Using AI in TTRPG

Using AI in a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) makes the Game Master's job so much easier. Whether building your own world, planning a session, creating maps, or writing session notes, AI can help you make the most of the games we all love.

I‘ve been a Game Master since the late 1980s, and nowadays, I rarely get to play as a player. I run about three games per week on average and spend most of my spare time planning the next session. Ever since the advent of AI, this has become much easier, not just incrementally but by a landslide. I utilize this new technology as much as possible.

Of course, I‘ve seen the debates online regarding the use of AI in the TTRPG sphere, and before you cast Protection from AI, I would like to mention a few ways you can use AI with a clear conscience. After all, this technology is here to stay and isn‘t going anywhere. We must learn how to use it ethically so that it becomes a tool that ensures that we get to spend our time creating and ensuring that the stories we tell are engaging and fun.

So, here are my three tips on using AI in TTRPG. You can use the Quest Portal Assistant to do all this and more.

1. The Sparring Partner

For years, I had a few fellow Game Masters that I used to bounce my ideas off of. I appreciated their ideas and input, and I still reach out to them occasionally. They helped me become a better Game Master. Having someone to throw ideas at and get feedback on storylines, encounters, BBEGs, or monster builds is incredibly valuable. I fully recommend having someone like that.

AI can help with this. Whether you use our Assistant or other apps, AI can become your sparring partner, where you throw your ideas at it and get feedback. Usually, I write down my ideas, pile up a few documents and sheets, and then copy what I need the AI to know to the Assistant.

Next, I throw in an idea or ask for ideas. For example, my Dark Sun group is stranded in Shazlim, and I needed a few ideas to get them back on the road without certain death awaiting them.

Once I spot something I like, I iterate on that idea with the Assistant. I often ask "What if" or "What would happen if..." to get the most out of the sparring session.

When the idea is complete, I copy it to my private campaign notes. Then, I work on it to complete it and ensure it is as personal as possible so that every character feels engaged and a part of the narrative.

Throwing ideas at the Assistant, getting feedback, and getting more ideas becomes an integral part of the creation process, just as my fellow Game Masters once did. Of course, the AI only knows the information I feed it, which makes the process more fun. After all, having a sparring partner who is always ready and up for it can level up your narratives.

2. The Contractor

I have to confess. There‘s one thing that I hate doing these days, and that‘s writing up detailed descriptions of dungeons or other adventure locations. I find it tedious and, truth be told, boring. I like designing adventure sites; it‘s just writing the descriptions that I‘d rather watch paint dry on a wall than spend hours upon hours writing.

It‘s easy to tell the Assistant what you need, or even better, use the AI Notes while writing in the Private notes. The design is mine, and I decide where there should be traps, monsters, social encounters, and so on, but the minute text work is done by the Assistant, which saves me from doing it.

Of course, you can give the Assistant free rein, but sometimes what it proposes are tried-and-tested things, so to speak. I prefer having it do all the heavy lifting while trying to ensure I make all the Intelligence (History) checks.

You can also use the Assistant to create NPCs, locations, monsters, side quests, fill chests with treasures, make traps, develop cultures, etc. The AI is great at doing all these menial chores we Game Masters must do when planning sessions or campaigns.

3. The Brainiac

In the immortal words of Anakin Skywalker: “This is where the fun begins!” Using AI as brain power is, simply put, awesome! If I knew how many hours I have spent looking up things, rules, tables, monster stats, and so on, to find that one certain thing that will make or break the encounter.

The Assistant knows the rules of an incredible number of systems, and it is so, all so, incredibly nice to be able to look up in-game systems using AI. No more time was wasted going through book after book; now, I ask the Assistant, and it gives me the answer within seconds. This is also helpful in sessions, especially if players tend to misinterpret rules to fit their build at any given time. Yeah, I’m looking at you, minmaxers!

You can also ask the Assistant to come up with ideas on the go if your players seriously derail the narrative and you have no idea how to bring them back. After all, players are going to play and all that!

Ok, here’s a short story… A little while ago, while running a paid game, one of the players at the table insisted time and time again to split the party, much to the dismay of the other players. This player was a bona fide spotlight hugger; whenever it was their turn, they took forever, describing their character’s actions to every last time-consuming detail. I could see how the fun was being sucked out of the game by the minute. When the player ran ahead of the party for the third time, I decided to make the game a bit more interesting. I asked the Assistant to provide me with a trap. Lo and behold, a trap appeared, in which the character fell, much to the joy and excitement of the other players.

Make the best out of using AI in TTRPG

AI is an incredible tool when used correctly. It can make planning and running games easier, and you can spend much more time pondering the narrative to focus on the creative process. Much as I love reading books, looking up rules, and getting new ideas, there are parts of the GM’s work that I am not as fond of. This is where the Assistant or other AI apps prove an invaluable tool. Make sure you try it out.