Hey there, Minions! Time to chat about something we all can’t ignore: Effective Between-Session Prep for your TTRPG campaigns. You’re pumped after your last session, and you can’t wait for the next one. But hold your horses—there’s some prep work to be done first.

The Template Approach

First off, let’s get organized. No one likes a cluttered mind, especially when you’re the GM. That’s why I start with a template. I jot down the episode title, recap the last session, and lay out the major scenes I want to cover—each with its bullet points. The aim here is to make it concise enough to fit on a single page. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the neatness.

The Art of Notes

Another essential element of between-session prep is note-taking. Create a secondary page labeled ‘Notes,’ where you jot down everything that could potentially impact future sessions. Divide this section into player notes, campaign notes, and maybe even some chat contributions. Basically, anything you think you’ll forget or deem interesting for later.

Stars, Wishes, and Player Insights

Ever heard of “Stars and Wishes”? At the end of each session, get your players to offer stars—what they liked—and wishes—what they hope to see in future sessions. Write these down! They’re a goldmine for understanding your players better and fueling future storylines.

Reuse and Recycle

Don’t reinvent the wheel. If you’ve got a good setup, copy that template over for the next session. You can easily reference all the material from the previous session, keeping everything streamlined.

Read, Read, Read

Take another dive into your players’ backstory documents. They spent time creating them, and they’re ripe for mining narrative gold. Maybe one of their long-lost relatives appears in the next town? Maybe an old foe resurfaces? Utilize what you have, and work it into your upcoming session.

The Endgame Question

I’ve got a pro tip here: end each session with a question directed at your players about what they plan to do next. This single question will save you tons of prep time, as it gives you a clear direction for the first scene of your next session. The clarity will make your prep work a breeze.

The Recap Trick

Don’t underestimate the power of a good recap. If you’re running multiple sessions, your players might forget crucial details, and hell, so might you. Taking a few minutes to summarize what happened last time can set the mood and serve as a quick reference point.

The Balancing Act

While you may be tempted to cram every session full of main-plot intensity, remember to leave room for character growth, secondary plots, and player-generated content. Look back at those player notes and wishes to guide you in this.

Every session you run adds to the overall experience, and effective between-session prep ensures the quality remains high. Trust me, your players will thank you for it, and your game will be all the better for your diligence.

So there it is, Minions. My take on mastering the art of effective between-session prep. Good luck, and may your prep lead to epic tales!