Shadowbane

Shadowbane is a text-based role-playing game (RPG) that combines the best elements of traditional tabletop RPGs with AI-driven storytelling. Using ChatGPT as the Dungeon Master, it dynamically generates unique quests, characters, and worlds, providing players with an endless array of adventures.

Built on Coinbase AgentKit, Shadowbane leverages smart AI prompts to generate complete RPG experiences on the fly, including setting descriptions, character stats, NPC interactions, and battle scenarios. The game is inspired by Microlite20 and MiniRogue, two lightweight and open-source RPG rule sets, ensuring an experience that is simple yet deeply engaging.

Unlike traditional RPGs, which require a human Dungeon Master and pre-written campaigns, Shadowbane generates everything procedurally using structured AI prompts and randomness, making every session unique.

Shadowbane is built on a combination of AI-driven storytelling, blockchain tooling, and lightweight RPG mechanics, creating a seamless text-based RPG experience that dynamically adapts to player choices. Here's a breakdown of the core technologies and architecture:

🛠 Core Technologies Used 1️⃣ 🚀 Coinbase AgentKit – The Backbone of the Agent

We leverage Coinbase AgentKit to create an autonomous AI agent that acts as the Dungeon Master. This allows the agent to manage memory, structured reasoning, and long-term session tracking to create a consistent game experience. Coinbase’s infrastructure ensures security and scalability, handling player inputs efficiently. 2️⃣ 🧠 ChatGPT (OpenAI) as the Dungeon Master

The AI handles all storytelling, quest generation, NPC interactions, and combat narration. A custom AI prompt structures the logic, filling in randomized details (world, objective, stats, encounters, etc.) dynamically for each game session. AI Memory: Within a session, the agent remembers past actions, allowing for persistent decision-making and story continuity. 3️⃣ 🎲 Procedural RPG Mechanics (Microlite20 & MiniRogue Inspired)

We implemented a simplified RPG rule set, where key mechanics (combat, skill checks, stat rolls) follow Microlite20 & MiniRogue rules. D20 Dice Rolls and stat-based checks are generated inside the AI prompt using JavaScript, allowing the AI to process results dynamically. Combat & Quests are dynamically generated, ensuring every playthrough is unique and unpredictable. 4️⃣ 📜 Structured AI Prompt Engineering

The AI prompt acts as the game engine, ensuring consistent logic across all game sessions. Key elements of the prompt: Randomly selected world setting (e.g., Space Explorer, Desert Nomad’s Quest, Haunted Investigator). Randomly assigned main quest (Rescue someone, Recover a stolen artifact, Slay a beast, etc.). Character stats & inventory generated via JavaScript inside the prompt. Game rules & response structure ensuring fair RPG mechanics. 5️⃣ 🔀 Randomization & Adaptive Storytelling

Every adventure is different due to randomized elements embedded within the AI’s prompt structure. No pre-written content – everything is generated dynamically based on player choices. The AI adjusts the difficulty dynamically based on the player’s stats and decisions.