RPG session recaps help players and Dungeon Masters (DMs) keep track of key events, choices, and story progressions in tabletop roleplay games. Modern tools now automate this process, saving time and improving organization. Here are the standout options:
- Saga20: AI-powered, identifies speakers, creates story-driven recaps, and supports multiple languages. Plans start at $12.99/month.
- RollSummary: Privacy-focused transcription tool using Whisper AI. Free trial includes 5,000 tokens.
- GM Assistant: Offers three summary styles (narrative, outlines, and lists). Pricing starts at $9/month.
- Archivist: Automates note-taking, creates searchable campaign databases, and integrates with Discord. Plans begin at $10/month.
- Chargen: Builds dynamic campaign dashboards, supports transcription in 99+ languages, and charges $0.70/hour of audio.
Each tool caters to different needs, from privacy and cost to advanced features like voice recognition and AI-driven summaries. Choose the one that fits your group's play style, budget, and session frequency.
How to Recap TTRPG Sessions | Scrybe Quill
Best Digital Tools for RPG Session Recaps
Digital tools can make summarizing RPG sessions a breeze, saving you time and effort. Each tool brings its own set of features, whether it’s voice recognition, privacy-focused transcription, or campaign management. Here's a breakdown of some top options, highlighting what they offer and how much they cost.
Saga20: AI-Powered Summarizer
Saga20 uses advanced voice fingerprinting to identify which player is speaking during sessions, even across multiple games[^1^][^12^]. It processes audio files (M4A or MP3) and creates story-driven recaps that incorporate your campaign's unique lore and terminology. The platform also supports seven languages[^12^].
"The voice auto-matching thing is actually insane. It's not perfect but it's good enough to not be annoying." - Jessica Park, User[^1^]
Pricing starts with a free tier for one session. Paid plans include:
- Dungeon Master: $12.99/month for 6 sessions
- Epic Campaign: $19.99/month for 12 sessions
- Legendary Saga: $39.99/month for 24 sessions[^1^]
RollSummary: Privacy-Focused Transcription
RollSummary uses Whisper AI for transcription while ensuring your audio files remain private. The platform doesn’t store your original recordings, creating summaries that track character development in your native language. New users get 5,000 free tokens to test the service[^3^].
The process is simple: upload your audio, and receive a detailed summary without worrying about data retention.
GM Assistant: Multiple Summary Formats
GM Assistant offers flexibility with three summary styles:
- Narrative Recaps for a smooth story overview
- Scene-by-Scene Outlines for detailed breakdowns
- Entity Lists cataloging NPCs, locations, items, and spells[^11^]
This tool is system-agnostic, GDPR-compliant, and works with any RPG system.
"My recap notes are done in a matter of minutes! I could cry happy tears right now!" - Kysa Purrington, GM Assistant User[^11^]
Pricing includes a free first session, with paid options such as:
- Standard: $9/month for about 12.5 hours of audio
- Pro: $25/month for roughly 33.3 hours[^11^]
Archivist: Automated Note-Taking
Archivist has processed over 8,500 sessions and answered 130,000+ questions via its AI chatbot[^7^]. It automates note-taking for characters, locations, and key moments, while creating a searchable campaign compendium. A standout feature is the "Ask Archivist" chatbot, which integrates with Discord, allowing players to query campaign lore mid-session without disrupting gameplay. It also produces two-page PDF "Session Handouts" and analyzes player engagement through a "Cast Analysis" feature.
"Archivist doesn't just take notes: Your party can ask it about anything in the campaign, as simply as asking the question in a Discord chat, and it will answer with only the information that was said in a session." - Adam Maxwell, GM[^7^]
Plans range from:
- Casual: $10/month for 4 sessions
- Legend: $60/month for 40 sessions
A free trial covers 2 sessions[^7^].
