The Deadly Menace of the Snow Dwellers

Matt Eastland-Jones 0:02 Hello and welcome to Awaiting Prompt: the AI podcast. Hosted by me, Matt Eastland-Jones,

Nick Short 0:08 And me, Nick Short.

Matt Eastland-Jones 0:10 Each week we give an AI a series of story prompts. These could be genres, characters, plot points, and see what kind of story it comes up with.

Nick Short 0:19 We're not writers, and we're certainly not authors.

Matt Eastland-Jones 0:22 We may need to give the AI a bit of direction on the way. But every single word is going to be entirely generated by an AI.

Nick Short 0:28 We're just really interested in the technology, seeing what it can do, and having a laugh at the stuff that it can't.

Matt Eastland-Jones 0:33 So if that sounds good, then tune in every Friday to Awaiting Prompt. Hello, and welcome to episode seven of a waiting prompt. This week we have two winter-themed stories for you to enjoy. This week, we're trying out a slightly different way of generating our stories. So previously, Nick and I would come up with our prompts before recording and then during recording, we tasked the AI to write the story. But this week, we got the AI to generate the first part of our stories before we hit record to make sure it was taking the story in the direction that we wanted it to go. With that out the way, Nick your story is up first.

Nick Short 1:12 It was a weekend in winter in the small town of Chesterton, Massachusetts, and the 16-year-old Jenny had just been issued a daunting task. Her grandmother requested that she travel back in time to prevent an accident from happening, using nothing more than her wits and determination. This old bat is desperately trying to get anything.

Matt Eastland-Jones 1:39 All right, you're going to travel back in time. How do I do that? You just try really hard. You could do anything if you put your mind to it.

Nick Short 1:51 Yeah, but can I go back in time? If you try enough! As Jenny looked out at the winter weather outside the window with snow gently falling she was filled with fear, but also excitement for what lay ahead. Jenny grabbed her coat and stepped into the cold winter air as she made her way to MacRaser's workshop, a place straight out of fairy tales that has curiosities of all kinds. Legend has it that within modest walls or secret inventions capable of ceasing time itself, and allowing visitors to take journeys through space, and beyond, trips no regular person would dare imagine. So Jenny's grandma, essentially went use your wits and determination and Jenny went, there's a shop for that. Jenny soon found herself standing before the entrance of MacRaser's workshop and thought to herself, am I really ready for this journey? She admired the intricate carvings on its heavy wooden door and tried to steady her trembling hands. After taking a deep breath she grasped the cool metal doorknob and opened it with a creak. Inside was a space like nothing Jenny had ever seen. Shelves full of strange artefacts reached up high onto the vaulted ceilings, while odd sculptures strutted around in their own corners. However, right in front of her was what she had come for, a large snowglobe atop for an ancient stand made from corkscrew mahogany. It was buzzing gently, beckoning everyone within reach, as if waiting patiently just for Jenny that day. This is it she thought reaching forward slowly to place both hands upon its silver surface and it stops there.

Matt Eastland-Jones 3:45 Ooh, that's a proper cliffhanger that is.

Nick Short 3:48 That is a proper cliffhanger. Although a) she instantly knew there was a shop for this and b) she instantly knew that essentially a snow globe was what would do the job?

Matt Eastland-Jones 3:58 Yes. Is there a particular scene within the snow globe and that's where she's going to travel in time?

Nick Short 4:03 Ooh, I don't know. that'd be really nifty though. Right, I gave this a very vague prompt and I'm quite... I think I might just keep it like we did with the last episode, but just keep it very vague and just get it...

Matt Eastland-Jones 4:20 Did you give that a vague prompt to start with?

Nick Short 4:22 That was a very vague prompt. I've also got a slightly longer length, and it seems to have... I seem to have managed to get it to write longer. So currently, the maximum length is up to 693 and that's just because that's what the slider put it on. But also my prompt, one thing I will give away is I got it to write a novel, write the start of a novel rather than a short story and that... not only did it make it slightly longer, it also added dialogue, which we never previously had any dialogue unless we told it to write a script or added with... add dialogue. So this one is to write a novel and then my vague prompt.

