CharGen

Creating a D&D character is one of the most fun parts of preparing for a game, and now, with AI-generated art, you can make them look just the way you imagined. But, crafting the right prompt is key to getting a character that looks exactly how you want. With the right words, you’ll bring them to life on screen. Here’s a guide to help you understand different prompt styles, how the AI works, and how to get the best out of your descriptions.

Types of Prompts to Try

Keyword-Based Text-to-Image Prompts

• What It Is: These are short, simple prompts, usually just 3-4 words, focusing on the main traits of your character.
• When to Use: This style works best for quick character sketches where you want only a few core details.
• Example: "Elf, warrior, dark armour, glowing sword"
• Tips: If certain traits are more important than others, you can adjust their “weight.” For example, "Elf:1.5, warrior:0.5" will make the AI focus more on the “Elf” traits than on "warrior” ones.

Descriptive Text-to-Image Prompts

• What It Is: These prompts are like a mini-description, telling the AI more about your character’s look and feel.
• When to Use: Perfect when you want a specific look with more detail and atmosphere.
• Example: "A tall elven warrior with silver hair, wearing dark armour, holding a glowing sword under moonlight"
• Tips: Keep it clear. Simple, straightforward sentences work best, so the AI doesn’t get confused by too many details.

How the AI Understands Prompts

Tokenisation and Language

• What It Means: The AI breaks down words into “tokens” (small parts) and interprets them. Certain phrases work better than others because of how the AI understands them.
• Tip: Using specific phrases like "green-skinned" instead of "green skin" can give you clearer results. Small changes in wording, like using "scarred face" rather than "face with a scar," can affect how the AI understands your prompt.

Focusing the AI

• Tip: Start your prompt with the most important traits. For example, putting "stoic dwarven knight" at the beginning helps the AI understand that these features are a priority.
• Keep It Simple: Use straightforward language without too many adjectives. For example, saying "tall elf with silver armour" is often better than "a tall, slender elf with intricately crafted silver armour."

Getting the Most Out of Keywords

Picking the Right Keywords

• Advice: Choose strong, clear words like "orc, shaman, bone staff" to get the main idea across quickly.
• Experiment: Try unusual traits or items, such as "mechanical arm" or "desert cloak," to add more character.

Using Weights to Emphasise Features

• What It Is: Adding weights to keywords helps the AI know what’s most important.
• Example: If you put "Elf::1.5, mage::0.5, forest background", the AI will make “Elf” more dominant than “mage.”
• Tip: Be careful not to add too many keywords or weights, as it can confuse the AI.

Avoid Overloading Keywords

• Tip: Less is more with keywords. Use groups of words that work together, like "mage, glowing hands, shadowy cloak," to keep the prompt simple.

Descriptive Prompts for More Detail

Using Visual Language

• Tip: Clear, descriptive phrases work well, especially for complex characters (e.g., "A slender elven sorcerer with a star-tipped staff and flowing white robes").
• Avoid Vague Words: Instead of broad terms, go for specifics that the AI can easily picture.

Adding Story Elements

• Why It Works: Short stories or descriptions can add personality and mood. For example, "A stoic dwarven warrior standing guard over a mountain pass."
• Result: These prompts give the AI more context, helping it build something that feels more like a real character.

Adjusting Prompts Based on Results

Experimenting with Phrasing

• Tip: Small changes in word order can make a difference. Compare "eyes glowing red" with "glowing red eyes" to see which works better.
• Keep Track: Write down what works and doesn’t, building up a reference list of effective phrases.

Understanding AI Quirks

• Examples: Something like "scarred face" might look different from "face with a scar." Try variations and see what gives you the best result.

Refining Prompts with Small Adjustments

• Best Approach: Start with the basics, like "orc warrior with bone armour," and add details one by one if needed, such as "battle-hardened expression" or "weathered face."

Tailoring Prompts for Different Fantasy Races

Using Race-Specific Keywords

• Tip: Different races have unique traits, so pick terms that match. For example, keywords like "muscular, tall, pointed ears" work well for classic elves or dwarves.
• Layering Details: Add specific terms for features like armour or expressions to bring out the race’s traits.

Trying Unique Descriptions for Each Race

• Tip: Use descriptions to add personality, like "an orc diplomat with refined attire," for a unique take.
• Dropdown Options: Use the NPC dropdowns in CharGen for race-specific words if you need ideas.

Setting the Scene with Environment Keywords

Adding Setting Details

• Advice: Add a setting word or two at the end of your prompt, like "forest," "desert," or "castle," to keep focus on the character.
• Example: For a forest-dwelling elf, try phrases like "nature-inspired armour," for a touch of environmental style.

Dropdown Inspirations for Settings

• Dropdowns: The CharGen dropdown options give setting ideas without needing a long description.
• Example: If you pick “swamp” for a necromancer, it adds atmosphere to the character’s background.

Keeping Character as the Focus

• Tip: Too many setting words can take attention away from your character. Keep your core details strong and add setting lightly.

Phrasing Tips to Help the AI Understand Better

Getting Clearer Results with Tokenisation

• Tip: Phrases like "green-skinned" often work better than "green skin." Small wording changes can improve the output.
• Try Different Orders: Play around with word order, like "warrior elf" vs. "elven warrior," to see what gives the look you want.

Start with Main Traits First

• Advice: Put important traits at the start to make them stand out, like "stoic dwarven knight." The AI reads in order, so this helps.
• Stay Simple: Simple language is easier for the AI to follow. For instance, saying "tall elf with silver armour" works better than a long, complex sentence.

Avoid Long Sentences

• Tip: Shorter sentences are clearer. Instead of "a tall elf wearing intricately crafted armour," try "tall elf with silver armour."

Tweaking Prompts After the First Results

Reviewing Results and Adjusting

• Tip: Check if the basics look right. If not, tweak words (e.g., swap "dark" for "shadowed" if it seems too harsh).

Experimenting with Synonyms

• Tip: Try slight changes and synonyms to refine the look. Keep a list of what works for easy reference.

Knowing When to Start Over

• Advice: If changes aren’t improving the image, it may be best to start fresh. Use a simpler prompt and build up again if needed.

Balancing Specifics with Creativity

Mixing Open-Ended with Clear Features

• Tip: Use open-ended words like "mysterious" carefully. Stick to core features like "silver helmet," then add creative terms for style.
• Prompt Journal: Save any successful phrases to help you create more characters in the future.

With these tips, you’re ready to start crafting prompts for unique D&D characters! Test different ideas, adjust as needed, and watch your characters come to life on screen.