This is a partial transcript of an AI session with Caldera's 30B Epsilon; we generate the characters and the setting, and follow up with some considerations on AI.

File prompt:

This is a story in a fantasy world with a technology level comparable to the Bronze Age.

A group of people, known as the Mutati (singular: Mutatus) have the ability to change form.

Each Mutatus's alternate form, known as a Mutatio (plural: Mutationes), is unique.

Nobody knows when the first Mutatus was born, or what their Mutatio was.

It is believed that it may have been a dwelling of some sort, maybe a hut.

Even today, some Mutationes still transform the Mutatus into a building.

Mutationes only take the form of large inanimate object, never living beings.

Things changed significantly when sleds, carriages, boats, and other vehicles came along.

Since then, it is much more common for a Mutatio to be some means of transportation.

It is extremely common for Mutationes to be meant to house or transport people.

In rare cases, a Mutatio may be better suited to transport some kind of cargo.

It is almost unheard of for a Mutatio not to be able to carry or hold something.

A Mutatus in their Mutatio form transforms into it fully, losing their human appearance

Some Mutationes can move without obvious means of propulsion, but doing so is tiring for the Mutatus.

Aria: Aria is a young girl, petite and nimble, whose Mutatio form is a massive rough terrain wagon.

Elian: Elian is a short boy with messy hair and a slim build. He means well, but is very clumsy.

Elian's Mutatio form is a small lightweight boat, capable of swift travel on waterways.

(This text is NEW starting with the second session)

main -t 12 -ins --color -c 4096 -f Story_Prompt_2.txt --keep -1 -e --repeat-last-n 512 -cb --rope-freq-base 26000 --rope-freq-scale 0.5 2>NUL:

> invent a new character, a mutatus who is a young girl. invent her mutatio and describe it.

Name: Aria

Mutatio: Aria's Mutatio takes the form of a magnificent Pegasus, a winged horse with a pure white coat and shimmering feathers. Her hooves are made of gold, and she has a long flowing mane that cascades down to her tail. The wings are adorned with iridescent gemstones that catch light as they move in the air. The creature stands tall and proud with a fierce look in her eyes, ready to take on any challenge that comes her way. This Mutatio allows Aria to soar through the skies with great speed, grace and agility, and transport people effortlessly on her back or pull heavy loads.

> Mutationes only take the form of large inanimate object, never living beings. describe aria's appearance. be creative.

Aria's Mutatio takes the form of a massive wagon, designed to transport goods and people efficiently through rough terrain. The wagon is made of sturdy oak wood and has a sleek, aerodynamic shape with high wheels that roll effortlessly over any surface. It's adorned with intricate carvings, symbolizing her culture and history. Its interior is spacious, allowing for comfort during long journeys, and ample room for cargo storage. The wagon itself is painted in shades of deep blues and greens, contrasting against its gold accents, giving it an ethereal look. The wheels have been reinforced for strength and stability, making it capable of carrying heavy loads without faltering. Atop the wagon sits Aria, a young girl with flowing hair, dressed in traveler garments, guiding the wagon with expertise, her eyes sparkling with determination as she steers them through the landscapes

> describe aria's appearance as a girl

Aria, the young girl with flowing hair and determined gaze, is dressed in practical traveler garments, ready to take on any adventure. She's petite in stature, but exudes strength and confidence. Her eyes are bright with a spark of determination, they glimmer like the gemstones on her Mutatio. Her face is framed by delicate features and a small nose, while her lips hold a hint of a smile. She's agile and nimble, always ready to hop off the wagon to help or assist those she encounters. Wrapped in the warmth of her culture, her attire holds intricate patterns and vibrant colors that dance along with the wind. Her demeanor is welcoming and friendly, making it easy for others to feel at ease around her. As she steers the wagon, she stands tall, proudly holding the reins with both hands, guiding the magnificent beast with an air of grace and control.

> create the villain of the story. give him a name and an appearance. give him a power, a motivation, and three evil traits.

