Introduction:
As a dungeon master, preparing for your next game session can be both exciting and challenging. With ChatGPT, you can streamline the process and create an engaging adventure for your players. In this blog post, we'll show you how to use the ChatGPT template for game session preparation with an example featuring three unique player characters who recently finished a battle with a displacer beast.
Template Overview
1. Summarize Previous Session:
"ChatGPT, please provide a summary of our previous D&D session where [briefly describe key events or situations from the last game]."
2. Outline Potential Scenes:
"ChatGPT, based on the previous session's events, please provide an outline of potential scenes for our next game session, considering the following locations, NPCs, and objectives:
Location 1: [Description]
Location 2: [Description]
Location 3: [Description]
NPC 1: [Name and brief description]
NPC 2: [Name and brief description]
NPC 3: [Name and brief description]
Objective 1: [Description]
Objective 2: [Description]
Objective 3: [Description]"
3. Review Player Characters:
"ChatGPT, please provide a brief review of each player character, including their key motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and any ongoing plotlines:
Character 1: [Name, race, class, and background]
Character 2: [Name, race, class, and background]
Character 3: [Name, race, class, and background]
Character 4: [Name, race, class, and background]"
4. Create a Strong Start:
"ChatGPT, please help me create a strong and engaging start for our next game session. Consider the following hooks, challenges, or mysteries to capture the players' attention:
Hook 1: [Description]
Hook 2: [Description]
Hook 3: [Description]
Challenge 1: [Description]
Challenge 2: [Description]
Challenge 3: [Description]
Mystery 1: [Description]
Mystery 2: [Description]
Mystery 3: [Description]"
Identify Secrets, Clues, and Magic Items:
5. Secrets, Clues and/or Magic Items
"ChatGPT, please suggest any secrets, clues, or magic items that the PCs may discover in the upcoming game session, considering their current situation and objectives:
Secret 1: [Description] Secret 2: [Description] Secret 3: [Description] Clue 1: [Description] Clue 2: [Description] Clue 3: [Description] Magic Item 1: [Name and brief description] Magic Item 2: [Name and brief description] Magic Item 3: [Name and brief description]"
6. Outline Important NPCs:
"ChatGPT, please provide an outline of important NPCs the players may encounter in the upcoming session, including their names, roles, and potential interactions with the PCs:
NPC 1: [Name, role, and potential interaction] NPC 2: [Name, role, and potential interaction] NPC 3: [Name, role, and potential interaction] NPC 4: [Name, role, and potential interaction]"
7. Define a Loose Outline for the Dungeon Master:
"ChatGPT, please provide a loose outline for me as the Dungeon Master to follow during the upcoming game session, taking into consideration the previous session's events, potential scenes, player characters, strong start, secrets, clues, magic items, and important NPCs:
Step 1: [Description of a key event or encounter] Step 2: [Description of a decision point or branching path] Step 3: [Description of a challenge or obstacle] Step 4: [Description of an important NPC interaction] Step 5: [Description of a plot twist or revelation] Step 6: [Description of a climax or resolution] Step 7: [Description of any loose ends or potential hooks for future sessions]"
Example Scenario:
The player characters have just concluded a fierce battle with a displacer beast. Though they managed to survive, one of them is injured, and the beast is still on the loose. The characters are:
Kael, a human rogue with a mysterious past
Lyra, a half-elf bard seeking fame and fortune
Marak, a dwarf cleric dedicated to his deity
Now, let's see how to utilize the ChatGPT template to prepare for the next session.
1. Summarize Previous Session:
Prompt: "ChatGPT, please provide a summary of our previous D&D session where Kael, Lyra, and Marak fought a displacer beast in a dense forest, leaving one of them injured, and the beast escaped."
–End Prompt–
In the previous D&D session, Kael the human rogue, Lyra the half-elf bard, and Marak the dwarf cleric encountered a fearsome displacer beast in a dense forest. The party engaged in a fierce battle with the creature, using their unique skills and abilities to try and subdue it.
During the fight, Kael managed to land a few critical hits on the beast, while Lyra used her bardic inspiration to bolster her allies' morale and actions. Marak focused on providing healing and support to the party, keeping them in the fight as they faced the monster's relentless attacks.
Despite their best efforts, the displacer beast proved to be a formidable foe. It managed to land a powerful blow on Lyra, leaving her severely injured. Seeing their comrade in dire need of aid, the party decided to retreat and regroup. As they made their escape, the displacer beast vanished into the shadows, leaving the heroes with a new challenge: to find and defeat the elusive creature while ensuring Lyra's recovery.
2. Outline Potential Scenarios:
Prompt: "ChatGPT, based on the previous session's events, please provide an outline of potential scenes for our next game session, considering the following locations, NPCs, and objectives.
