Procedures are the "AI Art" of TTRPGs

 AI art, like procedures, is often criticized for lacking the creativity and imagination that comes from human artists. Both AI art and procedures can be seen as a systematic, step-by-step approach to creating something. While this approach can produce highly technical and precise results, it can also be limiting and fail to capture the unique qualities that make art and storytelling so special. Ultimately, it's important to strike a balance between structure and creativity in both AI art and procedures to truly capture the essence of what makes art and storytelling so engaging.


Procedures can ruin storytelling by making it too formulaic and predictable. When stories are too focused on following a set of pre-determined steps, they can lose their uniqueness and become boring. Additionally, procedures can limit the creativity of the storyteller, preventing them from taking risks and exploring new ideas. A good story should be able to capture the imagination of the audience and take them on a journey, but if it is too focused on following procedures, it can fail to do so. Ultimately, it is important for a storyteller to have a clear structure and plan, but they should also be willing to deviate from it in order to create a truly engaging story.



To make a clear structure and plan without relying on strict procedures, a storyteller can start by outlining the key plot points and character arcs of their story. This can provide a general framework for the story, without constraining the storyteller to a set of pre-determined steps. The storyteller can then use this framework to improvise and make creative decisions as they write, allowing the story to evolve and take shape in a natural way. Additionally, the storyteller can consult with other people, such as fellow writers or experienced mentors, to get feedback and guidance on their story structure and plan. By taking a flexible and collaborative approach to creating a story, a storyteller can develop a clear structure and plan without relying on strict procedures.



To turn a story into a roleplaying game that can be played with friends, the first step is to identify the key elements of the story, such as the setting, characters, and plot. The storyteller can then create a set of rules and guidelines that the players can follow as they interact with the story world and each other. This can include things like character creation rules, combat mechanics, and other game mechanics that will help to bring the story to life. The storyteller can also provide players with information about the story world and their characters, and can help to facilitate the game by acting as a kind of "game master" who guides the players through the story. By translating the key elements of a story into a set of rules and guidelines, a storyteller can create a roleplaying game that can be enjoyed with friends.



While strict procedures can be limiting and take away from the creativity and imagination of roleplaying games, it is not necessarily the case that procedures should never be used in these games. In some cases, procedures can provide helpful structure and guidance for players, particularly for those who are new to roleplaying games. For example, procedures can help players to understand how to create and develop their characters, how to interact with the game world and other players, and how to resolve conflicts and challenges within the game. In this way, procedures can serve as a useful starting point for players, allowing them to get a feel for the game and understand its basic mechanics. However, it is important for the game master and players to be flexible and open to deviating from strict procedures if they start to feel limiting or uninteresting. By finding the right balance between structure and creativity, roleplaying games can be enjoyable and engaging for all players.

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