I Let An AI Help Me DM and Nobody Died

When I tried to share my initial excitement from using AI to help run my D&D game, it fell flat. Worse, the reaction was swift and severe. I wasn’t expecting that, but I get it now - AI is controversial in creative spaces, and tabletop gaming is deeply personal.

But here's the thing: AI hasn't turned my game into a soulless algorithm. Instead, it's helping me create more immersive, emotional experiences for my players.

Last week, when my party surprised me by deciding to visit their a local bar. Rather than fumbling for generic patrons, I quickly collaborated with my AI assistant to create a cast of regulars with history and personalities that match my Lankhmar setting. That's how they met Pip, a dockworker whose 'lucky' painted lead coin and dreams of fortune-hunting resonated with my players. They decided to back his fantastical treasure-hunting scheme.

I didn't expect that - I hadn’t even considered that the players might bite at the ludicrous bait. But that's the beauty of having a world that is quickly expanded (with the help of AI) wherever the players’ attention falls. The magic still happens at the table, between real people.

What I've discovered is that AI gives me confidence to take creative risks. When a player stops a random person in the street or decides to investigate that throwaway comment about a necromancer's house, I know I can quickly generate something coherent and interesting that fits into our world. Sometimes I'll use half an idea, sometimes just a detail, but it keeps the game flowing and lets me focus on what matters - creating memorable moments with my players.

It's not about replacing human creativity - it's about having a collaborator who helps me break through creative blocks. Yes, I could use random tables or pre-written materials, but I love being able to tailor content specifically to what's happening at our table, right now. When my players zig instead of zag, I don't have to pause the game or improvise something generic - I can create something specific and meaningful within minutes.

The result? I'm running the most engaging, dynamic games of my DMing career. Not because AI is doing the work for me, but because it's helping me be the DM I've always wanted to be - someone who can respond to player creativity with equal creativity of my own.