GAME MASTER HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Introduction to GMing
• 2. Session Structure & Flow
• 3. Stage Generation System
• 4. Combat Encounter Design
• 5. Boss Battle Design
• 6. Reward & Progression Balance
• 7. Difficulty Scaling
• 8. Narrative & Storytelling
• 9. Player Management
• 10. Advanced GM Techniques
• 11. Quick Reference Sheets
• 12. Sample Adventures
• 13. Troubleshooting
• 14. Appendices

1. INTRODUCTION TO GMING

As Game Master, you are the stage designer, enemy controller, narrator, and storyteller of the Maverick Hunt.

YOUR ROLE AS GM:

As Game Master, you are:

• Stage Designer: Creating the 7×7 grid layouts
• Enemy Controller: Running all hostile forces
• Narrator: Describing the world and events
• Judge: Interpreting rules and dice results
• Storyteller: Advancing the Maverick Hunt plot

ESSENTIAL TOOLS (Extended):

1. Rulebook & Bestiary
2. Dice set (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20)
3. 7×7 grid map (physical or digital)
4. Room tiles/cards
5. Enemy tokens/miniatures
6. Player character sheets
7. GM screen (optional but helpful)
8. Session notes/planner

BEFORE FIRST SESSION:

GM PHILOSOPHY FOR MEGA MAN X:

• Keep combat fast and tactical
• Emphasize player choice in stage order
• Reward clever use of Maverick weapons
• Create dramatic boss battles
• Maintain the "one more try" feeling of the games

2. SESSION STRUCTURE & FLOW

STANDARD SESSION (3-4 HOURS):

1. Introduction (10-15 min): Recap, mission briefing, stage context
2. Exploration Phase (60-90 min): 7×7 grid navigation, room encounters
3. Boss Battle (45-60 min): Maverick fight with phases
4. Downtime (15-20 min): Level up, shop, story progression

STANDARD SESSION (3-4 HOURS) - Detailed:

CAMPAIGN ARC STRUCTURE:

SESSION CHECKLIST:

3. STAGE GENERATION SYSTEM

7×7 GRID PROCEDURE:

7×7 GRID GENERATION PROCEDURE (Detailed):

ROOM TYPE KEY:

EXAMPLE STAGE GENERATION:

ADVANCED ROOM EFFECTS:

Empty Room Variations (roll d6):

1. Hidden passage (connects to another room)
2. Environmental storytelling
3. Minor treasure (1d6 Zenny)
4. Hint about boss weakness
5. Broken machinery (flavor)
6. Nothing

Treasure Room Contents (roll d6):

1. Med Chip x2
2. Energy Tank x1
3. 50-100 Zenny
4. Random uncommon item
5. Upgrade material
6. Special weapon chip

Hazard Room Effects (roll d6):

1. Lava floor (3 damage per turn)
2. Electrical field (stun chance)
3. Strong winds (movement -1)
4. Poison gas (1 damage per turn)
5. Ice floor (1-in-3 chance to slip)
6. Spikes (2 damage when entered)

4. COMBAT ENCOUNTER DESIGN

ENCOUNTER BALANCE FORMULA (for 3 Players):

ENEMY COMPOSITION GUIDELINES:

Small Room (2 enemies max):

• 2 Standard enemies, or
• 1 Standard + 1 Support, or
• 1 Strong enemy

Medium Room (4 enemies max):

• 3 Standard + 1 Support, or
• 2 Strong + 2 Standard, or
• 1 Miniboss + 2 Standard

Large Room (8 enemies max):

• Mix of types, include hazards
• Consider action economy
• Add environmental factors

ENEMY ROLES IN COMBAT:

• Frontline (40% of encounter): High HP/DEF, Engage players directly (Examples: Hard Mets, Shield Guard)
• Damage Dealers (30% of encounter): High ATK, Ranged or melee specialists (Examples: Fire Mets, Laser Turret)
• Support (20% of encounter): Healers/buffers, Status effect appliers (Examples: Sigma Guardian, Venom Plant)
• Controllers (10% of encounter): Movement restriction, Environmental manipulation (Examples: Bubble Blower, Wind Rider)

ENCOUNTER TERRAIN IDEAS:

Industrial Stage:

• Conveyor belts (move characters)
• Crates (cover, +2 DEF)
• Steam vents (damage when standing on)
• Control panels (can be hacked)

Natural Stage:

• Water (aquatic bonuses)
• Cliffs (ranged advantage)
• Dense foliage (cover, stealth)
• Unstable ground (collapse chance)

High-Tech Stage:

• Force fields (block movement)
• Teleport pads
• Energy conduits (explode when hit)
• Hologram projectors (create illusions)

COMBAT PACING TIPS:

• Keep turns under 60 seconds each
• Pre-roll enemy initiatives
• Use status effect tokens
• Have damage formulas ready
• Use a visible initiative tracker
• Set a timer for decision-making

5. BOSS BATTLE DESIGN

MAVERICK BOSS TEMPLATE:

MAVERICK BOSS TEMPLATE (Extended):

BOSS PHASE STRUCTURE:

1. Phase 1 (100%-75%): Standard pattern, 1 special, may summon
2. Phase 2 (74%-50%): More aggressive, 2 specials, environmental changes
3. Phase 3 (49%-25%): Desperate attacks, 3 specials, arena hazards
4. Phase 4 (24%-0%): Final stand, ultimate attack, weakness exposed

PHASE STRUCTURE (Detailed):

BOSS ARENA DESIGN:

Standard Arena (5×5 grid):

• Center: Boss starting position
• Corners: Player starting positions
• Edges: Environmental features
• Cover: 2-4 pieces of destructible cover

Interactive Elements:

• Destructible platforms
• Moving hazards
• Power-ups that spawn
• Stage-specific mechanics

Example: Chill Penguin Arena

• Ice floor (1-in-3 slip chance)
• Icicles fall from ceiling (2 damage)
• Frozen pillars (can be shattered for cover)
• Snow piles (slow movement)

BOSS AI PATTERNS:

• Aggressive Pattern (Storm Eagle): Always attacks nearest player, Uses area attacks when grouped, Pursues low HP targets, Rarely defends
• Defensive Pattern (Armored Armadillo): Defends every other turn, Attacks when players close, Uses cover effectively, Counter-attacks when hit
• Tactical Pattern (Boomer Kuwanger): Teleports to advantageous positions, Separates party members, Focuses on support players, Uses hit-and-run tactics
• Unpredictable Pattern (Spark Mandrill): Random target selection, Varies attack types, Changes behavior each phase, Uses environment unpredictably

CLIMACTIC BOSS MOMENTS:

1. Introduction Cutscene: Describe boss entrance, Establish personality, Hint at weakness
2. Phase Transition: Environmental change, New attack patterns, Dramatic dialogue
3. Final Blow: Player describes finishing move, Boss defeat animation, Aftermath scene
4. Reward Sequence: Weapon acquisition scene, XP/Loot distribution, Story progression

6. REWARD & PROGRESSION BALANCE

XP AWARD GUIDELINES (Per Session):

• Completion: 50 XP
• Per combat encounter: 10-20 XP
• Per miniboss: 30-40 XP
• Per boss: 100 XP
• Bonus objectives: 10-25 XP

Target: 150-200 XP per session (Level up every 2-3 sessions)

ENEMY XP VALUES:

• Common Enemy: 10 + (Level × 2)
• Uncommon Enemy: 15 + (Level × 3)
• Rare Enemy: 20 + (Level × 4)
• Miniboss: 50 + (Level × 10)
• Boss: 100 + (Level × 25)

LOOT DISTRIBUTION (Per Session):

Treasure Room Rewards (roll d6):

1. Common items (Med Chip x2, 50 Zenny)
2. Common items (Med Chip x2, 50 Zenny)
3. Uncommon items (Energy Tank, Sub-Tank)
4. Uncommon items (Energy Tank, Sub-Tank)
5. Rare item (Large Sub-Tank, Attack Booster)
6. Special (Upgrade material, unique item)

GOLD HYPERCHIP ACQUISITION:

• Minibosses: 1-in-5 chance (d6 roll ≤ 2)
• Hidden rooms: 1-in-10 chance
• Bonus objectives: Guaranteed if completed
• Sigma Fortress: 1 guaranteed per stage

Total per campaign: 8-12 available

Required for Gold Armor: 4

UPGRADE PROGRESSION TIMELINE:

• Level 1-3: Basic upgrades available
• Level 4-6: Intermediate upgrades
• Level 7-9: Advanced upgrades
• Level 10+: Ultimate upgrades
• Post-game: Gold Armor requirements

SHOP PRICING GUIDE:

