DarwinAnim8or / Trouper-12B

Trouper-12B

A character roleplay model trained on the custom "Actors" dataset, fine-tuned from Mistral-Nemo-Base-12B. This model was made to expand on the things I learned from TinyRP, and to overcome certain limitations I found from it; also on an entirely new dataset made just for this model.

This model writes more naturally, less like "AI"; even more so than the 24B model I'm also releasing. I suppose this is because the 12B model saw less synthethic data, and is thus less likely to use phrases typical in AI writing & prose.

-> If you're looking for the larger model in this series: Prima-24B

Looking for feedback, so please do share if you got any!

Key Features

• Clean prose : Minimal AI slop patterns, natural speech
• Character depth : Handles emotional progression and vulnerability well
• Efficient : 12B size provides fast inference while maintaining quality
• Template-dependent : Requires Mistral-V3-Tekken for proper stop behavior

Recommended Settings

Use chat completion mode

• Temperature : 0.7 (tested and validated)
• Template : Mistral-V3-Tekken (critical for proper formatting and stop behavior)
• Context : Handles 15-20+ turn conversations effectively
• Prompt Preprocessing : Semi-strict, no tools

Strengths

• Writing Quality : Direct, concrete descriptions without purple prose
• Natural Dialogue : Speech patterns feel authentic, not performative
• Emotional Range : Handles vulnerability, humor, and character growth
• Structural Variety : Avoids formulaic response patterns
• Show Don't Tell : Trusts the reader, doesn't over-explain emotions

Comparison to Prima-24B

Trouper-12B and Prima-24B are trained on identical data but offer different trade-offs:

Choose Trouper-12B if : You want best prose quality, natural dialogue, and don't mind template setup
Choose Prima-24B if : You want reliability, long context, or action-oriented RP

Comparison to TinyRP-12B

This model addresses several issues found in my previous TinyRP-12B release:

Known Limitations

• Template Sensitivity : Without Mistral-V3-Tekken, may generate meta-narration or continue past appropriate stopping points
• Occasional Meta-Breaks : Rare instances of stepping outside character (regenerate if needed)
• Context Window : While good for 15-20+ turns, may be outperformed by larger models at 50+ turns. please let me know how it works for you!

Got Feedback?

Issues, questions, or feedback welcome! Particularly interested in:

• Long conversation quality (20+ turns)
• Template compatibility findings
• Comparison with other RP models

Feel free to make a post in the Community tab here!