Chapter 1 - Running the Game
As the Game Master, the game is focused on you. If the game is fun, you'll get the credit. If not, you'll get the blame, deserved or not. But have no fear! Soon, you'll be running Open Hero Odyssey games in no time.
What is a GM?
Game Mastering involves a lot, from writing and referencing campaign notes, acting out your characters, adjudicating and facilitating rules to describe action, to even designing whole worlds in which to set your campaign, as well as teaching the game to new players. While this may seem daunting, following is a guide to help make it easier.
Adventures
When it comes to providing the adventure in which your players partake, there are two options. First, Open Hero Odyssey has worlds with games to play, each with access to all the resources you'd need to run those games. Second, you're welcome and even encouraged to build your own world, in which you can run your games. See the World Building Book for information that will help you build your world in Open Hero Odyssey.
Whether you're running your own world's game or an one in an established world, as the Game Master, your goal is to provide an interactive story telling experience to your players. Each of their heroes are important characters to the narrative, which you're all telling together. Your players tell their story by interacting with the places and people and monsters you put in front of them, which is how you tell your story.
Teaching the game
Sometimes it'll be your responsibility to help a new player into the game. Read the Hero's Handbook, and make sure you know the rules for hero creation so you can help new players make their character. Encourage creativity. Talk openly about ideas for characters. It may also help to have a few starting characters ready for reference or use.
Adjudicating play
When everyone gathers to play, be it at the table or online, you, as the GM, are in charge, when it comes to being the final arbiter of the rules. To do this, you need to know the rules. You don't need to have them memorized; the rules are online for reference. Often, situations come up that the rules don't explicitly cover. When this happens, its okay. The important thing to keep in mind is, "What will be fun and engaging for everyone?"
Consider the following when something comes up that doesn't seem to be covered by the rules:
- Look for a similar situation in the rules, and try to translate what is presented there to apply to the current situation.
- You may have to make something up. Whatever it is, make it a house rule and stick with it (and perhaps send it in!) for the rest of the game. Keeping a sense of consistensy will give your players a feeling that their heroes adventure in a stable and predictable universe, instead of some chaotic place subject to one GM's whim.
- An appropriate bonus for favorable conditions is +2 to an ATTRIBUTE roll, while an appropriate penalty for unfavorable conditions is -2 to the roll.
Keep the Game Moving
Each player in the game is responsible for contributing to the progression of the game, but it is ultimately up to the GM to maintain player interest while progressing the game and keeping it fun. Don't let yourself get distracted looking up the specifics of a rule if it interferes with the progression of the game. More on that later.
Matching the play style also helps to keep the game moving, so it is important to discuss with the players what kind of game they'd like to play. For example, players may be more focused on the action, and are more interested in fighting and combat than character development, and that's okay. For these players, shopping and interacting are less important than getting back into the dungeon to fight the monsters. Other players may prefer to talk to the merchants and haggle, or ingratiate themselves to the king's advisors, to involve themselves in the politicl turmoil of the realm. These players care what their motivations for their characters are, and seek to grow their characters via noncombat encounters. Still other players will want a healthy mix of both; what is important is to discuss this openly with your players so that everyone has a fun and memorable experience.
