Devil in the Details

Like all things the devil is in the details.

I'm about to bedevil you with some details, too.  Look, its really quite simple but before I delve into it all let me caveat a couple of things.  First, the "how" of tracking your plots and campaign is something separate from the "need" to track details.  A distinct I think you should explore before you start building the ultimate GM binder  that you read  about on "X" site of awesome GM Tips of Goodness.  Not that I'm bagging on them, just that you need to evaluate what you need before you start tracking a mass of data that you may or may not need.

For example, if your group of 5 players is all about the grit, the swing of blades and axe, the hammer of steel on armor and cries of monsters, they'll care less if you've jotted down the names of all the NPCs you've tossed their direction of the last couple of sessions.  If fact, they might show their displeasure by cutting down "Sir Jaunty the Debutate" and his kindred if you spend more attention there than in the areas they pine for.

So, it behooves you to evaluate your group and your desires before you spent two weeks building a crafty excel spread sheet that sorts it alphabetically and by other fine points of data you collect.  Or, the NPC generator you slaved over for a couple of months.  Now, if they do, then by all means.  I enjoy a group that has a high level of interest in the world, its politics and those within it.

Now, how exactly, do we "evaluate" our group?  Well, let's answer that question.  I think its a fine one that gets skipped over in the columns of advice on good game mastering.  In fact, its fair to say that this step is "assumed' something I know is a mistake because its not.  Most do not consider this question at all but jump right to finding a tool that may or may not be what they need.  So, let's be about it.

Step one:  Generalize what your players like to do during a regular game session.  Use this as a guide.  For example, if they are into politics and weaving plots, then consider the information you need to track to allow them to perform this task.  You'll need names of people, cultures, politics, social movements, economics, educational information, and more.  Best find something that will allow you to track numerous streams of data and organize it.  A more blood and guts oriented group or one dedicated to delving the various undersides of shadowy recesses (dungeoning, anyone?) will need a lot less tracking.  In fact, they'll likely care less what the names of people and various things are and be more focused on treasure, monsters, and challenges.  Consider a medium to low means of tracking.

Step two:  I've alluded to it above but you'll need to figure out if you want heavy, medium, low or ad hoc means of tracking your information.  A nifty GM folder could be any or all of these.  I've seen some blueprints on some pretty ferocious ones, in fact.  Excel sheets (or open office, google, etc.), databases, and more can be useful if you need to track tons of data.  Lower amounts of data could be done via cards, notes or some other tracking means.  Find out what works for you and get it in use.

Step three:  Okay, so you've evaluated what data you need to track and what means you're going to employ.  Now you need to figure out what your habit.  After all, that nifty tracking system is useless if you don't actually use it.  Whatever you choose has to be something you'll employ either while your game mastering or shortly afterward.  Otherwise your tracking is doomed to fail.

So, before you land both feet on some nifty app that allows you to track all your GM info, make sure its something you'll actually use, that suits how you want to track data and can handle the amount, big or small that you want to track.