AI Plots For Sierra Games

[Tawmis]

EDIT: Moved this to general chatter since we've done a few AI generated games.

Sure! Given the narrative and themes of *Manhunter: New York* and *Manhunter: San Francisco*, here’s a plot outline for a hypothetical *Manhunter 3*:

---

**Title: Manhunter 3: Los Angeles**

**Setting:**
The game is set in a dystopian, alien-occupied Los Angeles. The cityscape is a grim juxtaposition of high-tech alien architecture and the crumbling remnants of human civilization. The game takes place in the early 1990s, several years after the events of the previous games.

**Plot:**

**Prologue:**
Following the events in *Manhunter: San Francisco*, the alien overlords have consolidated their control over the United States. The resistance has grown more organized but remains fragmented and struggling. Los Angeles, now a major hub of alien activity, becomes the focal point for a new campaign of human resistance.

**Act 1: The Arrival**

You play as a new Manhunter, assigned to Los Angeles to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances linked to the resistance movement. The game begins with your character arriving in a city under heavy surveillance and alien control. Your initial tasks involve familiarizing yourself with the city, understanding the new alien technologies in use, and gathering information on recent disappearances.

- **Mission 1: Infiltration** - Sneak into a high-security alien facility to retrieve data on the missing humans. The facility is heavily guarded, requiring stealth and clever use of gadgets.

- **Mission 2: Resistance Contacts** - Make contact with a small group of resistance members who are operating underground. Gain their trust by completing tasks and gathering intel on their operations.

**Act 2: The Conspiracy**

As you delve deeper, you uncover a conspiracy involving a secret alien project aimed at creating a new type of control device capable of manipulating human thoughts. This device is being tested on captured resistance members. Your objective becomes a race against time to stop the project and save the captured humans.

- **Mission 3: Sabotage** - Locate and sabotage the alien project's research facility. This involves navigating through complex security systems and dealing with advanced alien technology.

- **Mission 4: Rescue Operation** - Plan and execute a daring rescue of the captured resistance members. The operation requires careful coordination and problem-solving to ensure the safety of both the hostages and your team.

**Act 3: The Final Showdown**

With the project exposed, the aliens launch a crackdown on the resistance, leading to a city-wide conflict. You must rally the resistance forces, lead them in a final assault against the main alien headquarters in Los Angeles, and confront the alien commander responsible for the new control device.

- **Mission 5: City Uprising** - Organize and lead a coordinated uprising against the alien forces across Los Angeles. This mission involves multiple locations and strategic planning.

- **Mission 6: The Showdown** - Infiltrate the alien headquarters, confront the alien commander, and destroy the control device. The final battle is a high-stakes confrontation requiring both combat skills and puzzle-solving to disable the alien defenses.

**Epilogue:**
The game concludes with the fall of the alien control device and a significant victory for the resistance. However, the epilogue reveals that while Los Angeles has been liberated, the alien threat is far from over. The resistance remains vigilant, knowing that the fight for freedom is ongoing.

---

This plot for *Manhunter 3: Los Angeles* builds on the themes of resistance and dystopian struggle from the previous games while introducing new challenges and settings to keep the narrative fresh and engaging.

[Tawmis]

Had CoPilot draft a Manhunter 3...

Sure, let's imagine a continuation for the Manhunter series! Here's a story outline for **Manhunter 3: London**:

---

### **Manhunter 3: London**

#### **Prologue**
The year is 2006. After the events in San Francisco, the protagonist, now a seasoned Manhunter, is sent to London, a city under the oppressive rule of the Orbs. The resistance is growing stronger, but so is the Orb's grip on the city.

#### **Chapter 1: Arrival in London**
The protagonist arrives in a dystopian London, where iconic landmarks are repurposed for Orb control. The London Eye is now a surveillance hub, and Big Ben's chimes are replaced with Orb announcements. The protagonist's mission is to infiltrate the resistance and gather intelligence on their activities.

#### **Chapter 2: The Underground Network**
The protagonist discovers an underground network of tunnels used by the resistance. These tunnels, remnants of the old London Underground, are now a lifeline for those fighting against the Orbs. The protagonist meets key resistance leaders and learns about their plans to disrupt Orb operations.

#### **Chapter 3: The Betrayal**
A trusted resistance member is revealed to be an Orb informant. This betrayal leads to a major raid on a resistance hideout, resulting in significant losses. The protagonist must navigate the chaos and help the resistance regroup.

#### **Chapter 4: The Artifact**
The protagonist learns of an ancient artifact hidden in the British Museum that could turn the tide against the Orbs. This artifact, a relic from a time before the Orb invasion, holds the key to disabling the Orbs' control devices. The protagonist embarks on a perilous mission to retrieve it.

#### **Chapter 5: The Final Stand**
With the artifact in hand, the resistance plans a final assault on the Orb's central command in London, located in the Tower of London. The protagonist leads the charge, facing off against Orb enforcers and the traitor who betrayed the resistance.

#### **Epilogue**
The artifact is activated, disrupting the Orbs' control over the city. London is liberated, but the protagonist knows the fight is far from over. The Orbs are still a threat, and the resistance must continue to fight for freedom across the globe.

---

What do you think? Would you like to add or change anything in this story?

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 8/19/2024
(1) Why was there never a third game? - Sierra Gamers. https://www.sierragamers.com/forums/top ... hird-game/.
(2) Manhunter: New York - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhunter:_New_York.
(3) Manhunter | Sierra Wiki | Fandom. https://sierra.fandom.com/wiki/Manhunter.
(4) 'Mindhunter' Season 3: Has Netflix Renewed or Canceled in 2024?. https://www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/m ... ncelation/.
(5) Manhunter: New York | Sierra Wiki | Fandom. https://sierra.fandom.com/wiki/Manhunter:_New_York.

