The Advancement of AI-Enabled Character Simulation: From Fimbulvetr to Next-Gen Language Models

In recent years, the world of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a dramatic transformation. What started as niche experiments with first-generation chatbots has blossomed into a dynamic landscape of tools, resources, and communities. This piece investigates the present state of AI RP, from user favorites to cutting-edge techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various tools have emerged as favored focal points for AI-assisted storytelling and character interaction. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more mature ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Characters like Euryvale, or user-generated entities like Midnight Miqu have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other platforms have grown in popularity for sharing and circulating "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can interact with. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been particularly active in creating and sharing these cards.

Innovations in Language Models

The swift evolution of advanced AI systems (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's proliferation. Models like LLaMA CPP and the fabled "HyperVerbal" (a theoretical future model) demonstrate the growing potential of AI in producing consistent and situationally appropriate responses.

Model customization has become a crucial technique for tailoring these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This process allows for more nuanced and stable interactions.

The Movement for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the demand for data privacy and user control. This has led to the development of "private LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have been created to address this need.

Endeavors like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it possible for users to operate powerful language models on their local machines. This "local LLM" approach resonates with those concerned about data privacy or those who simply appreciate customizing AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as accessible options for managing local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while processing-heavy, offer enhanced capabilities for intricate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its innovation and determination to push boundaries. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for precise manipulation over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and surprising characters.

Some users seek out "uncensored" or "obliterated" models, get more info striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.

Focused tools have emerged to cater to specific niches or provide alternative approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "no logging" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we anticipate the future, several developments are taking shape:

Growing focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Creation of more capable and optimized models (e.g., speculated 70B models)
Investigation of innovative techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Characters like Euryvale hint at the prospect for AI to produce entire virtual universes and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP field remains a hotbed of innovation, with communities like Backyard AI redefining the possibilities of what's achievable. As GPU technology progresses and techniques like quantization improve efficiency, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the near future.

Whether you're a curious explorer or a committed "quant" working on the next discovery in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for creativity and discovery.