Cheat sheet
GM checklist (Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition)
Before-session and during-session reminders.
Quick blocks
VTM V5 GMing is personal horror + politics. The best sessions rotate between feeding pressure, human ties, and power plays.
Session checklist
- Establish touchstones/convictions and threaten them meaningfully (not constantly).
- Make Hunger a scene engine: feed scenes create complications and choices.
- Put at least 2 factions in motion every session (politics as pressure).
- End scenes on decisions: deal, betrayal, debt, or exposure.
Common pitfalls
- Endless NPC monologues
- Ignoring Hunger consequences
- Politics without personal stakes