Campaign Notes

[Oryan77]

I use a big massive notebook!
Also... I'm big on aesthetics to reinforce RP, so this is my notebook:

Why do I have the feeling that if I started reading your notes in that notebook I would be stuck in The Neverending Story?

That's a cool book.

For me, I have a 13 meg Excel file full of everything I need. Campaign notes, character name generator, references for spells, feats, classes, PrCs, references for all of the 3e magic items, mundane equipment, weapons, armor, potions (I created a list of what each potion smells & tastes like to make the identification process more interesting), and a scroll list that includes spells from the Spell Compendium in scroll form with prices. It has a list of inns & taverns with room & drink rates, random charts to use to add flavor during roleplaying moments (like who is in a tavern, or random descriptions of rooms or places). I even created a system to help me gauge PC wealth & items in order to help me when placing treasure.

I couldn't do all of this any other way without Excel. The spreadsheet feature makes things so much easier.

 

[El Mahdi]

I use a big massive notebook!

I type up my adventures before hand, and write notes in the margins. When I don't have time / opportunity to type, I have a matching template I made for hand written notes.

Also... I'm big on aesthetics to reinforce RP, so this is my notebook:

Where'd you get the notebook from? That is seriously awesome!

 

[Connorsrpg]

I have a central wiki for rules and tools and a wiki for each setting that includes player and character info, message boards, journal, etc. (See signature)

I keep a Calendar (usually on Word and fill it in after a session).

Then I have a plastic display book that I keep map printouts, monsters, the current adv, etc in, so all the extra DM stuff is in one place.
C

 

[Ktulu]

I use www.epicwords.com to track my games.

You can view my current campaign at Simpler Times - Epic Words

I find it a touch easier to utilize than obsidian portal, but both have their pros/cons.

My games have increased in continuity, length, player involvement, and over-all enjoyment since using epic words. I'll break each down for ya:

Continuity - this one's obvious, I don't miss NPC names anymore. Towns, cities, etc.. are all on the wiki and I can bring them up while in the game (I use a netbook). They consistently add new features (D&D campaigns have a quest wiki to load and track given quests) making it easier to recall what was awarded/offered.

Length - With Epic Words, I've been able to track my games in follow-up. This caused my players to start reading and having a stronger recollection of the past games, causing a stronger interest into the villains plans, and over-all goals.

Player Involvement - This ties in with length. Having a site where players have their characters, plus pictures, NPC's, recaps, experience and a forum tends to get the players more involved outside of the game. My players are posting their thoughts, tracking their own NPC's and increasing their knowledge of the game. Even my most casual gamer has full knowledge of the NPC's and their goals/quirks, etc.. now. Heck, he even keeps the site open on his ipod while gaming so he can reference NPC's and other important topics.

Overall Enjoyment - Having a more continuous game with knowledgable players that lasts for a decent time has really increased our enjoyment of the story. No longer do confused stares come across from the table about who "Lord Stockmer" was, or what that red jewel was for. The players can more easily recall information.


I couldn't imagine playing without it, at this point.

 

[amerigoV]

How do you like it? Easy to use?

Another vote for the Portal. I even use it for the occasional Play by Post - I use the forum for the turns and then clean up the material to put in the blog/adventure. Here is a short Cthulu PbP that I ran (why short? cuz it just does not take long to kill a PC...)

Lurkings in the Dark | Obsidian Portal

 

[Perram]

Where'd you get the notebook from? That is seriously awesome!

Thanks, I had a leather-worker make it for me.
Steel Dragon Custom Leather - Home Page