[notbobsmith]

Not bad. A little generic, but I guess that is to be expected. Interesting that CoPilot correctly made the next game take place in London, which was the intent.

I've played around with ChatGPT for a while. Interesting what it produces, but I've also had it hallucinate on me a couple of times.

[Tawmis]

Yeah at least CoPilot cited resources, which is why it was probably correct in where the third game would take place.

I, personally, am not a fan of AI writing/art, as an aspiring writer, I already saw some of my own D&D writings (for character backstories) sales drop after AI became more of a thing.

Now, I assume people just go to AI and say, "Write a backstory for my Tabaxi barbarian from the jungles of Evahlah."

And use that for their character backstory.....

[notbobsmith]

Sorry to hear that. This is what people have been warning about. I heard that the creators of Magic The Gathering has been caught using AI for some of their artwork.

[Rath Darkblade]

Yes; I'm also sorry to hear your D&D writings dropped because of AI. If I may ask, how much of a drop have you had? Just wondering. I have been investigating the publishing world, but the more I look into it, the more pitfalls I find, to the point where I'm considering not publishing at all and just writing for fun.

The thing is, I have already written 8 books and making a start on my 9th, so I wonder how long I should go without publishing...?

Coming back to the topic, ChatGPT is fine for many things -- e.g. writing business letters -- but writing stories (and other creative pursuits, like music) isn't one of them.

From what I understand, ChatGPT uses search engines and databases to come up with what it "writes" for you. If you want, say, an application letter for a job, it searches all the letters you wrote before and writes you something similar. I guess you can also tell it to search for other application letters (say, in a database) and give you something.

But when it comes to stories (D&D included), ChatGPT seems to me to be limited. Wonderful as it is, ChatGPT isn't truly creative; it's simply uses brute-force algorithms (and, admittedly, some clever programming). In short, it's a scientific endeavour, not a creative one.

That's only my understanding of it, though. I may be wrong? Feel free to correct me if I am.

Tawm, I don't think you need to worry too much. Anyone who knows about D&D backstories will be sure to go to a human expert like you, not a make-believe one like CGPT!

[Tawmis]

Sorry to hear that. This is what people have been warning about. I heard that the creators of Magic The Gathering has been caught using AI for some of their artwork.

Yes, as well as for D&D. The art (for D&D, don't know about MTG) has been pulled from the site - but the books that got published with it are still out there. They've pulled the remainder and replaced the art.

Yes; I'm also sorry to hear your D&D writings dropped because of AI. If I may ask, how much of a drop have you had? Just wondering. I have been investigating the publishing world, but the more I look into it, the more pitfalls I find, to the point where I'm considering not publishing at all and just writing for fun.

Well, I only charge $1.50 for my module (and only get like 50% of those sales) - that is so far the only thing that I still sell one or two a month.
However, the twelve volumes of 50+ each character backstories I sell for $1.00 I used to sell anywhere from 3 to 5 a month (same deal, 50% of the sales). Those? I've not sold one in like three months.

The thing is, I have already written 8 books and making a start on my 9th, so I wonder how long I should go without publishing...?

You should, at the very least, self-publish. So the work isn't "wasted" (never seen).

Coming back to the topic, ChatGPT is fine for many things -- e.g. writing business letters -- but writing stories (and other creative pursuits, like music) isn't one of them.
From what I understand, ChatGPT uses search engines and databases to come up with what it "writes" for you. If you want, say, an application letter for a job, it searches all the letters you wrote before and writes you something similar. I guess you can also tell it to search for other application letters (say, in a database) and give you something.
But when it comes to stories (D&D included), ChatGPT seems to me to be limited. Wonderful as it is, ChatGPT isn't truly creative; it's simply uses brute-force algorithms (and, admittedly, some clever programming). In short, it's a scientific endeavour, not a creative one.
That's only my understanding of it, though. I may be wrong? Feel free to correct me if I am.
Tawm, I don't think you need to worry too much. Anyone who knows about D&D backstories will be sure to go to a human expert like you, not a make-believe one like CGPT!

You'd think - but every book (just about) is on Wikipedia, for example. So it can pull "ideas" from there.

If you write "create a background for my dwarf fighter in Dungeons & Dragons who grew up in the mountains" - it's going to write a one page summary of that character's backstory by pulling from different threads scattered all over the internet.

Do (what I imagine is) -- "find out what dungeons & dragons is" - OK, tons of resources about Dungeons & Dragos.
Now search for what a dwarf is - a dwarf is a small humanoid, both in Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons.
Now write a generic background - this fighter, was someone who was tough and feared, people often turned to him... blah blah blah.

[Rath Darkblade]

The thing is, I have already written 8 books and making a start on my 9th, so I wonder how long I should go without publishing...?

You should, at the very least, self-publish. So the work isn't "wasted" (never seen).

The problem with self-publishing seems to be similar to your problem with D&D and ChatGPT: that people want something for nothing.

Years and years ago, on a previous writing forum I used to be at, one person who was published posted about how his book cover was copied and reused for something else (without his permission, obviously), and even some of the text of his book was copied and reused (again, without attribution).

I also know there are a lot of books on Amazon and other places, and some people (maybe even many?) use ChatGPT or other tools to "write" their books and then publish them as is, chasing a quick buck. I'm not interested in competing with charlatans like that. I take time and great care about the books I write, taking the time to get them critiqued, and often go through at least two drafts before I'm satisfied that they're ready. (With a few chapters, I even re-draft them five or six times -- often just to correct small but vital things, like logic errors or anachronisms).

