Running an epic Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) campaign is no small feat, and staying organised is crucial for ensuring that both the Game Master (GM) and players have an enjoyable experience. One powerful tool for campaign management is OneNote, which can be used to keep all your game details in one place. Better still, it's free! Here’s a look at how you can set up your OneNote notebook to streamline your campaign preparation and management.
1. Game Prep
The Game Prep section is your command centre for planning the overarching elements of your campaign. Within this section, you have:
- Main Plot: Outline the primary storyline, major arcs, and key events.
- Timeline and Event Order: Track the sequence of events and ensure continuity.
- Next Session Prep: Plan the details of your upcoming session, including expected encounters and plot points.
- Ideas and Inspiration: Jot down creative ideas, potential plot twists, and sources of inspiration. When inspirational ideas 'hit', write them down and save them here.
- Side Quests: Keep a list of optional adventures that can enrich your campaign.
- House Rules: Document any custom rules you’re using to tailor the game to your group’s preferences.
- Rules Reference Document: A quick-reference guide for your RPG's rules that come up frequently.
- Reflections (Self-Reflection and Player Feedback): Reflect on what went well and what could be improved, and note feedback from players to enhance future sessions.
2. PCs (Player Characters)
Create a dedicated section for PCs with a page for each character. Include their stats, backgrounds, personal goals, and any notes on how they interact with the world and other characters. This helps you keep track of their development and weave their stories into the main plot seamlessly.
3. World Building
The World Building section is where you craft the rich, immersive setting of your campaign. This section includes:
- Maps: Visual representations of your world, from regional maps to detailed city layouts.
- History and Lore: The background stories, myths, and legends that shape your world and give it depth.
- Culture and Societies: Information on the various cultures, species, and societal structures.
- Important Locations: Key places that the PCs will visit.
- Factions: Details about the different groups and organisations that influence the world.
- Geography: Notes on the physical layout of the land, climate, and other natural features.
4. NPCs (Non-Player Characters)
Your NPCs section is vital for keeping track of the many characters your players will meet. Pages include:
- Villains: Main antagonists, and their minions and motivations.
- Adversaries: Other opponents who aren’t necessarily the main villains.
- Allies: Friends and helpful contacts the PCs can rely on.
- Neutral: Characters who are neither friend nor foe but can influence the story.
Having names, quirks, and descriptions adds a further layer of realism to your world and game.
5. Chapters
Use the Chapters section to break down your campaign into manageable parts, each representing a significant segment of the story. This helps in pacing and planning the progression of the campaign.
6. Summaries
The Summaries section contains a page for each session, where you can recap what happened. This is useful for refreshing players’ memories and ensuring continuity from one session to the next. It's also a great way to revisit what has happened previously to maintain story consistency.
7. Challenges
In the Challenges section, you can prepare various obstacles and puzzles for your players:
- Traps: Including things like statistics, locations, triggers, and effects.
- Puzzles
- Poison and Disease: This can include sources, effects, and remedies.
- Rumours: These can be tied to your game's NPCs and locations.
- Mysteries and Riddles
- Clues: One of the most vital sections, especially if your game is reliant upon themes like suspense and mystery.
Having these ready to go can add depth and intrigue to your sessions.
8. Combat Encounters
The Combat Encounters section allows you to plan and detail each battle scene:
- Individual Encounters: Specific combat scenarios, including environments and tactics.
- Challenges and Ideas: Concepts to make battles more interesting.
- Monsters: Stats and details for the creatures your players will face.
9. Social Encounters
Social encounters are just as important as combat encounters in many RPGs. This section includes:
- Individual Encounters: Planned interactions with NPCs.
- Challenges and Ideas: Concepts to make social interactions engaging and meaningful.
10. Treasure and Rewards
Finally, the Treasure and Rewards section helps you keep track of the loot, special items, rewards, and bonuses that your players can earn:
- Treasure
- Rewards: Things like skills, abilities, and other 'less tangible' rewards.
- Magic Items and Artifacts
By organising your OneNote notebook with these sections, you’ll have a comprehensive and easily navigable resource to support you in running an epic and unforgettable game. Just create a notebook template and then 'copy and move' the sections of the template across to your campaign's actual notebook. Happy gaming!
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