What to write down
The best note-taking system is one you will actually use. Whatever format you choose, it helps to capture the same core information:
- People: NPC names, what they want, and how they treated the party.
- Places: locations visited and anything notable about them.
- Quests and goals: what the party has agreed to do, and what is unresolved.
- Loot and resources: items, money and promises owed.
- Clues and mysteries: things that do not make sense yet.
- Decisions: big choices and their consequences.
Short, specific notes beat long transcripts. Write names exactly, since forgotten names are the most common problem.
Pen and paper
A notebook is fast, cheap and never distracts you with notifications. Many players like it for jotting names during play. Tips:
- Reserve sections or pages for NPCs, locations, quests and loot.
- Use sticky tabs or color to mark sections.
- Leave space to add details later.
- Write a short session summary at the end of each game.
The main drawback is searching. If your notebook fills up, finding a detail from months ago can be slow.
Digital docs during play
Tools such as Notion, OneNote and Google Docs let you type live, search later and share with the group. They are useful when notes are collaborative. The tradeoff is that typing on a device can pull attention away from the table. Consider a quick shorthand during play and a cleanup afterward.
Wikis after the session
Wiki-style tools such as Obsidian, Kanka and World Anvil let you link NPCs, locations and events together. Some DMs and players take quick notes during the game, then spend time between sessions building connected pages. This takes more effort but pays off in long campaigns where lore piles up. Features and pricing change, so check each tool’s current plans before committing.
AI recording and transcription tools
Some tools record session audio and turn it into transcripts, summaries or wiki entries. SessionKeeper is one example of this kind of service. They can free you to focus on playing, but there are things to weigh:
- Consent: tell your group and get everyone’s agreement before recording.
- Accuracy: AI summaries can misspell names or miss details, so skim them.
- Privacy and cost: check where recordings are stored and what the tool charges.
If you only want a recap, a short written summary by a volunteer after each session may work just as well.
A simple note structure
Try this layout for each session:
- Date and session number
- Recap in three to five sentences
- New NPCs with a short descriptor
- New locations
- Open threads and questions
- Loot and rewards
- Next steps
Tips for players
- Jot keywords during play and expand them afterward.
- Note unfinished business, not just events.
- Ask the DM to repeat names if you missed them. Most DMs are happy to help.
- Consider rotating the recap duty among the players.
Tips for DMs
- Track what you improvised, since you may need it later.
- Record what players seemed to care about.
- Keep a list of NPC names and quick traits that you can reuse. Our guide to essential D&D tools for Dungeon Masters includes more options.
- Use notes to plan the next session. See how to create a D&D campaign for ideas about organizing story threads.
Choosing a method
Match the method to your needs. If you are new, start with a notebook. If your campaign is long and complex, add a digital wiki. If you struggle to attend to the game and write, consider recording with your group’s consent. You can always change systems later.