Then I go on Amazon to see what I'm competing with, and I see stories that call themselves "historical fiction" (so they should be at least plausible), but they involve a medieval knight smoking a cigar, or a Roman senator wearing a suit and eating pizza. That's not historical fiction ... at best, that's a parody. At worst, it's rubbish.

So: how the hell did this even get past the editors? How would anyone read this and not immediately post a DNF (Did Not Finish) review?

Coming back to the topic, ChatGPT is fine for many things -- e.g. writing business letters -- but writing stories (and other creative pursuits, like music) isn't one of them.
From what I understand, ChatGPT uses search engines and databases to come up with what it "writes" for you. If you want, say, an application letter for a job, it searches all the letters you wrote before and writes you something similar. I guess you can also tell it to search for other application letters (say, in a database) and give you something.
But when it comes to stories (D&D included), ChatGPT seems to me to be limited. Wonderful as it is, ChatGPT isn't truly creative; it's simply uses brute-force algorithms (and, admittedly, some clever programming). In short, it's a scientific endeavour, not a creative one.
That's only my understanding of it, though. I may be wrong? Feel free to correct me if I am.
Tawm, I don't think you need to worry too much. Anyone who knows about D&D backstories will be sure to go to a human expert like you, not a make-believe one like CGPT!

You'd think - but every book (just about) is on Wikipedia, for example. So it can pull "ideas" from there.

If you write "create a background for my dwarf fighter in Dungeons & Dragons who grew up in the mountains" - it's going to write a one page summary of that character's backstory by pulling from different threads scattered all over the internet.

Do (what I imagine is) -- "find out what dungeons & dragons is" - OK, tons of resources about Dungeons & Dragons.
Now search for what a dwarf is - a dwarf is a small humanoid, both in Lord of the Rings and Dungeons & Dragons.
Now write a generic background - this fighter, was someone who was tough and feared, people often turned to him... blah blah blah.

Fair enough, but what Wikipedia etc. has are plot summaries, not the full text of the book. So what ChatGPT and other tools can do is give people a bare-bones background, not a fully fleshed character.

It can give them, as you say, a description of a D&D dwarf as a "small humanoid ... fighter ... tough and feared" etc., but it won't give them a real background about this dwarf. His childhood sweetheart (and why), his favourite foods, his clothes, armour, weapons, skills, how he looks and/or talks, his mannerisms, behaviour, unusual marks, attitudes to family/tribe/outside world, etc., etc... you know the idea. Even if most of that stuff is never used, some of it probably will.

Compared to that, what ChatGPT will give you is a very small picture. But, again, there are lots of people out there who want to take a short-cut and get something for nothing. Me? I'm happy to pay for a module, if I know a real person wrote it. But that's just me.

[notbobsmith]

From what I understand, ChatGPT uses search engines and databases to come up with what it "writes" for you. If you want, say, an application letter for a job, it searches all the letters you wrote before and writes you something similar. I guess you can also tell it to search for other application letters (say, in a database) and give you something.

This isn't quite right, though I'm no expert. AI models like ChatGPT get "trained" on data from all kinds of sources. Books. Newspaper articles. Internet postings. So when you ask it a question, it's not actively searching the Internet for the information. It's all stored locally and makes a best guess as to what is correct. So a job application letter relies on other letters that it's been trained on. As for D&D character descriptions, there are probably lots of sources. People posting online like Tawmis has, fanfictions. The problem with the way AIs are trained is that context is lost. You can't ask it where it got its information because it doesn't know. There was a lawyer who got into trouble recently for making filings that were produced by ChatGPT. The AI generated documents that looked convincing. But all of it was nonsense. All the AI did was give the appearance of a court document and included phony references like Jones v. Smith but none of it existed. This is what is referred to as a "hallucination".

[Tawmis]

So using what I mentioned - here's what it produced:

Certainly! Here's a background for your dwarf fighter that emphasizes their mountain upbringing:

---

**Name:** Baldrik Stonehammer

**Background:** Mountain Guardian

**Appearance:** Baldrik is a stocky and muscular dwarf with a long, braided beard streaked with silver. His skin is rugged and tanned from years of exposure to the harsh mountain climate. His eyes are a deep, steely gray, reflecting the granite peaks he calls home.

**Early Life:** Baldrik was born in the remote mountain stronghold of Tharok's Hold, a sturdy fortress carved into the heart of the Cragspire Mountains. Raised amidst the echoes of hammers on anvils and the clang of weapons being forged, Baldrik's early years were steeped in the traditions of his clan, the Stonehammers. His family were revered for their skills in crafting both weaponry and defenses, a legacy that shaped Baldrik from a young age.

**Training:** From childhood, Baldrik was immersed in the rigorous training of his clan's warriors. He learned to wield the axe and hammer with deadly precision, his training taking place both in the forge and in the rugged mountain terrain. The Stonehammers believe that true strength comes not only from physical prowess but also from the ability to adapt to the environment. As a result, Baldrik mastered the art of fighting on treacherous terrain, using the mountains' natural features to his advantage in combat.

**Turning Point:** Baldrik's world was forever changed when a horde of marauding giants descended upon Tharok's Hold, seeking to claim its resources and treasure. Despite their formidable defenses, the hold was overrun, and Baldrik's clan was forced to retreat deeper into the mountain tunnels. In the chaos, Baldrik's family was lost, and the once-proud stronghold was left in ruins.

**Motivation:** Driven by the desire to avenge his fallen kin and restore his family's honor, Baldrik set out from the mountains with a determination as unyielding as the stone from which he was born. His goal is to reclaim his clan's lost artifacts, rebuild the Stonehammers' legacy, and protect the mountain people from any who would threaten their safety.

