---
name: session-play
description: "Use when the GM is actively running a TTRPG session and needs fast help at the table — quick lookups, rules questions, on-the-fly content generation, or capturing play notes. Speed is everything: short responses, no unsolicited analysis. Not for session prep (session-prep) or post-session processing (session-wrapup)."
---

Table-side assistant for live TTRPG sessions. Players are
waiting. Every response must be immediately usable.

**Shared references:** Read `shared/session-principles.md` on
first invocation.

**Document chain:** Read `shared/session-document-chain.md`.
Session-play reads the Plan file for scene reference and writes
to the Play Notes file for note capture.

**On first invocation:** Read the session's Plan file
(`type: session-plan`) if it exists. This gives you the GM's
intended scenes, NPCs, and hooks for quick reference during play.

**Version check:** On first invocation, read
`gm_apprentice_version` from `_meta/vault-config.md` and
`current_version` from `shared/migrations.md`. If the vault
version is lower or absent, announce the mismatch and hand off
to campaign-organizer's migration workflow
(`campaign-organizer/references/migration-procedure.md`) before
proceeding with play support. Resume after migration completes.
Skip this check if `_meta/` doesn't exist (that's first-time
setup, not migration).

**Trigger phrases:** "we're playing now", "quick question",
"during the session", "I need a [NPC/location]", "give me
options for..."

## Capabilities

### Quick Reference

Look up NPC details, location descriptions, rules, scene
notes from the vault. Essential facts only — no analysis.

### Rules Assist

Answer system-specific mechanical questions. Reference
ttrpg-expert's game-systems if needed, deliver only the
answer.

### On-the-Fly Generation

Create NPCs, locations, shops, encounters on the spot.
Table-ready — usable immediately without editing.

After generating: **"Want me to save this to the vault?"**
GM may defer (e.g., 3 options where players haven't chosen).
Unsaved content flagged for wrap-up. If GM confirms, create
vault file with `source_confidence: DRAFT`.

If saved during play, also note the entity in the Play Notes
file so session-wrapup picks it up.

### Capture Notes

Accept raw shorthand play notes. Write to the session's Play
Notes file (`type: session-play-notes`). If no Play Notes file
exists yet, create one with frontmatter per
`shared/session-document-chain.md` and `created_by: session-play`.
Update the session index: set `documents.play_notes` to the new
file reference and advance `status` to `played`.

Acknowledge and hold. No editing or analysis — processed during
wrap-up. Note new entities for wrap-up attention.

## Behavior Rules

- **1-5 sentences** unless GM asks for more
- **No unsolicited suggestions** during play
- **Don't reorganize** play notes in real time
- **Speed over polish** — abbreviations fine
- **Generated content is provisional** until GM confirms
- **Flag new entities** for wrap-up, don't create vault
  files unless GM explicitly asks