Creating a “Choose your own Adventure” Story with GPT-3

A while ago, I came across AI Dungeon, a choose-your-own-story (CYOS) game that used AI to create a story. The user can say, do, see or add to the story. It seemed revolutionary. Sure, the AI did funny stuff that generative AIs usually do like going off context or abruptly changing the atmosphere, but it was definitely an example of a good AI application.

A couple of years later the GPT3 Davinci was released and during my very first attempt with the Playground, with just a single sentence and no context, I was able to flow through the following complete story.

Can you write a choose your own adventure story?

A: You are walking down a path in the woods. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. You come to a fork in the path.

Q: You take the path on the right.

A: You follow the path and it winds through the trees. After a few minutes, you come to a clearing. In the center of the clearing is a small cottage. You can see smoke coming from the chimney.

Q: I approach the cottage.

A: You cautiously approach the cottage. As you get closer, you can see a small garden in the back and a wooden door in the front. You knock on the door and a voice from inside calls out, “Who’s there?”

Q: I answer, “I am lost in the woods”.

A: The door opens and an old woman stands in the doorway. She smiles and says, “Welcome, my child. I can help you find your way. Would you like to stay for a while and rest, or would you like me to show you the way out of the woods?”

Q: I answer, “Could you please show me the way?”

A: The old woman nods and leads you out of the woods. She points out landmarks along the way and tells you stories about the area. After a few hours, you come to a crossroads. The old woman stops and says, “This is where we must part ways. Which path will you take?”

Q: I ask the woman, “Which path should I take?”

A: The old woman looks at you thoughtfully and says, “That is for you to decide. One path leads to a village where you can find shelter and food. The other path leads to a dark forest, where danger lurks around every corner. Choose wisely.”

Q: I answer, “I would like to go to the village”.

A: The old woman smiles and nods. She points down the path to the village and says, “That way lies safety and comfort. May your journey be blessed.” With that, she turns and disappears into the woods. You take a deep breath and set off down the path to the village.

Q: I keep walking until I see the village.

A: You continue walking until you come to the edge of the village. You can see a few houses and a small market. You take a deep breath and enter the village. As you walk through the streets, you can feel the warmth and hospitality of the people. You find a place to stay for the night and settle in.

Q: I wake up in the morning.

A: You wake up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to explore the village. You wander around the streets, taking in the sights and sounds. Eventually, you come to a fork in the road. One path leads to the market, while the other leads to a forest. Which path will you take?

Q: I take the path to the market.

A: You take the path to the market and soon come to a bustling marketplace. You can see stalls selling all sorts of goods, from fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts. You wander around the market, taking in the sights and sounds. Eventually, you come across a stall selling maps. You purchase one and study it carefully. You can see that there are two paths leading out of the village. One path leads to a nearby town, while the other leads to a mysterious castle. Which path will you take

Q: I would like to ask the villagers about the castle first.

A: You decide to ask the villagers about the castle first. You find an elderly man who is willing to tell you about the castle. He tells you that the castle is said to be haunted by a powerful witch. He warns you to be careful if you decide to go there. With that, you thank him and set off down the path to the castle.

Q: I keep walking until I reach the castle.

A: You keep walking until you come to the edge of a dark forest. In the distance, you can see a large castle looming in the shadows. You take a deep breath and enter the forest. As you walk through the trees, you can feel a strange presence watching you. Eventually, you come to a clearing and the castle is in front of you. You can see a large gate and a drawbridge. What will you do now?

Q: I will enter the gate.

A: You cautiously approach the gate and it slowly creaks open. You enter the castle and find yourself in a large courtyard. You can see a few doors leading off in different directions. Which door will you take?

Q: I will take the door that takes me inside the main chamber.

A: You take the door that leads to the main chamber. As you enter, you can feel a chill in the air. You can see a large throne in the center of the room and a figure sitting on it. The figure is shrouded in darkness and you can’t make out its features. Suddenly, the figure speaks. “Welcome, brave adventurer. I have been expecting you. What is your wish?”

Q: I ask the figure, “Who are you and why will you grant my wish?”

A: The figure chuckles and says, “I am a powerful witch and I can grant your wish if you can answer my riddle. What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs in the afternoon, and three legs in the evening?”

Q: “What happens if I don’t give the right answer?”

A: The witch smiles and says, “If you don’t give the right answer, then I will not grant your wish. But if you do, then I will grant you one wish of your choosing.”

Q: “Is the answer to your riddle, a man?”

A: The witch smiles and nods. “Yes, the answer is a man. You have answered correctly. What is your wish?”

Q: “I wish to be knowledgeable.”

A: The witch nods and says, “Your wish is granted. You will now have knowledge beyond your wildest dreams. Now go forth and use your newfound knowledge to make the world a better place.” With that, the witch disappears in a puff of smoke. You take a deep breath and set off on your journey, feeling wiser than ever before.

Q: I sail into the sunset and live happily ever after.

A: You sail off into the sunset, feeling content and fulfilled. You have gained knowledge and wisdom, and you use it to make the world a better place. You live happily ever after, knowing that you have made a difference. The End.