Hunter H5 GM checklist cheat sheet
Before-session and during-session reminders. At-the-table reference for Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition.
Hunter H5 GM checklist: asymmetric horror, Desperation management, and mortal stakes.
Before the session
- Prep the quarry: what is it, what does it want, and how dangerous is it?
- Set Desperation triggers (when does it rise?).
- Plan 1-2 moments where the cell's mortality is the point.
- Review each hunter's Drive and Creed for spotlight moments.
During play
- Ratchet Desperation when the cell is outmatched or makes risky choices.
- Make supernatural threats feel alien: they don't follow human rules.
- Give hunters intel advantages: preparation is their weapon.
- Track wounds carefully: mortal healing is slow and painful.
Common mistakes
- Hunters should never feel like vampires with a different name: their mortality is the game.
- Desperation should rise and fall, not only climb.