really good
Somehow this manages to be preferable over much larger models (even 34b), and I find myself consistently surprised the model is so tiny. If you could find a way to replicate this models attention to detail, narrative pacing, and novel use of literary techniques on a larger scale, it would be huge. I find that most big models I've tried are smart, but sound very very similar one interaction to the next, with a level of detachment and formulaic use of dialogue and cliche metaphors. While this model does have the occasional tired phrase, it makes up for it by an apparent engagement with the content of the story and 'taking risks'. Characters get angry when appropriate, speak differently depending on their personality (as opposed to having maybe five different personalities that most models seem to mix and match), and strong instruction following.
TLDR A great model for its size, and if something similar can be done with a smarter model while retaining its literate novelty, I would be ecstatic.