Game Masters are the overseers of the game, dictating plot, monitoring safety, explaining rules, and taking care of the small tasks that make the game function. Game Masters act in a similar fashion to a referee at a sporting event, remaining always present but for the most part letting the players act freely in the game. During the course of a normal event there are several Game Masters on duty sometimes acting as a team but in most cases working as individuals. Game Masters do their best to remain as unobtrusive as possible as not to detract from the enjoyment of the game, stepping in only if a problem or question arises. Overseeing the activities of the entire game and the conduct of individual Game Masters is a Chief Game Master. The function of the Chief Game Master is to settle disputes between individual Game Masters and deal with complaints from players about the conduct of individual Game Masters. With the exception of safety concerns, the Chief Game Master will never overrule the decision of another Game Master during the course of the game. Players who feel they have received a bad ruling or has been mistreated by another Game Master must wait till the game ends to bring it to the Chief Game Master. The primary duty of the Game Master is to act as a walking rulebook, explaining the rules of the game and making snap decisions when the rules fail to cover an unusual situation. Despite this, most Game Masters do not wish to spend every waking minute explaining rules to players who should have bothered to read and understand the rules. Veteran players should make every effort to learn the basic rules so the Game Master is free to spend more time running the game or assisting new players who are expected to need help with the rules. A player with three or more Games under their belt should have a complete working knowledge of their character's skills and abilities (without referencing a rulebook) and a basic understanding of everything else.
At times, Game Masters will assign players to act as marshals when they need help running the game or dealing with a large number of players. Marshals act like Game Masters, but limit themselves to one or two areas of knowledge such as weapons or safety. Marshaling is a great way for new players to start down the road to becoming a full Game Master. Players should give the same respect to Marshals that they give to Game Masters.
The Game Master's word is law. Players should deal with Game Masters in a calm, respectful manner. The middle of a game is not the time to argue with the Game Master. Players should remember that the Game Master is a volunteer, and gives up a great deal of their time and effort to make the game possible. Often Game Masters will also be participating as characters, stepping in only when needed to settle disputes or questions. Players can call upon a Game Master should they need a dispute settled. The Game Master who first arrives will be the one in charge until the problem is solved. If a Game Master is already running a plot or encounter they are in charge, no other Game Master should be called. Players should listen to the orders of only this Game Master. The word of any other player, even another Game Master, has no bearing. No other Game Masters should interfere with their decision. A Game Master should never make decisions that affect their own character. Game Masters cannot create plots or scenarios for their character or close adventuring party. Players should not play Game Masters against each other. If a Game Master gives a player a ruling, it is final! Do not take the problem to a second Game Master for another ruling. Players caught doing this will be removed from the game. A Game Master should always be called if there has been an injury or safety has been compromised. If a player feels that they have been dealt with inappropriately or unfairly they should report this to the Chief Game Master when the game has ended. The situation will be reviewed and a decision handed down. When reporting a problem, players should have as much information as possible. At the very least they should know the full name of the Game Master in question. It also helps to have witnesses. When bringing paper work to a Game Master to sign also bring a pen. The Game Master may not have one. Do not expect them to drop everything to go running for a pen.
Game Mastering is more of an art than it is a science, and then best tricks are only learned by experience. The Game Master has two major goals, both of equal importance. First, make sure the players are enjoying the game. Second, make sure that the players are safe. Game Masters must remember that the players are looking to them for direction. A Game Master must keep their head at all times. Players can get upset, often irate, when they have a dispute. The Game Master must always strive to be the calming force in any confrontation. Game Masters should never take what players say as a personal insult. Angry players will often spout any number of insults when trying to prove a point. Game Masters should make every attempt to stay out of the player's way during the course of the game. As long as the players are safe and not cheating, they should be allowed to play the game uninterrupted. Game Masters should not feel compelled to assist players when they get frustrated. Players can often get grumpy and pout when things do not go their way or they are having trouble solving an in-game problem. This frustration, as tense as it can get, is all part of the game. Game Masters should avoid forcing rules on players. All that is important is that the game is running smoothly, safely, and everyone involved is having a good time. No one is going to care if one or two rules get overlooked. When rules must be enforced, the Game Master must remember to be calm and even-handed. Yelling at players will only make matters worse. Game Masters must listen to every side of the story and gather all possible information. When solving problems, Game Masters should only listen to witnesses and ignore rumors. Unless safety is a factor Game Masters should not interfere with other Game Masters, even if the Game Master is misquoting rules. When Game Masters contradict each other, the players lose faith in their ability to lead. If Game Masters must have a dispute, it should be done calmly and in private.
Any player may become a Game Master. In order to qualify to be a Game Master a player must shown themselves to be competent in the rules, fair, level headed, and dependable. Players interested in becoming Game Master should make their interest known to the Chief Game Master. Perspective candidates should make every attempt to observe other Game Masters at work. Offer to help organize games, work at the Logistics desk, or act as a marshal. The more experience a player has, the more likely they will be asked to be a Game Master. Game Masters are expected to set an example for all other players. If at any time, a Game Master fails to meet these requirements they will be removed from their position. Being a Game Master is no easy task. It can be a lot of hard work. It can also be very rewarding and a great way to improve the game in ways that a normal player cannot.
