Player Session Prep Checklist
15 Minutes Before Session
Character Ready (5 min)
- Review your character sheet - abilities, spells, features
- Check HP, spell slots, and resources from last session
- Update inventory - what did you pick up/use last time?
- Complete any pending level-ups before session starts
- Have dice, notepad, and spell cards ready
Story Refresh (3 min)
- Review your notes from last session
- Remember where the party left off
- Check any personal quests or goals you're pursuing
- Note any NPCs you want to follow up with
- Review any unfinished party business
Character Mindset (2 min)
- Remember your character's motivations and personality
- Think about how recent events affected your character
- Consider what your character wants to accomplish this session
- Review bonds with other party members
Practical Setup (5 min)
- Snacks and drinks ready (quiet ones during play)
- Phone on silent
- Bookmark any rules you often need to reference
- Have spell descriptions ready if you're a caster
- Character sheet easily accessible (physical or digital)
During Session
Combat Efficiency
- Plan your turn while others are taking theirs
- Have a default action ready if you're unsure
- Know your bonus actions and reactions
- Track your own HP and resources
- Call out your total damage (include type)
Roleplay Engagement
- Take notes on important NPCs and locations
- Ask questions in character
- Build on other players' ideas
- Share the spotlight
- Stay in character when possible
Party Cooperation
- Track shared resources (who has healing potions?)
- Communicate your character's abilities to help planning
- Support other players' character moments
- Discuss plans in character when possible
Between Sessions
Character Development
- Update backstory based on session events
- Write session notes while memory is fresh
- Level up if you gained experience
- Shopping/inventory management if in town
- Communicate with party about plans
Table Communication
- Let DM know ASAP if you'll be late/absent
- Share any character goals with the DM
- Participate in group chat planning
- Provide feedback if something isn't working
Quick Reference
Theren Vale Personal Notes
- Core Values: Actions over words, protect the innocent
- Personality: Suspicious of authority, loyal to proven allies
- Goals: Find redemption, help common folk
- Fears: Being manipulated again, causing harm through inaction
- Bonds: Growing trust with party members
- Flaws: Too quick to judge, holds grudges
Action Economy Reminder
- Action: Attack, Cast a spell, Dash, Dodge, Help, Hide, Ready, Search
- Bonus Action: Only if ability/spell grants one
- Reaction: Opportunity attacks, Ready trigger, specific abilities
- Movement: Can split before/after/during actions
- Free: Draw/sheathe weapon, open door, speak
Skill Check Guidelines
- Ask "Can I try..." before rolling
- Describe how you're attempting it
- Multiple attempts usually not allowed
- Help action gives advantage
- Passive scores always active
Rest Reminders
- Short Rest (1 hour): Roll HD to heal, regain some abilities
- Long Rest (8 hours): Full HP, all HD back, spell slots reset
- Can't benefit from long rest more than once per 24 hours
Session Etiquette
- Arrive on time or notify the group
- Pay attention during others' turns
- Avoid phone unless for game purposes
- Don't talk over the DM or other players
- Celebrate others' successes
- Accept failure as part of the story
- Thank your DM after session
Post-Session (5 min after)
- Write quick notes on what happened
- Note any items or gold received
- Update character sheet with XP/milestone
- Plan any between-session character activities
- Schedule availability for next session