–End Prompt–
Scene 1: The Race to the Village
Location: The nearest village
NPCs: Wounded travelers seeking refuge, a village elder
Objective: Reach the village quickly to find help for Lyra and gather information about the displacer beast
Scene 2: A Healing Hand
Location: The healer's home in the village
NPCs: The skilled healer, concerned villagers
Objective: Seek the healer's assistance in treating Lyra's injuries and learn about any previous encounters with the displacer beast
Scene 3: The Hunter's Knowledge
Location: The local hunter's lodge
NPCs: The experienced hunter, other hunters sharing tales
Objective: Gain insight on the displacer beast's habits, possible lair locations, and strategies for tracking and defeating it
Scene 4: Into the Beast's Lair
Location: The lair of the displacer beast
NPCs: None
Objective: Cautiously explore the lair, confront the displacer beast, and put an end to its reign of terror
Scene 5: The Path to the Hidden Shrine
Location: The entrance to the hidden shrine
NPCs: The mysterious figure, ancient guardians
Objective: Follow the clues to the shrine, overcome any obstacles or traps, and discover its connection to the displacer beast
Scene 6: The Shrine's Secrets Unveiled
Location: The hidden shrine's inner chamber
NPCs: The mysterious figure, ethereal beings
Objective: Unravel the mysteries surrounding the displacer beast's origin, confront the mysterious figure, and determine the fate of the shrine
3. Review Player Characters:
Prompt: "ChatGPT, please provide a brief review of each player character, including their key motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and any ongoing plotlines:
–End Prompt–
Character 1: Kael
Race: Human
Class: Rogue
Motivation: Seeking answers about their mysterious past and finding redemption for previous misdeeds
Strengths: Stealth, agility, cunning, and skilled in deception
Weaknesses: Struggles with trusting others, can be reckless in pursuit of their goals
Ongoing Plotline: Kael's enigmatic past is slowly unfolding, with hints of a dark secret and connections to powerful enemies
Character 2: Lyra
Race: Half-elf
Class: Bard
Motivation: Aspires to become a legendary performer, known far and wide for her songs and stories of adventure
Strengths: Charisma, versatility in spellcasting, inspiring allies through bardic inspiration, and diplomacy
Weaknesses: Physically less resilient, can be easily distracted by fame or fortune
Ongoing Plotline: Lyra's pursuit of fame leads her to seek out grand tales of heroism and discover the truth behind ancient legends
Character 3: Marak
Race: Dwarf
Class: Cleric
Motivation: A devout follower of his deity, he aims to spread their teachings and protect the innocent from harm
Strengths: Healing, support spells, and divine abilities granted by his deity; sturdy in combat
Weaknesses: Can be stubborn and inflexible, sometimes struggling to adapt to new situations
Ongoing Plotline: Marak's unwavering devotion to his deity may lead him to face moral dilemmas, requiring him to balance his personal beliefs with the needs of his companions and the world around him
4. Create a Strong Start:
Prompt: "ChatGPT, please help me create a strong and engaging start for our next game session. Consider the following hooks, challenges, or mysteries to capture the players' attention:
–End Prompt–
To create a strong and engaging start for your next game session, consider the following hooks, challenges, and mysteries that will capture the players' attention:
Opening Scene: A Desperate Flight
As the party flees from the site of their battle with the displacer beast, they carry the injured Lyra with them, moving as quickly as possible through the dense forest. The tension is high, and they are aware that the beast could strike again at any moment.
Hook: The Trail of Destruction
As they progress, they come across a small group of terrified travelers who share tales of the displacer beast's rampage, which has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The travelers plead with the heroes to stop the creature before more lives are lost.
Challenge: A Bridge in Peril
The party reaches a rickety bridge that spans a deep ravine, offering the quickest route to the nearby village where they hope to find help for Lyra. However, the bridge appears to have suffered damage from the displacer beast's recent crossing. The characters must find a way to safely traverse the bridge, testing their skills and teamwork in a tense, high-stakes situation.
Mystery: Whispers in the Woods
Throughout their journey, the players hear faint whispers and catch glimpses of a shadowy figure observing them from a distance. This mysterious presence seems to have a keen interest in the party's actions, particularly their pursuit of the displacer beast. This enigmatic figure could be a potential ally or a new adversary, and the players are left to wonder about their true intentions.
5. Secrets, Clues and/or Magic Items
Prompt: In the upcoming game session with Kael, Lyra, and Thorin, consider the following secrets, clues, or magic items they may discover as they continue their adventure:
–End Prompt–
Secret 1: Displacer Beast's Vulnerability
The party stumbles upon an ancient tome that reveals a secret about the displacer beast: it possesses a vulnerability to a specific type of magical energy or substance, which could give the heroes an advantage in their next encounter.
Secret 2: The Mysterious Figure's Agenda
As they investigate the shadowy figure, the players uncover a hidden agenda that ties the figure to the displacer beast, suggesting a complex relationship between the two and hinting at a larger, more sinister plot.
Secret 3: The Hidden Shrine's True Purpose
During their exploration of the hidden shrine, the party discovers that its true purpose is not merely religious, but also serves as a gateway to a hidden pocket dimension or ancient source of power.
