Summoning Chamber
AI agent builder disguised as a 1992 DOS RPG — full product from concept to shipped build
Published:
Context
Agent builders are powerful but sterile. The tools that let you create AI agents treat the experience as purely functional — forms, dropdowns, JSON configs. But building agents is an act of creation, and the experience should reflect that.
Approach
Summoning Chamber reimagines agent building through a VGA-era RPG metaphor:
- AI providers become Lands of Origin (10 fantasy realms)
- Agent roles become Character Classes (11 archetypes)
- System prompts become Sworn Oaths
- Tools become Equipment slots
- The agent config file (.summon.md) becomes a Character Sheet
Full product design locked before development began. Complete mapping system translating every AI configuration concept to RPG mechanics. 18-week phased roadmap with parallel development and asset production tracks.
Outcome
Main development build complete. v1.0 pixel graphic asset set locked (produced via the Limner pipeline — Card 2). Currently compiling prompt and source databases for initial agent options, launching with Anthropic models first. Zod schemas validated. SvelteKit routes built. Cloudflare infrastructure deployed.
Project Lineage
Summoning Chamber spawned the Limner agent (Image Asset Pipeline) out of necessity for VGA-era pixel assets. The Limner workflow learning then enabled the portrait project. One product vision generating multiple reusable capabilities.
Key Insight
The best developer tools don't just work — they create an experience. Metaphor isn't decoration; it's a design system that makes complexity navigable.
Portfolio Signal
- ◈ Full product lifecycle: concept → design bible → asset production → development → build
- ◈ Creative vision translated into shipped software
- ◈ Spawned two additional portfolio projects (Limner agent, portrait workflow)
- ◈ Documentation quality — the design docs are portfolio pieces on their own
- ◈ Long-term project discipline across an 18-week parallel-track roadmap
Corporate Translation
This is product management from zero to one. Market insight → product spec → design system → parallel workstream management → shipped build. The RPG metaphor is the differentiator; the process underneath is standard product delivery.