First Time Game Master

Being a Game Master can be very overwhelming and scary, which is normal. It takes a lot to run a campaign, from voicing all the NPCs to writing the story and improvising when a player inevitably goes off track. That is not to discourage you but to have fun with it. You are the storyteller, and the number one part of that job is to have fun and make sure your players are also. So, take a breath, relax, and follow these steps to get started.

1. Read the introduction section of the book. This section provides the basics of not only the game but also how tabletop roleplaying games work. For Essence and Energy, the introduction section gives you some lore through the creation story (Nisumari's Creation Story) but also an overview of the system through General Overview and lore through The World of Unkai.
2. Read the core rules of the system. You don't need to read the entire core rule book, but instead, focus on the chapter that covers the core mechanics. Such as, in Essence and Energy, the General Game Rules is where you would want to start.
• Don't worry about memorizing or learning all the rules. Some systems have a lot of them, which is why the book is helpful for reference. You should get a general overview of the rules. As you start playing, you will begin to memorize the more commonly used rules that suit your play style.
3. Learn the lore. This step varies depending on the game system, as some only provide the mechanics and rely on you to create the lore. For Essence and Energy, the lore and mechanics intertwine; knowing the lore will help you learn the mechanics. Lore is located scattered across the different cultures and empires, but a good place to start is Cultures & Empires - General Information.
• Again, you don't have to memorize everything. Just skim to get the general idea and then reference the book when needed.
• If the game provides maps, review them as well to gain a better understanding of how the world is displayed. The Essence and Energy maps are on the homepage.
4. Make a character. Making a character might seem a bit out of place since you are a Game Master, not a player. However, doing so will help you get a better understanding of the game from the player's perspective. It also helps to learn about the different skills and abilities the players might possess. Lastly, it is good practice to create custom characters to use against your players.
5. [Optional] Use a premade adventure, if available. This one is optional but recommended if available. A premade adventure will give you a story and set everything up for you. All you need to do is follow along and do what it says. However, still, make sure you follow the previous steps and don't assume the premade adventure will explain everything. The adventure will explain its mechanics and lore, if applicable, but generally avoids going over any core rules.
6. Write your own story. If you don't want to use a premade adventure, then it's time to write your own. Use the Campaign Writing Assistant to help.
7. It's okay not to know everything the game has to offer. Use the resources you have as your reference guides. There will be times when you need to pause the scene to look things up, and that's okay.