RUNNING AN ADVENTURE

INTRODUCTION

The GM is responsible for guiding the narrative and roleplaying the world the PCs inhabit. This section provides you with advice for running Daggerheart: using the core mechanics; creating memorable encounters; planning exciting sessions; selecting, creating, and using GM moves; crafting a full campaign; running dynamic NPCs; and more.

These three sections provide a foundation to help you get the most out of this game. The “GM Principles” are your guiding star—when in doubt, return to these principles.

GM PRINCIPLES

BEGIN AND END WITH THE FICTION

Use the fiction to drive mechanics, then connect the mechanics back to the fiction.

COLLABORATE AT ALL TIMES, ESPECIALLY DURING CONFLICT

The PCs are the protagonists of the campaign; antagonism between player and GM should exist only in the fiction.

FILL THE WORLD WITH LIFE, WONDER, AND DANGER

Showcase rich cultures, take the PCs to wondrous places, and introduce them to dangerous creatures.

ASK QUESTIONS AND INCORPORATE THE ANSWERS

Ensuring that the players’ ideas are included results in a narrative that supports the whole group’s creativity.

GIVE EVERY ROLL IMPACT

Only ask the players to roll during meaningful moments.

PLAY TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENS

Be surprised by what the characters do, the choices they make, and the people they become.

HOLD ON GENTLY

Don’t worry if you need to abandon or alter something that came before.

GM PRACTICES

CULTIVATE A CURIOUS TABLE

Follow what catches the players’ interest to foster an environment of creative inquiry.

GAIN YOUR PLAYERS’ TRUST

Act in good faith, follow through on your promises, admit your mistakes.

KEEP THE STORY MOVING FORWARD

Advance the story through escalating action, new information, or changing circumstances after every action roll, whether it succeeds or fails.

CUT TO THE ACTION

Skip past the boring bits. When a scene drags on, end it.

HELP THE PLAYERS USE THE GAME

Players have more fun when you help them understand the system.

CREATE A META CONVERSATION

Empower players to speak out of character, use safety tools, and ask for clarification.

TELL THEM WHAT THEY WOULD KNOW

Don’t hide obvious details or important information from the players.

GROUND THE WORLD IN MOTIVE

An NPC’s actions flow from their goals and desires.

BRING THE GAME’S MECHANICS TO LIFE

Set a good example of how fiction and mechanics work together to enhance the game experience.

REFRAME RATHER THAN REJECT

If a player’s contribution conflicts with the fiction, work with them to reshape it.

WORK IN MOMENTS AND MONTAGES

When framing a scene, decide which beats should be savored and which shouldn’t linger.

PITFALLS TO AVOID

UNDERMINING THE HEROES

If a roll doesn’t go well, show how it was impacted by an adversary’s prowess, environmental factors, or unexpected surprises, rather than the PC’s incompetence.

ALWAYS TELLING THE PLAYERS WHAT TO ROLL

Let the players decide how to handle a challenge.

LETTING SCENES DRAG

Shake it up or cut away when a scene has concluded, the table’s energy is flagging, or people are talking in circles.

SINGULAR SOLUTIONS

Don’t get hung up on one right answer to a problem. If the players have a clever idea, make it work.

OVERPLANNING

Spend your prep time inventing situations instead of scripting scenes. If the players surprise you, take a break to think through your options.

HOARDING FEAR

Spend Fear when you have the opportunity. The players will enjoy its immediate impact.

For more in-depth GM guidance, see pg. 140 of the Daggerheart Core Rulebook.