Name: Zarek

Appearance: Zarek is tall, with dark hair and piercing eyes that seem to see through souls, his face is covered in scars that tell stories of battles he's been through. He wears heavy armor plated with black metal, a symbol of his ruthlessness, his build is imposing, and intimidating. His aura is that of a warrior who's seen it all and won't be defeated easily.

Power: The ability to control minds, can bend them to his will, making anyone do as he pleases without them even realizing

Motivation: Power, wealth, conquest, and domination.

Traits: Cruelty, lack of empathy, manipulative, unscrupulous tactics, ruthlessness

> describe the location where the story begins

The story begins in a vast, unexplored land with rolling hills and valleys, dotted with ancient ruins and hidden treasures. The landscape is filled with mysterious forests, wild beasts, and rushing rivers. Aria's Mutatio travels through this terrain, transporting goods and people while exploring its secrets and encountering new challenges. The air is crisp and fresh, as the sun shines down on her golden hooves and glittering feathers, as they soar high above the earth. The world is full of possibilities and danger, but also holds endless wonders for those who dare to explore it.

> write the first chapter of the story

Aria guided her Mutatio wagon through the rolling hills, the wind rushing past her as she steered it with ease. The sun shined down on her face and the world below was a canvas of greens and blues, each hill leading to another new adventure. She was surrounded by nature's beauty and the excitement of the unknown. As they traveled, the group came across an old ruin, hidden in the dense foliage, its stone walls still standing strong after centuries of time. Aria couldn't help but stop and explore, eagerly climbing atop the wagon to get a better view. Her curiosity led them into the depths where they discovered ancient artifacts and treasures long lost to time. It was then that they encountered Zarek, a powerful villain who sought control over the lands and its resources. His mind control powers lured her companions under his will, leaving her alone to fight for their freedom and uncover the truth behind his schemes.

> rewrite the previous chapter. give it a number and a title. make aria the viewpoint character describing the world from her perspective

Chapter 1: Adventure in the Land of Unknownscape

Aria, a young girl with a Mutatio shaped as a magnificent wagon, soars through the vast, unexplored landscapes of rolling hills and hidden treasures. The wind brushes past her face, as she steers the massive transportation tool with ease. The world below is a canvas of greens and blues, each hill leading to new adventures, each more exciting than the last. Her journey takes her to an ancient ruin where she discovers lost artifacts, only to be confronted by Zarek, a ruthless villain seeking control. Alone and determined, Aria must navigate the challenges ahead, fighting for herself and her companions' freedom.

> give a brief description of aria

Aria is a young, determined girl with a passion for exploration and a Mutatio shaped as a wagon, built to transport goods and people through rough terrains. She's agile and nimble, always ready to face new challenges with expertise and strength. Her determination and kindness makes her an asset in any situation, while her determination keeps her focus on the goal ahead. As she navigates this world filled with dangers and secrets, Aria holds true to her values and never backs down from what must be done.

> create a nmew character, a young boy who means well but is ultimately useless. give him a name and a description. decide if he is a mutatus or not. if he is, give him a mutatio. if he isn't, give him three useful skills

Name: Elian

Appearance: Elian is short with messy hair, he has an innocent face and big brown eyes that seem to hold a hint of mischief. He has a slim build and wears simple clothes, always eager for adventure, his smile brightens up any room. His heart is pure and he means well, but often finds himself in trouble because of his clumsiness.

Mutatio: Elian's Mutatio takes the form of a small boat, built for swift travel on waterways, it's lightweight yet sturdy, allowing him to navigate rivers and lakes effortlessly. It's adorned with intricate carvings and symbols from his culture. Despite his clumsiness, he's a skilled navigator, his sense of direction is unmatched.

> create a new character, a gruff old man with a forbidding appearance. give him a name and a description. give him a valuable tool, a valuable skill, and a valuable secret.

Name: Gronk

Appearance: Gronk is tall, his face is weathered by time and his eyes hold a stern gaze, he's built like an ox, with a thick beard and a muscular build. He wears heavy leather and carries a large hammer, giving off an air of danger. His voice booms and commands respect.

