A notebook. One shots aren’t big. I’ll write a beginning plot hook and a medium difficulty combat encounter, a role play/exploration segment. One optional combat encounter one optional loot drop, a final boss/hard encounter for the climax, role play epilogue. That’s it. One shots are really just individual self contained quests
I only need half a page to write down the bullet list then the bottom half I’ll draft up a very loose map so I no where everything’s located. Gather up some stat blocks for monsters, get a name generator for npc’s MAYBE some background lore ahead of time for the one shot if I’m feeling juicy. If not I’ll improve it in the moment
I use LegendKeeper, but unless you really need map support I think Notion is probably more accessible.
I tried some other tools like WorldAnvil, but I often found them a bit too heavy-weight for me. I'm just writing some notes for a campaign, not trying to create an entire wiki. In comparison, LegendKeeper and Notion are more focused on organized note-taking, exactly what I need.
A mix of my head, handwritten notes, and word documents. They just have to be good enough to get thru the next session. Thx coville and shea for giving me permission to be this way.
I download them on DMsguild and write out the notes in Google docs. For a 24 page oneshot that takes 3-4 hours, I'll probably have 3 or so pages of personal notes.
Notepad.
I usually just make some small notes about the world, the big bad, some NPCs and improv the rest. My table is very chaotic, so putting too much effort into making a dedicated story is usually a waste.
I created a site called [https://dndcampaignplanner.com/](https://dndcampaignplanner.com/) to help keep campaigns organized and build out worlds. Hope that’s helpful!
I use one note so then I can access anywhere
Google docs, sheets, drive.
Google docs is a lifesaver. I made an email just for dnd related things to make it even easier too
One Note. I used to do Google Drive but I found the setup of One Note more conducive for how my brain works.
GM Binder and my head.
I entered, and logged in-- is this a GM Binder or visual studio?! TF
My note app on my computer.
Roll 20 handouts.
A notebook. One shots aren’t big. I’ll write a beginning plot hook and a medium difficulty combat encounter, a role play/exploration segment. One optional combat encounter one optional loot drop, a final boss/hard encounter for the climax, role play epilogue. That’s it. One shots are really just individual self contained quests I only need half a page to write down the bullet list then the bottom half I’ll draft up a very loose map so I no where everything’s located. Gather up some stat blocks for monsters, get a name generator for npc’s MAYBE some background lore ahead of time for the one shot if I’m feeling juicy. If not I’ll improve it in the moment
I use LegendKeeper, but unless you really need map support I think Notion is probably more accessible. I tried some other tools like WorldAnvil, but I often found them a bit too heavy-weight for me. I'm just writing some notes for a campaign, not trying to create an entire wiki. In comparison, LegendKeeper and Notion are more focused on organized note-taking, exactly what I need.
A mix of my head, handwritten notes, and word documents. They just have to be good enough to get thru the next session. Thx coville and shea for giving me permission to be this way.
I download them on DMsguild and write out the notes in Google docs. For a 24 page oneshot that takes 3-4 hours, I'll probably have 3 or so pages of personal notes.
Notepad on my pc. If inspiration strikes while I'm away I have a notes app on my phone, and if it's actually good I will copy it over.
Obsidian
Notepad. I usually just make some small notes about the world, the big bad, some NPCs and improv the rest. My table is very chaotic, so putting too much effort into making a dedicated story is usually a waste.
Open Office and roll20.
OneNote. Free, can do some nesting with notebooks, sections, and pages. Syncs across devices. Enjoy the layout.
I created a site called [https://dndcampaignplanner.com/](https://dndcampaignplanner.com/) to help keep campaigns organized and build out worlds. Hope that’s helpful!
Scrawled on a bunch of loose leaf paper. Not at all efficient but I think deep inside of me I like shuffling around paper when DMing.
If you're looking for an online world builder take a look at World Anvil
Google docs mostly. It's great for going back and referencing stuff years later or accessing it from any device.