(How to be a game master)
GM Beginnings: You’re Already Closer Than You Think
By Eleni Hart (Guest Blog Article)
There’s something mythic about the first time you sit behind the screen. as you learn your way in how to be a game master You’re no longer a wandering bard or a knife-happy rogue. You’re the one holding the map. The architect of the ruins. The voice behind the merchant with a bad attitude and even worse prices. The GM.
It’s heady stuff.
But also, let’s be honest, slightly terrifying. That first foray into running a game can feel like staring down an owlbear with a butter knife. You might find yourself thinking, surely I’m not ready. But here’s the secret most seasoned GMs don’t always say out loud: you probably are.
You probably are.
Stepping behind that screen for the first time can feel a bit like staring down a particularly grumpy owlbear. It’s thrilling, full of promise, but just a bit intimidating. Don’t worry, every GM you admire, from Matt Mercer to your mate Dave who runs a cracking one-shot down the pub, started right where you are. Feeling nervous? That’s part of the rite of passage. Think of it like rolling a natural 1 on your first perception check, hilarious in hindsight.
But seriously, if you’ve played tabletop games, if you’ve loved a good story, or ever had a strong opinion on whether Frodo should’ve just flown the eagle to Mordor (he absolutely should have, don’t @ me), then you’ve got the raw ingredients already simmering away. GMing isn’t about perfection, it’s about creating memorable experiences, mucking about with your mates, and telling stories that leave everyone grinning, or slightly traumatised, by the end of the session.
So What Is a GM, Really?
Strip away the jargon and theatrics. The GM is a facilitator, a guide, a generous host making space for other people to tell a story with you..
You don’t need to be a rules lawyer. You don’t need to be an actor or a novelist. You just need to be willing. Willing to set the scene, juggle goblin voices, and say “yes, and…” when your players try to tame the mini-boss instead of fighting it.
You’re here to make the world feel real. That’s it. Everything else is detail.
“The difference between chaos and story is a good GM with a pencil.”
Start With a One-Shot – And Let It Be a Little Messy
Think of your first session as a short story, not a saga. A one-shot keeps the stakes low, the pace tight, and the nerves manageable. It also gives you room to fail forward, which is Eleni-speak for “messing up in a way that makes the story better.”
Your players don’t want perfection. They want weird decisions, big emotions, and maybe a tavern brawl. Give them that.
And when they go wildly off-script? Breathe. Improvise. Pretend you planned it. (Bonus points if you actually write it down for later use.)
Your Core Roles as GM
Let’s be practical. Here’s what you’re actually responsible for at the table:
- Narrator: Describe the world vividly, but leave room for imagination.
- Rules Referee: Know the system well enough to keep the game moving. When in doubt, make a call and move on.
- Character Conductor: Play every shopkeeper, knight, and haunted sword. Give them just enough flavour to live.
- Vibe Curator: Keep an eye on the table. Is everyone engaged? Comfortable? Laughing? You’re the one steering that ship.
You Already Have the Instincts
If you’ve ever laughed at a critical fail, held your breath during a dice roll, or spent too long naming a fantasy pub, congratulations — you already get it.
Being a GM is less about memorising tables and more about emotional intelligence. You already know what makes a session shine. Use that.
Systems That Won’t Make You Cry Into Your Character Sheets
Some games are beautiful. Some are accessible. Some have 500 pages of modifiers and acronyms. Do not start with those.
Here’s a list of beginner-friendly systems that Eleni herself has either run, broken, or adored:
| Game | Vibe | Page Count | Ease of Entry | UK Language Friendly? * |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairn | Grim fantasy, light rules | 24 | Very | Yes |
| Lasers & Feelings | Campy sci-fi chaos | 2 | Extremely | Yes |
| Honey Heist | You are bears | 1 | Extremely | Yes |
| D&D 5e Starter Set | Classic fantasy | 32+ | Yes | Yes |
| Fate Accelerated | Narrative-focused | 10 | Yes | Yes |
| Into the Odd | Industrial weird fantasy | 24 | Yes | Yes |
| Savage Worlds | Fast action, pulpy feel | 48+ | Yes | Yes |
Pick what feels right. Or pick what you know your group will vibe with. That’s half the battle.
