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 OR ChatML, some users reported better results with ChatML (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:

Aspect	Trouper-12B	Prima-24B
Prose Style	Direct and concrete	Slightly more elaborate
AI Slop	Minimal	Moderate (some patterns)
Reliability	Good (template-sensitive)	Excellent
Long Context	Good (12B)	Better (24B)
Inference Speed	Faster (12B)	Slower (24B)
Setup Difficulty	Moderate (template critical)	Easy
Action RP	Good	Excellent
Emotional RP	Excellent	Good

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:

Aspect	TinyRP-12B	Trouper-12B
Formulaic patterns	Yes (after 20+ turns)	No
Character stagnation	Yes	No - characters evolve
Opening variety	Repetitive	Varied
Training data	Original dataset	Custom "Actors" dataset
Long conversations	Degrades	Maintains quality

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!