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.