Tool: Gronks Mutatio takes the form of a massive axe, able to cut through any material in a single swing, it's weight and sharpness are legendary

Skill: His expertise in building structures, creating anything from simple huts to complex forts

Secret: A deep knowledge of herbs, their properties and uses that only few know, able to cure even the most deadly of wounds

> correction: gronk is not a mutatus and does not have a mutatio. his tool is his large bronze hammer. repeat the last section with this new information.

Name: Gronk

Appearance: Gronk is tall, his face is weathered by time and his eyes hold a stern gaze, he's built like an ox, with a thick beard and a muscular build. He wears heavy leather and carries a large, legendary bronze axe that booms when he swings it.

Tool: His massive bronze axe, able to cut through any material in a single swing, its weight and sharpness are feared.

Skill: Expertise in building structures, creating anything from simple huts to complex forts, he's a master craftsman

Secret: A deep knowledge of herbs, their properties and uses, only few know how to cure even the deadliest of wounds, making him a valuable asset for those seeking help or alliance

> chapter 2: aria meets elian for the first time. the two immediately dislike each other. be creative, and give the chapter a descriptive title

Chapter 2: Clash of the Adventurer and the Lucky Fool: Aria, a young girl with determination meets Elian, who seems to have an opposite approach, causing tension as their paths collide

> treat the previous section as a prompt. write ten paragraphs.

Aria couldn't help but roll her eyes at the sight of Elian, the young boy who seemed to be more trouble than he was worth. He had stumbled upon their campsite, causing chaos and clumsiness, breaking valuable objects in his wake. His smile didn't seem to faze her, only adding to her frustration. The two exchanged words, their personalities clashed like oil and water. Elian's carefree nature contrasted Aria's focused determination. As they journeyed onward, they found themselves facing challenges together, each testing the other's skills. Aria proved herself reliable, while Elian's luck seemed to get them out of sticky situations. Their banter grew into a rivalry, each trying to prove their own worth, yet finding common ground in shared experiences. Despite their differences, a bond began to form, as they faced danger and overcame obstacles. The world seemed to throw them closer, testing their limits, forcing them to rely on each other for survival.

> write a list of ten sticky situations that aria and elian may have found themselves in

1. Navigating treacherous river rapids, requiring quick thinking and expert steering skills to avoid capsizing the wagon

2. Encountering dangerous wild beasts, needing to use their combined strength and knowledge for defense and protection

3. Finding themselves lost in dense forests, relying on Elian's sense of direction and Aria's navigation skills

4. Facing natural disasters like landslides, mudslides, or rockfalls, with no option but to work together 5. Disarming traps set by bandits along their path

5. Rescuing travelers stranded in difficult terrain, showcasing their abilities and teamwork

6. Solving puzzles and riddles within ancient ruins, drawing on their different perspectives and knowledge

7. Uncovering hidden paths and shortcuts, benefitting from one another's unique approach

8. Dealing with hostile locals, using diplomacy and negotiation to gain trust and information

9. Forging alliances and trust, learning to rely on each other despite initial differences

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

> flashback: aria is travelling alone. the sun is low in the sky. before night falls, aria has to set up camp. describe the terrain as aria arrives, how she transforms back from her mutatio form into a young girl, how she sets up camp, and what the camp looks like when she is done.

As Aria's Mutatio transformed back to its normal state, a majestic Pegasus, it's golden hooves glowing in the setting sunset. She landed with grace on a clearing surrounded by dense forests and a river nearby. The wind was cool and calming, perfect for a camp. She began to unload her provisions, building a fire pit and setting up tent. The campsite was simple yet functional, using resources found along the way, Aria's expertise in survival shined through. The Mutatio blended well into the landscape, its golden coat camouflaged against the setting sun while she worked diligently. It was peaceful, but not without danger, still a world of unknowns lay ahead, the bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

> rewrite the previous section as a movie script

SCENE 1: ARIA'S MUTATIO - A beautiful white Pegasus soaring through the sky, its golden hooves glistening in the sunset. The wind ruffles her mane, as she lands gracefully on a clearing surrounded by dense forests and a river nearby. The world is vast and uncharted before them, full of adventure and dangers.

