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Luthion
Acolyte
Norway
7 Posts |
 Posted - 08 Aug 2003 : 18:24:23
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 first post!
ok, back to topic:
when you're DMing, do you take a lot of notes when making the scenario?
personaly i just make some notes on the maps (like the monsters, what kind of room etc.), a few, basic, notes on a sheet and the stats for the NPCs and monsters. the rest i just remember. it works fine for me, but it happens i forget some particular details...
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Edited by - Alaundo on 23 Nov 2003 10:20:46
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2003 : 20:48:37
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Notes, notes and more notes!
I actually have a separate folder just for taking notes during the game. It contains separate sections for each PC, each major NPC, and general observations during the game.
I was notorious for not taking notes before, and that always ended up coming back to bite me in the ass when a player said that something happened, and I disagreed, or vice versa.
So now I have the "Notes" folder that is meticulously updated during every game.
Those arguments rarely happen anymore. |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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Mystery_Man
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2003 : 22:37:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Yasraena
Notes, notes and more notes!
I actually have a separate folder just for taking notes during the game. It contains separate sections for each PC, each major NPC, and general observations during the game.
How distracting to you find that to the game? At what point do you stop to jot something down?
I only ask because I'm horrible at note keeping track of things during the game, and can always use some advice. :) |
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Lord Rad
Great Reader
United Kingdom
2080 Posts |
Posted - 08 Aug 2003 : 23:04:39
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Im a heavy note making when I DM a game. I have created about 10 forms and charts for keeping track of time, monsters, sub-plots, PC's, spell effects, NPC's etc etc. I always spend a good hour or so after a game when on my own to update my campaign log folder and tie up loose ends for the following session. Some say im just TOO organized  |
Lord Rad
"What? No, I wasn't reading your module. I was just looking at the pictures"
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Yasraena
Senior Scribe
USA
388 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2003 : 03:23:17
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Not distracting at all really. The stuff that gets written down during the game is the most important. When a PC fails his save against a bite from a werewolf, or when an NPC picks the pocket of a PC without his knowing, that sort of thing.
The more general stuff gets written down after the game when I have time to get more specific. The sub plots, time lines, major spell effects, etc.
Rad, you sound like me when it comes to this. I too take about an hour or so after the game to update the note folder.
And you can NEVER be too organized when your GMing. I's rather have someone who is as meticulous about being prepared as we seem to be, than one who constantly wings it. |
"Nindyn vel'uss malar verin z'klaen tlu kyone ulu naut doera nindel vel'bolen nind malar."
Yasraena T'Sarran
Harper of Silverymoon |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 09 Aug 2003 : 05:37:15
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Of the four computers that I have in my home, one is dedicated purely to the art of gaming in D&D and other settings. On that computer is an archive folder containing multiple (and I do mean multiple) files on a wide variety of DMing topics that I have composed over the 15 years that I have been gaming in RPG's, and desktop wargame settings like Warhammer (and 40K) and BattleTech.
Some of the file contents range from simple notes maintained by an eleven year old, to several-page treatises (one of which was published in an ezine) dealing with gaming and DMing/GMing in many different settings. Most of the files however deal solely with the notes I collect while running my vast and long running planar campaigns.
Afterall the multiverse is a big place, and any berk with a decent brain-box, knows the value of being well prepared to deal with the dark of the places that he will visit.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Canyia
Seeker
63 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2003 : 02:06:23
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I'm not really what you would called a detailed DM. But I am very organized. A book for everything and everything in it's book. If one piece of paper where to go in the wrong book I'd probably fall to pieces though. I can't stand things not being neat and tidy. Though I do think sometimes that if I had everything in one big book it would make my DMing go alot easier. You should see the way I have to flip around all my books in mid game. . .I think it aggravates the players more than it does me though. Oh well, I just couldn't bear the thought of everything not being catagorized and filed and neat. So my players will just have to suffer. |
Some people say that I'm heartless. They are wrong though,I have the heart of a little girl . . .in a jar on my desk. |
Edited by - Canyia on 11 Aug 2003 02:07:35 |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2003 : 04:02:33
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I'm telling you, folks, it's unnatural how organized she is . . . not just with D&D. That, and it makes me look even worse.  |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Canyia
Seeker
63 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2003 : 06:32:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Bookwyrm
I'm telling you, folks, it's unnatural how organized she is . . . not just with D&D. That, and it makes me look even worse.
