_Think of your Adventure as a series of encounters._ This one really helps my Adventure structure and gives a nice overview of what I need to prepare. What is the first encounter of your Adventure? (setup and hook) What other encounters does that encounter lead to? How do different outcomes of encounters affect other encounters? What encounters have to be completed in what way and order to reach the end goal?
I've been using the ARC binding system from staples. My main book is a standard 8 1/2 x 11 but I have pre punched smaller papers that I keep in multiples on separate arc rings (usually printed custom blank npc notes, items, ideas, mini-graph papers that I made pdfs for fast reprinting) the papers can be pushed/pulled from page to page in my arc book so its easy to move stuff from page to page. way more easier an freeing than a binder.
Since lockdown I’ve GMed in foundry, I’ve found the journal section in the program really good. When/if my campaigns go irl il probably find some way to emulate it. I really like how it’s just one click away and easily accessible and sortable in one place. It’s similar to like a google drive folder in structure but without loading times, very nice system to keep campaign notes.
I really enjoy your videos and have been sort of watching a bunch of them recently and felt like I should actually pop into the comment section and say hi. I'm launching a TTRPG channel soon and I REALLY like finding other female GMs out in the UA-cam Community to get inspired by. I really enjoy your video tips on safety to ensure enjoyable game experiences for everyone. And just in general hearing what different GMs do for game prep is always really helpful. Thanks so much for making videos and sharing and I look forward to watching more stuff from you!
Google docs work for me! Plus then having campaign logger to make it even easier to reference back to things that happened. The list of NPCs continues to grow and I need that cast of characters page a LOT to make sure that I am referring to the right person.
Hi there, great video. It sounds like we have a very similar planning style! Iv been GMing for about two years and iv bounced between paper and pc for documentation (depends if I get ideas while out with the kids or at home) . Iv recently discovered Microsoft OneNote and I love it! I can add to my notes using the phone app when I'm out, and use the computer when I'm home to add and rearrange notes. You can have seperate books and pages all in the one place. I have one 'book' for the session plan, character development, overriding story and furure ides. 😁 Give it a look! (no this is not indorced in anyway by Microsoft hahaha)
I've used OneNote for work and really like it, reminds me some of Evernote which I know a lot of folks also use for planning. I'd probably use it if my home computer was a PC.
It sounds like you are keeping your ideas flexible, because no plan ever works out the way you originally envision when players are involved. hehe. I tend to opt for a messy notebook myself (but I do try to leave extra space for later notes). I like 3x5 cards too, as you can always just grab another card to jot on. I've used sticker paper to cover up old ideas on pages that have too much info jammed onto it. It sounds like you have a good system for prep and running sessions. What's tough about milestones is that often the players will make their own milestones. When my kids came along I had less time for a lot of this kind of prep, and then it became more heavy improvisation and then trying to jot down what I came up with at the table. I find recordings are good for keeping track of what happened, and then I could take notes from that later. It sucks when the recording fails though.
Guarantee: The one NPC that you dont make any notes for is THE npc that will players will be absolutely certain is Darth Voldemort in disguise and knows everything, and they will then ransack the npcs home and steal their stuff.
_Think of your Adventure as a series of encounters._
This one really helps my Adventure structure and gives a nice overview of what I need to prepare.
What is the first encounter of your Adventure? (setup and hook)
What other encounters does that encounter lead to?
How do different outcomes of encounters affect other encounters?
What encounters have to be completed in what way and order to reach the end goal?
Documenting your process can be really helpful. I’ve been on UA-cam since 2012 and it’s funny how my prep has evolved over time.
please upload a vid about the burning wheel.
I've been using the ARC binding system from staples. My main book is a standard 8 1/2 x 11 but I have pre punched smaller papers that I keep in multiples on separate arc rings (usually printed custom blank npc notes, items, ideas, mini-graph papers that I made pdfs for fast reprinting) the papers can be pushed/pulled from page to page in my arc book so its easy to move stuff from page to page. way more easier an freeing than a binder.
Since lockdown I’ve GMed in foundry, I’ve found the journal section in the program really good. When/if my campaigns go irl il probably find some way to emulate it. I really like how it’s just one click away and easily accessible and sortable in one place. It’s similar to like a google drive folder in structure but without loading times, very nice system to keep campaign notes.
I really enjoy your videos and have been sort of watching a bunch of them recently and felt like I should actually pop into the comment section and say hi. I'm launching a TTRPG channel soon and I REALLY like finding other female GMs out in the UA-cam Community to get inspired by. I really enjoy your video tips on safety to ensure enjoyable game experiences for everyone. And just in general hearing what different GMs do for game prep is always really helpful. Thanks so much for making videos and sharing and I look forward to watching more stuff from you!
Thanks! Glad your enjoying videos and I'm looking forward to checking out your video as they come out!
Google docs work for me! Plus then having campaign logger to make it even easier to reference back to things that happened. The list of NPCs continues to grow and I need that cast of characters page a LOT to make sure that I am referring to the right person.
Hi there, great video. It sounds like we have a very similar planning style! Iv been GMing for about two years and iv bounced between paper and pc for documentation (depends if I get ideas while out with the kids or at home) . Iv recently discovered Microsoft OneNote and I love it! I can add to my notes using the phone app when I'm out, and use the computer when I'm home to add and rearrange notes. You can have seperate books and pages all in the one place. I have one 'book' for the session plan, character development, overriding story and furure ides. 😁 Give it a look! (no this is not indorced in anyway by Microsoft hahaha)
I've used OneNote for work and really like it, reminds me some of Evernote which I know a lot of folks also use for planning. I'd probably use it if my home computer was a PC.
It sounds like you are keeping your ideas flexible, because no plan ever works out the way you originally envision when players are involved. hehe. I tend to opt for a messy notebook myself (but I do try to leave extra space for later notes). I like 3x5 cards too, as you can always just grab another card to jot on. I've used sticker paper to cover up old ideas on pages that have too much info jammed onto it. It sounds like you have a good system for prep and running sessions. What's tough about milestones is that often the players will make their own milestones. When my kids came along I had less time for a lot of this kind of prep, and then it became more heavy improvisation and then trying to jot down what I came up with at the table. I find recordings are good for keeping track of what happened, and then I could take notes from that later. It sucks when the recording fails though.
Would really like to see one of your campaign prep documents, if you're willing to share. :)
I share a few of them in this video: ua-cam.com/video/PZIMf4r_PM8/v-deo.html
Cool shirt.
Guarantee: The one NPC that you dont make any notes for is THE npc that will players will be absolutely certain is Darth Voldemort in disguise and knows everything, and they will then ransack the npcs home and steal their stuff.
It is known
:D
You rock! Ty for the advice!!!
Glad it helps!