Lorekeeper
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DM First Session Checklist

Last updated Mar 16, 2026

Before Your First Session

Use this checklist to make sure you are ready to run your first session in Lorekeeper.

Campaign Setup

  • Create a campaign — go to Campaigns and click New Campaign. Add a title, synopsis, and optional cover image.
  • Invite your players — open the Players panel and send email invites to each player.
  • Wait for players to join — they will receive an email and need to accept the invite.
  • Verify characters are assigned — each player should assign a character to the campaign.

Session Prep

  • Create your first session — go to your campaign and add Session 1 with a title and date.
  • Build encounters — go to Encounters and create at least one encounter. Add monsters from the Compendium and check the difficulty rating.
  • Create key NPCs — go to NPCs and add the NPCs your players will meet. Upload portraits if you have them.
  • Set up locations — create the locations where the session takes place. Upload a map if you have one.
  • Write a session plan — use the Session Planner to link your encounters, NPCs, and locations into a structured prep sheet.

Optional Extras

  • Set up a calendar — create an in-game calendar to track dates.
  • Create quests — add quests the party will discover.
  • Upload a world map — add markers for your key locations.
  • Configure Discord — add a Discord webhook URL to your campaign for session notifications.

During the Session

  • Start combat from an encounter — click Start Combat on any encounter page. Optionally upload a battle map.
  • Roll initiative — use Roll All Initiative in the combat tracker.
  • Track HP and conditions — use the combat tracker to manage the fight.
  • Place AoE shapes — use the Circle, Cone, Line, or Cube tools on the battle map.
  • Log story beats — after the session, update the session record with a summary.

After the Session

  • Award XP — update the session with XP awarded.
  • Update quest status — mark quests as in progress or completed.
  • Write a recap — add a session summary for your players to read.