Aria transforms back to her human form, young and agile, ready to face the night alone. She begins to set up camp, building a fire pit and setting up her tent with ease. The landscape around her is peaceful yet foreboding, a world of unknowns lay ahead. Her expertise in survival shines through as she uses resources found along the way.

The campsite simple but functional, it blends well into the surroundings, the Mutatio a majestic creature that it is, hiding among the trees. The bond between them growing stronger with each passing moment.

> Aria's Mutatio takes the form of a massive wagon, designed to transport goods and people efficiently through rough terrain. The wagon is made of sturdy oak wood and has a sleek, aerodynamic shape with high wheels that roll effortlessly over any surface.

Aria guides her Mutatio wagon, built for efficient transportation, through rolling hills and hidden dangers. Its sturdy frame, a testament to her expertise in building, as it navigates the treacherous path ahead. Elian, always getting into trouble, yet always managing to find luck, their banter growing into an unspoken bond. They face obstacles together, each bringing unique skills, testing their limits. Their journey becoming a testament to trust and teamwork, uncovering secrets and alliances along the way.

END OF SESSION

NEW SESSION: v2 prompt

> aria meets elian for the first time. the two immediately dislike each other. be creative, and give the chapter a descriptive title

"Clash of the Mutatio: Aria's Wagon vs Elian's Boat"

Aria scowled as she spotted Elian approaching, her wagon towering over him with its sturdy wheels and ample space for cargo. Elian smirked in return, his boat bobbing in the water with grace and speed. They both couldn't help but feel competitive, each one trying to outdo the other in their unique forms of transportation. The air was thick with tension as they exchanged words, both stubbornly determined to prove superiority in their respective abilities. Their dislike for eachother grew stronger as they tested their limits in a race of transporting goods, pushing their Mutatios to the limit.

> aria is dependable and intelligent, elian is naive and clumsy, but lucky. that is the reason of their clash. rewrite the previous text as an analysis of their personalities

"The Dichotomy of Dependability and Chance: Aria's Wagon vs Elian's Boat"

Aria, a reliable and cunning girl, was known for her Mutatio form - a massive wagon built for sturdiness and durability. She had honed her skills in transportation, always ensuring safe and efficient journeys. Her intelligence shone through in every aspect of her work, making her an asset to any group. Elian, on the other hand, was more carefree with his Mutatio; a small boat, nimble and swift, relying on luck rather than skill. His clumsiness often landed him in trouble but somehow he would always find himself coming out unscathed, leaving others to wonder if it was mere chance or something more. As they met, the two seemed like opposites, one steady and grounded while the other, unpredictable, yet both equally capable. This contrast brought tension, as each tried to prove their strengths, leading to a race of reliabilty vs chance.

> write ten paragraphs.

Aria, the dependable and intelligent girl, stood tall in her wagon's form. Its massive structure seemed to dwarf Elian's lightweight boat, but she knew that its sturdiness was a testament to her experience. She had spent years perfecting her craft, honing her skills and knowledge of transportation. Her Mutatio was built for purpose, every detail planned with care, from the wheels to the cargo space, ensuring safe and efficient journeys. Her expertise shone through as she navigated rough terrain, never faltering under pressure. But Elian, naive and clumsy, relied on luck, his boat bobbing in the water, seemingly without a care, as if fate would guide him. His lack of planning made others nervous, yet somehow he always came out unscathed. Their personalities were like night and day; Aria steady and grounded, Elian free spirited and chance driven.

Elian's boat may have been swift, but it lacked the stability of Aria's wagon, prone to tip over at any moment. His lack of attention to detail left many questioning his competence. His luck seemed to be his only asset, defying gravity in moments when all else failed. He laughed off missteps, never taking responsibility, leaving others to wonder if there was something more to his abilities. This contrast created tension, each trying to prove their worth in their own way. Aria's wagon, a symbol of reliability, Elian's boat, a symbol of chance, each representing different approaches.