What are you talking about Bookwyrm? You seen my room yesterday. It's a mess! |
Some people say that I'm heartless. They are wrong though,I have the heart of a little girl . . .in a jar on my desk. |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2003 : 06:33:19
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| Ah, would that my room were only that messy. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Canyia
Seeker
63 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2003 : 06:43:59
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You're just unbelievable messy though . . .I have yogurt cups all over the place. Plus my room is home to a giant rabbit who can't seem to make it to he litter box . . . I have to scrub the carpet at least a few times a week. But sadly, I've organized him too though...his food is organized by colour and type
I'm such a dork . . . |
Some people say that I'm heartless. They are wrong though,I have the heart of a little girl . . .in a jar on my desk. |
Edited by - Canyia on 11 Aug 2003 06:46:45 |
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eilinel
Learned Scribe
France
296 Posts |
Posted - 11 Aug 2003 : 10:38:09
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everyone has her own idea of what a DM has to do, but I take a lot of notes. i write until everything is lied on the paper.
then i guess what players could do and i make my game around. and i detail actually the most i can.
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Edain Shadowstar
Senior Scribe
USA
455 Posts |
Posted - 13 Aug 2003 : 00:43:57
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Personally, I used to keep notes when I was just a player, but that's just me. Back in the day before I used my computers for everything (including shopping for socks) I used to use the "Blue Notebook of Doom - Series XXVI (TM)" to keep lots and lots of notes. I still have all the notebooks, stored in boxes in my server room (aside for various D&D related notes I would scribble various other important things in the margin). When I became even more obsessed with computers I started using network drive X (a 250 gig SCSI hard drive, yes I am insane) to store my notes, including all the notes from the blue notebooks.
Right now the drive is at about one third capacity, and is used solely for notes, document, and programs relating to D&D, so that should give you an idea on how crazy I am (for anyone who appreciates it X-drive is part of a fifteen disk array that total just shy of 700 gig of disk, so I win). In general I use my computer to do up most of the stuff before my sessions and then print out anything I need in paper, otherwise I just take notes straight on my computer (I knew notepad was useful for something other than writing programs). So, yes I like vanilla iced cream...wait...what was the question again? |
Edain Shadowstar
Archwizard of Rel Astra and Waterdeep
"Mmm…pie…"
- Gaius Solarian, Captain General |
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Arivia
Great Reader
Canada
2965 Posts |
Posted - 18 Oct 2003 : 07:13:26
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| My level of organization depends upon whether I'm running an online game or a real-life one. For an online game, I do keep most everything organized, with a DM's screen program running and my 2 GB of D&D information at hand, in addition to the actual books I have. For my real-life campaigns(as my group is currently on a dungeon crawl hack'n'slash kick), I have my books, a map, a key, and information on the NPCs. I make up the rest as I go, and it really doesn't matter to them. |
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Maecenus of Westgate
Learned Scribe
USA
111 Posts |
Posted - 23 Nov 2003 : 19:03:33
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| I almost always carry around a "little red book" which is my main gaming resource. Without these, i'm useless...inside are my many, many notes and in fact, I have written entire adventures in those little things. They're pocket size, but I write so incredibly tiny that most people have to squint to see what it says (this helps to dissuade any nosey PCs who think they can figure out what i'm up to ). Anyway, the amount of material I have is incredible...if only I could sort it all out. |
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eilinel
Learned Scribe
France
296 Posts |
Posted - 24 Nov 2003 : 10:13:23
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Originally posted by Canyiaquote:
You're just unbelievable messy though . . .I have yogurt cups all over the place. Plus my room is home to a giant rabbit who can't seem to make it to he litter box . . . I have to scrub the carpet at least a few times a week. But sadly, I've organized him too though...his food is organized by colour and type
I'm such a dork . . .
u can't be as much as me, believe me, there is times when i can't even walk on the floor...
but anyway, there is one thing i organize: RpG, not only DM's notes but also player's notes... |
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Nocturno
Acolyte
25 Posts |
Posted - 26 Nov 2003 : 21:50:18
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I never take notes during my campaing I remember everything but names about the campaing so I write those names before the games
and I trust my players about their stats or abilities don't spoil the games and I know their basic scores
I dont think there are many thing to take notes |
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Lolth slayer
Acolyte
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2003 : 12:43:11
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I usually don't keep notes because my players never surprise me, they never do anything intelligent during play so keeping up is no problem.
