The Progression of AI-Enabled Character Simulation: From Fimbulvetr to Local 70B Models

In the last few years, the domain of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a dramatic transformation. What originated as fringe projects with first-generation chatbots has grown into a thriving community of tools, resources, and user groups. This article investigates the present state of AI RP, from popular platforms to groundbreaking techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various tools have risen as favored focal points for AI-enhanced fiction writing and character interaction. These allow users to participate in both classic role-playing and more adult-oriented ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Personas like Noromaid, or original creations like Lumimaid have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other services have grown in popularity for distributing and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been notably active in creating and spreading these cards.

Advancements in Language Models

The rapid development of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's expansion. Models like Llama.cpp and the mythical "Mythomax" (a hypothetical future model) highlight the growing potential of AI in generating coherent and environmentally cognizant responses.

AI personalization has become a essential technique for adapting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more nuanced and stable interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the need for confidentiality and personal autonomy. This has led to the development of "local LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have sprung up to address this need.

Projects click here like NeverSleep and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it achievable for users to operate powerful language models on their local machines. This "on-device AI" approach resonates with those worried about data privacy or those who simply relish experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as accessible options for managing local models, including powerful 70B parameter versions. These more sophisticated models, while GPU-demanding, offer superior results for complex RP scenarios.

Exploring Limits and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is celebrated for its creativity and eagerness to break new ground. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and spontaneous characters.

Some users search for "uncensored" or "obliterated" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing ethical debates within the community.

Specialized services have appeared to address specific niches or provide novel 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 look to the future, several developments are taking shape:

Heightened focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Advancement of more powerful and efficient models (e.g., rumored LLaMA-3)
Investigation of innovative techniques like "perpetual context" for preserving long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Personas like Lumimaid hint at the possibility for AI to create entire imaginary realms and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP field remains a crucible of invention, with groups like Chaotic Soliloquy expanding the limits of what's possible. As GPU technology advances and techniques like quantization improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.

Whether you're a curious explorer or a committed "AI researcher" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for imagination and discovery.