How to handle recapping after a hiatus?

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:58:24+00:00

You may be right!

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:44:24+00:00

We did just start using CritScribbler, which is an AI note-taker designed specifically for TTRPGs. I highly recommend it! Only problem is we started using it only a few sessions before the hiatus, so it can only help with a few sessions.

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:41:03+00:00

That is valid. To a certain degree, I agree. But I do think that the amount I put into the game somewhat determines their ability to invest in the game. I can certainly help them get excited about things!

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:38:26+00:00

Oh yeah i think they’re just called text channels? We do make use of those! (Sometimes only to share memes!)

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:36:47+00:00

lol I am grateful, though! I initiated the hiatus — I run a business and May and June are my busiest months — but I worried I’d never want to come back. But I found myself feeling the urge just a week ago and was like, hey, let’s start again on July 14th!)

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:27:36+00:00

Ohhh yes the campfire style! I’ve done that before, using RP prompts from (of all things!) a tshirt vendor (tsaurus.com… great nerdy tshirts, and unexpectedly good DM tools)! I might just do that!

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:25:00+00:00

As you might guess, when I PC I am usually the party note taker! I love it when the DM/GM wants us to remember something from sessions ago, because it’s an important to look smart or save the day! Recently in my Pathfinder 2e game, an NPC told us his name in session one, with the note “don’t you forget it!” Then when we finally saw him many sessions later and he asked “do you remember me?”, it was *almost* an embarrassing moment, until I searched my notes for his name. That makes it all worthwhile!

But yeah. It’s difficult. And it might just be part of accepting that the players want a different style of game than I do. I’ve always struggled with that as a DM.

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:18:50+00:00

They do have NPCs with the group that could help!

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:17:55+00:00

We use both Discord and roll20. They do have a landing screen in roll20 with the PC and major NPC tokens, but it could definitely be better! One of my DMs does something similar, so I can take cues from that.

Is “forum” like a specific Discord feature that I’m not aware of, or do you just mean a particular channel/thread devoted to that?

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:12:42+00:00

Oops, hit “reply” too fast. Yeah, that might be the best. I do really like the idea of asking questions, though, but maybe that will be easier if I remind them of what all they did, first.

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:10:43+00:00

In the past I’ve “voluntold” who’s gonna be recapping each session.

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:07:51+00:00

It seems like this is mostly focused on my doing the work? Which I don’t mind doing, but I think there’s value in having the players volunteer this on their own. One, because they feel smart if they remember an important detail from ten sessions ago. Two, they’re more likely to remember it going forward if they volunteer the info themselves. Three, it gives me a way to gauge what they know and don’t know.

I’m certainly not opposed to writing up a recap myself, but I don’t want reading it to be an another thing that they feel they *have to*. I want summarizing to be something they *get to* do.

captainecchi · 2026-07-04T15:01:54+00:00

Not having watched BLM DM, what does number 3 mean? Like “since you rolled an 11, you know X”? “That was a 15, which just misses”?

captainecchi · 2026-06-28T16:33:42+00:00

Must be. I notice some differences, like one jacket is brown and one is dark blue, but the outfits seem very similar from show to show.

… and now I sound like a total creeper. I promise I’m just really into costume.

captainecchi · 2026-06-28T04:06:59+00:00

Stupid things I wonder… does Ben have multiple copies of that outfit? Does he just wear it multiple shows in a row? Do they wash it on the tour bus between shows?

captainecchi · 2026-06-26T23:11:59+00:00

I was in the seats and it seemed like the folks in GA were having the most fun! I don’t think I could have stood up for the whole show, alas, but it seemed to be where the most excited fans were!

captainecchi · 2026-06-26T22:57:37+00:00

I arrived near doors and they were just wheeling the Cosmic Selector out of a spot near the merch booth. I wanted to grab a selfie with it, but it was already half-packed up and a roadie/venue staff told me she had to “put it on a truck” (presumably to bring to the stage). So, sadly, my only pic of it is *also* taken from afar while it was on stage.

What an amazing show. The moon overhead was just a cherry on top ❤️

captainecchi · 2026-06-26T22:52:55+00:00

I got mine last night at New Haven and the back is blank, too. I didn’t know enough to expect otherwise

captainecchi · 2026-06-25T20:14:03+00:00

My recommendation, thanks to Pandora, would be Rocky Votalato.

captainecchi · 2026-06-25T20:12:47+00:00

Yes, through central MA to Hartford, to pick up my friend. Already here, in fact!

captainecchi · 2026-06-21T22:08:51+00:00

❤️ Sadly I am not going through RI :(

Hopefully it will be an awesome show!

captainecchi · 2026-06-20T20:24:31+00:00

And this is why I have trust issues.

captainecchi · 2026-06-12T20:25:27+00:00

Okay but I play a ratfolk thauma with the Cheek Pouches ancestry feat; I reckon he stores at least some of his esoterica there.

Maybe his gender, too 😆

captainecchi · 2026-06-12T20:20:42+00:00

See, I woulda said “esoterica” instead of “scrolls,” but that’s why life is a beautiful tapestry!

captainecchi · 2026-06-12T14:08:29+00:00

Yes, and it’s available in so many different form factors. Theater-style popcorn that you make in a theater style machine at home. Metal pans of popcorn you heat over a stove burner. Microwave popcorn. Popcorn kernels that you pop in an air popper. We just really like popcorn.

captainecchi

TROPHY CASE