Chargen: Campaign Dashboards
Chargen uses AI designed to understand RPG-specific terminology[^4^]. It builds a dynamic campaign memory, generating dossiers and even creating new assets like shops or taverns from session history. With transcription available in over 99 languages, its "Pro Transcription" feature handles chaotic multi-speaker scenarios with ease[^4^]. The platform claims to cut recap prep time from 30–45 minutes to about 10[^13^].
"This revolutionized my DMing. I can finally focus on storytelling instead of frantically scribbling notes." - Sarah Chen, Dungeon Master[^4^]
Pricing is straightforward:
- Free initial upload
- $0.70 per hour of audio for additional processing[^13^]
Chargen also offers Discord bot integration for direct voice channel recording.
Tool Comparison and Features
RPG Session Recap Tools Comparison: Features and Pricing
This section dives into processing speed, voice accuracy, privacy policies, and pricing to help you decide which tool best suits your needs.
Processing speed can make or break your workflow. Saga20 stands out for its quick session processing, while CharGen typically requires about 10 minutes. On the other hand, GM Assistant lags behind, taking over 30 minutes per session. If you’re looking to review your recap immediately after your game, GM Assistant might not be the ideal pick.
When it comes to voice recognition accuracy, the tools offer varying capabilities. Saga20 and SessionKeeper utilize adaptive speaker identification, which helps distinguish between different speakers. CharGen, however, ups the game with enhanced diarization and a "Fantasy-smart AI" designed to handle RPG-specific terminology . While standard voice recognition works fine for most groups, Saga20’s advanced features are especially useful for sessions with overlapping dialogue or lively interactions.
Privacy policies are another critical factor. Archivist explicitly states it doesn’t save audio files or use user data for AI training . Similarly, RollSummary ensures recordings are deleted immediately after transcription. Saga20 also emphasizes data privacy, while GM Assistant highlights its GDPR compliance for European users. However, CharGen has faced user concerns due to its policy of not automatically deleting audio files after processing.
Summary accuracy is about finding the right balance between detail and reliability. GM Assistant offers structured breakdowns, separating spells, items, and locations. However, it occasionally includes events that didn’t happen. Saga20, rated 8.5/10, delivers concise and accurate summaries with fewer fabricated details. CharGen’s auto-labeling feature for identifying enemies and allies is only about 60% accurate, which might impact its usefulness.
Finally, pricing plays a key role in determining value. Here’s a breakdown of costs:
- Saga20: Dungeon Master tier costs $12.99/month for 6 sessions (around $2.16 per session).
- GM Assistant: Charges approximately $0.72 per hour.
- Archivist: Legend plan is $60/month, covering 40 sessions across 10 campaigns.
- CharGen: Priced at about $27/month for 4 sessions.
Each tool offers a unique combination of features, so your choice will depend on your priorities - whether it’s speed, accuracy, privacy, or cost.
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How to Choose the Right Tool for Your Group
When selecting the best tool for your group, think about how often you play, your budget, and the specific features your sessions require.
If you run weekly campaigns, a monthly subscription like Saga20's Dungeon Master tier at $12.99/month for six sessions might be a great fit. On the other hand, if your games are more sporadic, GM Assistant's pay-as-you-go rate - about $0.72 per hour - could be more cost-effective. The choice here boils down to matching the tool's pricing model to your group's play frequency.
For groups with multiple people talking at once, tools with advanced voice recognition features can make all the difference. Saga20's evolving voice fingerprint technology helps distinguish speakers clearly. Meanwhile, Archivist's Cast Analysis feature tracks participation and engagement, ensuring quieter players get noticed.
If your sessions tend to run long - over five hours, for example - make sure the tool can handle extended recordings. Saga20 is reliable for longer sessions. For shorter games, most tools perform well, and using a free trial can help you see how the AI adapts to your group's dynamics.
