to back down on the OGL issue.

The ethical path forward, in my view, is for companies to create AI tools using their own content, respecting both copyright and the creative spirit of our hobby. It won't be perfect, but it could genuinely enhance our games without the pitfalls of current AI solutions.

There are people who think AI is unacceptable in an form. That's fine, but I don't agree and that's not the topic.

 

[Jfdlsjfd]

Problem is being produced by AI I've no way of knowing what is accurate, that it has pulled form information on the internet, and what it just made up because it suits the fantasy world of D&D.

That's what I liken AI to a coworker you don't really know (or an intern). If you give him the mission to gather some information, you'll get information, but you'll have no way to know if he read the book and checked the dates to see if the information is accurate, fron a past period of Faerun, or made up because he just looked at a fan website and did his task with the minimum effort needed not to be fired. It can help you improve your productivity if you know enough to double check the information, whether it's "answer that email for me", "get this information from me" or "summarize that document from me". It works better if you can spot the most egregious problems with a quick glance over the result. Much like I wouldn't delegate something critical to a junior staff member/intern, I won't give critical task to AI yet. So no operating a nuclear power point or operating a robot killer army yet, but it's good enough for making an illustration of my games of pretending being an elf or helping showing glaring consistency errors in an adventure I prepare for my group.

 

[Jfdlsjfd]

Erm you've added three camps not one in the top left and you seem to have forgotten how rivers work, also the style and paths have completely changed, that's not what I call an adjustment, but a redesign.

And you're exactly right. It's a redesign. You've been misled by Microsoft's 100% human intelligence here (the intelligence wanting you to spend 20 bucks in order to use it more) in thinking the product you're using actually modify (as in, inpaint elements on top or merge new element into) the former image. It is just regenerating a prompt with more elements extracted from the "discussion" with the LLM, and creating a totally new image using this prompt. The AI you're using isn't designed for modifying an image, only for generating them from text. I am not aware yet of workflow where an LLM inpaints for you. There was an early attempt called instructpix2pix but it was like 2 years ago and no new effort was made in this direction as far as I know ever since.

The pro version can do some very limited edit (but it's more like a collage of independantly drawn elements, so not an answer to your need).

 

[cranberry]

I attempted to create pictures and a story using the AI attached to MS Edge "(Copilot").

Without going into great detail, it couldn't properly adjust a picture I had it create. For example, I told it to remove the hat from a picture it generated, but just returned more pictures with hats.

Then I asked it to create a short story with a few key words/prompts. The story it created was cliche, unimaginative and read like an 1980's "morality lesson" cartoon.

If that's the best it can do, it will be a very long time before it's a real threat to humans.

 

[Golden Bee]

The Subprime AI Crisis My advice is if you gotta use AI, use it soon. It's gonna be more expensive, then maybe gone.

 

[Jfdlsjfd]

The Subprime AI Crisis My advice is if you gotta use AI, use it soon. It's gonna be more expensive, then maybe gone.

Many good models are open source and can be run on your own computer for free, so the less advanced AI you'll ever have are the ones we have now. Corporations aren't necessary actors to the field.