In the past decade, the world of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has experienced a dramatic transformation. What began as niche experiments with early language models has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem of tools, resources, and enthusiasts. This piece explores the present state of AI RP, from popular platforms to groundbreaking techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various services have emerged as well-liked centers for AI-enhanced fiction writing and immersive storytelling. These allow users to participate in both traditional RP and more risqué ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Personas like Stheno, or custom personalities like Poppy Porpoise have become fan favorites.

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

Innovations in Language Models

The accelerated evolution of large language models (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's growth. Models like Llama.cpp and the fabled "OmniLingua" (a hypothetical future model) showcase the growing potential of AI in creating coherent and environmentally cognizant responses.

Fine-tuning has become a essential technique for adjusting these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more refined and consistent interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the need for privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the development of "private LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have emerged to satisfy this need.

Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it feasible for users to utilize powerful language models on their local machines. This "local LLM" approach appeals to those worried about data privacy or those who simply appreciate experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as intuitive options for here managing local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while computationally intensive, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Investigating New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its innovation and determination to break new ground. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable characters.

Some users seek out "uncensored" or "augmented" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.

Focused services have appeared 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 envision the future, several patterns are taking shape:

Growing focus on local and private AI solutions
Advancement of more sophisticated and optimized models (e.g., rumored LLaMA-3)
Research of innovative techniques like "neversleep" for preserving long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the potential for AI to produce entire imaginary realms and intricate narratives.

The AI RP domain remains a hotbed of invention, with communities like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's attainable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like cognitive optimization improve efficiency, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.

Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a passionate "quant" working on the next innovation in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for imagination and adventure.