As they raced, their strengths became evident. Aria's wagon pushed on, trudging through tough obstacles while Elians boat zipped past, almost effortlessly, the wind in his hair. The race proved a challenge of trust, one who could carry the most, and deliver on time. The two were opposite sides of a coin, one methodical, the other impulsive, both effective in their own right. Aria's determination showed her resolve, while Elians luck kept him afloat.

But even with luck, Elian struggled to keep up, his boat's instability becoming clear. His clumsiness was no secret, tripping, falling, but still managing to land upright. Their clash, a test of skill vs chance, where the latter seemed to win out. Aria couldn't help but scowl at his lack of preparation, Elian couldn't help but smirk at her meticulous nature. Yet, both learned from each other, each seeing the value of balance.

Their dislike grew, each challenging the other, pushing themselves harder, testing their limits. The air was thick with competition, as they vied for supremacy, each wanting to prove their Mutatio better. Elian, daring and risk-taking, Aria cautious and calculated. Their differences, a reflection of how they approached life. One lived by chance, the other by plan. It was an intriguing analysis of personality, how they differed and yet complimented eachother

> describe an arid landscape

An arid landscape is a barren and dry environment, devoid of vegetation, where the sun beats down relentlessly on parched earth. The ground is cracked and hard, with little to no signs of life. The sky is clear and vast, stretching endlessly above, providing a backdrop for the towering sand dunes that rise and fall like waves. The air is hot and dry, carrying dust particles that swirl in the wind, creating a haze that obscures distant views. The terrain is rough, with rocks and boulders scattered about, making travel difficult. There's a sense of desolation, as if time has forgotten this place. In the distance, the horizon seems to merge with the sky, creating a never-ending expanse of

> based on that information write the following scene in past tense: the land is dry and barren, the sun low on the horizon, write two paragraphs. be creative.

As the sun set low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the arid landscape, Aria navigated her wagon through the treacherous terrain with precision. The heat was relentless, baking the earth and leaving a haze of dust in its wake. Elian's boat, seemingly at ease, skimmed across the waterways with little effort, his lucky charm holding firm. The wind carried their voices, echoing through the emptiness as they taunted eachother's abilities. It was a battle of wills; each determined to prove themselves in this unforgiving environment, pushing their Mutatio to the limit. The vastness of the sky, once intimidating now became a challenge, a goal to conquer. The sand seemed to swallow them whole, each move calculated, every step a dance in the dance of reliability vs chance. Their dislike grew into respect as they understood the power of each other's Mutatio, each relying on different strengths to carry them through the journey.

The sun finally dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the barren land as they arrived at their destination, both panting but triumphant. Aria's wagon stood steady, a symbol of determination, Elians boat still afloat despite it all. They couldn't help but acknowledge the other's prowess, shaking hands in a mutual understanding. This was a testament to their personalities, a fusion of skill and chance, a balance of dependability and risk-taking. The land may have been harsh, but they emerged stronger, united by their differences and the lessons learned from one another's approach

> the tone of this story is dark and grim. rewrite the first paragraph of the previous scene with that in mind. elian is not present in this scene.

The sun set low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the arid landscape as Aria trudged through the treacherous terrain alone. The heat was relentless, baking the earth and leaving a haze of dust in its wake. The land felt desolate, forgotten by time, a reminder of how harsh it could be. Her Mutatio form, once a symbol of reliability now seemed a burden, each move calculated and exhausting. The weight of her wagon, once steady, now became heavy, a weight she carried alone. It was a testament to the power of chance, and how luck could seem like a curse when one's plans faltered. The sky stretched endlessly above, a reminder of how small they were in this vast emptiness. A sense of despair crept in as the journey continued, her resolve wavering

> keep each paragraph shor and to the point. you may write as many paragraphs as needed. aria is carrying pelts and tools in her storage space, to trade with other villages. it is the first time she does the trip alone, as her mentor died last winter.