Matt Eastland-Jones 5:06 Because I was going to say your prompt like it's really descriptive. It's so much more narrative than the short stories which are always like there was a village and then this happened and then the people gathered together.

Nick Short 5:18 Jenny looked inside the snow globe. But instead of seeing glistening white winter scenery, she saw fields and roads that didn't seem to belong in her time. All around herself seemed to be frozen. Not in time, like the snow scenes usually depict that by some unknown force of magic. She was suddenly startled as a voice rang out from behind her. It looks like you've made your choice, it said with a hint of amusement. Jenny spun around to see an old man standing in front of the desk near the far wall, who was wearing an odd-looking vest with strange symbols on it. Alchemy symbols, she quickly realised the old man introduced himself as MacRaser and gestured towards the snowglobe saying, you have chosen well, my dear, this device will allow you to travel back into time before the accident which needs preventing occurs. He then proceeded to explain how if Jenny could make it back within five hours before whatever unfortunate event took place, she might just be able to alter its course. With trembling hands, Jenny accepted her task and appointed departure date and watched with anticipation as MacRasor carefully adjusted several dials on his peculiar vest. MacRasor carefully adjusted several dials on his peculiar wrist until finally exhaling deeply he said, there we go, you're all set! Still shaking from what lay ahead. Jenny stepped up onto a wind-swept platform directly below were giant second hand hovered perched above them both, ready for action at last. I think the AI is slightly shitting the bed here. With only seconds left before takeoff, MacRaser gave one final instruction. Be brave my child now close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you otherwise. Then without warning or sound he flipped small switch near his chest, watching smilingly as entire room began shake softly like impending storm about arrive.

Matt Eastland-Jones 7:36 What?

Nick Short 7:37 I think it's struggling now.

Matt Eastland-Jones 7:39 I love that! That was hilarious.

Nick Short 7:42 It's brilliant.

Matt Eastland-Jones 7:45 I just love how it's like, you must travel back in time to prevent the thing which may occur. Do we know what she's trying to prevent?

Nick Short 7:58 With a deafening rumble, the snow globe began to amplify as long-forgotten winds whipped through the room. Jenny felt an enormous sensation of power coursing through her veins and no matter how hard she tried, her eyelids refused to part, even if only for a second. Then in one sudden motion, it stopped and everything became still again. With a few final clicks from MacRasor's vest. He said you can open your eyes now. As Jenny open them slowly she realised that she had arrived at her destination moments before the accident was due to take place.

Matt Eastland-Jones 8:38 It's not going to tell you the accident is.

Nick Short 8:40 It's never going to tell us what the accident is.

Matt Eastland-Jones 8:43 It's like the victim from our murder mystery.

Nick Short 8:46 Yeah! The scenery outside of the snow globe was familiar yet different enough where one could tell they weren't in their own time anymore. She turned back around and found MacRasor already starting his contraption up at once more saying now go quickly, my dear and see what you can do. He smiled warmly before giving out one last instruction. Remember your gift is never complete without according yourself with great mercy. What does that mean me?

Matt Eastland-Jones 9:22 What does that mean?

Nick Short 9:26 Jenny took hold of both sides of MacRasor's magical device smiling confidently in spite of all fear, for first time since arriving there, she finally knew exactly why she came here today.

Matt Eastland-Jones 9:41 What?

