What happens when a longtime player steps behind the GM screen for the first time? In Episode 19 of Good GMs, our producer Rainey Robertson sits down with James and Chuck to break down her first time ever GM'ing: a four-session Vampire: The Masquerade (5th Edition) murder mystery set in a blue-collar Michigan town that she wrote herself. Think "Roseanne" meets "What We Do In The Shadows".

Rainey shares real-world GMing tips on organizing player skills, handling accidental plot twists, and avoiding classic first-timer mistakes (as a first-timer herself, she made a LOT of mistakes, and we think she recovered from them in some cool ways.)

✨ Pro-Tips 💫

• Centralize Player Skills: Collect player skills in a single reference doc before starting to check stats silently.
• Never Lock Essential Clues Behind Rolls: Deliver critical plot clues automatically; use skill checks for extra context or bonuses.
• Write Immediate Post-Session Notes: Jot down major events, deceased NPCs, and current locations as soon as a session ends.
• Roll With Mistakes & Pivot: If you mess up narrative continuity, lean into logical player theories to guide the resolution.
• Leverage Session Transcripts: Use recording platforms with summary tools to streamline prep and editing.
• Start With Friends & Passion: Run your debut for a supportive group in a system you love so prep feels rewarding.

FIND US!

Check out the Savage Sessions team that played Rainey’s game (including Chuckie and Rainey!): Chuckie’s Actual Plays at Savage Sessions on Spotify and Youtube.

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