Playing Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) has always been a popular way to have fun with friends. Now, with AI tools like ChatGPT, AIPRM, Midjouney, D&D Beyond, and Google Docs, running a D&D session has become even easier and more immersive.
Overview
In this session test I used John Four's 5 Room Dungeons, ChatGPT, AIPRM, Midjourney, D&D Beyond, and Google Docs, to design, build, and run a session in 4 hours. I did not plan anything.
Myself and two of my friends sat down an ran this very detailed session, that if we wanted to, had some serious legs to continue the story forward. The main goal for me was to understand how a DM could effectively run a campaign using these new AI tools. I wanted to explore the process of DM'ing with these tools and get an understanding of how do I need to change what I am doing? I wanted to understand what areas of the game slow down, which go faster, where do things fall apart and where do I get efficiencies in the process?
Here is what I discovered.
I followed this process:
Generated PC’s Backgrounds
Generated a storyline from those backgrounds
Built a small town, including NPCs, their quirks, dialog, descriptions, and shops
Developed 5 directions that story could go
Picked a direction and figured out hooks
Created a 5 Room Dungeon for the adventure from those hooks
The test game took about 3-4 hours and provided valuable insights for the author, including:
You can generate a lot of really good content in a short period of time
The content can be overwhelming if you do not have a process to handle the volume
Provide players with their backgrounds in advance in Google Docs with content generated from ChatGPT, this way we get to gaming sooner
Leverage AIPRM to build Midjourny Prompts and 5 Room Dungeons
Creating three tabs in ChatGPT one each for PC Backgrounds, Regional Backgrounds, and 5 Room Dungeon
Develop a good content template to feed ChatGPT or use AIPRM
Use ChatGPT like an assistant, have conversations with it, ask it questions and get its thoughts and opinons
Use ChatGPT to connect the dots across the characters back stories and then generate adventure hooks
Running a D&D session with AI tools is a fun and straightforward way to create an unforgettable adventure for all participants. Breaking down the process into manageable parts and utilizing AI tools to generate interesting scenarios can lead to a seamless and immersive gameplay experience.
The Process
1. I started with the PC’s backgrounds:
----ChatGPT Input----
Hello Assistant. I need your help in generating random Player characters for my upcoming D&D session. I want you to start with this.
The command should result in the following format.
**Name**:
*Class*:
*Appearance*:
*Positive Quirk*
*Negative Quirk*
*Walk* - How the walk
*Speech*: - How they talk
*Face*: - description of face
*Current Motivation*:
Since this will be used for Dungeon and Dragons in a fantasy setting feel free to make bold and interesting choices when you invent the PC background.
----Output----
See the PDFs. I had a conversation with ChatGPT to get to the final backgrounds.
I asked ChatGPT to give me a list of items for the PCs and then I asked it to write me a more detailed background off of the initial output
Two Player Characters
PDF's of the Character Backgrounds
**We are about 20 min into the process.**
Once I had the backgrounds we then went into Midjourney and generated the images using these prompts.
----Midjourney----
/imagine fairy::5 forest::4 Fire::2, large wings, flying in forest --ar 1:2
And
/imagine **character generator Vexis Nightshade a female tiefling, red horns, long tail with spike, running through a dark and narrow alley, chased by a group of armed guards. The walls are old and crumbling, with moss and vines growing on them. The atmosphere is tense and desperate, with the sound of footsteps and heavy breathing filling the air. Vexis looks determined and fearless, her hair and clothes flowing behind her. A sculpture made of wire and paper, with a dynamic and exaggerated style, emphasizing movement and energy. --ar 9:16 --v 4
----End Midjourney----
After generating the characters, I used ChatGPT to generate a setting and possible scenarios. I prompted ChatGPT on the town of Silvercrest and its inhabitants, and it returned with an interesting plot.
Aria's pet owl, Lyra, has been injured by a magical trap set by an unknown villain. Aria is desperate to find someone who can heal Lyra's injuries, and Vexis is the only one in town with the necessary magical skills to even identify her affliction. Aria seeks out Vexis and pleads with them to help heal Lyra.
To hook the players into the adventure, I made the magical trap dark magic that Vexis is familiar with. The players were immediately intrigued and invested in the story. They discovered that this is dark magic and it could not be healed by normal means.
----ChatGPT Input----
Hello Assistant, tell me more about Silvercrest, what type of buildings are their? Make them Tudor style, give the town a sense of mystery and magical. Give it an interesting feature.
----ChatGPT Output----
Silvercrest is a small and charming town located amidst dense forest, featuring quaint Tudor-style buildings with steeply pitched roofs and half-timbered facades. The streets are winding and narrow, with smooth cobblestone paving, and illuminated by warm candle streetlights at night. The town has a mystical quality to it, with intricate carvings and symbols on the buildings hinting at a deeper magical significance.
A standout feature of Silvercrest is its central square, dominated by a large stone statue of a winged faerie, crafted by a master stonemason inspired by the forest's mystical creatures. Despite its size, the town has a lively market square and a vibrant arts scene, renowned for its skilled artisans producing beautiful jewelry, textiles, and other handicrafts. Visitors from far and wide are drawn to Silvercrest's unique and magical atmosphere, created by its Tudor-style buildings, winding streets, and warm candlelight, transporting them to another era.