Nick Short 9:42 Right, so she finally knew exactly why she came here today, to save someone or something, from tragedy. She stepped forward into brisk winter air, not knowing exactly what would happen next but trusting herself completely nevertheless, deep down feeling like life itself just might depend on it this time, Jenny argued with the keepers of time and made appeals to change the future, desperately trying to save the person, (or thing) in danger. She was growing tired, but her spirit persisted and eventually something shifted. The scene began to alter itself before her eyes until finally, it seemed as if everything was right again, exhausted yet triumphant, Jenny stepped onto MacRasor's platform, just moments later, back in the present day, exhausted yet triumphant Jenny stepped onto my razors platform just moments later, back in the present day, as she turned around, and look razor smiled knowingly at her, saying, I told you be brave, my dear. He then handed her a simple necklace with a snowflake charm on it, telling Jenny that this would be a little something for all she had done this evening, before bidding farewell, and leaving her standing there alone amidst clockwork wonders. For many days and nights afterwards, Jenny thought about what had happened still unsure if anything she did actually fixed what needed changing. But one thing remained certain, no matter how much time past or how far away tomorrow may seem, sometimes our most important journey is simply revisiting ourselves for within us lies strength enough to shape our own winter wonderland. The air was cold and crisp as Jenny made her way home, snowflakes gently dancing around her face. She felt invigorated and stronger now than ever before, not only because of what she had faced, or where she had been, or what she had done, but because of what she discovered the power of bravery. When Jenny got home that night, feeling exhausted but accomplished. She looked out of her bedroom window at the town below quite differently, realising how many stories will lie beyond these sleepy streets, each involving time travel in one way or another. Yet, no matter where you go, you'll find yourself living between worlds from yesterday and today through love lost and found and although grandma never knew exactly whether Jenny altered the course of history that day, it didn't matter.

Matt Eastland-Jones 12:40 What? You failed, my dear, but it didn't matter.

Nick Short 12:46 Jenny comes home and she's like Grandma, Grandma, look at what I did. And she's like, I don't care. Oh, God, because more important than any accident was the lesson learned. If we just muster enough courage inside ourselves to hold on to our dreams, then anything is possible. The end.

Matt Eastland-Jones 13:09 Honestly, we could pivot this podcast into being like some kind of self-help thing with the amount of stories and, like take-home messages that the AI gives us is truly inspirational.

Nick Short 13:22 Right, this story needs a title. Ooh, I like this. Catching a Miracle in a Snowstorm.

Matt Eastland-Jones 13:31 Ooh, that's quite nice. Sounds very festive.

Nick Short 13:35 I like that. Right, that is my Winter's Tale. I am very ready for yours.

Matt Eastland-Jones 13:43 Here we go. So I've put it through the AI again, I changed story to novel and it is definitely better. Okay. Are you ready?

Nick Short 13:53 I am and I'm sitting comfortably.

Matt Eastland-Jones 13:55 Good, that was gonna be my second question. It was a peaceful and quiet night in Dasenville. A remote village tucked away in the mountains. The snow was coming down fast, blanketing the streets and buildings of the small town with a thick layer of white. As morning came, the sun began to shine on the village turning it into a winter wonderland. But then, the villagers noticed something strange. Everywhere they looked there was snowmen, perfectly crafted snow sculptures standing in their respective places all around town. Even stranger still, each of them was carefully sculpted with facial features that made them look terrifying the human-like. The village had never seen anything like for and so full of curiosity and fear everyone ventured out to take a look.

Nick Short 14:48 I'm gonna be honest, if I saw a snowman with a human face on it, I would run for the hills.

Matt Eastland-Jones 14:56 I'm really curious about this and terrified. So let's go have a look.

Nick Short 15:02 I mean, it's like every horror movie ever where they're like, look at this spooky house. Rather than leaving it alone. Let's visit it.

Matt Eastland-Jones 15:08 Like let's look inside. Yes, everyone ventured out to take a look at the unsettling snowman. Then came a rumour that one young boy who had ventured outside it nice to take a closer look at one of the particular snowmen had gone missing. The villagers knew better than to venture out into days in bill after dark by now, especially near any of those mysterious snowmen, as no one wanted to end up like that poor boy. However, despite their fear, as winter progressed, something even more frightening started happening. Every morning when people woke up, more snowmen appeared within eyesight of their houses. Not only that, but each day, they seemed creepier and creepier. It almost seemed as if their facial expressions were changing. The terrorised villagers began to barricade themselves indoors during days and nights. But when they peered through their windows, they caught glimpses of what seemed like the impossible. Some mornings, they would witness those ominous figures, ambling unfalteringly closer towards them, until one night when those silent visitors finally got inside. That's pretty spooky!

