Ian Dury’s experiments using ChatGPT

I recently received an email from Ian Dury about his experiments using ChatGPT:

I have started to use ChatGPT to flesh out some of the lower-level details for the campaign and just asked it to produce a scenario for a battle. The results are attached and I thought that they might be of interest. I thought they were pretty good.

This is the instruction I gave to the software:

• Prepare a fictional scenario for a multi-player wargame set in the Kohat district of the North West Frontier of India in 1881.
• At a minimum, the scenario should include:
• Introductory context explaining why the scenario is occurring and the events that triggered it.
• Details of the forces involved (one or more Pathan tribes, British Indian army troops).
• An outline map for the scenario.
• Initial briefings for each player taking command of a force.
• Victory conditions.
• Random events (both positive and negative) that could impact any or all of the forces involved.
• The scenario should be based around an outlying British fort that has been damaged during an earthquake.

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He attached a copy of the document that ChatGPT produced … and when I read it, I was impressed. By setting out very specific parameters, Ian ensured that ChatGPT produced results that made a lot of sense and did not include anything that was off piste. The final document is produced below.

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Wargame Scenario: The Siege of Fort Lockhart (Kohat, 1881)

Introduction & Context

In the early hours of March 2, 1881, a violent earthquake struck the Kohat region on the North-West Frontier of India. Among the structures affected was Fort Lockhart, a small but vital British outpost guarding the caravan routes and serving as a forward base against hostile tribes. The earthquake severely damaged the outer walls, creating breaches and causing a partial collapse of the south bastion.

Seizing this opportunity, the Orakzai and Afridi tribes have mobilised, gathering warriors for an assault before British reinforcements can arrive. Meanwhile, the British garrison must hold out until relief forces fight their way through the treacherous mountain passes.

The stage is set for a desperate struggle between the determined Pathan tribes and the beleaguered defenders of the British Empire.

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Forces Involved

British Garrison at Fort Lockhart

• Commander: Major Edward Harrington
• Troops:
• 1 company of the 5th Punjab Infantry (50 men, professional, well-armed)
• 1 platoon of the 3rd Sikh Infantry (20 men, experienced and steadfast)
• 10 Royal Artillerymen operating a single 7-pounder mountain gun
• 15 Frontier Constabulary troopers (local auxiliaries, variable morale)
• 10 non-combatants (engineers, medics, and camp followers)
• Status:
• Supplies: Limited rations and ammunition (enough for three days of sustained combat)
• Fortifications: The earthquake has caused breaches in the walls, reducing defensive bonuses.
• Morale: Generally steady but can be affected by attrition and command decisions.

Tribal Forces

• Orakzai and Afridi Warriors:
• Leaders: Malik Zarin Khan (Orakzai) and Gul Rahman (Afridi)
• Total Strength: Approx. 300 warriors, armed with jezails, swords, and captured British rifles.
• Tactics: Hit-and-run attacks, ambushes, and massed assaults.
• Morale: High initially, but dependent on leadership and battle progress.
• Supply: Largely self-sufficient but will struggle if drawn into a prolonged siege.
• Possible Reinforcements:
• More tribal warriors could arrive depending on events.
• British relief force expected within 3-5 days.

British Relief Force (Optional, Arriving Mid-Scenario)

• Commander: Colonel Henry Colvin
• Composition:
• 1 company of the 21st Punjab Infantry (60 men)
• 20 cavalry troopers from the 1st Punjab Cavalry
• 1 mule-drawn 7-pounder mountain gun
• 10 Pathan scouts and guides
• Objective: Reach Fort Lockhart before it falls.

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Outline Map & Terrain Details

The game master should provide a basic topographical map featuring:

• Fort Lockhart: A walled fort with damaged sections (indicated on the map), with crumbling bastions and limited visibility from certain towers due to debris.
• Nearby Hills: Rugged, rocky high ground surrounding the fort, ideal for Pathan snipers and ambushes. The hills provide natural cover and make direct assaults challenging.
• Approach Roads: Two primary routes exist—one is a narrow, winding mountain path used by the relief force, while the other is a dried-up riverbed frequently used by the tribes for stealthy movement.
• Stream/Water Source: A small but vital stream lies near the fort, serving as the garrison’s only fresh water supply. The tribes may attempt to cut off access to it.
• Small Villages and Huts: Scattered along the valley, these provide potential hiding places for Pathan warriors and can be used for staging surprise attacks.
• Caves and Tunnels: The region is dotted with natural caves, which some tribesmen may use for ambushes or to store extra supplies.
• Rockslides and Unstable Ground: The earthquake has made parts of the terrain unstable, meaning both sides risk movement hazards, particularly along steep cliffs and loose shale.

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Initial Briefings

British Garrison (Major Edward Harrington)

• Situation: Fort Lockhart has suffered structural damage. The tribes are gathering for an assault. Ammunition and food are limited, and reinforcements are days away. Your duty is to hold the fort at all costs.
• Orders:
• Defend the fort: Repair breaches and prepare defensive positions
• Manage resources: Avoid wasteful expenditure of ammunition.
• Signal for relief: Use heliographs or runners to coordinate with the approaching column.
• Handle morale: Keep discipline among your men and prevent desertions.
• Victory Conditions:
• Hold the fort for at least four days until reinforcements arrive.
• Inflict heavy enough losses on the enemy to force a retreat.
• Successfully evacuate and escape if holding out is impossible.

Tribal Commanders (Malik Zarin Khan & Gul Rahman)

• Situation: The British fort is weakened. This is your chance to strike a major blow against the imperialists before they receive reinforcements.
• Orders:
• Capture or destroy Fort Lockhart.
• Avoid unnecessary losses. Your warriors are not easily replaced.
• Cut off British supplies and reinforcements. Use ambushes and harassment tactics.
• Exploit the terrain. Use sniper fire from the hills and hidden tunnels to weaken the enemy.
• Victory Conditions:
• Capture the fort or force its surrender before reinforcements arrive.
• Destroy the British forces inside, including supplies and weapons.
• Maintain high tribal morale and avoid heavy casualties.

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Random Events Table (Roll 1d6 Each Turn)

1. Desertion! A group of Frontier Constabulary troopers defect to the tribes.
2. Sniper Fire. A hidden tribal sniper takes a shot at a British officer.
3. Delayed Reinforcements. The relief column is delayed by a rockslide.
4. Earthquake Aftershock! Further damage to the fort; roll for structural collapse.
5. Surprise Tribal Reinforcements. 50 more warriors arrive to support the attack.
6. British Airburst Shells. The mountain gun scores a direct hit, breaking an enemy charge.