[Article] : How AI Can Be Used to Create a Custom Tabletop RPG

The Verdant Isles

The world of The Verdant Isles is a tropical archipelago where nature is both a blessing and a curse. The islands are filled with mysterious ruins, ancient beasts, and forgotten secrets hidden beneath lush jungles. In this RPG, players will explore, survive, and uncover the island’s ancient history while dealing with factions vying for control of the islands’ most powerful resource—living magic.

1. World-Building and Lore Creation

AI can help you create the unique aspects of your world, from the history of the islands to the environment and its magical system. This adds depth to the game, enriching the player’s immersion.

Example AI Prompt for World-Building:
“Describe the origin of the Verdant Isles and how the people of the islands discovered ‘Living Magic.'”

Example Result:
“The Verdant Isles were once part of a great continent, a vibrant paradise where the land and sea were in perfect harmony.

Ages ago, a catastrophic event known as ‘The Sundering’ split the continent into hundreds of islands. As the people adapted to their new surroundings, they discovered ‘Living Magic’—a primal force connected to the life around them. The trees, animals, and even the winds seemed to respond to the people’s will.

Those who learned to harness this magic became revered as Shamans, and their power became the key to survival on the islands.

But this magic came at a cost—those who wield it too recklessly risk becoming consumed by the very force they control.”

2. Creating Factions and NPCs

In The Verdant Isles, players will interact with various factions and NPCs. AI can assist in creating these groups, offering unique personalities, motives, and conflicts.

Example AI Prompt for Faction Creation:
“Create a faction of ruthless treasure hunters who seek to unearth the forbidden knowledge buried within the ancient ruins of the Verdant Isles.”

Example Result:
“Faction: The Bloodstone Cartel
Leader: Captain Zora Bloodstone
Motive: The Bloodstone Cartel is a group of ruthless treasure hunters who believe that the ancient ruins hold the key to unlocking an unimaginable wealth of magic. Captain Zora Bloodstone, a former pirate turned mercenary, leads the Cartel with a fierce desire to claim the power of the Lost Gods.

The faction is known for its brutal methods and lack of moral compass. It is willing to destroy anything in its path to acquire the treasures of the past. It believes controlling Living Magic is the only way to ensure the islands’ future, even if it means subjugating the native inhabitants.

3. Character Creation and Backstories

AI can be used to create compelling backstories for player characters, making them feel more connected to the world of The Verdant Isles. This also ensures that each character has their own motivations and goals that can tie into the campaign.

Example AI Prompt for Character Creation:
“Generate a backstory for a character who is a young, idealistic Shaman from the island of Sycaris, whose village was destroyed by a faction seeking Living Magic.”

Example Result:
“Name: Kira Moondance
Class: Shaman
Backstory: Kira was born in the peaceful village of Sycaris, where the island’s inhabitants lived in harmony with nature, using Living Magic to heal the land and maintain balance. Kira, an eager and gifted Shaman, was trained in the old ways by her grandmother, the village’s spiritual leader.

However, when the Bloodstone Cartel invaded Sycaris, they sought to plunder the village’s sacred sites for their magical resources. In their search, the Cartel destroyed the village, leaving Kira as one of the few survivors.

Now, Kira is driven by the need for revenge and the desire to protect the fragile harmony of the islands from those who would exploit it for power.

She carries with her the teachings of her grandmother and a deep respect for the forces of nature.

4. Action Resolution and Dice Rolls

AI can automate dice rolls for combat, skill checks, or any other action that requires a random outcome, which helps speed up gameplay and ensures consistent results.

Example AI Prompt for Action Resolution:
“Resolve a skill check for Kira, who is attempting to use her Shamanic magic to heal a wounded animal. She must roll a d20 and add her Wisdom modifier.”

Example Result:
“Kira rolls a 12 on her d20 + 3 (Wisdom modifier). The total is 15. Since the difficulty of healing the wounded animal is set at 12, Kira successfully uses her magic to heal the animal. The animal seems rejuvenated and now follows Kira, forming a bond with her.”

5. Managing Combat and Initiative

AI can track initiative and combat actions to help the GM focus on storytelling rather than bookkeeping. It can also automatically calculate damage, track health, and manage conditions like poison or wounds.

Example AI Prompt for Combat Management:
“Generate a combat encounter between Kira and a group of three hostile raiders who are after her magic. Roll initiative for both sides and determine the outcome of the first round.”

Example Result:

• Kira’s Initiative Roll: 14
• Raiders’ Initiative Roll: 9, 17, 5
• Round 1 Actions:
  • Kira casts a spell to summon a wild beast for protection. Rolls d20 = 16 (Success). The wild beast appears and lunges at the nearest raider. It deals 5 damage.
  • Raider 1 attacks Kira with a spear. Rolls d20 = 8 (Miss).
  • Raider 2 uses a ranged crossbow. Rolls d20 = 20 (Critical Hit). Deals 6 damage to Kira.
  • Raider 3 charges the wild beast. Rolls d20 = 12 (Hit). Deals 4 damage to the beast.

6. Encounter and Quest Generation

AI can also help generate unique quests and encounters for your campaign, providing new and exciting challenges for your players. These can range from combat-based encounters to complex moral dilemmas or environmental puzzles.

Example AI Prompt for Quest Generation:
“Create a quest where the players must decide whether to ally with a group of indigenous islanders or help the Bloodstone Cartel.”

Example Result:
“Quest: ‘The Heart of the Jungle’
Description: The players discover that a powerful relic, known as the Heart of Yara, lies deep within the jungle. The indigenous islanders believe that the relic must remain hidden to protect the balance of the islands.

However, the Bloodstone Cartel has learned of the relic’s power and is offering a hefty reward for anyone who helps them acquire it. The players must decide whether to protect the relic and the islanders’ way of life or take the Cartel’s reward and risk unleashing a dangerous power upon the world.”

Conclusion

By incorporating AI tools into the process of creating a custom tabletop RPG like The Verdant Isles, you can save time on world-building, NPC creation, encounter design, and more, allowing you to focus on the narrative and fun aspects of running the game.

Whether you’re a Game Master looking for a fresh way to handle logistics or a player needing character ideas, AI can be a valuable tool in bringing your RPG to life.

Utilizing AI in your tabletop RPG creation will open up new possibilities and add unique twists to your adventures.