Using chatGPT to do research for D&D campaigns

2023-07-13

Here’s an example of using chatGPT to begin researching for D&D. This tool is incredibly helpful for creative fiction, and it seems to be reasonably accurate when it comes to historical information.

To set this one up, I have been running Norse/Viking based campaigns for a few years now, hoping for them to be useful educationally. I want my players to learn mythology, history, geography, and even some philosophy. I use real world maps and try to imagine what the world would be like if there actually was magic.

D&D these days has a wide variety of races that the players can choose from for their characters. However, in trying to increase historical and mythological accuracy, as well as verisimilitude, I’d like to limit which races exist in my world as well as refine their characteristics to match the historical records. From what I’ve heard from Dr. Jackson Crawford and a few other sources, there really isn’t a lot of detail about the various races mentioned in old Norse sources. Elves, Dwarves, Dark/Black Elves, Aesir, Vanir, and Jotun are discussed as if they were separate races, but at least some of them can successfully have children with each other so they are likely actually the same race. Maybe they are all human, just different sub-races? Perhaps they are just names for tribes or nationalities?

The gods themselves are probably derived from a centuries-long game of “telephone”, where the stories of some long dead warriors or leaders have morphed into godly legends. Maybe the same can be applied to the races. What if the Alfar (Elves) were simply a clan that some Norse ancestors met and over the generations their physical characteristics (pointed ears, for example) were exaggerated? The Dwarves might have been a clan that had access to more iron than most, so they were noted for having more smiths. The Jotuns might have been a northern clan that was mostly hunters, so they ate mostly meat and grew taller than average.

Our modern view of the races has been heavily influenced by modern fiction, such as that of J.R.R. Tolkein. The originators of D&D and the first generation of players all based their descriptions of the races on the modern interpretations, not the original sources. But I’d like to peel that back a little, so I’ve been looking into how to best do that. Now with tools like chatGPT it is easy to jumpstart that research.

So here’s the first conversation I had with the AI to begin the process.

Me:

From the original sources referring to the old norse, what characteristics do the Aesir all have?

ChatGPT:

The Aesir are the gods in Norse mythology who reside in Asgard. They are known for their courage, strength, and cunning. From the original sources referring to the Old Norse, the Aesir are described as follows:

1. Warrior-like: The Aesir are known for their fierce and powerful nature, and they are often depicted as skilled warriors who are not afraid of battle.

2. Immortal: The Aesir are immortal beings who do not age or die of natural causes.

3. Godly powers: The Aesir possess godly powers, such as the ability to control the elements, shape-shift, and heal wounds.

4. Deceitful: The Aesir are also known for their cunning and deceitful nature. They often use their wit and trickery to gain an advantage over their enemies.

5. Familial ties: The Aesir are a closely-knit group, with familial ties connecting many of the gods. For example, Odin is the father of Thor, and Loki is the brother of Odin’s wife, Frigg.

6. Leaders: The Aesir are the leaders of the Norse pantheon, and they are responsible for maintaining the balance of the universe.

7. Symbols: Each Aesir god has a particular symbol associated with them. For example, Odin is often represented by a raven, while Thor is associated with his hammer, Mjolnir.

Overall, the Aesir are complex and dynamic figures, with a range of strengths and weaknesses. They are central to the mythology and folklore of Norse culture, and continue to inspire artists and writers to this day.

Me:

Do they have similar visual features, such as red hair?

ChatGPT:

There is no clear consensus among the original sources referring to the Old Norse about the physical appearance of the Aesir gods. However, some sources do describe certain gods with distinctive physical features.

For example, Thor is often depicted as a large and muscular man with red hair and a bushy beard. This is especially true in later Norse art, where Thor is often shown with his hammer, Mjolnir, and his red hair and beard are emphasized.

Odin, on the other hand, is often depicted as an older man with a long beard and a single eye. He is sometimes described as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a cloak.

Other gods, such as Loki, are not described in as much detail, but are often portrayed as clever and shifty.

It is worth noting, however, that depictions of the Aesir gods have evolved and changed over time, depending on the context and the artist’s interpretation. Therefore, there is no definitive answer to whether the Aesir gods have similar visual features, such as red hair.

