Description

Dungen is powered by OpenAI’s GPT-3 API to make brainstorming Dungeons and Dragons campaigns simple. Users are able to build new worlds aided by generative language models that take their ideas and expand, solidify, and redefine them. Using an ongoing or new D&D campaign as it’s context, GPT generates unique session ideas meant to inspire. It is intended as a tool and not a replacement for the creativity required to be a good dungeon master.

This passion project is a work in progress built on Next.js.

The Problem

Generating new session ideas can be hard, especially when your D&D group is about to meet the next day or even in a few hours. Having Dungen as an AI collaborator on your side can make this process much smoother while also inspiring new ideas.

Planning

I knew that I wanted to build a Dungeons and Dragons worldbuilding tool on top of OpenAI’s GPT-3. Because I was part of OpenAI’s closed beta in July, 2020, I was already familiar with the large language model and wanted to build a personal project using it.

I also wanted to learn Next.js, a framework built on React.

I built mockups and designed the site simply so I could test my ideas as a minimum viable product (MVP). Since I am still in the requirements gathering and exploratory phases, I have only demoed the site to friends who are interested in the app to obtain their feedback and brainstorm future applications of Dungen. In particular, GPT-4 will enable image-based worldbuilding features from two directions: both creating dungeon layouts from natural language descriptions and generating descriptions from campaign-related, evocative images.

User Stories

Here are some user stories that motivated the website.

Michael

• Michael (29) is looking to experiment with a new Dungeons and Dragons campaign idea
• As an experienced dungeon master, Michael already has a core idea for his campaign and wants inspiration for specific session ideas, so he needs a flexible tool that can build on the work he’s already done
• Because he is tech-savvy, he wants to push the tool to its limits and will go beyond the basic features of the app

Andrew

• Andrew (31) is a novice dungeon master and teacher who wants to put together his first campaign idea
• As a new dungeon master, Andrew wants a basic tool that will generate both randomized campaign ideas as well as session ideas, so he can put together a campaign for his friends who are also new to the game
• Because he is busy with his teaching, he needs a tool that will increase his productivity exponentially

Outcomes

Dungen is a work in progress that I’ve been beta testing with friends passionate about tabletop role-playing and Dungeons and Dragons in particular.

Next Steps

• Migrate to GPT-4 (currently on waitlist for OpenAI Plus)
• Support generating dungeon layouts and maps from natural language descriptions
• Refine the GPT parameters to produce more unique, creative generations
• Allow for a broader range of seed campaign ideas