Aria's wagon creaked under the weight of the pelts and tools, a heavy load for the journey ahead. She knew this was her first trip alone since her mentors death, her Mutatio feeling heavier without his guidance. The land was barren, dry and unforgiving, each step a struggle. The sun beat down relentless, casting long shadows on the horizon. Her heart ached at the thought of being alone, the weight of responsibilty upon her. But she pushed on, determined to honor their memory, her mentor's teachings echoing in her mind. Each turn, she held steadfast, knowing that even chance could be overcome with determination.

The horizon seemed to stretch endlessly mock her, taunting her with its vastness, a reminder of how small they were. But she pressed forward, driven by the memories and lessons learnt. Elian's lucky charm no longer there, it was now up to her to prove reliability. The terrain roughened, rocks and boulders testing her skill. But she persevered, her wagon trudging through the sand. The sky remained an unrelenting witness, a reminder of the task ahead. But she carried on, a testament to their bond and the power of growth.

> aria has not met elian yet, he is not mentioned in this scene. split the scene into three short paragraphs.

The first time she traveled alone, Aria felt the weight of responsibility heavy on her heart. Her mentor's absence was a reminder of how much he had taught and guided her. The arid landscape stretched before her, barren and desolate, a testament to his loss. The wagon groaned under its load, each bump a reminder of the task ahead. But she pushed on, driven by memories and lessons learnt. Each turn, she held steadfast, trusting in her Mutatio form, a symbol of their bond. The horizon seemed to mock her, taunting with vastness, but she pressed forward, determined to prove reliability. The wind carried whispers of chance, a challenge to overcome. She trudged on, a testiment to their differences and unity.

> give aria's mentor a name and a short description, including one positive and one negative trait, mention physical appearance, not just personality

Mentor: Gideon. Skilled and wise, but overbearing at times. He had a stern face, his eyes piercing in thought. His hair was greying, framed by a beard, a sign of age. He stood tall with a sturdy build, a figure of authority. Positive traits - A master of transportation, patient teacher, taught Aria everything she knew. Negative trait - Could be stubborn, holding onto beliefs too strongly.

> was gideon an overbearing old cot?

Mentor's appearance: Gideon stood tall, his frame sturdy and imposing. His beard framed a set face, eyes piercing in thought. His greying hair spoke of age and wisdom. Skilled but stern, he had a commanding presence. Positive trait - A master teacher, patiently guiding Aria in transportation. Negative trait - Stubborn at times, holding on to beliefs too firmly. His Mutatio form was a cot, symbol of reliability and trust.

END OF SESSION 2

MANUALLY REWORKED SCENE:

Aria's wagon form creaked under the weight of the tools and pelts in her cargo space, a heavy load for a young girl - not that she could feel it in her Mutatio form, but, you know, in principle.

It was her first trip alone, Gideon's death the previous winter having robbed her of her mentor. She missed the stubborn old fool, overbearing as he could be at times.

His Mutatio had been... Weird, it had been weird.

It looked somewhat like a cot - a wood and bronze frame covered by tanned leather, with raised edges on all sides. Except it was big. Really big. Big enough to act like a barge. Which he did.

It was weird.

Weirder still were the cot's feet: bronze crescents that caused the cot to rock if pushed... But with some creativity, they could be used to drag it overland, like a sled.

Not the best way to navigate rocky terrain, but their synergy had been undeniable: Aria, in her wagon form, could pull both herself and her mentor. He, in turn, could both carry the cargo and act as a mobile campsite.

Mutationes were somewhat flexible, as he had taught her, and so back then she had focused on making herself light and strong: no room for cargo, or people, just big wheels and a sturdy frame.

These days, she was a big cargo wagon, feeling heavier without his guidance. Figuratively and literally, really: she had to carry her own food and water, and the trade goods for her village.

She trudged along steadily, the sun beating down on her relentlessly, casting long shadows on the horizon.

She stopped and considered: those shadows really were getting long. Time to set up camp.