**Skills and Traits:** Baldrik is a skilled fighter with a deep understanding of both traditional and improvised combat techniques. His upbringing in the mountains has endowed him with exceptional endurance and the ability to navigate rough terrain effortlessly. He is also a master of defensive tactics, having been trained to hold his ground in even the most perilous situations. His knowledge of mountain survival and craftsmanship makes him a valuable asset in both battle and exploration.

**Personality:** Baldrik is stoic and resolute, with a no-nonsense attitude that reflects the harshness of his mountain home. He is fiercely loyal to those he considers friends and is driven by a strong sense of duty and honor. Despite his gruff exterior, he possesses a deep-seated compassion for his kin and a profound respect for the traditions of his people.

**Goals:** Baldrik seeks to recover the lost artifacts of his clan, rebuild what was destroyed, and ensure that the Stonehammers' legacy endures. Along his journey, he aims to forge alliances and gather resources to one day return to the Cragspire Mountains, stronger and more prepared to defend his homeland from any threat.

---

Feel free to adjust or expand on any details to better fit your character's story or the campaign setting!

I changed it to "write a story for my dwarf fighter in D&D" and then it turned it into more of "backstory/story"...

Certainly! Here’s a story for your dwarf fighter, Thrain Ironfoot, that incorporates elements of his background and gives him a compelling adventure:

---

**Title: The Echoes of Stoneforge**

In the heart of the Ironclad Mountains, the dwarven city of Stoneforge lay in ruins. Once a beacon of strength and craftsmanship, the city had been shattered by an earthquake that unleashed a devastating horde of orcs and trolls upon its people. Thrain Ironfoot, one of the few survivors, stood amid the rubble of what had once been his home.

Thrain’s eyes, green as the emeralds of the deep mines, scanned the desolation. The loss of his parents, Gromm and Eilin Ironfoot, had left a gaping wound in his heart, but their memory and the honor of his clan spurred him forward. With the remnants of the Ironfoot clan scattered or missing, Thrain’s purpose was clear: he would avenge the fallen and restore his people’s pride.

His journey began with the painstaking task of mapping out the remnants of the city. Thrain sought to find and salvage what remained of the dwarven artifacts and knowledge that had been lost in the quake. Each day, he braved the treacherous terrain of the Ironclad Mountains, battling occasional skirmishes with marauding creatures and surviving on his wits and training.

One fateful evening, as the sun set behind the jagged peaks, Thrain discovered a hidden chamber deep within the mountain’s heart. The chamber was filled with ancient relics and dusty tomes, untouched by the chaos above. Among these treasures, Thrain found an old journal belonging to his father, Gromm. The journal detailed a hidden vault, rumored to contain a powerful artifact known as the Heart of the Forge, a legendary relic said to imbue its bearer with immense strength and the ability to rebuild and fortify any structure.

Realizing the significance of this discovery, Thrain set out to find the vault. His quest took him through forgotten tunnels and perilous caverns, where he encountered treacherous traps and ancient guardians. Each challenge tested his skills and resolve, but Thrain’s determination never wavered.

After weeks of relentless searching, Thrain finally uncovered the hidden vault. Inside, he found the Heart of the Forge, a radiant gem pulsing with a fiery light. As he grasped the artifact, Thrain felt a surge of power and clarity. The Heart’s magic imbued him with newfound strength and vision, allowing him to see the remnants of Stoneforge in their former glory.

With the Heart of the Forge in hand, Thrain returned to the ruins. Using the artifact’s power, he began to rebuild Stoneforge, starting with the most critical structures. His efforts drew the attention of other dwarven survivors and allies who had heard of his deeds. They rallied to his cause, bringing with them resources and skills to aid in the reconstruction.

Thrain’s leadership and the Heart of the Forge’s power restored Stoneforge to its former magnificence. The city’s forges roared back to life, and the clang of hammers on anvils once again filled the air. The Ironfoot clan was reestablished, and its people honored Thrain not just as a warrior but as a beacon of hope and resilience.

As Stoneforge thrived, Thrain’s legend spread across the Ironclad Mountains. He continued to protect his people, defend against emerging threats, and ensure that the lessons learned from their trials would never be forgotten. Though the scars of the past remained, Thrain Ironfoot had forged a new future for his people, and the echoes of his bravery and dedication would resonate throughout the mountains for generations to come.

---

This story highlights Thrain’s bravery, determination, and the importance of his heritage, giving him a rich narrative to build upon in your D&D campaign. Feel free to modify or expand on any elements to better fit your campaign setting or personal preferences!

[Rath Darkblade]

OK, let's give this a go. *rolls up his sleeves*

Note. After reading all this, I have to say something. I'm sorry, but this is going to be long and harsh. As an editor, I try to be nice; if something doesn't work, I try to think of something that does. But if something is truly nonsensical, I have to point it out. And when it's nonsense piled on more nonsense, as in this case, my patience wears very thin, and I have to use the big guns, i.e. sarcasm, honesty, and common sense. Sorry. Enjoy! Here we go ...

1. Baldrick Stonehammer.
*reads, reads, reads; raises an eyebrow* This is a dwarf?! That ... thing is so cliché, I'm surprised he doesn't have a mug of ale in his hand, an thrice-notched axe in his belt, and lichen sticking to his boots.

Baldrik is nothing a walking stereotype! Dwarves who are vengeful fighters are as old as Thorin Oakenshield and possibly older. But Thorin Oakenshield has mannerisms, likes and dislikes, idiosyncrasies - in short, a personality. When I read about him, I can believe that he exists.

