Campaign Rules
Read the current campaign guide and the adventure from beginning to end. Check its level range, special reporting notes, sanctioned content, and any relevant updates.
For Game Masters
GM Resources
A practical path from volunteering for your first table to closing out a great session.
Start Here
Run Your First Lodge Table
You do not need years of experience or encyclopedic rules knowledge. Start with a table you are excited to run, communicate early, and ask the Lodge for support.
- Talk with the Lodge.
Volunteer on Discord or contact a Venture Agent. - Confirm the table.
Agree on the adventure, date, venue, and level range, then arrange for a printed copy if needed. - Read the guide.
Check the current campaign rules before you prepare. - Prepare the adventure.
Read it fully, note key rules, and ready your maps and materials. - Run a welcoming table.
Set expectations, share the spotlight, and keep the session moving. - Close the loop.
Complete Chronicles and give the organizer everything needed for reporting.
Prepare the Adventure
A little structure before game day leaves more attention for the players at the table.
Table Materials
Venture Officers can usually provide a printed copy of the adventure. The Lodge also has a substantial map library available to borrow. Ask early, then prepare any tokens or pawns, pregenerated characters, and quick rules references you will need.
Player Readiness
Confirm the table's level range and player count. Know which pregens are available, and ask about accessibility needs or table boundaries before play begins.
At the Table
The GM sets the tone. Clear expectations and an inviting table matter as much as encounter knowledge.
Welcome Everyone
Introduce yourself, learn player names and pronouns, explain the table's basic expectations, and make space for newcomers to ask questions.
Guide the Adventure
Present the published scenario clearly, preserve its goals and outcomes, and help players understand what their characters can perceive and attempt.
Share the Spotlight
Invite quieter players into scenes, keep stronger personalities from dominating, and celebrate cooperative choices across the whole party.
Rule and Move On
When a rule is unclear, make a fair temporary ruling, note the question, and follow up after the session instead of letting play stall.
Keep the Table Safe
Respect boundaries, pause when someone is uncomfortable, and address disruptive behavior promptly using the campaign's community standards.
Finish Together
Watch the clock, leave time for the conclusion, review the table's results, and explain what players should expect after the game.
After the Game
- Collect the player, character, faction, and advancement information the campaign requires.
- Complete Chronicle Sheets accurately and send each player a copy promptly.
- Give the event organizer the scenario outcomes and reporting information.
- Confirm who will report the session. If that is you, use the event assigned by the organizer.
- Keep your notes until any reporting or Chronicle questions are resolved.
Campaign Support
The official guide is the final word for each campaign. Lodge officers can help you apply it to a local table.
Pathfinder Society
For Pathfinder scheduling, scenario suggestions, a printed adventure, maps to borrow, or prep help, contact Lodge leadership or the Venture Agent coordinating your venue.
Pathfinder guideStarfinder Society
For Starfinder scheduling or support, contact Venture Agent Steven through the Lodge Discord.
Starfinder guideGM Toolkit
Bookmark these official references and table tools. Rules and campaign procedures can change, so check the current source before game day.
Lorespire
Current organized-play guides for Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society.
Open LorespireOrganized Play Policies
Paizo's community standards and program-wide policies for organized play.
Read policiesArchives of Nethys
A searchable Pathfinder Second Edition rules reference for fast table lookups.
Search the rulesMy Organized Play
View your Paizo organized-play profile, characters, sessions, and GM activity.
Account guideGM Chronicles
Official guidance for assigning and applying the Chronicle earned by the GM.
Chronicle guidanceSociety Tracker
Explore local Lodge campaign statistics and see what Pittsburgh has been playing.
Open trackerNeed a Hand?
Ask the Lodge for a beginner-friendly scenario, prep advice, a rules review, or someone to shadow before your first table. New GMs are welcome here.
GM FAQ
Do I need previous GM experience?
No. Be familiar with the adventure and the basic rules, communicate that you are new, and ask an experienced Lodge GM for help with anything uncertain.
Who reports my table?
Confirm the reporting handoff with the event organizer or Venture Agent. Depending on the event, you may provide the details to an organizer or report under an event they assign.
Can I change the adventure?
Organized play needs consistent goals, encounters, and outcomes across tables. Use your presentation to make the game engaging, but follow the current campaign guide when deciding what may be adjusted.
What if a rules question is slowing down the game?
Make a fair temporary ruling, tell the table you will verify it later, and keep the session moving. Check the official rule after the game and share the answer when useful.
What if someone feels unsafe or a player is disruptive?
Pause the game, take the concern seriously, and use Paizo's community standards. Contact the event organizer or a Lodge officer when additional support is needed.
How do GM credit and Chronicles work?
They are campaign-specific and can change over time. Use the current campaign guide and GM Chronicle guidance, then ask a Lodge officer if the result is still unclear.
Last reviewed September 14, 2026. Official campaign guides take precedence if a rule or procedure changes.