About this Video

• Video Title: How to Organize Your DM Prep (Step by Step Guide)
• Channel: Enter the Dungeon
• Speakers: The video transcript doesn't explicitly name the speaker.
• Duration: 10:15

Introduction

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.

Key Takeaways

• Five-Folder System: The speaker recommends using five folders: Session, World, PC, NPC, and Narrative. This system helps organize various aspects of campaign preparation.
• Session Folder Template: A detailed session template is presented, including sections for outlines, moments (situations characters encounter), combat encounters, and cliffhangers to maintain player engagement.
• World Folder Contents: This folder houses campaign setting details, music, maps, and descriptions, all in one place for easy access.
• NPC and PC Organization: NPCs are categorized by session-level details and plot-relevant information. PCs are organized by backstories and "plot webs" connecting those backstories within the campaign's narrative.
• Three-Arc Narrative Structure: The speaker explains the use of Campaign Arc, Narrative Arc, and Immediate Arc for structuring the overarching story and individual sessions, advocating for tighter, more focused narratives within a campaign.

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:

• Brief, high-level summary of the session's planned events. This isn't a rigid script, but a guide to likely outcomes and flow. Note key plot points and potential decision points for the players.

II. Moments:

• Moment 1: [Description of the situation. What will the players encounter? Include relevant NPCs, potential challenges, and expected player actions.]
  • Nested Encounter (if applicable): [Detailed combat encounter or other challenge within the moment. Include monster stats, tactics, and potential outcomes.]
• Moment 2: [Description of the situation. What will the players encounter? Include relevant NPCs, potential challenges, and expected player actions.]
  • Nested Encounter (if applicable): [Detailed combat encounter or other challenge within the moment. Include monster stats, tactics, and potential outcomes.]
• Moment 3: [Repeat as needed. Structure moments to create a natural flow.]

III. Character Moments:

• PC 1: [Specific moment tailored to this PC. Focus on advancing backstory, triggering events based on their choices, and relevant NPC interactions.]
• PC 2: [Specific moment tailored to this PC. Focus on advancing backstory, triggering events based on their choices, and relevant NPC interactions.]
• PC 3: [Repeat as needed. Ensure each PC has a moment of personalized engagement.]

IV. Location Details:

• Location 1: [Name, brief description, key features, relevant NPCs present, potential points of interaction.]
• Location 2: [Repeat as needed. Include at least one tavern and one magic item shop, with details like shop owner's name, inventory, prices.]

V. People:

• NPC 1:
  • Session Level: [Description: appearance, personality, dialogue snippets, stat block (if applicable), actions within this session.]
  • Plot Information: [Long-term goals, alliances, relevant plot points, and any information the players may not know.]
• NPC 2: [Repeat as needed for all significant NPCs.]
• Follower NPCs: [Link to separate document(s) for details on recurring NPCs. ]

VI. Plotline:

• Big Bad/Main Villain: [Current goals, actions unrelated to the party, strategies, resources, allies.]
• Faction 1: [Current goals, actions unrelated to the party, strategies, resources, allies.]
• Faction 2: [Repeat as needed for all major factions and villains. Focus on their actions independent of the party's involvement.]

VII. Cliffhanger:

• [Short, impactful event or reveal to leave the players wanting more. Options include a surprising NPC arrival, an intriguing visual, or a mysterious clue.]

VIII. Session Notes:

• Space for notes taken during the session. Record unexpected player actions, interesting developments, and any adjustments to the plan.

IX. Post-Session Notes:

• Space for reflecting on the session after it's concluded. What worked well? What could be improved? What are the lingering questions or plot threads?

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:

  • NPC 1: The Hermit (Grizelda): Session Level: Grizelda is an elderly woman, appearing frail but with surprisingly keen eyes. She speaks in cryptic riddles but seems willing to help if the players prove their worth. Plot Information: Grizelda was once a scholar who studied the Cairns’ history. She knows of a hidden entrance deeper within the Cairns.

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.