Dungeon Master Prep Checklist

• Review module introduction and background sections.

• Review module chapters for relevant areas.

  • Take outline or notes of relevant module areas. Optionally include the following:

    • Point of Interest notes:

      • Box Text

      • Description/History

      • Key Features

      • Treasure

      • NPC’s

    • NPC notes:

      • What do they provide?

      • What do they want?

      • What are their driving factors?

  • Monster Stat Blocks, print or copy the stat blocks of all relevant monsters, or bookmark the proper sections of your monster manual.

  • Create likely encounter sheets.

• Review previous session notes.

• Play materials:

  • Maps

  • DM Screen and/or additions

  • Pen + Paper

  • Miniatures

  • Dice

  • Map Markers

  • Item 4×6 cards – These can be blank cards that you pen in item descriptions when you want to hand out loot or objective items so that you always know who is carrying what.

• Cheat Sheets

  • Character Sheets – the first page of each character sheet, as well as the complete character sheets.

  • Quick Reference

  • List of Random NPC Names

  • The If/Then List – An expanding list of significant encounters that may affect future encounters.

• References

  • D&D 5E Compendium

  • Virtual DM Screen

  • Random Name Generator

  • Thing Generator

  • RPG Random Generators

An excellent Reddit thread on the topic.