The Gamemaster's Guide to Guiding Actions

Gamemasters can do odd things to influence the game they’re running: they roll the dice behind the screen just to get players to squirm,they play music or light candles, or ask “innocent” questions that generate fear. They can edit the session recap or change the description of any action to create a different feel to the game. These actions guide the players to the experience the GM wants them to have. These are Guiding Actions. 

This book will help you to master these methods and take them to the next level. To deepen the emotional experience of your game, and to bring more excitement, joy, and tension to your table.

If you’re a new game master, perhaps you are wondering what you can do to enhance your players’ experience and encourage immersion. This book will provide you with inspiration and guidance to help you bring your game to life in the imaginations of your players. 

This practical guide for game master's comes with 29 guiding actions. Complete with description, explanations, tips and examples. The guide is divided into 8 useful segments: influencing players decisions, creating anticipation, player driven descriptions, building tension, enhancing the physical space, encouraging immersion, and breaking the game structure.

Learn how to:

• Guide your players using subtle clues

• Manage the spotlight to engage every player at the table

• Generate excitement before the session even begins

• Learn how to personalise your descriptions for your players for maximum effect

• Use guiding actions to build tension during your sessions

• Create an immersive atmosphere for any type of game

• Use the physical space and objects at the table to enhance your game

• Change the structure of your game to keep your players on their toes

The Gamemasters Guide to Guiding Actions can help new and veteran GMs to discover more ways to create a living impression in the minds of their players; more ways to let players truly feel the plights and victories of their characters; more ways to enjoy playing TTRPGs. 

Available as PDF or EPUB.

“Uri Lifshitz expertly codifies GMing techniques and tricks that make a pro Game Master. The Spotlight management tips are my favs!” 

    - Amit Moshe, creator of City of Mist

 “This is a useful, thorough guide that many people can come to enjoy. It has lots of good advice, and some great advice,”

    - Eran Aviram, Up to four Player