We had our second D&D sessions yesterday, and I have begun to find many things to ponder over concerning RPGs. But the most striking right now is about keeping a diary of sessions. To those who don't know what it is: It's basically a summary of what happened (in play) during a session, so that people can remember plot and details, and it's easier to catch up for players who were missing. Sometimes the GM does this, but seeing as how the GM is already busy with making adventures, this task is better given to players.
In my many years of gaming, we've never had a diary of sessions. In fact, that idea never really occurred to any of us. This time round, however, it was one of the first points to be discussed, right along with character creation. Players will volunteer and take turns to write a summary, either in character or not, and give it to the rest of the group.
No, I didn't write the first one, my turn has yet to come, but I can only advise groups who don't keep a diary of sessions to try it out, for two great reasons: You remember what you did, and it helps the roleplaying a lot.
The first summary was written by the player of an elf ranger, in the form of a letter to his mother, sharing with her his travels since he left home, mostly about our first session. This letter was wonderfully written, the player got lots of compliments for it, and it even gave our GM the motivational boost he needed to create a good adventure for yesterday. It's also great inspiration for my own character, to give him an even more in-depth personality.
The summary also helped on a more technical level, however. After clearing a goblin-infested mine, two of the rescued miners apparently mentioned a grim looking human dealing with the hobgoblin leaders of the raid. Truth be told, try as I might, I could not recall that detail ever being mentioned at the gaming table. I did not know of that man's existence until I had read the summary. I blame it on the time (4 am) of when we ended our first session. Or I was in the kitchen while this detail was being discussed. But the summary helped me get onto the same page as everybody else, and so when the man was mentioned again yesterday, I knew whom we were talking about.
So really, if your group isn't using a diary of sessions yet, you should at least give it a try, see how it goes. It adds a lot of depth to gaming, and seeing as how there are usually one or two weeks in between sessions, the pressure is not too big. If you don't like it, no loss. I certainly enjoy having one.
Qi
In my many years of gaming, we've never had a diary of sessions. In fact, that idea never really occurred to any of us. This time round, however, it was one of the first points to be discussed, right along with character creation. Players will volunteer and take turns to write a summary, either in character or not, and give it to the rest of the group.
No, I didn't write the first one, my turn has yet to come, but I can only advise groups who don't keep a diary of sessions to try it out, for two great reasons: You remember what you did, and it helps the roleplaying a lot.
The first summary was written by the player of an elf ranger, in the form of a letter to his mother, sharing with her his travels since he left home, mostly about our first session. This letter was wonderfully written, the player got lots of compliments for it, and it even gave our GM the motivational boost he needed to create a good adventure for yesterday. It's also great inspiration for my own character, to give him an even more in-depth personality.
The summary also helped on a more technical level, however. After clearing a goblin-infested mine, two of the rescued miners apparently mentioned a grim looking human dealing with the hobgoblin leaders of the raid. Truth be told, try as I might, I could not recall that detail ever being mentioned at the gaming table. I did not know of that man's existence until I had read the summary. I blame it on the time (4 am) of when we ended our first session. Or I was in the kitchen while this detail was being discussed. But the summary helped me get onto the same page as everybody else, and so when the man was mentioned again yesterday, I knew whom we were talking about.
So really, if your group isn't using a diary of sessions yet, you should at least give it a try, see how it goes. It adds a lot of depth to gaming, and seeing as how there are usually one or two weeks in between sessions, the pressure is not too big. If you don't like it, no loss. I certainly enjoy having one.
Qi
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