I do have a little black adventuring diary which I keep up to date after every session (they're too lazy to do it themselves) which contains all the essential information.
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I demand a recount! my contestant is a dope fiend!-
-Ahfera Derunadel, Gold elf mage after losing a magedual against a Red Wizard-
We can't stop here! This is Bat country!
-Raul Duke- |
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Bookwyrm
Great Reader
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - 27 Nov 2003 : 23:54:09
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| Sounds like you need to spice things up a bit. |
Hell hath no fury like all of Candlekeep rising in defense of one of its own.
Download the brickfilm masterpiece by Leftfield Studios! See this page for more. |
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Lolth slayer
Acolyte
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 10:03:48
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Thats something i'm working on but the question is how?
Its kinda hard when your players ignore the "roleplaying" element and just go for power play
I'm seriously thinking of introducing some very harsh penalties or even wiping out the party totally and starting from scratch. |
I demand a recount! my contestant is a dope fiend!-
-Ahfera Derunadel, Gold elf mage after losing a magedual against a Red Wizard-
We can't stop here! This is Bat country!
-Raul Duke- |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 12:37:44
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May I suggest then introducing your party to some of the nastier layers of the Abyss. Or maybe they would 'enjoy' a nice trip through the Infernal Battlefields of Acheron...
That will really help your players to understand what 'Power' really is. It may even help to put some of their more irritating power-gamer tendencies into perspective.
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Lolth slayer
Acolyte
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 28 Nov 2003 : 14:27:06
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| Why thank-you learned sage that little peice of advice has brightened my otherwise dull afternoon! Now then, Acheron hmmm ..... |
I demand a recount! my contestant is a dope fiend!-
-Ahfera Derunadel, Gold elf mage after losing a magedual against a Red Wizard-
We can't stop here! This is Bat country!
-Raul Duke- |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
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Lolth slayer
Acolyte
United Kingdom
39 Posts |
Posted - 04 Dec 2003 : 10:03:46
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I did it sage!
In the previous gaming session my party, An Orog Fighter, A Wemic Monk and A Bugbear Fighter raided the nest of a bunch of Hippogriffs slaughtering the lot.
In response, the Hippogriff's guardian, an Avariel Fighter / Ranger decided to track these vandals down and show them no mercy. Relaising the overconfident fools hadn't bought any missile weapons (in favour of better armour) the Avariel caught up with them and attacked them using her hover feat to stay in the air while she picked off the miserable crettins one-by-one
The best thing about it was that she was the same level as them (level 6)
They were mad until I pointed out that if they had bought a bow and arrow then she wouldn't have been a challenge. That'll learn 'em!
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I demand a recount! my contestant is a dope fiend!-
-Ahfera Derunadel, Gold elf mage after losing a magedual against a Red Wizard-
We can't stop here! This is Bat country!
-Raul Duke- |
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Mournblade
Master of Realmslore
USA
1287 Posts |
Posted - 07 Dec 2003 : 20:48:26
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THere is no way that I could run a meaningful, smooth, non contradictory campaign without taking a ton of notes, and keeping accurate check of time. In a years worth of campaign I have filled up a 5 subject notebook, just on PC notes. There is a separate notebook for background material which gets filled up at the rate of about 2 per year. All the notebooks are labelled and filed when they are filled.
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A wizard is Never late Frodo Baggins. Nor is he Early. A wizard arrives precisely when he means to... |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31774 Posts |
Posted - 09 Dec 2003 : 01:42:13
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'5 subject notebooks'... . Now I don't feel so bad having a series of notebooks each one dedicated to a different single design facet of each PC that I create, or is used in my games.... I have one for backgrounds, one for ability scores, one for both divine and arcane spell lists...etc
Lolth slayer, I'm glad your campaign worked out for the best. I have a few other nasty locations in mind; if you ever have any more 'trouble' from your players...
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Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Do you take notes when running a campaign?
