If you’re taking on the role of the GM, you’ll be playing the world as it responds to the PCs’ actions. That means you’ll set exciting scenes for the characters, manage the flow of the story, and play any NPCs, including the adversaries the characters will face. You’ll also ask the players questions that drive the narrative forward. Often, you’ll be the one who knows the rules and can answer questions about mechanics during play. If a judgment needs to be made during a session about a rule or mechanic that’s not in the rulebook, you’ll be the one to make that decision.

As a GM, it’s important to remember that you’re not an antagonistic force against the players. Though you’re the one introducing the dangers and complications in a scene, the thrilling challenges you provide are meant to let the players showcase their characters’ strengths and face their characters’ flaws. Be a fan of the characters and a collaborator with the other players at your table.