Being the GM is work… a LOT of work.

Between building encounters, writing NPCs, prepping maps, and organizing story beats, it can start to feel like you’re managing a project instead of playing a game. But what if you could cut down that prep time and still run an amazing session?

In this Behind the Screens episode of Masters of Pen and Paper, we break down the tools, habits, and mindsets that help Game Masters prep smarter—not harder. From random tables and encounter builders to note-taking systems and map generators, we talk about the resources we use to reduce stress and keep game night focused on what really matters: playing the game with your friends.

We also dive into the importance of organization, knowing your system, letting players help drive the story, and why experience is one of the best “prep tools” a GM can develop.

Low prep doesn’t mean no prep—but with the right approach, you can spend less time crunching before the session and more time enjoying the game at the table.

Relevant links we talked about in the episode:

Donjon random generators
https://donjon.bin.sh/

Kobold+ Fight Club encounter builder
https://koboldplus.club/

Pendulum – Worldbuilding Assistant
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/412550/pendulum-a-world-building-assistant

Dungeon Alchemist map generator
https://www.dungeonalchemist.com/

Campaign Cartographer mapping software
https://www.profantasy.com/products/cc3.asp

Obsidian note-taking tool
https://obsidian.md/

Questions, scenarios, or shoutouts? Email us at: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

Join our Discord: ⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/zcKaVHttWe