----ChatGPT Input----
Then I asked it to give me a list of shops, their owners and wares.
----ChatGPT Output----
Sure, here is a list of shops in Silvercrest, their owners, and wares:
Name: The General Store
Owner: Marlin, a jovial human merchant
Wares: Basic supplies such as food, clothing, and camping gear, as well as miscellaneous items like rope, lanterns, and cooking utensils.
Name: The Book Nook
Owner: Isadora, a studious half-elf librarian
Wares: A wide selection of books, scrolls, and maps, covering everything from history and lore to arcane magic and alchemy.
Name: The Happy Hound
Owner: Daisy, a friendly halfling pet store owner
Wares: A variety of pet-related goods, including food, toys, collars, and leashes, as well as a selection of live animals for sale, such as dogs, cats, and birds.
Name: The Blacksmith's Forge
Owner: Thorne, a burly dwarf blacksmith
Wares: A variety of metal goods, including horseshoes, nails, tools, and household items like pots and pans, as well as custom-made metalwork such as jewelry and decorative pieces.
Name: The Herbalist's Garden
Owner: Seraphina, a gentle gnome herbalist
Wares: A wide variety of herbs, plants, and seeds, as well as herbal remedies, teas, and tinctures for common ailments. Seraphina also offers herbal consultations and advice on natural healing methods.
Name: The Enchanted Emporium
Owner: Arintha, a mysterious tiefling sorceress
Wares: A wide variety of magical potions, enchanted artifacts, and rare spell components.
Name: The Raven's Nest
Owner: Eryndor, a gruff half-elf weaponsmith
Wares: High-quality swords, shields, and other weapons, as well as custom-made armor and shields.
Name: The Golden Thread
Owner: Gwendolyn, a kindly human seamstress
Wares: Exquisite handmade clothing, including dresses, jackets, and cloaks, as well as custom tailoring services.
Name: The Alchemist's Apothecary
Owner: Alaric, a reclusive human alchemist
Wares: A variety of alchemical creations, including healing salves, explosive powders, and mind-altering elixirs.
Name: The Crystal Cavern
Owner: Lirien, a wise and gentle elf crystal merchant
Wares: Rare and exotic crystals and gemstones, including healing crystals, energy crystals, and magical crystals imbued with various properties.
----ChatGPT Input----
I then asked for scenarios.
----ChatGPT Output----
Aria is performing at a local tavern when Vexis enters. Vexis is immediately drawn to Aria's beautiful music and joins the small audience gathered around Aria. After the performance, Vexis approaches Aria and strikes up a conversation about music and magic.
Aria and Vexis are both in town to investigate rumors of a powerful magical artifact that has been unearthed in the area. They meet in the town square and exchange information, realizing that they both have valuable skills and knowledge to contribute to the investigation.
Aria's pet owl, Lyra, has been injured by a magical trap set by an unknown villain. Aria is desperate to find someone who can heal Lyra's injuries, and Vexis is the only one in town with the necessary magical skills. Aria seeks out Vexis and pleads with them to help heal Lyra.
Aria and Vexis are both staying at the same inn in Silvercrest. They strike up a conversation in the common room and realize that they have both been on many adventures and have encountered many of the same foes. They spend the evening swapping stories and tips.
Aria is performing at a wedding in Silvercrest when a group of bandits attacks the town. Vexis is also in town and joins the fight against the bandits. Aria uses their music to inspire and heal the wounded, while Vexis uses their rogue skills to take down the bandits. They work together seamlessly and emerge victorious. After the battle, they share a moment of camaraderie and respect.
----ChatGPT Input----
Then I started a conversation with the tool.
Tell me about the magical trap that injured Lyra, make it dark magic that Vexis is familiar with. Then write for me what she finds and how they are hooked into the adventure
----ChatGPT Output----
The magical trap that injured Lyra was a dark and sinister one. It was made of twisted vines and thorny brambles that had been enchanted with a curse that caused them to latch onto anyone who passed by. The vines were laced with a powerful poison that caused paralysis and intense pain, making it impossible for Lyra to fly or escape.
Vexis recognized the curse on the vines as a dark magic that she had encountered before. It was the work of a powerful necromancer who had been rumored to be operating in the area. Vexis knew that the necromancer was dangerous and that they needed to be stopped before they caused more harm.
When Vexis examined the vines, she found a small emblem etched into the bark of one of the thorns. The emblem was a twisted skull with glowing red eyes, which Vexis recognized as the mark of the witches cult. She knew that the cult was attempting to summon a powerful demon, and that they were using dark magic to do so.
Vexis and Aria are hooked into the adventure when they realize that the cult's plans pose a grave threat to Silvercrest and the surrounding area. They decide to team up to investigate the witches' activities and put a stop to their plans. With Aria's magical abilities and Vexis's knowledge of dark magic, they make a formidable team.
As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a dark and sinister plot that involves the sacrifice of innocent victims to summon a powerful demon. The cult is led by a charismatic and dangerous necromancer who is determined to bring about the demon's arrival at any cost. With their combined skills and determination, Aria and Vexis set out to stop the cult and save the innocent victims before it's too late.