Nick Short 16:28 That's awful. It's the fact of like, it's not that they see it moving. It's like every morning it's slightly closer to the house and that is horrifying.

Matt Eastland-Jones 16:39 My inspiration was the Weeping Angels from Dr Who. I was like, what if they were snowmen? That was my thinking.

Nick Short 16:47 Oh my god, that's so cool.

Matt Eastland-Jones 16:49 I had a very specific prompt to cue up the story, but I'm keeping it vague following the follow on prompts. The villagers awoke to a newfound terror the morning after the snowman began entering their homes. As each villager crept out of bed, they were met with an eerie silence. One so thick, it was as if an invisible force was holding them in place. Each house was empty, yet no trace of life remained. It was if something inexplicable had happened within the night, something much more sinister than anyone could have imagined. When the villagers eventually mustered up the courage to look outside, they screamed at what greeted them. The Snowman littered all around Dasenville, like silent sentinels, observing their surroundings in place of what had once been bustling streets, and cheery inhabitants. No one dared step beyond the doors of their houses ever again. So all that remained were hushed whispers, each a speculation more unnerving than the last. Did these snowmen come to take something away? Or did they come for something bigger? The questions lingered in Dasenville, leaving the villages perplexed and on edge as to what might happen next. Everyone knew there was something sinister lurking nearby. But no one knew how or even when it would be revealed. It kind of glossed over the fact that they entered the house, but that's spooky as hell, right?

Nick Short 18:16 It's also like they entered the house and THEN the spooky thing happened.

Matt Eastland-Jones 18:21 Yeah. I like the image of a village that looks like it's uninhabited because there's no one out and about, but really, everyone's just inside their houses, terrified of the snowmen that are just like still outside. Like, imagine if you came to this town, you'd be like, what the fuck is going on?

Nick Short 18:46 It's just like a ghost town. You'd have to walk past all of the snowmen and then the first time you look out through it like someone's window you'll see they're inside, terrified.

Matt Eastland-Jones 18:57 Yeah, I'm gonna I'm gonna do that. Yeah, a traveller arrives in the town.

Nick Short 19:01 Oh my god. That'd be awful.

Matt Eastland-Jones 19:03 Yeah, that's cool. Okay, travel arrives at the town unaware of the snowmen continue writing the novel. The travellers arrival in Dasenville brought with it a newfound sense of hope for the villagers. With someone from the outside world taking an interest in their plight. Maybe something could be done to finally read the snowman from the village and restore Dasenville to its former peace and quiet. Arguably it is very peaceful and very quiet. Just because there is they're under siege.

Nick Short 19:31 Because you're in fear.

Matt Eastland-Jones 19:35 The traveller, a dauntless explorer, ventured forth into Dasenville, seemingly heedless of the snowmen scattered all over the town. Much to the surprise of those who have long since secluded themselves inside their homes, that brave wanderer have ventured near one particular snowman, eerily similar to the one that had been seen near where the young boy went missing. Soon enough, an even stranger occurrence began to happen as the days passed. Whenever that traveller stopped by one of those otherwise still figures, its gaze shifted to regard them with what could only be described as a knowing stare. It almost seems like these inanimate figures was somehow conveying silent messages, beckoning the adventurer to delve deeper into Dasenville's mysteries. The villagers discussed furiously amongst themselves, it came up with no answer, which could explain why these snowmen acted so particular around him. No solutions which could offer up solace or safely, was he unknowingly walking straight into danger? Or perhaps he was meant to find what had been hidden within this otherwise peaceful village? What secrets were these snowmen keeping locked away?

Nick Short 20:45 Oh, this is terrifying.