CONCLUSION:

Despite being a pre-GPT4 AI, this seems workable as a tool to put ink on a blank page, and start sculpting that writer's block. Have the AI create a few characters, describe an environment, see what happens. AI as a creative tool is still not very useful, but paired with human ingenuity and luck it can definitely yield interesting results. For example, if you ask the AI if a certain character is an old coot, but misspell it old cot, you may end up with a shapeshifter with a really, really weird alternate shape.

THE QUESTIONS:

Who does this story belong to?

The prompt belongs to me. I wrote it with no AI assistance. The copyright is mine, with no doubt.

The concept of a Mutatus and its Mutatio is technically copyrightable, though these are literally "mutant" and "Mutation" in Latin, so defending them in court may be... A bit challenging. Add the limitation to one inanimate form that will almost invariably be a building or a means of transportation, however, and the combination can probably be protected fairly easily. After all, you can call any mutant a Mutant, but if you give them a Mutant Gene with associated superpowers you can expect a C&D letter from Mickey Mouse.

What about the characters?

Aria is a young girl because I said she is a young girl. She is a Mutatus because I said she is. The character "young girl with a Mutatio" is mine... But is the name "Aria"? In a way, it's no different from going to a kids' names list and picking it up - and Aria is a real name, not an original creation.

What about her Mutatio? She is a shapeshifter who can turn into a specific form. I said so in the prompt. I also limited the form to an inanimate object and either a building or a means of transportation. That's a pretty short list. But I did not say that she was a wagon.

So, whom does "Aria, young female Mutatus who can turn into a wagon" belong to?

Elian is a young boy because I said so. But I let the AI decide if he was a Mutatus or not. I don't know that the AI CAN decide that he is NOT a Mutatus, since I used the word Mutatus... But I don't know that it can't. I determined that Elian is well-intentioned but ultimately useless... But did the AI actually implement this? Elian is clumsy, but apparently he is also a skilled navigator. My intention was to have him be inexperienced, but the AI went a different way. Elian is a real name, so it cannot be copyrighted on its own. Elian, a young boy who can turn into a boat is a character that can be copyrighted. Elian, the well-meaning boat-boy who is both clumsy, and a skilled navigator is a character that could be copyrighted... But can it? Who would hold the copyright?

Gronk. The AI created Gronk from a prompt I gave it. It gave him a hammer and I liked it, so I told it to replace the axe that eventually became its tool with the hammer. The AI refused. So... If the AI created the character with a hammer and an axe, and I told it to drop the axe, and instead it kept it... Did the AI follow my prompt? Is Gronk even my character anymore, when the AI explicitly refused to follow my guidance?

Zarek. Zarek is a canned villain that could have come out of a pre-GPT random generator. Calling it a character is an insult to writers, but technically it would be a copyrightable character - if not for the fact that "Zarek the villain" is already a copyrighted character, so the name would have to be changed, at least. But whom would the copyright belong to?

The forest of Kennit, and the land of Ugnon. These haven't been named in the text, but "Unknownscape" was just too terrible for words, so I decided to change it. The forest became "Ken niet" (don't know), shortened to Kennit, changing the sound enough not to be too obvious, and the country/continent as a whole went from Unknown to something close to the Latin word for "to know" (gnoscere), but still mangled enough to only be slightly obvious.

Those are pretty lazy names, but they are at least mine. After all, the AI has never heard of the forest of Kennit, and the country of Ugnon.

What about the last scene?

I asked the AI, for fun, if Gideon was an old coot. Except I misspelled it as "old cot". The resulting Mutatio amused me, so I kept it. Does that mean that Gideon is uncopyrightable? The AI never said that Gideon's Mutatio was weird, because the AI doesn't know what weird means. Aria said Gideon's mutation was weird, because to her it was. It's a broken form, it was not meant to work that way. Gideon was just a stubborn old cot, and decided that his Mutatio was a form of transportation. And made it work. Sort of.

I decided that because I loved the idea. He was a stubborn old coot, and then he was a stubborn old cot, and the power of Pun Pun compelled me.

And that made the scene.

Which features a landscape description that was largely written by the AI, but a style that is definitely my own.

So... Who does that scene belong to?

At which point does the Photoshop filter mean that the image is no longer copyrighted?