Session Prep Review

Purpose

Comprehensive pre-session review that combines continuity checking, encounter balance, NPC readiness, and gap identification before game time.

For deeper analysis of specific areas, see the related skills:

• continuity-check — Full plot consistency audit
• encounter-balance — Detailed CR and XP math
• loot-audit — Treasure distribution analysis
• npc-network — Relationship mapping
• pressure-test — Adversarial scenario testing

Pre-Session Checklist

1. Content Readiness

Load the module being run and campaign-level context:

# Campaign-level documents (world lore, session notes)
list_documents()  # omit module_id for campaign-level docs
# Module content
get_module_details(module_id)
list_documents(module_id)

Verify:

• Backstory or description document exists and is complete
• Read-aloud text prepared for key moments
• DM notes cover contingencies
• Maps/handouts referenced are available
• Relevant campaign-level documents reviewed (world lore, prior session notes)

2. NPC Readiness

list_characters(character_type: "npc", module_id: module_id)
# Also check by location if the session spans areas:
list_characters(character_type: "npc", location: "Tavern District")

For each NPC players will likely encounter:

• Name, role, location defined
• Motivation and goals clear
• Key information they know documented
• Ability scores set (for skill checks during play)
• Inventory populated (getcharacterinventory)
• Voice/mannerism notes (optional)

3. Encounter Readiness

Review module monsters and maps:

• Monster stat blocks accessible (verify via search_catalog(category: "monster"))
• Tactics noted in DM notes
• Terrain/environmental factors documented
• Treasure/loot defined
• Maps uploaded and tokens placed (listmaps, getmap)

4. Plot Thread Check

• Current plot hooks are clear
• Player goals acknowledged
• Clues/information properly placed
• Multiple paths to success exist

5. Contingency Prep

• "What if they skip X" planned
• "What if NPC dies" contingency
• Backup hooks ready
• Improvisation anchors noted

Output Format

# Session Prep Report: [Module Name]

## Ready
- [List of complete elements]

## Needs Attention
- [Element]: [What's missing] -> [Quick fix suggestion]

## Critical Gaps
- [Element]: [Why it's critical] -> [Action needed]

## NPCs for This Session

| NPC | Location | Ready? | Missing |
|-----|----------|--------|---------|
| [Name] | [Location] | [OK/WARN] | [What's missing] |

## Encounters

| Encounter | Difficulty | Ready? | Notes |
|-----------|------------|--------|-------|
| [Name] | [Difficulty] | [OK/WARN] | [Notes] |

## Quick Reference

### Key NPCs
- **[Name]**: [1-line summary, key info they have]

### Key Locations
- **[Location]**: [What happens here]

### Plot Threads
- [Thread]: [Current state, next beat]

## DM Notes
[Any generated prep notes or reminders]

Interactive Mode

1. Identify the module being run
2. Run through checklist categories
3. For each gap, offer to:

- Create missing NPC details - Add DM notes via create_document - Generate read-aloud text - Suggest encounter adjustments

1. Generate a condensed cheat sheet for the session