Session Recap Architect
Build the perfect D&D session note template. Export to Notion, Obsidian, or Print to PDF.
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Why use a Session Recap Template?
Every Dungeon Master has a different style. Some need rigorous combat tracking, while others focus on roleplay quotes and cliffhangers. The Session Recap Architect lets you build a modular sheet that fits your campaign needs.
Compatible with Notion & Obsidian
By clicking "Copy for Notion", you get a clean Markdown formatted structure that you can paste directly into Notion, Obsidian, or Trello. No more fighting with tables or formatting manually.
The "Lazy DM" Method
The secret to better campaigns is consistent notes. But taking notes during the game is hard. By using a structured template, you reduce the mental load.
Pro Tip: If you want to skip note-taking entirely, check out Saga20's automated audio-to-text summaries.
Example Templates
Here are three common ways DMs use this tool:
- The Combat Heavy: Header + Combat Tracker (x3) + Loot Table. Ideal for dungeon crawls.
- The Roleplay Focused: Header + NPC Gallery + Event Log (for quotes) + Cliffhanger. Perfect for city intrigue.
- The West Marches: Header + Event Log + Next Session (Scheduling) + Loot. Great for rotating player groups.
How to design the perfect recap
1. Start with the "Hook": Always begin with a header and a short summary "Cliffhanger" from the previous session. This jogs everyone's memory immediately.
2. Log effectively: Don't write a novel. Use the Event Log widget to track bullet points. Focus on decisions made and items gained.
3. Track the math separately: Use the Combat Tracker and Loot Table widgets to keep numbers out of your narrative text. This makes it easier to look up "How much gold do we have?" later.
4. End with a purpose: Use the Next Session widget to write down exactly what the party plans to do next time. This beats the "What were we doing again?" confusion 2 weeks later.
Tired of filling these out manually?
Saga20 listens to your session and fills out the recap for you. Tracks combat, loot, and NPCs automatically.
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Learn More About Note Taking
Stop Taking Notes: The Lazy Dungeon Master Guide
Learn how to reduce your prep time and focus on the game by automating your session notes.
Session Notes vs Audio Recording
Is it better to write everything down or just record it? We analyze the pros and cons for modern D&D groups.
The Anatomy of Great Session Notes
A blank page is intimidating. Whether you are using this tool, Notion, or a physical notebook, every great session record needs three specific sections to be useful later.
1. The Log
What happened? Keep it brief. "Went to town. Met mayor. Killed rats." Future You does not need a novel; they need triggers to jog their memory.
2. The Loot
Who has it? The number one cause of table arguments is "I thought you picked up the healing potion." Write down the item AND the owner immediately.
3. The NPCs
Names matter. You will forget "Garth the Blacksmith" in two weeks. Write down his name and one defining trait (e.g., "Missing left ear").
Why use a Template?
Consistency beats intensity. It is better to have 50 sessions of simple, structured notes than 3 sessions of perfect novels followed by silence. This builder helps you create a structure that is easy to fill out even when you are tired at 11 PM.