In many tabletop RPGs or play-by-post RPGs, large-scale battles between armies can be a key part of the story, whether it’s a climactic confrontation or part of a campaign’s backdrop. These battles can be challenging to manage, especially if the numbers involved are large, and the outcome needs to feel organic and meaningful to the players. AI, like ChatGPT, can be an invaluable tool to simulate and resolve these battles, keeping the action dynamic, and making the combat more immersive.

Steps to Use AI to Resolve a Battle

1. Set the Scene with Initial Details

Before the battle begins, you need to establish important details such as the number of troops, the type of soldiers, and the terrain. This will help guide the AI in making realistic decisions as the battle progresses.

Example Prompt 1:

“I need help resolving a large battle. On one side, there are 3,000 humans, consisting of 1,500 infantry, 500 archers, 500 cavalry, and 500 mages. On the other side, 2,500 orcs are attacking, with 1,000 berserkers, 1,000 archers, and 500 warbeasts.

The terrain is a forest with scattered hills and a river cutting through the middle of the battlefield. The battle starts with the orcs launching an attack on the human flank. How should the battle progress from here?”

Example AI Response:

“The orcs, with their berserkers in the front, charge at the human left flank, where the infantry are stationed. The human archers and mages try to provide support from the rear, while the cavalry is positioned on the right wing to counter any flank attacks. The orcs’ warbeasts move through the forest with ease, terrorizing the human ranks, while the human mages cast protective shields and fireballs at the orcs.”

At first, the orcs make significant progress, killing 300 human infantry in the initial charge, overwhelming the left flank. However, the human cavalry, sensing the need to act quickly, charges into the orcs’ rear, scattering the orc archers and disrupting their formations.

The human mages use their spells to target the orc berserkers, weakening their assault. In the next round, the humans manage to push back some of the orc frontlines, killing 200 berserkers but losing 150 more infantry due to the warbeasts’ rampage.”

2. Track the Progress and Losses

As the battle unfolds, keep track of the casualties and terrain effects. The AI can suggest how different units interact with the environment and one another, including morale, the use of magic, and changes in battle momentum.

Example Prompt 2:

“The orc forces have pushed through the human left flank, but the human cavalry has pushed into the orc rear. The terrain is a factor as the river is starting to slow down the orc warbeasts’ advance. How do the human forces respond to the orc push? How does the battle look now?”

Example AI Response:

“With the orcs pushing through the left flank, the human infantry begins to break formation, but their morale stays strong as the cavalry begins to flank the orc archers and disrupt their lines. The human mages on the right use water magic to flood parts of the forest where the river cuts through, slowing the orc warbeasts down and preventing them from charging. This causes a temporary retreat of the orcs’ warbeast force to regroup on higher ground, while the orc berserkers, enraged by the disruption, charge headlong into the human lines, causing another 200 human casualties.”

On the human side, the cavalry is successful in driving off the orc archers, causing significant disarray in the orc rear. But the orcs have inflicted more damage on the humans so far, killing 600 human soldiers, including 100 archers. The humans have taken heavy losses in their front lines but are holding strong thanks to their cavalry and mage support.”

3. Developing the Turning Point

Battles often have a turning point where one side gains the upper hand, or a key unit is eliminated. The AI can help determine how and when the balance shifts.

Example Prompt 3:

“The battle is getting intense. The orcs are about to push the human front lines into retreat, but the human mages have a secret weapon—a summoned elemental beast. The human cavalry has been pushing hard on the orc right flank. What should happen next?”

Example AI Response:

“As the orcs prepare to launch a final assault on the human infantry, the human mages use the last of their energy to summon a massive elemental beast made of fire and stone. This creature charges forward, scorching the orc berserkers and throwing them into disarray.

The orcs falter in the face of this new threat, losing another 300 berserkers and 100 archers. At the same time, the human cavalry, emboldened by the elemental’s arrival, charges deeper into the orc rear, wiping out several units of orc archers and causing significant disruption in their formation.”

Seeing the elemental wreak havoc, the orcs start to retreat in an attempt to regroup, but the humans push forward. The balance of the battle has shifted. Orc morale is beginning to falter, with another 200 orcs fleeing the battlefield. The orcs are now down to 1,000 soldiers, while the humans still have 1,500 remaining, although their infantry is heavily diminished.”

4. Final Push and Conclusion

The AI can help resolve the conclusion of the battle based on the remaining forces and their strategic positioning, including a surrender or final stand.

Example Prompt 4:

“The orcs have been severely weakened, but the warbeasts remain a strong force. The human forces are rallying for a final push. What should happen to conclude the battle?”

Example AI Response:

“With the orcs retreating and morale dropping, the human forces make a final push to rout the remaining orc soldiers. The human infantry, bolstered by the cavalry and magic support, drive into the orc rear, and the orc warbeasts—distracted by the remaining human archers—start to panic.

In a desperate final stand, the orc chieftain orders a charge, hoping to turn the tide with a bold, reckless move. However, the human mages, anticipating this, cast a wall of fire across the orc front, burning down 150 of the warbeasts and causing further confusion within the ranks.”

The remaining orc forces, now completely disorganized and demoralized, either flee or surrender. The battle ends with the humans emerging victorious but at great cost—losing 900 soldiers in total, with the orcs suffering 1,800 casualties. The few remaining orcs who surrender are taken prisoner, and the human forces are left to regroup and tend to their wounded.”

Conclusion

Using AI to simulate large-scale battles in RPGs can save time, offer dynamic results, and enhance storytelling. By providing the AI with key details such as terrain, troop numbers, and types of soldiers, you can have a fluid and engaging battle that feels organic and responsive. AI can guide the progression of the battle, track casualties, and introduce surprises or turning points that keep the players on their toes.

Whether it’s a desperate final stand or a strategic victory, the AI helps keep the action moving, allowing the Dungeon Master to focus on storytelling while still providing a meaningful tactical experience.