campaign software - what do you use?

[jief569]

So what do you all use to keep track of all the information about your campaign?

Do you use some sort of software on a computer?

Or do you use the trusty pencil and notebook?

I am looking around for some kind of software to use that keeps track of people, places, key items, maps that sort of thing but I have found nothing so far. Thanks for any help and I look forward to some great ideas.

 

[Chaoszero]

Wikis are your friends.

Seriously, I love my wiki. Having a single place to easily put all notes in one place with ability to cross reference and organize into catagories is priceless. I never forgot my notes so long as internet access is available. It makes sharing information between players easy. AND ITS FREE!

 

[Alan Shutko]

I use a Mac application called DEVONthink. It allows me to import most document types, including PDF, and indexes them for rapid search. That's a big help for my Dragon Magazine collection, old BECMI D&D PDFs, etc. I can import pages from blogs with a quick bookmarklet. It can split up those file types, so for example I imported the Roleplaying Tips Weekly archives and split them into one file per tip, and organize them into subject areas.

It also lets me take notes in RTF format, and can automatically link terms to other documents like a Wiki. So I can be writing session notes and have character names automatically link to the character notes.

The coolest thing it offers is a limited AI text classification service. When I'm reading a document, it shows a pane for "See Also" where it suggests other documents that might be related. For example, I might be looking at a tip for speeding initiative in Rolemaster, and it suggested a few documents talking about initiative, some discussing other Rolemaster topics. And one for speeding up combat in general. Not all suggested articles are relevant, but it can be good for helping you make connections that you didn't think of.

 

[SkidAce]

I use Microsoft OneNote. Makes for a great organizer and I can export to pdf and send my campaign stuff to friends.

 

[GMforPowergamers]

I have used paper, excel, wiki's, you name it...but I am currently trying a new 4e program that works with DDI...it is called master plan

 

[Ydars]

For our 3.5 game that recently ended, I used DM Genie: a purpose built engine for not only recording this sort of stuff but also for running the game. I would recommend it, as it is essential for high level play.

You can also create maps and complete encounters: it has all the monster stats, spells, feats and rules built in.

There is no version for 4E though: WotC saw to that!

 

[CarlZog]

I just got OneNote two days ago after hearing about it for quite a while. I'm still learning my way around it, but it's looks pretty damn impressive. So far it's done an admirable job of allowing me to pull together a bunch of different resources for a one-shot I'm working on.

 

[Baumi]

I use a Wiki Page for the shared stuff (World-Info, Characterbackgrounds, etc.) and Onenote for my private Stuff.

 

[weem]

I just use excel, word etc and have em all stuffed away in a folder...

...pretty much the way I have been doing it for a while. Of course I use the blog (see sig) to display what I need to for the players etc.

 

[evildmguy]

I use TreePad for notes. It's probably got a lot more functions than I use but I haven't spent any time really learning it.

I use a wiki for my campaign notes. (dmgaming / FrontPage) Any wiki will do but I found this one and have liked it.

I also use Master Plan for a combat planner and to use for fights. However, I have two remote players so need something to do this so things are clear to them.

I use TightVNC for the remote plays to connect to the computer running masterplan to see the player view.

I use Skype for the calls to the remote players. I have three computers and two web cams running to support this and they have the same on the other end.

I use EBoN (Everchanging Book of Names) for random names. In fact, I just spent the time needed to create specific ones for my Dark Sun campaign.

I also use Tablesmith 5.1 for a good random generator on a lot of topics. I have even created my own tables for certain things or modified existing tables for my own needs, especially Dark Sun.

I am looking at the 4E combat tracker but while it has a lot more ability than Masterplan in terms of tracking combat, but I don't want to use two combat trackers. Also, it can't do a map, which I do use, for combat. (I don't think we need a map but it does help.) However, it's very slick and if I didn't use Masterplan, I could see me using this. (I am hoping he adds the ability to add monsters automatically with a DDI subscription.)

I have used Word, Excel, another home made combat manager that was posted here (more for 3E), and many other tools. If I think of more, I will post them but I think my current toolset is above.

edg