What is the best workflow for running a live session?

This guide covers the workflow of running a game session with SwiftPrep, from final prep through in-session use to post-session wrap-up.

Before the Session

Final Prep (30-60 minutes before)

Review your session plan:

1. Open your session plan
2. Scan objectives: what should happen?
3. Check linked entities: what might you need?
4. Review key scenes to refresh your memory

Quick entity review: Click through linked NPCs and locations. Refresh on:

• Personality notes for roleplay
• Voice and mannerisms for consistency
• Secrets to remember
• Current status from last session

Check Super Swift: Have it ready for emergencies:

1. Open Super Swift panel
2. Set default tone to match your campaign
3. Generate any last-minute content

Pre-generate backup content: If time allows:

• 2-3 extra NPCs (keep in drawer)
• 1 extra encounter
• Some treasure options

Starting the Session

Update Session Status

1. Open your session plan
2. Change status to In Progress
3. This marks it as the active session

Quick Setup

Arrange your workspace:

• Session plan open for reference
• Super Swift accessible
• Session Companion ready (if using)

Recap

Before play begins:

• Review previous session outcomes (in session plan)
• Note unresolved threads to pick up
• Share relevant recap with players

During the Session

Referencing Content

Find entities fast:

• Use search (Ctrl/Cmd + K) for anything
• Click through session plan links
• Filter entity lists by tag

NPC roleplay:

• Check personality before speaking
• Reference voice and mannerisms
• Check goals to guide behavior

Location descriptions:

• Read sensory details (Sights, Sounds, Smells)
• Reference features for interactable elements
• Check dangers for hazards

Quick Generation

When you need content now:

NPC appears unexpectedly:

1. Super Swift: NPC NOW!
2. Generate in 5 seconds
3. Use immediately
4. Promote later if they matter

Combat breaks out:

1. Super Swift: Quick Encounter
2. Set difficulty
3. Use environmental factors
4. Run the encounter

Players ask about treasure:

1. Super Swift: Treasure/Loot
2. Set rarity appropriate to challenge
3. Describe and distribute

Session Companion

Use for improvisation:

• "What would this NPC say if accused?"
• "Describe the moment the spell fails"
• "What's an interesting complication?"

Attach relevant entities for context-aware responses.

Taking Notes

In-session notes:

• Use session plan DM notes field
• Or entity notes for character-specific info
• Quick bullet points to clean up later

Track important events:

• What decisions did players make?
• What did they learn?
• What changed in the world?

Managing Pacing

Checking Your Plan

Periodically glance at:

• How many objectives have been hit?
• How much session time remains?
• What is left to cover?

Adjusting On-the-Fly

Running long:

• Cut optional content
• Summarize travel and shopping
• End on a natural break

Running short:

• Expand roleplay opportunities
• Add a complication (Random Event)
• Explore character moments

Finding Break Points

Good session endings:

• After major revelation
• After significant combat
• At a cliffhanger
• When the party reaches a new location

Mark these in your session plan if you spot them ahead.

Handling the Unexpected

Players Go Off-Script

Use contingency plans: Check your session plan contingency section. If you prepared for this, you are covered.

Generate what you need: Super Swift handles most surprises in seconds.

Session Companion: "The party decided to [unexpected thing]. What are some interesting consequences?"

Rules Questions

If you know where to look: Reference your books or digital resources.

If unsure: Make a ruling, note it, verify after session.

Session Companion: Can help with rules lookups: "How does climbing work while grappled?"

Ending the Session

Find a Good Stop Point

Aim for:

• After resolution of current scene
• At a cliffhanger
• When energy naturally dips
• When you have hit key objectives

Quick Wrap-Up

At the table:

• Summarize what happened
• Preview what is coming (vaguely)
• Ask for any immediate player questions
• Award XP if you track it per-session

In SwiftPrep:

1. Update session status to Completed
2. Quick notes in outcomes (can expand later)
3. Note any immediate follow-ups needed

Post-Session Tasks

Immediately After

Promote ephemeral content: Any Super Swift content worth keeping: NPCs players loved, locations that became important.

Quick notes: While fresh:

• Key events
• Surprising decisions
• Things to remember

Session Review (Next Day)

Update session plan:

1. Fill in Actual duration
2. Write Outcomes summary
3. Note Unresolved threads
4. Add Player feedback notes

Update affected entities:

• NPCs who died or changed
• Locations that were altered
• Relationships that shifted
• Plot hooks that resolved

Prep next session: Based on what happened, what do you need to prepare?

Workflow Checklist

Pre-Session

• Review session plan
• Review linked entities
• Check Super Swift is ready
• Pre-generate backup content (optional)

Session Start

• Update status to In Progress
• Arrange workspace
• Deliver recap

During Session

• Reference linked content as needed
• Generate content for surprises
• Take notes on key events
• Monitor pacing

Session End

• Find natural stopping point
• Quick summary for players
• Update status to Completed
• Quick notes while fresh

Post-Session

• Promote important ephemeral content
• Complete session plan outcomes
• Update affected entities
• Begin next session prep

Tips for Smooth Sessions

Keep SwiftPrep Accessible

• Second monitor if available
• Tablet next to main screen
• Quick alt-tab workflow

Trust Your Prep

You have prepared. When in doubt:

• Check your session plan
• Reference entity notes
• Use what you have built

Let AI Handle Surprises

That is what Super Swift is for:

• Do not stress about the unexpected
• Generate what you need
• Keep the game moving

Notes Now, Details Later

During play:

• Bullet points and keywords
• Names and outcomes
• Things to remember

After play:

• Expand into full notes
• Update entities properly
• Take your time

Related Articles

• How do I create and organize session plans?
• How do I use quick generators during a live session?
• How do I use the AI chat companion during games?
• How do I capture notes and updates after a session?