Here’s a new project – I’m fascinated by prep, in all its forms – one-shot, long-form, session notes, handwritten scribbles. My own and others. A quick check online leads me to believe lots of you are, too. So, I’m going to showcase this on the blog. I can’t promise every session I’ll share my prep notes, but I’ll try and do it where I can – and I’ll offer a variable amount of commentary. These are also going to be 50% patreon exclusive – half of them will never be released to the public – so spread the word, and let me know if you’d like to share your own prep and talk to me about it.

While you’re reading this, I should tell you about my Patreon. Patrons get access to content 7 days before they hit this site, and the chance to request articles or content, for a very reasonable backer level of £2 per month. If you like what you read, want to support the blog, and have the funds for it, please consider supporting here. Telling people about the blog, and sharing links/retweeting is much appreciated also – thanks!

3 Players

3 Hours

Ran online with Zoom (A/V) a dice roller app (Roll Dice With Friends) and a shared map (on a Google Slide)

So, Mythic Bastionland. When we talked about running it on Unconventional GMs it soon became clear we’d need a practice run at it first. So, following the prep steps, I made the setting attached – 6×9 hexes, two myths, one of everything except dwellings. You’ll see the notes on the GM map – and an example of MB’s stylised dungeon design. The hex map was done with Hex Kit, which is well worth it, even if a little unintuitive to use. I’ve blogged before about Powerpoint Prep, and this really helped to keep my ideas tight and usable in the session.

Did it work? Yes, as a one-shot; but we’re glad we practiced. This ran to a 3 hour session with 3 players; for a 2 hour one with 2 players, I’m going to shift to a 6×6 grid, just one myth, and a tighter thematic link from the sites to the myth. We’ll sacrifice some of the open-endedness of the game for a more coherent session, but I’ve no shame in doing this. 

Pictured below are my prep notes – note that patrons get these as a .pdf, or can get in touch for the original google files to edit.