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campaign-planning-framework

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10-Session Campaign Planning Framework

🎯 Campaign Arc Structure

Three-Act Structure (Modified for 10 Sessions)

Act I: Introduction & Setup (Sessions 1-3)

  • Session 1 (Jul 25): Character introductions, world establishment, first adventure hook
  • Session 2 (Aug 01): First major challenge, community threats revealed
  • Session 3 (Aug 08): Deeper mysteries, expanding world beyond Last Light

Act II: Development & Complications (Sessions 4-7)

  • Session 4 (Aug 15): Major revelation or plot twist
  • Session 5 (Aug 22): Character development focus, relationship building
  • Session 6 (Aug 29): Rising action, significant challenge or loss
  • Session 7 (Sep 05): Crisis point, characters tested to their limits

Act III: Climax & Resolution (Sessions 8-10)

  • Session 8 (Sep 12): Major confrontation or decisive action
  • Session 9 (Sep 19): Consequences and final preparations
  • Session 10 (Sep 26): Campaign finale, resolution of main arc

📊 Pacing Guidelines

Session Allocation

  • 25% Setup (2.5 sessions): World, characters, initial threats
  • 50% Development (5 sessions): Core adventures, character growth, mounting tension
  • 25% Resolution (2.5 sessions): Climax, consequences, campaign conclusion

Key Milestones

  • Session 3: Players should understand the world’s stakes and their role
  • Session 5: Mid-campaign character development checkpoint
  • Session 7: Major crisis or turning point
  • Session 10: Satisfying conclusion to the main story arc

🎪 Session Planning Framework

Each Session Should Include:

  1. Opening (10-15 minutes): Previous session recap, current situation
  2. Development (60-90 minutes): Main adventure content
  3. Character Moments (15-30 minutes): Roleplay, character development
  4. Cliffhanger/Transition (5-10 minutes): Setup for next session

Session Types to Rotate:

  • Adventure Sessions: Exploration, combat, external challenges
  • Character Sessions: Roleplay focus, relationships, personal growth
  • Mystery Sessions: Investigation, lore discovery, puzzle-solving
  • Action Sessions: High stakes combat, dramatic moments

🌟 Character Development Arc

Level Progression Estimate

  • Sessions 1-3: Level 1 (learning the basics)
  • Sessions 4-6: Level 2-3 (gaining competence)
  • Sessions 7-9: Level 3-4 (becoming heroes)
  • Session 10: Level 4-5 (legendary conclusion)

Character Arc Checkpoints

  • Session 2: Initial character motivations established
  • Session 4: First major character challenge or test
  • Session 6: Character growth or change moment
  • Session 8: Character confronts their fears/flaws
  • Session 10: Character arc resolution

🗺️ World Development Schedule

Last Light Settlement Focus

  • Sessions 1-2: Establish Hope’s Call pub, immediate community
  • Sessions 3-4: Expand to full settlement layout and key NPCs
  • Sessions 5-6: Explore settlement history and deeper mysteries
  • Sessions 7-8: Settlement under threat or changing
  • Sessions 9-10: Settlement’s fate tied to campaign resolution

Age of Umbra Wider World

  • Sessions 1-3: Hints and rumors of the wider world
  • Sessions 4-6: Direct encounters with outside forces/threats
  • Sessions 7-9: Understanding the Eclipse and its implications
  • Session 10: Resolution impacts the wider world

🎲 Mechanical Considerations

Rules Introduction Schedule

  • Sessions 1-2: Core mechanics, basic combat
  • Sessions 3-4: Advanced abilities, domain powers
  • Sessions 5-6: Magic items, complex encounters
  • Sessions 7-8: High-level abilities, dramatic consequences
  • Sessions 9-10: Full system mastery, epic moments

Difficulty Scaling

  • Early Sessions: Lower stakes, learning opportunities
  • Middle Sessions: Moderate challenge, skill testing
  • Late Sessions: High stakes, character-defining moments

📝 Session Preparation Checklist

Pre-Session (for each session):

  • Review previous session notes
  • Prepare 2-3 potential scenes/encounters
  • Update NPC motivations and world state
  • Prepare character development opportunities
  • Plan session opening and potential endings

Post-Session (after each session):

  • Update session tracker with key events
  • Note character development moments
  • Track world changes and consequences
  • Plan implications for next session
  • Update campaign documents as needed

🎯 Success Metrics

Campaign Success Indicators:

  • Player Engagement: Characters feel developed and meaningful
  • World Immersion: Last Light feels like a real place
  • Story Satisfaction: Main arc has clear beginning, middle, end
  • Character Growth: Both mechanical and narrative progression
  • Memorable Moments: Each session has at least one standout scene

Adjustment Triggers:

  • Players seem confused about the world or their role
  • Sessions feel rushed or draggy
  • Character development stagnating
  • World feels static or unresponsive
  • Story arc unclear or unfocused

🔄 Flexibility Framework

Built-in Adaptation Points:

  • Session 3: Assess player interests, adjust focus
  • Session 5: Mid-campaign review, pace adjustment
  • Session 7: Crisis adjustment based on character actions
  • Session 9: Final arc adjustment for satisfying conclusion

Emergency Session Options:

  • Character Focus Session: If plot needs breathing room
  • World Building Session: If players want more exploration
  • Action Session: If energy needs ramping up
  • Mystery Session: If players enjoy investigation

Framework Created: 2025-07-25 Campaign Duration: July 25 - September 26, 2025 Total Sessions: 10 (plus Session 0 character creation)

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