I do a lot pre-campaign prep-work, a lot of note taking, and a lot of 'off-the-top-of-my-head' things.
I tend to plan the major currents of events that may impact the PCs, and let them control the minor currents.
Currently, I'm building a 300km x 300km piece of land, for what I am planning to have be the majority of the Heroic Campaign. (If you're interested, I've used a map that is basically centred on Lyons-Alpes, and so has serious mountains east, low-mountains west, 3 major rivers, swamp/marsh, plains, and forests. This gives me the ability to rationalise all the major races, with some Dragonborn that made their way here millenia ago. Additionally, I like using sections of the Real World, because while map-making is fun, its also a PITA.)
However, in terms of pre-sessions planning, I'll review my rooms/encounters and plot lines and scenes.. and thats about it.
Sounds like you did alright, and you had a willing set of people to play with. That's good.
I tend to plan the major currents of events that may impact the PCs, and let them control the minor currents.
Currently, I'm building a 300km x 300km piece of land, for what I am planning to have be the majority of the Heroic Campaign. (If you're interested, I've used a map that is basically centred on Lyons-Alpes, and so has serious mountains east, low-mountains west, 3 major rivers, swamp/marsh, plains, and forests. This gives me the ability to rationalise all the major races, with some Dragonborn that made their way here millenia ago. Additionally, I like using sections of the Real World, because while map-making is fun, its also a PITA.)
However, in terms of pre-sessions planning, I'll review my rooms/encounters and plot lines and scenes.. and thats about it.
Sounds like you did alright, and you had a willing set of people to play with. That's good.
