How do I use quick generators during a live session?
How do I use quick generators during a live session?
Quick generators provide instant content during sessions when you need something right now. This guide covers how to access and use generators for on-the-fly content creation.
When to Use Quick Generators
Mid-session surprises:
- Players befriend an NPC you improvised
- They go somewhere unexpected
- Combat breaks out with an unprepared enemy
- They ask what is in that chest you did not stock
Filling gaps:
- Need a name for the guard they are talking to
- Need treasure for the encounter you just ran
- Need a plot hook to drop at the tavern
Inspiration moments:
- Drawing a blank on NPC dialogue
- Need an interesting complication
- Want to add flavor to a scene
Accessing Generators During Sessions
Super Swift Panel
The primary access point:
- Click Super Swift in the sidebar (or press
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + S) - Choose your generator
- Configure and generate
- Use immediately
Entity Quick Generate
From entity list pages:
- Go to NPCs, Locations, etc.
- Look for Quick Generate button
- Opens the relevant Super Swift generator
Session Companion
For dialogue and reactions:
- Open Session Companion (
Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + C) - Ask for what you need: "Give me dialogue for a nervous guard"
- Get immediate response
The 8 Generators
| Generator | Creates | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| NPC NOW! | Complete NPC with or without stats | ~5 seconds |
| Quick Encounter | Combat or social challenge | ~5 seconds |
| Location Generator | Place with atmosphere | ~5 seconds |
| Plot Hook | Story starter | ~5 seconds |
| Treasure/Loot | Items with properties | ~5 seconds |
| Random Event | Unexpected occurrence | ~3 seconds |
| Session Outline | Complete session package | ~10 seconds |
| Dialogue Starter | NPC opening lines | ~3 seconds |
Speed Tips
Pre-Session Setup
Before game time:
- Open Super Swift panel
- Set your default tone preset
- Have a tab ready for quick access
Fastest Generators
When time is critical:
- Dialogue Starter: Instant NPC speech
- Random Event: Quick complication
- Treasure/Loot: Fast treasure
Chaining
Generate related content in sequence:
- Location (where are they?)
- NPC (who is here?)
- Plot Hook (what is interesting?)
Complete scene in under 30 seconds.
Using Ephemeral Content
Quick-generated content is ephemeral by default. It lives in the Super Swift drawer, not your permanent library.
Why Ephemeral?
- No clutter from one-time NPCs
- Generate freely without organizing
- Promotes work stays; throwaway disappears
The Drawer
Access ephemeral content:
- Click the drawer icon in the sidebar
- See all your generated content organized by type
- Reference during sessions
Promoting on the Fly
When something becomes important mid-session:
- Open the drawer
- Find the content
- Click Promote
- It is now in your permanent library
[!TIP] If players love an NPC, promote immediately before you forget.
Generator-Specific Session Tips
NPC NOW!
For combat:
- Select "Combat-ready" type
- You get stats immediately
- Add to initiative
For social:
- Select "Social" type
- Focus on personality
- Check "Voice and mannerisms" for roleplay cues
Quick Encounter
Improvised combat:
- Set difficulty based on party state
- Check environmental factors for tactical interest
- Use as-is or modify on the fly
Social stakes:
- Select "Social" type
- Stakes field tells you what is on the line
- Resolution options give you multiple paths
Location Generator
Describe on arrival:
- Read sensory details directly to players
- Sights, Sounds, Smells are designed for this
- Features give you interactable elements
Dialogue Starter
Voice an NPC instantly:
- Select the NPC demeanor
- Get opening lines and speech patterns
- Use topics for conversation direction
Session Companion for Improvisation
When generators are not quite right, use Session Companion:
Quick Dialogue
"What would a scared informant say when cornered?"
Get character-appropriate speech instantly.
Reactions
"The party just revealed they killed the baron's son. How does the court react?"
Get complex NPC responses.
Descriptions
"Describe the moment the portal tears open."
Get dramatic narrative.
Rules Questions
"How does grappling work when the target is larger?"
Get quick rules reference.
Offline Considerations
Quick generators require internet for AI processing.
Prepare for Offline Sessions
Before going offline:
- Generate extra NPCs (promote or keep in drawer)
- Create spare encounters
- Generate location options
- Stock some treasure
Offline Alternatives
When offline:
- Reference promoted content
- Use your session plan
- Traditional improvisation
- Random tables (if you have them)
Workflow Example: Unexpected Tavern
Players decide the throwaway tavern is now their favorite hangout. You have nothing prepared.
30 seconds: Generate the location
- Location Generator: "Tavern"
- Tone: Match your campaign
- Now you have atmosphere and features
30 seconds: Generate the bartender
- NPC NOW!: Social
- Guidance: "knows everyone's business"
- Now you have personality and mannerisms
30 seconds: Generate an interesting patron
- NPC NOW!: Social
- Guidance: "trouble waiting to happen"
- Now you have a complication
30 seconds: Generate a hook
- Plot Hook: "Rumor" type
- Now there is something interesting to overhear
Total: 2 minutes Result: A complete tavern scene with atmosphere, personalities, and story potential.
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