I have asked ChatGPT to provide scenarios. I wanted a scenario set on Mars, I wanted a medical mystery and I wanted it set in "Space City" - whatever that is. Please note that my layout for a scenario is:
- Individualistic, in other words non-standard. You might want to do it differently. That especially include adding more detail. I deliberately restricted this - but ChatGPT loves to give you detail, so fill yer boots!.
- The emphasis is on solo play so, again, you might want it to be a little more free form, and with fewer dice rolling, than I have set it out.
Anyway this is what it did as a single example. It came up with everything, no prompts from me (other than take place on Mars, medical mystery, space city etc.) though I did specify the layout and formatting (which was much harder to control than the ideas):
RED SANDS INTRIGUE
A mysterious illness plagues the citizens of the space city on Mars, and it's up to the team of adventurers to uncover the cause and find a cure before it spreads further.
POSSIBLE CAUSES – d6:
(1) Unlikely: The illness is caused by an ancient Martian curse that was triggered by recent excavation activities.
(2–3) Possible: The illness is a result of a biological experiment gone wrong in one of the medical research facilities.
(4–6) Likely: The illness is a new strain of a known virus that has mutated and become highly contagious.
PLAUSIBLE ACTIONS:
A: Investigate the recent excavation sites and search for any artifacts or symbols associated with curses.
B: Gather information from the medical research facilities and identify any ongoing experiments or accidents.
C: Analyze the virus samples and study its genetic makeup to understand its origins and potential weaknesses.
D: Interview the affected individuals and track their movements to identify any common patterns or sources of exposure.
E: Secure the infected area and implement quarantine measures to prevent further spread of the illness.
RANDOM COMPLICATIONS – d6:
1 – Individual: One of the adventurers starts exhibiting symptoms of the illness, adding urgency to finding a cure.
2 – Group: A rival team of researchers interferes with the investigation, seeking to claim credit for the cure.
3 – Place: The main medical research facility is compromised, making it difficult to access crucial data and equipment.
4 – Thing: A stolen vial of the virus is found in the possession of a criminal organization, who intend to weaponize it.
5 – Incident: A riot breaks out among the affected citizens due to fear and desperation, causing chaos and hindering the investigation.
6 – Idea: The illness turns out to be a deliberate act of sabotage by a disgruntled former employee seeking revenge.
It isn't perfect, but it's not bad either in my view. Crucially it would take me ages to come up with something like this.
What do you think?
Tim