This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to organize preparation for running a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) campaign, using Google Docs as an example. The speaker details a folder system and note-taking approach designed to streamline the DM's workflow and enhance the player experience.
Based on the speaker's suggestions, here's a comprehensive TTRPG session template. Remember, this is a template—adapt it to your specific campaign needs.
Session Title: [Session Title - e.g., Session 3: The Whispering Cairns]
Session Number: [Session Number - e.g., 3]
Date: [Date of Session]
I. Outline:
II. Moments:
III. Character Moments:
IV. Location Details:
V. People:
VI. Plotline:
VII. Cliffhanger:
VIII. Session Notes:
IX. Post-Session Notes:
Remember to link to relevant documents in the World, PC, and NPC folders as needed. Maintain consistency in your naming conventions for easy reference. This template is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different TTRPG systems and campaign styles.
Let's break down each section of the TTRPG session template, providing examples in the context of a session titled "Session 3: The Whispering Cairns." This session is part of a campaign where the players are investigating a series of strange disappearances in a remote mountain region.
I. Outline:
This is a high-level overview of the session's planned events. It's not a rigid script, but a flexible roadmap.
Example: "Players investigate the Whispering Cairns, encountering a minor puzzle (Moment 1), a combat encounter with goblins guarding a passage (Moment 2), and a conversation with a mysterious hermit who holds a clue to the disappearances (Moment 3). The session ends with a cliffhanger revealing a hidden entrance leading deeper into the Cairns."
II. Moments:
Moments are specific situations or encounters the players will face. They are the building blocks of the session, offering opportunities for player agency and interaction.
Example: Moment 1: "The players arrive at the entrance to the Whispering Cairns. A weathered stone inscription poses a riddle that must be solved to open a hidden entrance."
III. Nested Encounters (within Moments):
Encounters are challenges, usually combat, that take place within a Moment.
Example (nested within Moment 2): "A patrol of 3 goblins (stats included here) ambushes the players as they enter the passage. The goblins are led by a larger, stronger goblin boss with a crude club."
IV. Character Moments:
These are situations specifically tailored to individual player characters. They are designed to connect with their backstories, motivations, and personal arcs.
Example: "A flashback sequence during Moment 3 reveals that the hermit was a childhood friend of Elara (PC 1), offering a crucial piece of information only she understands and can relate to."
V. Location Details:
This section provides detailed descriptions of locations mentioned in the session.
Example: "The Whispering Cairns: A network of ancient, moss-covered stone structures clinging to the side of a steep mountain. The air is cold and damp, and an unnatural silence hangs in the air. A faint whistling sound echoes from within the deeper caverns." Include specific details relevant to the session – e.g., traps, hidden passages, notable features.
VI. People:
This section details important NPCs, categorized for easy reference.
Example:
VII. Plotline:
This is a high-level overview of the ongoing plotlines, regardless of player interaction in this session.
Example: "The Shadow Syndicate is continuing its efforts to locate the ancient artifact hidden within the Cairns. They are using unwitting villagers to clear the outer areas, unaware of the true dangers within. The Syndicate leader, Malkor, is preparing for a final assault."
VIII. Cliffhanger:
This is a dramatic ending designed to keep players engaged until the next session.
Example: "As the players enter the hidden entrance, a chilling gust of wind extinguishes their torches, plunging them into darkness. A guttural growl echoes from the depths, and a pair of glowing red eyes appear in the gloom."
By utilizing this structured approach, you can efficiently prepare for and run engaging and memorable TTRPG sessions. Remember that this is a template—adjust it based on your unique campaign and players.