Me:

How about the Vanir?

ChatGPT:

Similar to the Aesir, there is no clear consensus among the original sources referring to the Old Norse about the physical appearance of the Vanir gods. However, some sources do describe certain Vanir gods with distinctive physical features.

The Vanir are a group of gods in Norse mythology who are associated with fertility, wealth, and nature. They are often depicted as more peaceful and benevolent than the Aesir, who are associated with war and conquest.

In the Old Norse poem “Skírnismál,” the Vanir goddess Freyja is described as having long, golden hair and being very beautiful. In other sources, the Vanir god Freyr is described as being fair-haired and handsome. However, these descriptions are not consistent across all sources, and other Vanir gods, such as Njord and his children, are not described in detail.

It is worth noting that in some sources, there is not a clear distinction between the Aesir and the Vanir, and some gods, such as Freyr and Freyja, are considered to be both Aesir and Vanir. Therefore, it is difficult to make generalizations about the physical appearance of the Vanir gods as a group.

Me:

Are there any descriptions of the Alf folk?

ChatGPT:

In Norse mythology, the Álfar (also known as elves or elves) are a group of supernatural beings who are associated with nature, fertility, and magic. They are often depicted as beautiful and ethereal, with a deep connection to the natural world.

The physical appearance of the Álfar is not described in detail in the original sources referring to the Old Norse. However, they are often depicted as slender and graceful, with pointed ears and glowing eyes. They are also said to possess magical powers, such as the ability to shape-shift and cast spells.

In some sources, the Álfar are divided into two groups: the Ljósálfar (light elves) and the Dökkálfar (dark elves). The Ljósálfar are associated with light and brightness, and are often described as living in Álfheimr, a realm of light and beauty. The Dökkálfar, on the other hand, are associated with darkness and underground places, and are sometimes depicted as more sinister and malevolent than their light elf counterparts.

Overall, the Álfar are complex and mysterious figures in Norse mythology, and their physical appearance is often left to the imagination of the reader or artist.

Me:

what about the svartalfar

ChatGPT:

In Norse mythology, the Svartálfar (also known as dark elves or black elves) are a group of supernatural beings who are associated with the earth, metals, and craftsmanship. They are often depicted as being skilled in metalworking and mining, and are said to dwell deep within the earth, in underground caves and tunnels.

The physical appearance of the Svartálfar is not described in detail in the original sources referring to the Old Norse. However, they are often depicted as being shorter and darker than the Álfar (light elves), with swarthy skin and hair. They are also said to be skilled craftsmen and metalworkers, and are often associated with the creation of magical weapons and artifacts.

Unlike the Ljósálfar (light elves), the Svartálfar are not always depicted as benevolent beings. In some sources, they are portrayed as being mischievous or even malevolent, and are said to delight in tricking and deceiving humans.

Overall, the Svartálfar are complex and enigmatic figures in Norse mythology, and their physical appearance is often left to the imagination of the reader or artist.

Me:

Is there anything about the duergar/dwarves?

ChatGPT:

In Norse mythology, the Dvergar (also known as dwarves) are a group of supernatural beings who are associated with the earth, craftsmanship, and underground places. They are often depicted as being skilled metalworkers, and are said to dwell deep within the earth, in underground caves and tunnels.

The physical appearance of the Dvergar is described in more detail in the original sources referring to the Old Norse. They are often depicted as being short and stocky, with long beards and powerful limbs. They are said to be skilled craftsmen and metalworkers, and are often associated with the creation of magical weapons and artifacts, such as Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir.

The Dvergar are also said to possess magical abilities, such as the power of shape-shifting and the ability to disappear into stone. In some sources, they are portrayed as being benevolent beings who are willing to help humans, while in others they are depicted as being more aloof or even malevolent.

It is worth noting that in some sources, there is not a clear distinction between the Dvergar and the Svartálfar (dark elves), and the two groups of beings are sometimes described interchangeably. However, the Dvergar are generally associated more strongly with craftsmanship and metalworking, while the Svartálfar are associated more with the earth and its hidden places.

