I'm currently running my first Pathfinder game. It's by no means my first GM experience though. I've ran 2nd edition and 3.5, and even Werewolf. So, I know the rules and I can run a game hardly prepared, but my biggest problem is that I'm completely scatter brained and very unorganized.
How do other GMs out there prepare game notes, adventure stats, city info, Npcs, etc...
I've use google docs, word docs, note cards, binders, and even facebook messages lol.
I'm just curious to see what other GMs are doing out there.
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I have a particular affinity for HTML and more recently, Javascript.
Everything for a single campaign, other than Paizo PDFs, are in a folder dedicated to that campaign on my computer. All campaign folders are in one master folder.
Each campaign folder has an "index.html" file which simply contains organized lists of links to every other HTML file in the folder. Pretty much each "thing" gets its own HTML page. Important combat NPC HTML pages typically have some simple Javascript embedded. For example: I can go to the BBEG Wizard's page when the fight against him starts; when he casts his Mage Armor spell on himself, I click the spell in his spell list and it strikes-through itself to let me know he can't cast it again, and adds +4 to his AC.
I like making the pages almost more than running the campaign itself :D
EDIT: Also, I link almost everything in a statblock to d20pfsrd.com. That way, when said Wizard casts Grease and I can't remember the Acrobatics check, it's one click away instead of having to look through the book or search the site.
That's awesome. I don't currently possess a computer. I use my android for everything. The PFRPG RD app is extremely useful.
So, I know the rules and I can run a game hardly prepared, but my biggest problem is that I'm completely scatter brained and very unorganized.
Welcome to the club! Recalling where did I noted name of particular NPC can be a quest unto itself.
I've use google docs, word docs, note cards, binders, and even facebook messages lol.
I make notes for sessions (NPCs, monsters, maps, events to happen, terasures to be found) in a notebook that I bring for session. I publish campaign notes on deviantart (which I must update before I forget completly what happened on the last 4 or 5 sessions, I already am confused about some events). I use google docs for my pf materials but not session materials. I often use prd and d20pfsrd pages to check things during the games.
I run off my laptop. I have a folder for each campaign, and subfolders for session notes, modules, images, and npcs.
In session notes, I generally customize any encounters I think the PCs will encounter that game; I put the text to be read aloud to the players in red. I put important things like Save DCs and Perception checks in blue.
During the game, I have the following open on my laptop: electronic dice, a link to the PFSRD, the Session notes for that session, the module (if any) that I'm running out of, and any other charts I might need, as well as any major NPCs I need.
Organizing a notebook can be a chore. I tend to use binders with sheet protectors. Note cards are handy as well.
Any good websites out there for organization? Like blog sites or social sites?