Data privacy is another key consideration, especially if your group discusses sensitive topics. RollSummary deletes recordings immediately after transcription, while Archivist avoids saving audio files or using data for AI training. Additionally, many tools, including Saga20, CharGen, GM Assistant, and Archivist, offer at least one free session, giving you a chance to test them out before committing.
For standard campaigns like D&D or Pathfinder that occur weekly, Saga20 offers a good mix of affordability, accuracy, and user-friendly features. Its ability to understand game mechanics - like spells and combat maneuvers - and its one-click sharing via public links make it a strong option. If your games are more focused on lore and complex storytelling, Archivist's interactive timeline and AI chatbot might justify the extra cost. For groups playing less frequently, GM Assistant's flexible credit system can help you stick to a budget.
Ultimately, the best tool is the one that aligns with your group's unique needs and play style. Balancing features, cost, and functionality is key to making the right choice.
Conclusion
Digital RPG recap tools are changing the way campaigns are managed. Instead of spending hours manually sorting through notes or trying to recall details from past sessions, AI-driven platforms take care of the hard work in just minutes. These tools are becoming increasingly popular within the TTRPG community, proving their usefulness for both casual players and professional game masters.
The benefits go beyond just saving time - they also enhance the overall gameplay experience. With these tools, game masters can fully concentrate on storytelling instead of scrambling to jot down notes during critical moments. They ensure consistency by keeping NPCs, settings, and plotlines aligned, even in campaigns that span months or years. And when questions about lore or past events arise, searchable databases and AI chatbots can provide instant clarity.
Professional GM Adam Wemp shares his perspective on their impact:
"As a professional GM, this not only helps me save time and desk space by removing the need for physical notebooks, it coordinates the extremely tangled web of information when juggling 3 connected games".
FAQs
What should I look for in a tool to recap RPG sessions?
When picking a tool to help recap your RPG sessions, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, check for compatibility with the format you prefer. Some tools work with audio recordings, provide transcripts, or even integrate with platforms like Discord, making it easier to fit into your existing setup.
Next, think about automation features. A good tool should help you track key details, like major plot twists, player choices, NPC interactions, and combat moments, without requiring too much manual input.
Usability is another big factor. Look for tools that make uploading session data simple, let you customize the recap’s tone and style, and offer easy sharing options so you can distribute the finished product to your players. Privacy is worth considering, too - especially if your sessions include sensitive material. Features like real-time transcription or voice recognition can be a great bonus for live games.
In short, the best tool will strike a balance between accuracy, ease of use, personalization, and privacy, making your RPG sessions even more enjoyable.
How do RPG recap tools handle privacy and user data?
RPG recap tools vary significantly in how they handle privacy and user data, particularly when it comes to session recordings, summaries, and data storage. Some prioritize secure data management and adhere to privacy laws like GDPR, offering options like private storage or the ability to delete your data entirely. These features can provide peace of mind for users concerned about how their information is handled.
On the other hand, some tools rely on cloud-based processing, which might raise questions about where and how your data is stored or potentially used. For instance, certain tools give users full control over their data, letting you decide whether to keep notes private or share them with specific people. Meanwhile, others store information on their servers to provide added functionality, though this may come with compromises in privacy.
To make the right choice, it's crucial to carefully review the privacy policies of these tools. This ensures their data practices align with your comfort level and expectations.
What are the best tools for managing long or complex RPG sessions?
For those tackling long or complex RPG sessions, tools that automate note-taking and summaries can make a huge difference. Archivist stands out by offering automated session recaps, campaign overviews, and streamlined organization for characters, items, and locations. Plus, its integration with platforms like Discord ensures you can manage detailed campaigns without disrupting the flow of gameplay.
Another great option is GM Assistant, which generates detailed scene outlines and session summaries directly from audio or recordings. This eliminates the hassle of manual note-taking, allowing you to stay immersed in the story.
While both tools simplify the management of intricate sessions, Archivist’s searchable campaign histories and seamless integrations make it especially handy for tracking extensive or detailed adventures.
