Comments on: Session Writing- It’s All In The Notes

By: njharman

njharman — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:12:54 +0000

I put everything on notecards. The only full-size(8.5×11) papers are in my DM-Book. *Thin* tabbed binder with campaign level stuff. Such as random names, random quirks/personalities, rumors, maps of region, some rules, calendar of pre-generated events/holidays/notes/weather, session notes. I keep this in front of me during session and use it to, among other things, create stuff on the fly when players go off some tangent not thought of/prepped for.

The note cards are in stacks around this and include:

A card for each “terrain” with bulleted list; descriptions using 5 senses (and sometimes more like detect evil/good)

A card for each scene/encounter with bulleted list; 1-2 specific 5 sense description(heavy animal musk)/moods(serene). What the challenge/purpose of scene is. Maybe some dialog. Hi-lighted DC checks for traps, finding stuff, knowledge. Any treasure on back along with how plot progresses if characters fail and how plot progresses if characters succeed. Maybe a little map.

A card for each NPC/Monster (mooks/minions share a single card) with stat block on front. On back, equipment, physical description(5 senses). *One* quirk/mannerism/feature to make them memorable. Goals/relations/history(if major NPC) and a “signature” quote that paraphrases their personality. Sometimes I read quote to players, other times it’s just to jog my memory about all the stuff I was thinking when imagining this npc.

For important hi-level npcs esp casters I’m finding one card is not enough but I am loath to go to something larger. Perhaps I’ll try putting spells and equipment on separate card.

Before session I grab the terrains/scenes/mobs I expect to be used. Others are close by. I use a card holder behind my screen for the most critical. I spend few seconds scanning the bullet points and visualizing the terrain/scene/npc then describe it to players. The bulleted lists of 5 senses and pause to visualize has helped me tremendously to quickly express memorable, unique scenes/mobs and immerse my players.

Oh, I also have card for each player character that i use in initiative stack. But also with key skills/abilities for secret DC checks and brief descriptions to bring them into the world. PC’s like it when NPC’s notice what they are wearing

btw None of this did I figure out myself. It is pieced together from http://www.roleplayingtips.com articles and various GM blogs.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:40:37 +0000

Great posts. I also tend to like to include room descriptions in my notes to add some texture to each scene. I follow the following tips by Rich Burlew to achieve that effect: http://www.giantitp.com/frm0001.html

I also tend to add a sidebar next to NPC encounters to include a couple of talking points or mannerisms to help distinguish one NPC from another. For instance, I might have a line about how the NPC likes the phrase “if you ask me.” Then, during play, I’ll pepper the conversation with that phrase, thus making that NPC different, albeit superficially, from the umpteen other NPCs the characters are likely to meet on the adventure.

By: Lee

Lee — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:32:34 +0000

This looks very good– I followed the link here from Treasure Tables just today. I’ve developed a similar system for session-writing, starting with a “title” time, terrain & weather, plus I often throw in a quickie map.
However, I also have the “Didn’t I say that?” problem you cite, so I will adopt your idea of writing out important conversation. And yes, my NPC characterization is very weak, too.

By: Wally

Wally — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 06:27:13 +0000

It is amazing to see how far you’ve grown and flourished as a game master, Phil. Your attention to detail, and methodology is simply astounding. It truly makes me jealous of your current rpg group. I definitely wish I could play.
This was a great insight into how you do what you do.