Game Master Abilities

Game Master Abilities

Game Master (GM) abilities represent the different powers of the game world that can affect situations at any given point in time.

Ability Slots

The GM table shows how many ability slots you have for your abilities of 1st level and higher. To use one of your known abilities, you must expend a slot of the abilities level or higher. You regain all expended ability slots when the party finishes a long rest.

Abilities Known of 1st level and Higher

When becoming a GM, you start with proficiency in three Basic abilities. Additionally, you may select three abilities from any other class, or alternatively, opt for three more Basic abilities of your choice.

The Abilities Known column of the GM table shows when you learn more abilities of your choice. Each of these abilities must be of a level for which you have ability slots. For instance, when you reach 3rd level, you can learn one new ability of 1st of 2nd level.

Additionally, when you gain a level, you can choose one of the abilities you know and replace it with another ability list, which also must be of a level for which you have ability slots.

Ability Use

Ability save DC = 8 + your GM bonus + tier DC modifier

TierDC Modifier
1+2
2+3
3+4
4+5

Using Abilities

A GM may spend an amount of Grim equal to the abilities level to activate the ability. There is no limit to how many abilities a GM can use at anytime, provided he has enough Grim to activate them.

Each ability specifies when it may be used. Abilities are resolved in the order they are activated. Once resolved they are considered spent and cannot be used again until recovered.

Recovering Abilities

GM abilities are recovered (unspent) when the party takes a rest.

  • Short Rest: The GM recovers one spent ability for each member of the party.
  • Long Rest: The GM recovers all spent abilities.
Ability Slots per Ability Level
GM LevelGM BonusAbilities Known1st2nd3rd
1+262
2+273
3+2842
4+21043
5+311432
6+312433
7+313433
8+314433
9+415433
10+417433
11+418433
12+418433
13+519433
14+519433
15+520433
16+520433
17+621433
18+621433
19+621433
20+621433

Game Master Abilities

Anytime an ability refers to a “Monster” it means any entity that is under the control of the GM.