Rules & Guidlines

Utilizing the CP365 platform, Friendly Local Gaming Stores (FLGS) around Houston will hold EVENTS to qualify GAMEMASTERS into a playoff series. A single EVENT will consist of three phases: The Preparation Phase, the Adventuring Phase, and the Scoring Phase. This MGM will be based on the Dungeons & Dragons Roleplaying system. For GAMEMASTERS to actively participate, they must have access to the three core rulebooks: The Player’s Handbook, the Dungeon Master’s Guide, and the Monster Manual. ROLEPLAYERS simply need access to the Player’s Handbook. All officially published Wizards of the Coast (WotC) rulebooks and sourcebooks are allowed. However, throughout MGM, all third-party publications (rulebooks and/or sourcebooks) are prohibited except for gaming accessories. GAMEMASTERS are encouraged to create content from scratch.

During the Preparation Phase, GAMEMASTERS will concoct a ONE-SHOT ADVENTURE using THREE secret ingredients (revealed at each EVENT) during a timed period. Interpreting the use and usage (unlimited) of these ingredients is at the discretion of the GAMEMASTER. To conclude this phase, GAMEMASTERS should also provide judges with a 1- to 2-page summary of their ONE-SHOT ADVENTURE, notes and drawings are acceptable.

The clock will reset, and the Adventuring Phase will begin. GAMEMASTERS are allotted more time to present their ONE-SHOT ADVENTURE to a group of FOUR pregenerated ROLEPLAYERS (i.e. ONE Human Fighter, ONE Dwarf Cleric, ONE High Elf Wizard, and ONE Halfling Rogue). Character levels will vary: 3rd level during qualifying events at FLGS, 5th level during the quarterfinals, 7th level during the semifinals, and 10th level during the finals. At this time, GAMEMASTERS are free to use any accessories they feel might enrich their game play experience, such as miniatures, maps, artwork, dungeon/terrain dressings, battle mats, initiative trackers, etc. These are not required and do not need to be official WotC products. GAMEMASTERS may end their sessions early, but they will not be granted any extensions beyond this timeframe.

Finally, in the Scoring Phase, GAMEMASTERS will receive a performance rating by their fellow ROLEPLAYERS, respectively. While a GAMEMASTER is preparing their ONE-SHOT ADVENTURE, they will be granted a sample SCORESHEET to aid in their understanding of rating expectations. Judges will collect and discretely evaluate SCORESHEETS before announcing the official results. Once the scores have been calculated, an award ceremony will take place to announce the GAMEMASTER rankings. In the event of a tie, judges will decide the winners based on GAMEMASTER summaries that most embody the spirit of the game.

Participation as a ROLEPLAYER is $5 and participation as a GAMEMASTER $15. Entrance fee will be collected at each event.

Phases per EVENT:

FLGS qualifying EVENTS

  • Preparation Phase = 90 minutes (Only for GAMEMASTERS)
  • Adventuring Phase = 3 hours (ROLEPLAYERS should arrive to check-in 15 minutes prior)
  • Scoring Phase = Results will be announced once all SCORESHEETS have been collected and tallied

Playoffs – The Quarterfinals

  • Preparation Phase = 2 hours (Only for GAMEMASTERS)
  • Adventuring Phase = 4 hours (ROLEPLAYERS should arrive to check-in 15 minutes prior)
  • Scoring Phase = Results will be announced once all SCORESHEETS have been collected and tallied

Playoffs – Semifinals

  • Preparation Phase = 2 hours (Only for GAMEMASTERS)
  • Adventuring Phase = 4 hours (ROLEPLAYERS should arrive to check-in 15 minutes prior)
  • Scoring Phase = Results will be announced once all SCORESHEETS have been collected and tallied

Playoffs – Finals

  • Preparation Phase = 16 hours (begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23rd, and is only for GAMEMASTERS)
  • Adventuring Phase = 6 hours (begins at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 24th, and ROLEPLAYERS should arrive to check-in 15 minutes prior) + a 60-minute break (3 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Scoring Phase = Results will be announced on Sunday, May 25th, at noon