TTRPG Campaign Lab

Cairn is valuable because its rules text is light, clear, and openly licensed. Ironsworn and tools like Donjon are useful because they show how generators, procedures, and reference material can reduce prep without flattening surprise.

The stack categories worth comparing here:
- session prep and recap templates
- encounter and NPC tracking notes
- worldbuilding and handout organization systems

Open materials worth opening side by side:
- Iron Vault source: github.com/iron-vault-plugin/iron-vault
A thoughtful open plugin for running Ironsworn and related games in Obsidian.
- Iron Vault docs: ironvault.quest/
Helpful if you want your campaign notes to behave more like a real play tool.
- Cairn: cairnrpg.com/
An openly licensed, beautifully clean ruleset that rewards smart prep and active play.

Working documents and guides:
- Cairn resources: cairnrpg.com/resources/
Handy for tables that want generators, references, and lightweight adventure material.
- Sly Flourish articles: slyflourish.com/
A strong long-running archive on prep discipline, encounter pacing, and note design.

Session prep page:

# Session prep

## What changed last time

## Fronts advancing tonight

## Three places the players may touch
- 
- 
- 

## NPCs with active wants

## If the table drifts, what pressure arrives next?