On Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Immortal Freedom RPG

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the capability of computational systems to perform tasks typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and decision-making. It is a field of research in computer science that develops and studies methods and software that enable machines to perceive their environment and use learning and intelligence to take actions that maximize their chances of achieving defined goals.

Applications of AI relevant to tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) include:

Generative and creative tools, and
Superhuman play and analysis in strategy games.^[1]

While playing Immortal Freedom: The Roleplaying Game, you are not allowed to use AI to:

Write content, including characters, adventures, or homebrew mechanics,
Create visual art, including illustrations, 3D assets, or maps,
Create music or curate music playlists, or
Act as autonomous game masters (GMs), non-player entities (NPCs), or player characters.

AI may be used for random generation—but that’s it. Even then, there are countless random generation tools which don’t rely on AI. Use those instead. I’ve listed some below in the Alternative TTRPG Resources to AI list. This game also includes multiple random dice roll tables you can use during character creation or throughout your adventures.

The goal of any TTRPG is to create memorable stories with other people. Your stories don't need to be perfect, marketable, or stream-worthy—they just need to be something you build together with other people. AI takes a human experience, turns it into soulless escapism, and perpetuates systems of oppression which benefit from the popularity of AI.

An effort was made to build this game and the world of Immortal Freedom without the use of AI tools. Because of the pervasiveness of AI, it is nearly impossible to guarantee that applications and websites used during its development don’t have:

AI features built-in,
Existing features re-labelled as AI, or
Features previously marketed as AI re-labelled as something else.

If AI tools were used intentionally during the development of Immortal Freedom and Immortal Freedom: The Roleplaying Game, they were only used for random generation. If you suspect something within Immortal Freedom or Immortal Freedom: The Roleplaying Game was made with help of AI, please let me know and I will make the necessary adjustments.

Elijah Mills of RPGfeed summarizes the reasons AI art shouldn’t be a part of TTRPG development in a blog post from November 2024.^[2] While he primarily discusses AI art, I believe what he says applies to most applications of AI within the context of TTRPGs.

Quote

AI art is bad for artists.
AI art is maybe bad for the environment (argument and dissent).
AI art is bland, generic, and overused.
AI art is soulless.
AI art is maybe illegal (source).
AI art is un-copyrightable (source).
Human-made art is just so much better, has more feeling, and has the intent of a person behind it.

If you want to learn more, Alexander Avila has a fantastic 2-part video essay which discusses criticisms against AI, how AI could be useful if done correctly, and how AI is used by tech billionaire fascists to perpetuate systems of oppression.

Alternative TTRPG Resources to AI

As far as I am aware, the following resources were curated by humans, and may act as an alternative to AI by providing cognitive offload while allowing human creativity to shine through.

Character Creation

Alternative TTRPG Resources to AI

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