$n$ Walks in the Fictional Woods

This paper presents a novel exploration of the interaction between generative AI models, visualization, and narrative generation processes, using OpenAI's GPT as a case study. Drawing on Umberto Eco's ``Six Walks in the Fictional Woods'', we engender a speculative, transdisciplinary scientific narrative plentiful with references and links to relevant talks. To enrich our exposition, we present a visualization prototype to analyze storyboarded narratives, and extensive conversations with ChatGPT. Our paper is thoroughly decorated with thoughtful decorations that try to encode meaning and complement the narrative.