GM resource
Prep checklist for Vampire: The Masquerade 5th Edition
What to prep (and what to skip) before sessions. Prep for Vampire V5 should spend more time on hooks and consequences than on mechanics: VTM V5 uses d10 dice pools: roll Attribute + Skill, count successes on 6+, and watch for criticals on 10s. Hunger dice add personal-horror volatility (messy criticals and bestial failures).
Checklist
- Write the scene's pressure and at least two ways it can go before the table sits down.
- Prep just enough mechanical detail that a roll resolves at the table without a rules lookup: VTM V5 uses d10 dice pools: roll Attribute + Skill, count successes on 6+, and watch for criticals on 10s. Hunger dice add personal-horror volatility (messy criticals and bestial failures).
- List NPC names, wants, and one secret each so improvised scenes have something to reach for.
- Decide what happens if the players ignore the plan entirely.
Common pitfalls
- Prepping a plot instead of a situation
- Over-detailing mechanics no one will roll this session
- No answer ready for 'what if they don't take the hook'