Editing Template:Session Prep/Documentation

{{Documentation subpage}}

This template is designed to help Dungeon Masters (DMs) prepare and run their role-playing game sessions. It draws inspiration from the structured organization of classic Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) modules, the narrative focus of Middle-earth Role Playing (MERP) adventures, and the organized, detailed approach of Chris Perkins. This template tries to include best practices from various RPG luminaries, including Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson, Monte Cook, Sandy Petersen, Kenzer and Company, Ed Greenwood, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Greg Stafford, and Robin Laws who inspired me over the past 40 years of RPG development.

== How to Use ==
To use this template, insert the following code into your session prep page:

<pre>
{{Session Prep
| campaign =
| session_title =
| previous_session =
| location =
| scene_overview =
| key_npcs =
| hooks =
| key_events =
| planned_events =
| challenges =
| clues_info =
| treasure_rewards =
| interludes =
| potential_conflicts =
| notes_reminders =
| random_encounters =
| setting_details =
| player_goals =
| story_arcs_themes =
| mythic_elements =
| cliffhanger =
}}
</pre>

Replace the placeholder values with the relevant information.

* '''Core Parameters:'''
    * '''campaign''': The name of the campaign.
    * '''session_title''': A concise title for the session, reminiscent of classic module titles.
    * '''previous_session''': A brief summary of the previous session to refresh your memory, similar to the "Previously on..." sections in narrative-driven adventures.
    * '''location''': The primary location of the session, mirroring the detailed location descriptions in AD&D modules.
    * '''scene_overview''': A brief description of the current scene's goals, atmosphere, and mood, breaking down the session into distinct scenes.
    * '''key_npcs''': Important NPCs with brief notes on their current state, goals, and motivations. Consider their hidden secrets and how they might influence the story.
    * '''hooks''': Active plot hooks or potential hooks, like the adventure hooks often found at the start of modules.
    * '''key_events''': Important events in chronological order (can be list or narrative), akin to the structured event sequences in classic adventures.
    * '''planned_events''': Planned scenes for the session, outlining the expected flow of the adventure, scene by scene.
    * '''challenges''': Obstacles players will face (combat, puzzles, etc.), mirroring the challenges presented in classic modules. Outline encounters in detail.
    * '''clues_info''': Key clues and their locations, essential for mystery-driven adventures. Track all important information.
    * '''treasure_rewards''': Potential loot and rewards, a staple of classic dungeon crawls.
    * '''interludes''': Optional scenes for pacing or flavor, adding narrative depth like in MERP adventures.
    * '''potential_conflicts''': Possible conflicts or complications, anticipating player actions and reactions.
    * '''notes_reminders''': DM notes and reminders, a section for your own observations and rulings.
    * '''random_encounters''': Link to random encounter tables, a classic element of exploration-based adventures.
    * '''cliffhanger''': A dramatic ending, that leads into the next session.

* '''Optional/Advanced Parameters:'''
    * '''setting_details''': details about the current location that are not directly scene related.
    * '''player_goals''': The current goals of the player characters.
    * '''story_arcs_themes''': The overall story arcs and themes that are present in the campaign.
    * '''mythic_elements''': Any mythic elements that are relevant to the game.

* '''List formatting''': Use Mediawiki list formatting (* item) for lists.

== Best Practices ==
* '''Embrace Narrative''': Like MERP adventures, weave narrative elements into your session prep.
* '''Structure Your Encounters''': Draw inspiration from AD&D modules by structuring your encounters and events, including scene-by-scene planning.
* '''Anticipate Player Actions''': Prepare for potential conflicts and complications, as player choices can drastically alter the course of the adventure.
* '''Keep it Concise''': While detail is important, prioritize key information for quick reference during gameplay.
* '''Use Lists and Bullet Points''': For sections with multiple items (NPCs, hooks, challenges), use lists for better readability.
* '''Read Ahead''': Like the old modules, read the adventure material thoroughly before the session.
* '''Be Flexible''': Be prepared to deviate from your plans based on player actions.
* '''Provide meaningful choices''': Give players agency, and make their choices have real impacts on the story.
* '''Have Fun''': Remember that the goal is to create an enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.