In contrast, Baldrik Stonehammer has none of those things. He's about as two-dimensional as a pancake that's been sat on by an elephant. To be short, he is BORING! He's as dull as ditchwater. We know nothing about him except that he's fierce and strong and vengeful and fights. Biiiig deal. *blows a New Yawk raspberry*

I'm sorry if the above sounds harsh. But Tawm, if this "Baldrik" is indicative of what ChatGPT can do, I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

Now, then ...

2. The Echoes of Stoneforge.

*reads* Um ...! *stops* The name "Thrain Ironfoot" for a dwarf is very suggestive. I'm sure you know about Dáin Ironfoot, the Lord of the Iron Hills, and Thráin II, the son of King Thrór, and the father of Thorin II "Oakenshield". So, I'm sure the name is a homage to Tolkien.

Sorry to be so pedantic; I've been writing for publication for some years, so I'm used to choosing names that are MEANT for publication. Anyway.

*reads; stops again* "the Ironclad Mountains" sounds similar to "the Iron Hills". (Hello, Dáin...) And, later, Gromm's journal is very reminiscent of the Book of Mazarbul, the chronicle of Moira that is found in Balin's Tomb. But never mind.

*reads; stops again* Um. Gromm's journal is in "a hidden chamber". The Heart of the Forge is in "a hidden vault". Thrain somehow finds both of them. I do not like this. It's way too easy. It smacks of Coincidence(TM), and does not make sense.

Also, this "Heart of the Forge" both has a stereotypical name (which I'm willing to forgive) and ALSO breaks the campaign. +5 STR AND +10 to your "Build" skill?? And he finds it, just like that? I assume he uses it to overcome a horde of a million-billion-zillion (but not Silmarillion) orcs ...

Um, WTF?! This jewel thing allows Thrain "...to see the remnants of Stoneforge in their former glory"??? In other words, this thing lets him see the ruins of this place as they once were, before the city was ruined? I thought this dwarf was born there and grew up there. How does he NOT know what this place used to look like? I smell bull droppings!

Also, I don't like phrases like "forgotten tunnels", "perilous caverns", "treacherous traps", "ancient guardians" etc. Waaay too vague. Tell us more about these things, or they might as well not exist at all.

Using the artifact's power, he began to rebuild Stoneforge...

Um, HOW?! By freakin' MAGIC? Does he not have tools? Every dwarf at least has a hammer, and possibly a pick. But you need more than that to rebuild a city.

Also, he does this all by himself? No help? Not even a wheelbarrow, or a crane to lift the stones? And how does he cut the stone, or dress it - magic again? And doesn't the noise of construction alert some enemies -- "ancient guardians"? Orcs? Trolls? Goblins? What, not even one freakin' KOBOLD?! Who is this guy, Sneaky McSilentFoot, the world's quietest builder (and also a freakin' ninja)???

His efforts drew the attention of other dwarven survivors and allies who had heard of his deeds...

Again, HOW?! If he's so quiet that not even goblins hear about him, how do dwarves (who are much further away)? Maybe he sends them messenger pigeons, but again, how do the pigeons find these survivors and allies? And who are these allies? Elves? Humans? Other dwarf tribes? And what's their angle? Why should they care? Is this dwarf town potentially rich, and they want to trade? Or do they not care, they just help because they love Thrain so much? Seriously, if they don't care, we should we?

Thrain's leadership...

Wait a minute. Who made this Thrain a leader? Who did he lead? Nobody. He went and recovered this gem thing all by himself. OK, fine, so he's obviously brave and strong. But these things don't make hm a leader ... 'cos a leader needs to, y'know, LEAD. That means having people around that agreed to be led, either by persuasion, intimidation, bluff, bribe, or some other way.

OK, so maybe he became the leader because Gromm, his dad, was the king before him? Wait, nope. He wasn't. We know NOTHING about Gromm or Eilin, Thrain's dad and mum. Maybe they were the king and queen. Maybe they sold pies in the market. We don't know.

So...

Thrain's leadership ... and the Heart of the Forge's power restored Stoneforge to its former magnificence.

Wait, what?! This guy's supposed leadership (which we never see) and the power of this gem? What about all the rest of the people? What about their work? Their contribution? The workers, artists, stonemasons, cooks, blacksmiths, water-finders ... S**T! Everything that actually makes a city WORK?!?!? Oh, but noooo; it's just some dwarf and his magic stone doing everything by MAGIC. Boring! You know what, sod this. What's on TV?

The Ironfoot clan was reestablished, and its people honored Thrain not just as a warrior but as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Again, WTF? The Ironfoot clan honors this guy, fair enough -- but what about the allies that came with the clan? Did they just disappear? Who were they? Where are they? What do they think?

Besides, what makes this Thrain "a beacon of hope"? Until he somehow found his dad's book, and found this gem, and fought all the monsters, and avoided all the traps, and started building the city, and somehow (again) told everybody ... no-one from his old clan knew he was still alive.

Who was he "a beacon of hope" to? No-one was even there with him! Why does no-one in the clan even ask how he did all these things? Maybe, just maybe, he lying to them. That's right! There was no peril, no hidden chambers, no traps and ancient guardians. He just strolled right in, picked up the book and the gem, and Thrain's your Uncle ... and your Leader. That would actually make more sense. If he's the leader, that means he represents them; he's their king, or their president, or whatever -- in other words, a politician! And Politicians always lie. Well-known fact.

As Stoneforge thrived, Thrain’s legend spread across the Ironclad Mountains.

