¶ OpenRouter, Online LLMs, and why you are paying to use a Skyrim Mod
OpenRouter is the primary LLM engine for this mod.
We highly recommend for most people trying out the mod to create an account and put $5 into it.
Why do you have to pay to use a Skyrim mod?
OpenRouter is just an API (a way to access external servers) to get access to powerful AI hardware.
You are not paying us to use the mod. You are paying a datacenter to access their AI infrastructure.
It is possible, as shown in the next chapter, to run everything locally. However you will need a super computer and you will have a harder experience with setup.
Fortunately it really is quite cheap to use OpenRouter.
In our testing using a 70B LLM you may use up to $5 a month for heavy playtime.
It is also a pay-as-you-go service so you only get charged when you are playing the mod, so you will never lose your credits for inactivity.
Of course you can spend more if you want to use more powerful models!
We can not stress this enough, we really recommend you to just use OpenRouter.
We have spent most of our development working around it and designing these systems with their models in mind.
CHIM compared to Herika has heck of a lot more going on under the hood, so powerful online LLM’s are required to have the full immersive roleplay experience.
Without it a lot of the features we have added and are planning to add just would not work well.
TL;DR
AI integration into video games is another large technological leap similar to MMO’s in the late 90’s. AI video games are just 90's MMO's
- Technologically complex compared to traditional games
- Gameplay interaction is very different compared to traditional games
- Requires always online connection
- Subscription model on top of having the buy the game
- EverQuest = Most advanced internet chatroom. CHIM = Advanced chat room but without the need of real friends!
- No one at this point really knows what they are doing
¶ OpenAI
OpenAI is another popular LLM service that can be used.
Their models are powerful, but more limited compared to what is on offer with OpenRouter.
Historically they have been known to be more censored compared to other LLMs. So you may have difficulties with NSFW roleplay.
Link to OpenAI
Simply create an account and pay for some credits.
