From Stat Block to Tabletop: A First-Order Logic Framework for Authoring Immersive RPG Combat Encounters

Designing balanced and engaging combat encounters in tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), is a complex task requiring Game Masters (GMs) to consider numerous context-specific factors, including player abilities, narrative coherence, and environmental features. To streamline this process and assist both novice and experienced GMs, we propose a framework that leverages First-Order Logic to interpret the information embedded in both, player and non-player, character stat blocks and generate meaningful, immersive combat scenarios. This framework introduces subsystems – such as Traits, Strength Rating, Payoff Matrix, and Scenario – that extract implied behaviors and combat tactics from stat blocks, enabling modular, reusable, and system-agnostic rule creation. We validate the framework’s practicality through Tactical Tome, a digital authoring tool designed to aid in encounter preparation across various RPG systems. Tactical Tome enables precise, data-driven decision-making for encounter design, supporting both pen-and-paper RPGs and digital games that incorporate stat-block mechanics. A task-based expert user study involving 13 participants experienced in the D&D domain demonstrates the framework’s effectiveness, revealing significant improvements in encounter design efficiency and quality, alongside challenges regarding data requirements.