Clue 1: Displacer Beast's Lair Location
While searching for the displacer beast's lair, the players find a trail of strange, otherworldly markings that lead deeper into the forest, providing a potential path to the creature's den.
Clue 2: The Shadowy Figure's Identity
As the party investigates the mysterious figure, they find a dropped trinket or personal item that hints at the figure's true identity, revealing a surprising connection to one of the characters or an important NPC.
Clue 3: The Origin of the Displacer Beast
The players uncover information about the origin of the displacer beast, suggesting it was either summoned or created by a powerful mage or entity, which could lead to the discovery of new allies or enemies.
Magic Item 1: Amulet of Foe Detection
A magical amulet that emits a faint glow when in the presence of a displacer beast, helping the heroes track the elusive creature more effectively.
Magic Item 2: Bracers of Resilience
A pair of enchanted bracers that, when worn, grant the wearer resistance to the displacer beast's attacks, providing an additional layer of protection in battle.
Magic Item 3: The Harmonic Flute
A beautifully crafted flute that, when played, can temporarily disrupt the displacer beast's ability to displace, making it easier for the party to target and defeat the creature.
6. NPCs
Prompt: In the upcoming game session with Kael, Lyra, and Thorin, consider the following important NPCs that the players may encounter, including their names, roles, and potential interactions with the PCs:
–End Prompt–
NPC 1: Seraphine the Herbalist
Role: A skilled herbalist who specializes in treating magical and non-magical ailments
Potential Interaction: Seraphine can provide healing and assistance to Lyra, who was injured in the previous session. She may also share her knowledge about the local flora and fauna, potentially offering clues about the displacer beast's lair or habits.
NPC 2: Ragnor the Beast Hunter
Role: A seasoned hunter who has dedicated his life to tracking and eliminating dangerous creatures
Potential Interaction: Ragnor could offer the party valuable advice on how to track and combat the displacer beast, based on his experience with other dangerous creatures. He may also provide a quest or request assistance in hunting down another dangerous beast, potentially forming an alliance with the party.
NPC 3: Elara the Enigmatic
Role: The mysterious figure who has been observing the party from a distance
Potential Interaction: Depending on the party's actions, Elara may reveal herself as a friend or foe. She could possess crucial information about the displacer beast's origins or motives, or she may be secretly manipulating events to further her own agenda. Her true intentions may be a central focus of the upcoming session.
NPC 4: Brother Aldric the Wise
Role: A knowledgeable cleric or sage who possesses extensive knowledge of local history and lore
Potential Interaction: Brother Aldric may provide valuable information about the ancient shrine the party discovered, offering insights into its purpose and the potential dangers or rewards that lie within. Additionally, he could provide guidance or assistance in dealing with the supernatural elements of the campaign.
7. Session Outline
Prompt: In the upcoming game session with Kael, Lyra, and Marak, consider the following loose outline as the Dungeon Master, taking into account the previous session's events, potential scenes, player characters, strong start, secrets, clues, magic items, and important NPCs:
–End Prompt–
Step 1: Seeking Aid for Lyra
The session begins with the party urgently seeking help for their injured companion, Lyra. This may lead them to Seraphine the Herbalist, who can provide healing and potentially share her knowledge about the local flora and fauna.
Step 2: Gathering Information
With Lyra's condition stabilized, the players continue their investigation into the mysterious figure and the displacer beast's whereabouts. They may visit Brother Aldric the Wise to learn more about the ancient shrine or seek out Ragnor the Beast Hunter for advice on tracking the creature.
Step 3: Encountering Elara the Enigmatic
The party finally confronts the mysterious figure, Elara, who reveals her true intentions. Depending on the players' choices, Elara may become an ally or an adversary, potentially shaping the course of the campaign.
Step 4: Tracking the Displacer Beast
Using the information and tools they've gathered, the party sets out to find the displacer beast's lair. They must navigate through the forest, following clues and overcoming challenges such as the damaged bridge or other natural obstacles.
Step 5: Delving into the Ancient Shrine
Upon discovering the shrine's true purpose, the players venture inside to face potential dangers or rewards. They may uncover the secret of the hidden pocket dimension or ancient source of power that the shrine conceals.
Step 6: The Showdown with the Displacer Beast
The climax of the session is a thrilling battle against the displacer beast, utilizing the knowledge, allies, and magic items they've acquired throughout their journey. This confrontation will test the players' skills, strategy, and teamwork.
Step 7: Revelations and Loose Ends
With the displacer beast defeated, the party uncovers the truth about its origins and the mysterious figure's agenda. This resolution may reveal new allies or enemies, as well as set the stage for future adventures.
This blog was inspired Sly Flourish and The Lazy Dungeon Master Series. Using the ChatGPT template, you can efficiently prepare for your next game session and create an engaging experience for your players. Customize the template with your own unique characters, locations, and plot.