OK ... and who wrote this legend? I bet Thrain wrote it himself. He's a vain, pompous arse. "You're so vain! You probably wrote this legend about you!"

He continued to protect his people, defend against emerging threats, and ensure that the lessons learned from their trials would never be forgotten. Though the scars of the past remained, Thrain Ironfoot had forged a new future for his people, and the echoes of his bravery and dedication would resonate throughout the mountains for generations to come.

Uh, yeaahhh ... sure. Whatever you say.

This story highlights Thrain’s bravery, determination, and the importance of his heritage, giving him a rich narrative to build upon in your D&D campaign.

NO. No, it does not. We never see him being either brave or determined. We never see his "heritage", either, so we don't know how important or not it is.

Also, ChatGPT: how DARE you call this a story? This isn't a story. It's not even a freakin' fairy-tale. Even A fairy-tale has ANTAGONISTS - you know, an enemy for our hero to test himself against. It has allies for our hero. It has ups and downs. This thing? I don't know what this thing is, but it's so paper-thin, I could breathe on it and it would fall down. This isn't a "rich narrative". It's not even a narrative, full stop. If an actual human being wrote this piece-of-s***, I'd ask for my freakin' money back.

OK, let's take a step back. What makes Thrain an actual dwarf? We don't know anything about him. He may as well have been an elf, or a human, or a HOBGOBLIN for all we know.

How do we know Thrain is a dwarf? ChatGPT tells us he is, but we have no proof of it. We know absolutely nothing about him, and there's nothing to even hint that he's a dwarf. He doesn't eat dwarfish food, or wear dwarfish clothes, or pray to dwarf gods, or make dwarf tools or dwarf weapons or dwarf armor -- or even speak. We don't even know what he looks like.

So, for all we know, anyone else could've done all this. And OK, let's suppose that Thrain did. But why did Thrain have to be a dwarf to do it? Again, what does he do that is actually, uniquely dwarfish, something that no-one else does or could do? Nothing. Nothing at all.

To sum up: this so-called "story" is an insult to all dwarf-kind. I propose to call up my dwarven brethren and sistren, and we shall storm the ChatGPT fortress, and reclaim the rich heritage that belongs to the dwarves! Who's with me?

Baruk Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!
===============
So, uh ... Tawm, based on all that, I think you have nothing to worry about.

[BBP]

Now make it write Gabriel Knight 4!

[Tawmis]

Now make it write Gabriel Knight 4!

Here's what copilot came up with...

Sure, here's a story concept for "Gabriel Knight 4: Shadows of the Highlands":

---

**Title:** Gabriel Knight 4: Shadows of the Highlands

**Chapter 1: The Call to Scotland**

Gabriel Knight, the renowned Schattenjäger, receives a mysterious letter from an old friend, Dr. John Wilkes, an archaeologist based in Scotland. The letter speaks of strange occurrences at Crathes Castle, a historic site known for its ghostly legends. Intrigued and sensing a Schattenjäger's duty, Gabriel decides to travel to Scotland, accompanied by his loyal partner, Grace Nakimura.

**Chapter 2: Arrival at Crathes Castle**

Upon arriving at Crathes Castle, Gabriel and Grace are greeted by Dr. Wilkes, who explains the situation. The castle's staff and visitors have reported sightings of a ghostly woman cradling a baby, believed to be the infamous Green Lady. The haunting has intensified, with unexplained cold spots, eerie wails, and objects moving on their own.

**Chapter 3: The Investigation Begins**

Gabriel and Grace begin their investigation by exploring the castle's history. They learn about the Burnett family, who once lived there, and the tragic tale of a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances. Gabriel senses a connection between the Green Lady and an ancient artifact known as the "Heart of the Serpent," rumored to be hidden within the castle.

**Chapter 4: Uncovering Secrets**

As they delve deeper, Gabriel and Grace uncover hidden passages and secret rooms within the castle. They find an old journal belonging to the young woman, revealing her forbidden love affair and the betrayal that led to her death. The journal also hints at the location of the Heart of the Serpent, believed to hold immense supernatural power.

**Chapter 5: Confronting the Haunting**

With the clues in hand, Gabriel and Grace confront the Green Lady's spirit. They perform a ritual to communicate with her, learning that her restless spirit is tied to the Heart of the Serpent. The artifact's dark energy has trapped her in a cycle of torment. Gabriel vows to free her by finding and destroying the artifact.

**Chapter 6: The Final Showdown**

In a climactic showdown, Gabriel and Grace locate the Heart of the Serpent hidden in a secret chamber beneath the castle. As they attempt to destroy it, they are confronted by a malevolent force guarding the artifact. Using his Schattenjäger abilities, Gabriel battles the dark entity, ultimately shattering the Heart of the Serpent and releasing the Green Lady's spirit.

**Chapter 7: Peace Restored**

With the artifact destroyed, the haunting at Crathes Castle ceases. The Green Lady's spirit is finally at peace, and the castle returns to its former tranquility. Dr. Wilkes thanks Gabriel and Grace for their bravery and dedication. As they prepare to leave Scotland, Gabriel reflects on the importance of confronting the past to bring peace to the present.

---

What do you think of this story? Would you like to add or change anything?

