Hey Minions! We’ve all been there—sitting down to GM a campaign after weeks, maybe even months, since the last session. How do you get back into the groove? Today, we’re diving into the challenges of GMing infrequent campaigns. Trust us, even seasoned GMs struggle with this.

Getting Back into the Mindset

First and foremost, let’s tackle the elephant in the room—getting back into the mindset. You’d think it would be easy, right? After all, it’s the same story, same characters, same universe. Yet, somehow, the rhythm seems off. The characters, setting, and even the tone can feel alien if you haven’t touched them in a while. Well, you’re not alone.

Note-Taking: A Double-Edged Sword

Note-taking might seem like a lifesaver here, but let’s be real. Most of us jot down some sparse, cryptic reminders that make perfect sense in the heat of the moment but turn into hieroglyphs over time. Even worse, some of us rely solely on memory—dangerous territory for many reasons. Not just because our brains can be unreliable, but also because what we remember isn’t always what our players remember.

Why Rewatching Helps—Sometimes

With platforms like YouTube and Twitch, you’d think the solution would be straightforward—just rewatch the last episode, right? Rewatching can be super helpful for jogging the memory, but it’s not a magic bullet. It’s time-consuming and, let’s face it, not always possible for games that aren’t recorded.

Juggling Multiple Campaigns

Another tricky part is handling multiple campaigns simultaneously. Ever had to prep for three different campaigns over one weekend? Yep, it’s a mindset maze. Each campaign has its unique flavor, pacing, and demands. Flipping that mental switch quickly isn’t just challenging; it’s exhausting.

When Players Come to the Rescue

Here’s a game-changer—your players can help refresh everyone’s memory, including yours. Why not spend the first 5-10 minutes of each session letting players recap the last session from their perspective? They’ll remind you of what stood out to them, which can be enlightening and help set the stage for the day’s adventure.

Handling ADHD and Procrastination

For those with ADHD or similar challenges, prep time can be a slippery slope. It’s not just forgetting to prepare; it’s sometimes forgetting to even think about preparing. You get distracted and next thing you know, it’s game day. Sounds familiar, right? Engaging in group chats and setting reminders can be your best friends here.

Leverage Your Players’ Notes

Surprise tip: skim through your players’ notes if you can. It’s a fantastic way to see what they found significant. Sometimes players hone in on something you didn’t intend to be important, giving you a golden opportunity to weave it more tightly into the storyline.

Prepping Timeframe

Let’s be honest—most of us are last-minute preppers. We either prepare the next day or 48 hours before the session. Rarely do we find that sweet middle ground. But adapting to a less-than-ideal prep schedule is part of the game.

So, Minions, while GMing infrequent campaigns brings its unique challenges, it also offers opportunities to grow and innovate. The more you play, the more techniques you develop to combat these challenges. From player recaps to clever note-taking, every session is a learning experience. So, pick up those dice, gather your notes, and dive back into the story, inconsistencies be damned.

Remember, the story doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours. Happy gaming!