Today's prompt for #RPGaDay2024 is "An accessory you appreciate." Let’s get one thing straight right away: I’m too old for anything toyetic. If you’re looking for an ode to dice towers shaped like dragon skulls or miniatures with more detail than a Renaissance painting, you’re in the wrong place. Let’s talk about something that actually matters in the long run: my bullet journal.

My bullet journal is the best thing ever as a roleplaying accessory. Forget those overpriced trinkets cluttering your gaming table. If you want something that genuinely enhances your game, look no further than a simple notebook and some pens.

First off, a bullet journal is versatile. You can use it for anything: tracking campaign progress, jotting down character backstories, mapping out plot hooks, and even doodling little sketches of your settings and characters. There’s no pre-made template dictating how you should use it. It’s your space to organize your game exactly how you want.

Let’s talk about organization. Have you ever tried flipping through a rulebook mid-session to find that one obscure rule about underwater combat? Yeah, me neither, because I don't do combat-heavy games. But for those who do, it’s a nightmare. With a bullet journal, you can create a quick-reference section with all the rules you tend to forget. Bookmark it, tab it, whatever—just make it easy to find. You’re welcome.

One of the best things about a bullet journal is that it’s inherently analog. No batteries, no updates, no apps crashing right when you need them most. You just write, and it’s there. Permanently. You can even pass it around the table for everyone to contribute, creating a living document that evolves with your game. Try doing that with your fancy tablet without someone dropping it.

Speaking of evolution, let’s get into how a bullet journal grows with your campaign. You start with a blank slate, and by the end of the campaign, you’ve got a comprehensive record of everything that happened. Characters’ growth arcs, plot twists, major battles (if you’re into that), and memorable moments are all captured in one place. It’s like a scrapbook of your game’s history, something tangible you can look back on and reminisce about long after the campaign ends.

Now, let’s talk about personalization. No two bullet journals are the same because no two gamers are the same. You can deck it out with stickers, washi tape, and colorful pens if that’s your jam. Or keep it minimalist and sleek. It’s your call. The point is, it reflects your style and how you run your game. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction in physically writing things down. It makes your notes feel more permanent, more real.

And for those of you who think you can’t draw or don’t have nice handwriting, who cares? This journal is for you. It doesn’t need to be perfect. The messiness adds character and shows that it’s been used, loved, and lived in. It’s about the content, not the presentation.

So, if you’re still out there buying every new shiny accessory that hits the market, take a step back and think about what really adds value to your game. For me, it’s the bullet journal. It’s practical, versatile, and utterly indispensable.

In a world obsessed with the next big thing, sometimes the best accessory is the simplest one. My bullet journal is proof of that. It’s the unsung hero of my gaming sessions, the quiet powerhouse that keeps everything running smoothly. So, next time you’re gearing up for a new campaign, skip the plastic toys and go old school. Grab a notebook, a pen, and get ready to transform your game.