Matt Eastland-Jones 20:50 It definitely feels like a Doctor Who episode! I'm just gonna say conclude the novel. I'm not going to give it a prompt. Well, I am, but I'm not going to give it any story. Staring up at one of the eerie snowmen. The adventures hand slowly reached out in order to touch it's cold and icy body. But just as its fingertips we're about to graze it surface, a menacing laugh suddenly echoed all around them, and the snowmen came alive. Suddenly, it was an all too real creature made of ice, snow and darkness. Horrified, the travellers screamed out with no response from anyone, save for an even deeper chuckle from somewhere out of the icy depths of Dasenville. The villain's voice seems strangely familiar. But with no time to waste deciphering riddles, the traveller began to run for dear life. With every step he took, though, two more appeared in his path, each equipped with a strange and mysterious mission, written only within its icy eyes and that was when he finally realised, this was a game, a game which being created by someone out of monstrous curiosity. So an unknown who had tried to puzzle over Dasenville's darker secrets, yet failed due to unforeseen outcome, a hero emerging from the shadows. The adventurer ran through frozen fields and twisted pathways, until finally reaching safely. Yet he could never be sure if he really escaped, or if it just simply let him go. As he drew away from the depths of mountainside wilderness. However, one thing remains undeniably clearer than all else. No one would ever again overlook what lies dormant beneath Dasenville's blanket of white snow. So the village is just fucked, they're still trapped inside their homes.

Nick Short 22:44 The adventure just went, byeeee.

Matt Eastland-Jones 22:46 Pretty much yeah.

Nick Short 22:47 That is a horrifying line though of, I don't know if I escaped or if I was allowed to leave.

Matt Eastland-Jones 22:54 Oh yeah. I like the very last line. No one ever overlooked what lies beneath Dasenville's blanket of white snow, because it's such like a contrast between a place that looks, you know, beautiful, but it's hiding something like this... the snow is hiding something sinister.

Nick Short 23:12 It's horrifying. It's brilliant.

Matt Eastland-Jones 23:15 Write a scary title. The terror of the snowman.

Nick Short 23:20 That is a very Doctor Who title

Matt Eastland-Jones 23:24 That is very true, yes. Okay, I'm gonna give it one more prompt to write a title. I gave it the prompt write a Stephen King-inspired title for this novel. It came up with The Deadly Menace of the Snow Dwellers.

Nick Short 23:41 Ooh, I like that. It was a very spooky winter.

Matt Eastland-Jones 23:46 Yes, it was a very spooky winter. I think that I feel like we both just naturally gravitate to horror and sci fi when we give ourselves these open themes.

Nick Short 23:56 Especially when it's so vague, because so I was messing around with the settings quite a bit. So my temperature is up to one like normal. Then the maximum length was about triple what it normally is, it was 693 and just because that's what the slider... I wanted, I just moved it with slider. Then the frequency penalty and presence penalty are at one.

Matt Eastland-Jones 24:16 Oh, that's probably why it was making those grammatical mistakes.

Nick Short 24:21 Yeah, but then also so my prompt was just write the start of a novel about time travel and winter, and it came up with everything else.

Matt Eastland-Jones 24:29 That's really impressive. So my prompt was write an unsettling horror story set in a remote village that one night gets heavy snowfall and snow men appear all around the village the next day, there are rumours of a young boy who went missing as he walked past one of the snowmen at night. They looked like innocent snowmen. Every morning the snowman crept closer close to people's houses and facial expressions change to look sinister. One night they get in and end on a cliffhanger. Mine was really like, this is what I want this to happen.

Nick Short 24:58 I want this and you better do it. But that was really cool that and it was definitely unsettling.

Matt Eastland-Jones 25:03 Yes. No, I think that was good one.

Nick Short 25:07 That's everything for this episode of Awaiting Prompt.

Matt Eastland-Jones 25:09 If you enjoyed it then please leave us a review and make sure to subscribe so you can stay up to date with all future episodes.