* UK Language Friendly? (Why say this??. Some game books are american spellings and i havew had dsylexic friends some times struggle.)
The GM Mindset: Permission to Be Human
You will forget a name. You will invent something brilliant by accident. You will have a session that doesn’t quite land. And that’s normal.
The best GMs aren’t flawless. They’re just present.
- Let your players surprise you
- Say “I’ll get back to you” when you need a minute
- Laugh. A lot
- Celebrate chaos
You are not performing. You’re collaborating.
Eleni’s Starter Pack for New GMs
GM Tools and Resources: Your Creative Arsenal
You don’t need to be fancy, but a few tools can keep things flowing.
Physical Tools:
- A notebook full of weird ideas and NPC names you stole from a baby name generator
- A soft pencil and a mug of tea. 3 sugars please
- Two silly voices (one posh, one goblin-y)
- A dice set with emotional baggage
- An understanding that players will never go where you expect and that’s glorious. and scarey as fuck.
Digital Tools:
- Campaign Management: Notion, Obsidian, or World Anvil
- Online Play: Roll20, Owlbear Rodeo, Foundry
- Random Generators: Donjon, Chartopia, Fantasy Name Generator
- Music and Ambience: Syrinscape, Tabletop Audio, MyNoise
Tip: Start small. Find one or two tools that genuinely help. You can always expand later.
Final Thought: You Belong Behind the Screen
You don’t need to prove anything. You don’t need a YouTube channel or a full campaign prepped. You just need to believe that storytelling is for everyone and that your story is worth telling.
Because it is. As expected you already khow to be a game master
So gather your courage and your snacks. Invite your friends. Tell the story that only you can tell.
We’ll be here cheering you on. AND REMEMBER
You can absolutely do this,. Not next year. Not after three more campaigns. Now.
Your players want to have fun. That’s it. They want to tell a story, make daft decisions, and maybe save the world (or burn it down). You don’t need to be a walking encyclopaedia. You just need to care.
Look up rules. Ask for five minutes to think. Laugh when things go wrong. Most importantly, trust that what you bring to the table your imagination, your voice, your take on the world is exactly what your group needs.
You’re not just ready. You’re necessary. The game literally doesn’t happen without you.
So go on. Light that spark. You’re going to be brilliant..
Next time, we’ll build your first one-shot – an adventure that fits in a single session and sets you up for success.
You’ve got this.
#GamesHaven #GamesHavenUK #TTRPG #TabletopGaming #BeginnerGM #StorytellingMatters #UKTabletop
For further reading, check out these credible sources and communities:
- Wikipedia: Gamemaster[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamemaster)
- Gnome Stew: Defining the GM’s Role[](https://gnomestew.com/how-different-rpgs-define-the-gms-role/)
- Roll For Fantasy: First Time Game Master Guide[](https://rollforfantasy.com/guides/first-time-gm.php)
- Lockhouse UK: RPG Tips for First Time GMs[](https://lockhouse.co.uk/tabletop-rpg-tips-first-time-gms/)
- Adventurer’s Table: Easiest Tabletop RPG Games for Beginners[](https://adventurerstable.com/easiest-tabletop-rpg-games-for-beginners)
- TTRPG-Games: Best Rules Lite TTRPGs[](https://www.ttrpg-games.com/category/rules-lite/)
- Reddit: r/rpg Rules-Light Recommendations[](https://www.reddit.com/r/rpg/wiki/ruleslight/)
- Hipsters & Dragons: Matt Mercer Dungeon Master Tips[](https://www.hipstersanddragons.com/matthew-mercer-dungeon-master-tips/)
- Critical Role Discussion: What Every DM Can Learn[](https://www.reddit.com/r/criticalrole/comments/yr5iws/cr_media_what_every_dungeon_master_can_learn_from/)
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