**We are 30 mins into the process.**
Now I pivoted to AIPRM and used John Fours 5 Room Generator with ChatGPT.
----ChatGPT Input----
Write a summary for me describing the leader, his name, interesting quirks, appearance, powerful treasure and motivations. Then list out the monsters you will find in this dungeon.
Then create for me a 5 room dungeon. For each room to include a complete sentence description of the terrain, a complete sentence description of the atmosphere, and a “Map” sub-location within the room, the sub-location should be an interesting thing that is prominent in the room. Then list out a monster called “Monster” and a treasure called “Treasure” within that room.
Then write for me 5 hooks that will lead the PC’s to this location.
----ChatGPT Output----
Title: The Witch's Forest Dungeon
Summary:
The leader of this dungeon is the infamous witch Morgathia, known for her twisted and dark magic. She has an unusual quirk of always carrying a black cat with her and has a menacing appearance with long, tangled hair and piercing green eyes. Her powerful treasure is a magical amulet that enhances her powers tenfold. Morgathia is motivated by a desire for ultimate power and control.
Monsters:
Darklings - small, shadowy creatures that dart around in the darkness.
Bloodfang Spiders - large, venomous arachnids that spin webs throughout the forest.
Thornwood Treants - tree-like creatures that defend the forest with their powerful roots and branches.
Vile Bats - vicious bats that swarm and attack in large numbers.
Treasures:
Black Cat Familiar - a magical familiar that can grant the owner increased agility and night vision.
Witch's Spellbook - a powerful tome filled with dark spells and rituals.
Amulet of Dark Magic - a magical amulet that enhances the user's dark magic abilities.
Five Room Dungeon:
Room 1: The Dark Forest
Terrain: Dense forest with twisted trees and tangled vines.
Atmosphere: The air is thick with fog, and the only light comes from glowing mushrooms and the occasional beam of moonlight.
Map: A rickety wooden bridge over a murky pond.
Monster: Darklings
Treasure: Witch's Spellbook
Room 2: The Spider's Lair
Terrain: A cave filled with webs and spider egg sacs.
Atmosphere: The air is thick with the scent of rotting flesh and spider silk.
Map: A giant spider's nest in the center of the cave.
Monster: Bloodfang Spiders
Treasure: Black Cat Familiar
Room 3: The Treant's Grove
Terrain: A clearing in the forest surrounded by towering trees.
Atmosphere: The air is filled with the sound of creaking wood and rustling leaves.
Map: An ancient oak tree with a hollow trunk.
Monster: Thornwood Treants
Treasure: Amulet of Dark Magic
Room 4: The Bat Cavern
Terrain: A large cavern with high ceilings and rocky walls.
Atmosphere: The air is filled with the sound of screeching bats and the fluttering of wings.
Map: A massive stalagmite in the center of the cavern.
Monster: Vile Bats
Treasure: None
Room 5: The Witch's Lair
Terrain: A large stone chamber with a throne made of bones.
Atmosphere: The air is thick with the scent of burning herbs and the sound of chanting.
Map: A cauldron filled with bubbling green liquid.
Monster: Morgathia, the Witch
Treasure: Amulet of Dark Magic
Five Hooks:
The local villagers have been disappearing, and rumors say that they've been taken to the witch's forest.
A dark figure has been spotted wandering the outskirts of the forest, and it's believed to be one of Morgathia's minions.
The local lord has put out a bounty on the witch's head and is willing to pay a handsome reward for her capture.
The party hears tales of a powerful magical amulet hidden somewhere in the forest, and they suspect that the witch may be guarding it.
A mysterious stranger approaches the party, claiming to be a former apprentice of Morgathia's and offering to lead them to her lair in exchange for their help in defeating her.
I decided to insert the mysterious stranger. I generated a Ranger/Sorcerer who was once an apprentice of the witch. They met on the road to the witch's hovel. I used ChatGPT to generate this NPC and then spun up a character in D&D Beyond.
From this point forward the game played out as expected and it took about 3-4 hours. One PC died, but with the help of Eryndor, the Ranger/Sorcerer, the PC’s prevailed over the witch in the end.
The author gained valuable insights from running a D&D session using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, AIPRM, Midjouney, D&D Beyond, and Google Docs. The following key takeaways were obtained:
Giving players their backgrounds in advance and creating separate tabs in ChatGPT can streamline the game process and enhance immersion.
Creating three tabs in ChatGPT for PC Backgrounds, Regional Backgrounds, and 5 Room Dungeon can further improve the DM experience.
You can generate a lot of really good content in a short period of time
The content can be overwhelming if you do not have a process to handle the volume
Leverage AIPRM to build Midjourny Prompts and 5 Room Dungeons quickly
Develop a good content template to feed ChatGPT or use AIPRM
Use ChatGPT like an assistant, have conversations with it, ask it questions and get its thoughts and opinons
Use ChatGPT to connect the dots across the characters back stories and then generate adventure hooks
I hope that you can leverage some of my learnings for your games. I would to hear about how AI has helped out your sessions.
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