1.1.2 Game Moderator

In order to play Bullseye you need at least two participants. (Having 4-7 participants is ideal.) One of the participants takes the role of the Game Moderator. The other participants are called Players (see 1.1.3).

As the name suggests, the GM presides over the proceedings. She can have many different responsibilities, depending on the specific play group. She organizes the game sessions and makes sure they run smoothly. She encourages the Players to get into the moment, to pay attention, to utilize their characters’ abilities. She often (but not of necessity) takes a leadership role in the game group. Within the context of the game itself, her four most important duties are to: (1) create conflict, (2) operate non-player characters, (3) implement the rules, and (4) arbitrate checks.

Create Conflict: An engaging game requires conflicts to oppose the Players’ characters. The game will devolve into tedium if the Players’ characters simply go through the motions of rote daily life or if they achieve their goals without opposition. It principally falls on the GM to create these opposing forces (though she should take cues from the players in doing so). This conflict might take the form of vicious combat, sizzling debate, awkward courtship, or many more. Similarly, the GM should link unified conflicts to create adventures and link unified adventures to create campaigns.

Operate Non-Player Characters: As an adjunct to creating conflicts, the GM operates the non-player characters. All of the characters other than the player characters are non-player characters (NPC). She describes their actions; she speaks for them; she rolls the dice when they make checks. Sometimes, these characters will oppose the player characters; sometimes, they will assist them.

Implement Rules: While it is helpful for the Players to know the rules, it is critical for the GM to do so. She must enforce the rules (or recognize when it is beneficial to ignore them). Along the same lines, the GM makes the final decision about which rules will apply in the game.

Arbitrate Checks: The foundation of the Bullseye system is the check. The GM makes the final determination about each check, including when to make one, what modifiers apply, what the target is, and what the result of the check means. Generally, she narrates the in-game representation of the mechanical result.

You will note that many of the GM's duties involve making "final" decisions or determinations. In a group dynamic it is valuable to have someone who serves that role. Given the specific dynamic found in Bullseye, the GM is a natural fit for it. However, as the name makes clear, the GM serves as a moderator, overseeing and managing the proceedings, but not dictating them. She should solicit insight and opinions from the other participants and encourage discourse to maximize the enjoyment for all.

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Abbreviations: Game Moderator (GM), non-player character (NPC)