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 8/22/2024
(1) 10 of Scotland’s spookiest forgotten ghost stories - The Scotsman. https://www.scotsman.com/heritage-and-r ... es-1404681.
(2) Scottish ghost stories – witches,… | National Trust for Scotland. https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/scottish ... d-folklore.
(3) Gabriel Knight 4 | Gabriel Knight Omnipedia | Fandom. https://gabrielknight.fandom.com/wiki/Gabriel_Knight_4.
(4) Ghostly Tales: The 10 Most Haunted Castles in Scotland. https://bing.com/search?q=haunted+castles+in+Scotland.
(5) Melville Castle Hotel. https://melvillecastle.com/.
(6) Stirling Ghostwalk. https://www.stirlingghostwalk.com/.
(7) Hermitage Castle. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/vi ... ge-castle/.
(8) Tulloch Castle Hotel ‘A Bespoke Hotel’. https://bespokehotels.com/tullochcastlehotel/.
(9) 14 Haunted Castles in Scotland | VisitScotland. https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to ... es/haunted.
(10) The 12 Most Haunted Castles in Scotland | Haunted Rooms®. https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/most-hau ... n-scotland.
(11) Haunted Castles to Stay Overnight in Scotland - Wandering Crystal. https://www.wanderingcrystal.com/haunte ... -scotland/.
(12) 9 Haunted Castles in Scotland Blog - Scottish Tours. https://www.scottishtours.co.uk/blog/9- ... -scotland/.

[Tawmis]

Baldrik is nothing a walking stereotype! Dwarves who are vengeful fighters are as old as Thorin Oakenshield and possibly older. But Thorin Oakenshield has mannerisms, likes and dislikes, idiosyncrasies - in short, a personality. When I read about him, I can believe that he exists.

Well, a few things... a part of the character's personality will be developed through playing the game itself.
A lot of times, the background serves as a general platform of how your character might react to things.
There are times, for as long as I have played D&D, I may have a great background - but it takes a few sessions for me to "step into" my character's shoes and really begin to develop a personality for him.

In contrast, Baldrik Stonehammer has none of those things. He's about as two-dimensional as a pancake that's been sat on by an elephant. To be short, he is BORING! He's as dull as ditchwater. We know nothing about him except that he's fierce and strong and vengeful and fights. Biiiig deal. *blows a New Yawk raspberry*
I'm sorry if the above sounds harsh. But Tawm, if this "Baldrik" is indicative of what ChatGPT can do, I'd say you have nothing to worry about.

Well, keep in mind, I did say dwarven fighter... so AI could interpret that as someone who always fights. It will spit out only what you give it. If I were to go more in-depth, I'd imagine it would provide more.

Mind you, I dislike it because it does take place of writing, but the more you put in, the better the results, because you're feeding it more what you're looking for.

*reads* Um ...! *stops* The name "Thrain Ironfoot" for a dwarf is very suggestive. I'm sure you know about Dáin Ironfoot, the Lord of the Iron Hills, and Thráin II, the son of King Thrór, and the father of Thorin II "Oakenshield". So, I'm sure the name is a homage to Tolkien.
Sorry to be so pedantic; I've been writing for publication for some years, so I'm used to choosing names that are MEANT for publication. Anyway.

I think AI is pulling from that... But I can't count how many times I've done that on accident.
So for example, my own D&D world was originally called "Aragon" (way back in the 8th grade... and trust me that was long ago). Now I had not intended it to sound like "Aragorn" but my 8th grade brain may have done so because of my love for the character. Then in talking to my mother one day, she tells me there's a place called "Aragon" in Spain. Having been from Spain, I thought, "Did I get it from there?" So it got renamed to Tyragon, which was a combo of a friend's world and mine, because we came up with this "Well of the Worlds" idea that connected our worlds. I ran with that for a long time, but eventually renamed it to "Kne'Urth" (pronounced New Earth) - because I thought I was witty. Fast forward to me replaying Primal Rage, a dinosaur fighting game - and in the intro it says a meteor smashes into the world created a "new Urth." (The planet was called Urth). I was like, "Mother trucker." But I've left it at Kne'Urth.

And the NPCs I've made? Several times, someone has asked me, "Oh, did you get that from XYZ?" And I was like, "No. Made it up on the spot."

Also, I don't like phrases like "forgotten tunnels", "perilous caverns", "treacherous traps", "ancient guardians" etc. Waaay too vague. Tell us more about these things, or they might as well not exist at all.

That's AI just trying to make it sound mysterious.


So here's a new one - I gave it more details ...

write a story about my dwarven fighter for D&D who lost his mother in an attack by goblins and he finally got revenege but now doesn't know what to do with his life so he's taken up adventuring in the Forgotten Realms

And copilot responded...

Sure, here's a story about your dwarven fighter:

---

**Title:** The Path of Redemption

**Chapter 1: The Tragedy**

In the heart of the Spine of the World, a small dwarven village thrived, nestled within the protective embrace of the mountains. Among its inhabitants was Thrain Ironfist, a young dwarven fighter with a heart full of dreams and a spirit forged in the fires of his ancestors. His mother, Helga, was the village's healer, known for her kindness and wisdom.

One fateful night, the village was attacked by a marauding band of goblins. The attack was swift and brutal, leaving destruction in its wake. Thrain fought valiantly, but he was unable to save his mother, who fell defending the village. Her death left a void in Thrain's heart, filled with grief and a burning desire for vengeance.

**Chapter 2: The Quest for Vengeance**

Thrain dedicated himself to training, honing his skills and strengthening his resolve. He swore an oath to avenge his mother's death, and for years, he tracked the goblin band across the lands. His journey was fraught with danger, but his determination never wavered. Finally, in a fierce battle deep within the goblin's lair, Thrain confronted the goblin chieftain responsible for the attack. With a mighty swing of his axe, he avenged his mother, ending the chieftain's reign of terror.

**Chapter 3: The Hollow Victory**

With his vengeance fulfilled, Thrain returned to his village, expecting to find peace. Instead, he found himself adrift, his purpose lost. The victory felt hollow, and the weight of his mother's absence pressed heavily upon him. He realized that vengeance had not brought him the closure he sought. Seeking a new path, Thrain decided to leave his village and venture into the wider world of the Forgotten Realms.