Me:

Are there any other races mentioned in old norse literature or mythology?

ChatGPT:

Yes, there are several other races and beings mentioned in Old Norse literature and mythology, some of which are:

1. Jötnar (giants): Jötnar are a race of powerful and often monstrous beings who are associated with chaos, wilderness, and the forces of nature. They are often depicted as antagonistic to the gods and humans, and are known for their immense strength and magical powers.

2. Valkyries: Valkyries are a group of female warriors who serve the god Odin. They are associated with battle, death, and the afterlife, and are often depicted as fierce and beautiful women who ride flying horses.

3. Huldufólk (hidden people): Huldufólk are a group of supernatural beings who are said to inhabit the hidden places of the earth, such as rocks, mountains, and forests. They are often depicted as being invisible to humans, and are associated with fertility, magic, and protection.

4. Trolls: Trolls are a type of supernatural being who are associated with wilderness and chaos. They are often depicted as being large, ugly, and dim-witted, and are known for their love of mischief and trickery.

5. Norns: Norns are a group of female beings who are associated with fate and destiny. They are said to spin the threads of fate that determine the course of a person’s life, and are often depicted as wise and powerful figures.

6. Draugar (undead beings): Draugar are a type of undead being who are associated with death and the afterlife. They are often depicted as being restless and vengeful spirits who haunt the living, and are known for their immense strength and magical powers.

Overall, the mythology and literature of the Old Norse contains a rich and diverse range of supernatural beings and races, each with their own unique characteristics and associations.

Me:

Are there any descriptions or references to characteristics for the Jotnar?

ChatGPT:

Yes, there are several descriptions and references to the characteristics of the Jötnar (giants) in Old Norse mythology and literature. Here are some of the most common characteristics attributed to them:

1. Immense size and strength: Jötnar are often described as being huge and immensely strong, towering over humans and even the gods. They are sometimes depicted as being able to move mountains or create earthquakes with their sheer strength.

2. Chaotic and unpredictable: Jötnar are associated with the forces of nature and are often depicted as being chaotic and unpredictable. They are said to embody the wildness and ferocity of nature, and are sometimes portrayed as being dangerous or even malevolent.

3. Magical powers: Jötnar are known for their magical abilities, which are often associated with the elements and natural phenomena. They are said to be able to control storms, shape-shift into animals, and even create illusions.

4. Association with wilderness: Jötnar are often associated with the wilderness and the untamed regions of the world, such as mountains, forests, and oceans. They are said to dwell in remote and inhospitable places, far from human civilization.

5. Progenitors of other beings: In some sources, the Jötnar are portrayed as the ancestors or progenitors of other beings, such as giants, trolls, and even humans. They are sometimes depicted as being capable of interbreeding with other races and producing hybrid offspring.

Overall, the Jötnar are complex and multifaceted beings in Old Norse mythology, and their characteristics and associations vary depending on the source and the context.

End of ChatGPT conversation.

Well, that isn’t really a lot to go on, and I’m not sure it is entirely accurate, but the existing races in D&D 5th edition do seem to be close enough that they don’t need any big changes. I’m sure there is more comprehensive information out there somewhere, but I’m fairly satisfied that my thesis of the Norse mythological races being simply other clans or tribes of humans is close enough to reality to be suitable while including bits of the modern interpretations. But if a student cares enough to dig up something that changes this, I would welcome their input and initiative.

At this time I am awaiting the unearthed arcana fully describing the goliath race, as it seems the most suited to characters being jotuns. That is if a player wants to play as a jotun, I would direct them to strongly consider choosing goliath as their race. And if a player wants to play as a race other than the ones mentioned here, I would ask them to justify their choice in some reasonable way. For example, two of my players have decided to be warforged (robot-like humanoids). For one of them the route was to have their character be transformed into one, which was that world’s creation of the race. In the other case the character came from a more advanced civilization (the Byzantine Empire) where there are a lot more scientific resources. In the latter case I also homebrewed a background that explains how they came to Scandinavia.

By putting this all together while being flexible, we can have a world where history, mythology, geography, and the rest can come alive. I’ve enjoyed adding this tool to my Dungeon Master arsenal.