DM "kit" or how do you keep track of your campaigns?

[Elodan]

I'm planning on getting behind the shield for the 1st time in a long while (with a long period of ramping up to this point). I've got my campaign story arc (Age of Worms), world (Faerun) and character creation rules/allowable sources ready.

I'd like to know how DMs keep track of what's happening in their campaign. I'm asking about such things as

Major events (minor events?)
NPCs the PCs meet
Passage of time (calendar)
Whatever else I'm missing

Do you use software or, pen and paper?

As I said it's been a long time so feel free to throw out any advice you'd like?

Thanks.

 

[Psion]

I jot things down in my steno pad and keep more detailed game notes in a word processor file.

But you might try Phil Reed's campaign planner series.

 

[Mercule]

But you might try Phil Reed's campaign planner series.

Linkee, bitte?

 

[philreed]

Linkee, bitte?

Well, if you insist.

This page will show you all of the available Campaign Products, including a printed collection.

I recommend the three single PDFs since you can print as many pages as you need and they include forms fillable versions.

 

[Thunderfoot]

I use a ton of pen and paper (I don't own a laptop or PC to take to my games and we really don't have much table space to begin with). But, I have a file organizer that I can flip through and pull as needed (saving me time and space). Old school, yes, but it works. I also keep a campaign diary, so I can remember which person did what and such. I keep some idea and jot down sometimes seemiingly inane chatter and turn it back on my players at a later date.

But in between sessions I go back and compile into electronic files for easy storage. Then before my next gaming session I print out the relative information and cart it along with me in my organizer. (So, if anyone wants to buy me a laptop for my birthday in August...)

 

[Catavarie]

Mostly I use pen and paper and my DM Notebook at table side. When I'm at home between sessions I try to keep things updated on my computer in a folder just for easier searching through older sessions. On occassion I carry my laptop to the game but try not to use it too much during the actual game play.


A post on how to flesh out your own DM Notebook can be found here http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=125434

Good luck and welcome back to the darkside of the screen

 

[The Thayan Menace]

DMing Advice

I'd like to know how DMs keep track of what's happening in their campaign. I'm asking about such things as

Major events (minor events?)
NPCs the PCs meet
Passage of time (calendar)
Whatever else I'm missing

1. To mark major events (past and present), I try and keep a running chronology; I encourage the PCs to make their own as well.

2. To keep track of NPCs, I have a cast of characters that I continually update ... keeping one version for myself and an edited version for the players (see my campaign thread for details).

3. To keep track of time on a large scale, I use the FRCS calendar from the King's Tears website. To keep time on a smaller scale, I use a timekeeping sheet that I developed myself (see the attachment below).

4. Finally, I organize all of my materials into two three-ring binders, with clearly marked dividers.

I hope this helps.

 

[Kanegrundar]

I make lots and lots of notes. Notes scribbled with the NPC statblocks, notes on character reactions, notes on other storyarcs that popped into my head inspired by the course of play, etc... Once the session is done, I type it all up and save it for future reference and posterity.

Kane

 

[TheAuldGrump]

I have found Campaign Planner useful in several ways - forcing organization on the chaotic flow of sudden inspiration. (As opposed to having a notebook page covered with unrelated, but nifty, ideas) Often at fast food restaurants. (I find that I work better with the bustle of people around me, I have no idea why.)

And to make sure I don't skip something that is essential to the campaign.

The Auld Grump

 

[Arnwyn]

I'd like to know how DMs keep track of what's happening in their campaign. I'm asking about such things as

Major events (minor events?)

I keep a list (normal paper, bullet points)

NPCs the PCs meet

As above.

Passage of time (calendar)

I use a paper calendar created with a spreadsheet - one page per month, can make notes for each day on it, includes moon phases.