**Chapter 4: A New Beginning**

Thrain's journey led him to the bustling city of Waterdeep, where he joined a group of adventurers. Together, they faced numerous challenges, from battling fierce monsters to uncovering ancient secrets. Thrain's skills as a fighter proved invaluable, and he found a sense of camaraderie and purpose among his new companions.

**Chapter 5: The Call of Adventure**

As Thrain traveled through the Forgotten Realms, he discovered that his true calling was not in seeking vengeance, but in protecting others and making a difference in the world. He became known as a stalwart defender of the innocent, his reputation growing with each adventure. Along the way, he encountered other dwarves who had lost loved ones, and he shared his story, offering them hope and guidance.

**Chapter 6: The Legacy of Helga**

Thrain's adventures took him to many places, but he never forgot his mother's teachings. He carried her memory with him, honoring her legacy by helping those in need. In time, he became a legend in his own right, a dwarven fighter whose strength and compassion inspired others.

**Chapter 7: The Journey Continues**

Though Thrain had found a new purpose, his journey was far from over. The Forgotten Realms were vast and full of mysteries, and Thrain knew that there were still many battles to be fought and lives to be saved. With his axe in hand and his mother's spirit guiding him, Thrain Ironfist continued his adventures, ever ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

---

What do you think of Thrain's story? Would you like to add or change anything?

[Rath Darkblade]

Now make it write Gabriel Knight 4!

Well, as for what "copilot" came up with ... I'm sorry. I only got as far as "Gabriel decides to travel to Scotland, accompanied by ... Grace Nakimura" before losing interest. I mean, Grace is back?! Why would she come back after the ending of GK3? Never mind all this Scottish stuff, Grace's reappearance the biggest mystery here. It's too convenient.

As for all the Scottish fol-de-rol ... yes, fine. But "Heart of the Serpent"? "Heart of the Forge"? Please make me care about any of this. Also, "Heart of the Serpent" is very reminiscent of "Le Serpent Rouge" from GK3.

"... unexplained cold spots, eerie wails, and objects moving on their own." Yeahhh ... sounds like every poltergeist story-and-or-movie, well, ever.

Old journal, forbidden love affair, betrayal leading to the ghost's death ... all VERY common tropes here. Reminds me very much of Lucia di Lammermoor, a sub-plot in "Monkey Island 3", and a sub-plot in "Quest for Glory 4", among other things.

This "Heart of the Serpent" has immense supernatural power ... of course it does.

"With the clues in hand ... confront the Green Lady's spirit ..." Wait, WHAT clues? The forbidden love affair? The betrayal? What? How does all this help Gabriel decide on a course of action? What deliberations does he and/or Grace make about this? This is very thin.

"The artifact's dark energy has trapped her in a cycle of torment..." You mean, like the Dark One trapped Erana's spirit in QfG4? Or any number of wizards whose spirits are trapped in artefacts? Or (a reverse example) wizards who trap their own spirits in phylacteries and become liches?

"Gabriel and Grace locate the Heart of the Serpent ... attempt to destroy it ... confronted by a malevolent force guarding the artifact ..." Again, very D&D Lich-and-phylactery.

"Using his Schattenjäger abilities, Gabriel battles the dark entity, ultimately shattering the Heart of the Serpent and releasing the Green Lady's spirit." Wait, wait, wait ... Gabriel BATTLES this thing? Gabriel is not a warrior. He outwits his opponents, he doesn't fight them. In D&D terms, he reminds me more of a rogue, not a fighter.

One last thing: the character of Dr Wilkes. Again, a very common trope: the Mentor. He explains the situation first, and then later thanks Gabriel/Grace. But what is he even doing here? This is never explained.

Speaking of which, another "one last thing": what does Grace do during all this? She is mentioned in the first chapter, and then never mentioned again. Is she here purely as a decoration?

Note, it's always "Gabriel and Grace" who do things. They "begin", "uncover", "confront", "locate", "are thanked". There's never an explanation of HOW they do all this.

Conclusion: this is VERY thin, and only the beginning of a plot ... and a very stereotypical plot, at that. If that is the best that AI can come up with, I am not impressed.
============================
Now, here is what I wrote before I saw Tawmis's reply:

Now make it write Gabriel Knight 4!

Please don't. I don't think I could proof-read another one without, well ... slowly losing my mind, and/or getting mad.

But if you do, I hope you're prepared for another honest/brutal/sarcastic review of ChatGPT. (I also hope it will amuse you, at least).

Let's see, maybe I can do a ChatGPT/Gabriel Knight 4 mash-up and save you the trouble:

Gabriel Knight, a one-time bookshop owner and now hunter of shadows (which is what schattenjäger means, after all) is facing his most diabolical test yet - finding out where his former assistant, Grace Namakura, really went.

I mean, sure, we all know that she went to study in university. But when Gabriel peers into his coffee one morning, his reflection changes into the Devil, and he doesn't know why.

Follow Gabriel as he tries to figure out why his face looks like the Devil now, and what this has to do with Grace. Maybe his suave, ultra-manly ways drove her away because she couldn't take him anymore? Maybe it's time for Gabriel to purify his soul! It is up to Gabriel to find out what this means!

Eventually, but not without many hilarious adventures, Gabriel realises that it was just the bad chilies he had last night ...

Wait, that's much too human to be ChatGPT. *tears up the plot synopsis and curses* Bad Rath! Curse you for being so humanly quixotic and avant-garde! Must do worse next time.