Session Prep Review Skill

Session Prep Review

Purpose

Comprehensive pre-session review that combines continuity checking, encounter balance, NPC readiness, and gap identification before game time.

For deeper analysis of specific areas, see the related skills:

continuity-check — Full plot consistency audit
encounter-balance — Detailed CR and XP math
loot-audit — Treasure distribution analysis
npc-network — Relationship mapping
pressure-test — Adversarial scenario testing

Pre-Session Checklist

1. Content Readiness

Load the module being run and campaign-level context:

# Campaign-level documents (world lore, session notes)
list_documents()  # omit module_id for campaign-level docs
# Module content
get_module_details(module_id)
list_documents(module_id)

Verify:

[ ] Backstory or description document exists and is complete
[ ] Read-aloud text prepared for key moments
[ ] DM notes cover contingencies
[ ] Maps/handouts referenced are available
[ ] Relevant campaign-level documents reviewed (world lore, prior session notes)

2. NPC Readiness

list_characters(character_type: "npc", module_id: module_id)
# Also check by location if the session spans areas:
list_characters(character_type: "npc", location: "Tavern District")

For each NPC players will likely encounter:

[ ] Name, role, location defined
[ ] Motivation and goals clear
[ ] Key information they know documented
[ ] Ability scores set (for skill checks during play)
[ ] Inventory populated (get_character_inventory)
[ ] Voice/mannerism notes (optional)

3. Encounter Readiness

Review module monsters and maps:

[ ] Monster stat blocks accessible (verify via search_monsters)
[ ] Tactics noted in DM notes
[ ] Terrain/environmental factors documented
[ ] Treasure/loot defined
[ ] Maps uploaded and tokens placed (list_maps, get_map)

4. Plot Thread Check

[ ] Current plot hooks are clear
[ ] Player goals acknowledged
[ ] Clues/information properly placed
[ ] Multiple paths to success exist

5. Contingency Prep

[ ] "What if they skip X" planned
[ ] "What if NPC dies" contingency
[ ] Backup hooks ready
[ ] Improvisation anchors noted

Output Format

# Session Prep Report: [Module Name]

## Ready
- [List of complete elements]

## Needs Attention
- [Element]: [What's missing] -> [Quick fix suggestion]

## Critical Gaps
- [Element]: [Why it's critical] -> [Action needed]

## NPCs for This Session

| NPC | Location | Ready? | Missing |
|-----|----------|--------|---------|
| [Name] | [Location] | [OK/WARN] | [What's missing] |

## Encounters

| Encounter | Difficulty | Ready? | Notes |
|-----------|------------|--------|-------|
| [Name] | [Difficulty] | [OK/WARN] | [Notes] |

## Quick Reference

### Key NPCs
- **[Name]**: [1-line summary, key info they have]

### Key Locations
- **[Location]**: [What happens here]

### Plot Threads
- [Thread]: [Current state, next beat]

## DM Notes
[Any generated prep notes or reminders]

Interactive Mode

Identify the module being run
Run through checklist categories
For each gap, offer to:
- Create missing NPC details
- Add DM notes via create_document
- Generate read-aloud text
- Suggest encounter adjustments
Generate a condensed cheat sheet for the session

Agent Skills: Session Prep Review

Install this agent skill to your local

Skill Files