• Med Chip: 20 Zenny
• Energy Tank: 50 Zenny
• Sub-Tank: 100 Zenny
• Large Sub-Tank: 200 Zenny
• Attack Booster: 150 Zenny
• Defense Booster: 150 Zenny
• Upgrade Material: 300 Zenny
• Special Weapons: 500+ Zenny

Expected Zenny per session: 300-600

7. DIFFICULTY SCALING

DIFFICULTY LEVELS (Detailed):

Easy (New Players):

• Enemy HP ×0.8
• Enemy ATK ×0.8
• +50% healing items
• Bosses have 3 phases instead of 4
• Checkpoints restore HP/ENG

Normal (Standard):

• As written in rules
• Balanced challenge
• Recommended for experienced RPG players

Hard (Veterans):

• Enemy HP ×1.2
• Enemy ATK ×1.2
• -25% healing items
• Bosses use specials every 2 turns
• Checkpoints only save progress

Expert (Masters):

• Enemy HP ×1.5
• Enemy ATK ×1.5
• -50% healing items
• Bosses use specials every turn
• No checkpoint healing
• Limited continues

DYNAMIC DIFFICULTY ADJUSTMENT:

If players are struggling:

• Reduce enemy HP by 10%
• Add extra healing items to next room
• Provide hint about boss weakness
• Allow retry without XP penalty

If players are dominating:

• Add 1-2 extra enemies to encounters
• Increase boss HP by 15%
• Reduce item drops
• Add environmental hazards

PARTY SIZE BALANCING:

• 1 Player (Solo Run): Enemy count ×0.5, Extra healing items, Boss HP ×0.75, Allow NPC support option
• 2 Players (Duo): Enemy count ×0.75, Standard balance, Consider complementary characters
• 3 Players (Standard Party): Rules as written, Balanced for most groups
• 4 Players (Full Team): Enemy count ×1.25, Boss HP ×1.25, More area attacks from enemies, Consider action economy

PLAYER LEVEL PROGRESSION:

Expected Level by Session:

• Session 1: Level 2
• Session 3: Level 3-4
• Session 6: Level 5-6
• Session 8: Level 7-8
• Session 11: Level 9-10
• Post-game: Level 11+

Adjust encounters if players are:

• Under-leveled: Reduce enemy ATK by 1 per level difference
• Over-leveled: Add +1 enemy or +10% HP per level difference

8. NARRATIVE & STORYTELLING

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW:

1. Prologue: Maverick Uprising, Sigma's virus spreads
2. Act 1 (Sessions 1-8): The Eight Mavericks
3. Act 2 (Sessions 9-11): Sigma's Fortress
4. Epilogue: Aftermath, sequel hooks

CAMPAIGN OVERVIEW (Detailed):

MAVERICK PERSONALITIES:

• Chill Penguin: Arrogant, cold, calculating
• Spark Mandrill: Volatile, impulsive, powerful
• Armored Armadillo: Stoic, defensive, honorable
• Launch Octopus: Deceptive, fluid, adaptable
• Boomer Kuwanger: Precise, patient, deadly
• Sting Chameleon: Stealthy, venomous, cunning
• Storm Eagle: Noble, aerial, strategic
• Flame Mammoth: Brash, destructive, overwhelming

CHARACTER VOICES:

• X: Idealistic, determined, compassionate
• Zero: Confident, focused, mysterious
• Sigma: Charismatic, manipulative, grandiose
• Dr. Cain: Wise, concerned, fatherly
• Mavericks: Each with distinct personality

STORY BEATS PER SESSION:

Opening:

• Mission briefing from Dr. Cain
• Stage context
• Maverick introduction
• Player motivations

Mid-Session:

• Environmental storytelling
• Data log discoveries
• Foreshadowing
• Character moments

Pre-Boss:

• Maverick dialogue
• Final challenge setup
• Weakness hint
• Dramatic tension

Post-Boss:

• Defeat scene
• Weapon acquisition
• Story revelation
• Next target tease

ENDING SCENES:

Victory:

• Boss defeated
• Area secured
• Return to base
• Briefing for next mission

Defeat (Continue):

• Hunter down
• Emergency revive
• Loss penalty (XP/items)
• Retry opportunity

Campaign End:

• Sigma defeated
• World saved
• Character resolutions
• Epilogue scene

DIALOGUE TECHNIQUES:

Boss Introductions:

• Memorable one-liner
• Reveal motivation
• Challenge players
• Establish personality

Data Logs (Environmental Story):

• Scientist notes
• Security logs
• Personal journals
• Historical records

Radio Communications:

• Dr. Cain updates
• Distress signals
• Intel discoveries
• Plot advancements

9. PLAYER MANAGEMENT

PLAYER ARCHETYPES:

• The Tactician: Likes strategy, planning, puzzles
• The Power Gamer: Focuses on optimization, big numbers
• The Storyteller: Cares about narrative, character moments
• The Explorer: Wants to see everything, loves secrets

PLAYER ARCHETYPES (Detailed):

• The Tactician: Likes strategic combat, Plans moves carefully, Enjoys puzzle-solving, Support with complex encounters
• The Power Gamer: Focuses on optimization, Loves big numbers, Seeks powerful upgrades, Provide challenging combat
• The Storyteller: Cares about narrative, Engages with NPCs, Creates character backstory, Include roleplaying opportunities
• The Explorer: Wants to see everything, Checks all rooms, Loves secrets, Hide optional content

CHARACTER CREATION GUIDE:

Step 1: Choose Hunter

• X: Balanced, ranged, weapon collection
• Zero: Melee, combos, high damage
• Custom (optional): Use X template with different weapon focus

Step 2: Explain Core Mechanics

• HP/ENG management
• Action economy
• Weakness system
• Charge/Combo mechanics

Step 3: Set Expectations

• Tactical combat
• Resource management
• Exploration rewards
• Death/continue system

Step 4: Character Bonds

• X and Zero's partnership
• Hunter team dynamics
• Personal motivations
• Roleplaying opportunities

SESSION ZERO CHECKLIST:

ADDRESSING PLAYER ISSUES (Detailed):

Analysis Paralysis:

• Set time limits for turns
• Suggest default actions
• Provide clear options
• Use visual aids

Rules Disputes:

• Make ruling, discuss later
• Keep game flowing
• Note issue for post-session
• Be consistent

Dominant Player:

• Direct questions to others
• Create situations for all
• Use private communication
• Encourage teamwork

Disengaged Player:

• Check in privately
• Adjust content to interests
• Give spotlight moments
• Ensure comfort level

GROUP DYNAMICS:

Cooperative Play:

• Emphasize teamwork
• Reward group tactics
• Shared resources
• Combined abilities

Competitive Play:

• Individual achievements
• Speed run challenges
• High score tracking
• Personal upgrades

Casual Play:

• Focus on fun
• Flexible rules
• More healing items
• Story emphasis

Hardcore Play:

• Strict rules
• Limited resources
• Permanent consequences
• High difficulty

10. ADVANCED GM TECHNIQUES

SECRETS & OPTIONAL CONTENT:

• Hidden Rooms: 1-2 per stage, require exploration
• Easter Eggs: Series references, secret messages
• Bonus Objectives: Speed runs, no damage, rescues
• Unlockable Content: Alternate costumes, new modes

SECRETS & OPTIONAL CONTENT (Detailed):

Hidden Rooms:

• 1-2 per stage
• Require exploration
• Contain rare rewards
• May have puzzles

Easter Eggs:

• Series references
• Developer nods
• Secret messages
• Alternate paths

Bonus Objectives:

• Speed run challenges
• No damage runs
• Specific weapon use
• Rescue missions

Unlockable Content:

• Alternate costumes
• New game modes
• Sound test
• Art gallery

PROCEDURAL GENERATION TIPS:

Stage Variety:

• Mix room types
• Vary path layouts
• Include secret areas
• Thematic consistency

Enemy Placement:

• Logical groupings
• Defensible positions
• Ambush opportunities
• Patrol patterns

Dynamic Events:

• Random encounters table
• Environmental changes
• Time-based events
• Player-triggered sequences

ADAPTING VIDEO GAME MECHANICS:

• Wall Jumping: SPD check, bypass obstacles
• Dashing: Bonus movement, avoid attacks
• Power-ups: Temporary buffs, strategic timing
• Boss Patterns: Telegraphing, safe zones

ADAPTING VIDEO GAME MECHANICS (Detailed):

Wall Jumping:

• Movement ability
• Requires SPD check
• Bypass obstacles
• Positioning advantage

Dashing:

• Bonus movement
• Avoid attacks
• Traversal puzzles
• Combat maneuver

Power-ups:

• Temporary buffs
• Strategic timing
• Limited availability
• Visual indicators

Boss Patterns:

• Telltale animations
• Safe zones
• Attack telegraphing
• Pattern recognition

CUSTOM CONTENT CREATION:

New Enemies:

• Start with existing template
• Modify stats slightly
• Add unique ability
• Test balance

New Stages:

• Choose theme
• Design boss first
• Create enemy roster
• Build layout

New Weapons:

• Elemental type
• Unique effect
• Balanced cost
• Visual description

Homebrew Rules:

• Document clearly
• Test thoroughly
• Get player buy-in
• Be ready to adjust

TIME MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES:

Pacing Tools:

• Visual timer
• Encounter budget
• Skip-able content
• Fast-forward option

Session Planning:

• Essential content first
• Optional content after
• Cliffhanger endings
• Natural break points

Improvisation Tips:

• Pre-generated lists
• Flexible encounters
• Modular content
• Player-driven focus

DEATH & CONTINUE SYSTEM:

Standard Rules:

• Defeat = lose 10% XP
• Restart at checkpoint
• Enemies respawn
• Keep items

Alternative Options:

• No penalty (casual)
• Item loss (hardcore)
• Time penalty
• Narrative consequence

Continue Limits:

• Unlimited (beginner)
• 3 continues (standard)
• 1 continue (challenge)
• No continues (expert)

11. QUICK REFERENCE SHEETS

COMBAT QUICK REFERENCE:

ACTION ECONOMY:

STATUS EFFECTS SUMMARY:

BOSS WEAKNESS CHART:

ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTY CALCULATOR:

XP AWARDS:

LEVEL UP REQUIREMENTS:

12. SAMPLE ADVENTURES

SAMPLE SESSION 1: "FIRST HUNT"

SAMPLE SESSION 5: "VOLCANIC SHOWDOWN"

SAMPLE FINALE: "SIGMA'S LAST STAND"

REWARD STRUCTURE EXAMPLES:

Small Encounter (2 common enemies):

• XP: 20-30
• Loot: 50% chance Med Chip
• Zenny: 20-50

Miniboss Encounter:

• XP: 50-70
• Loot: Sub-Tank
• Zenny: 100-200
• Special: 20% Gold Hyperchip

Boss Encounter:

• XP: 100-150
• Loot: Maverick Weapon + Energy Capsule
• Zenny: 300-500
• Story: Major progression

13. TROUBLESHOOTING

COMMON ISSUES & SOLUTIONS:

BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS:

Too Easy:

• Add +1 enemy
• Increase HP by 10%
• Reduce healing drops
• Add environmental hazard

Too Hard:

• Remove 1 enemy
• Decrease HP by 10%
• Add healing item
• Provide tactical advantage

Player Death Frequency:

• High: Add checkpoints, more healing, lower difficulty
• Low: Increase challenge, add time pressure, reduce resources

TIME MANAGEMENT ISSUES:

Running Long:

• Skip optional content
• Fast-forward travel
• Summarize instead of roleplay
• Save complex encounters for next session

Running Short:

• Add random encounter
• Include puzzle room
• Expand roleplaying
• Add exploration content

PLAYER ENGAGEMENT:

Bored Players:

• Personal story moments
• Specialized challenges
• Unique rewards
• Increased difficulty

Overwhelmed Players:

• Simplify options
• Clear objectives
• Guided assistance
• Reduced pressure

DISPUTE RESOLUTION:

Rules Disagreements:

• GM makes final call
• Discuss after session
• Research together
• House rule if needed

Player Conflicts:

• Open discussion
• Mediate if needed
• Establish boundaries
• Consider group dynamics

Campaign Issues:

• Check-in with players
• Adjust direction
• Offer restart if needed
• Learn for next campaign

14. APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: RANDOM ENCOUNTER TABLES

Wilderness (d6):

1. 2 Common enemies
2. 1 Strong enemy
3. Environmental hazard
4. Treasure discovery
5. NPC encounter
6. Special event

Urban (d6):

1. Security forces
2. Civilian distress
3. Surveillance
4. Black market
5. Information broker
6. Maverick sighting

Fortress (d6):

1. Patrol squad
2. Defense turret
3. Security system
4. Experiment gone wrong
5. Prisoner rescue
6. Sigma manifestation

APPENDIX B: NPC ROSTER

Allies:

• Dr. Cain: Scientist, mission control
• Hunter HQ Staff: Support team
• Reploid Civilians: Rescue targets
• Other Hunters: Rival/ally cameos

Enemies:

• Maverick Bosses: 8 primary antagonists
• Sigma Forces: Endgame enemies
• Corrupted Hunters: Former allies
• Security Systems: Automated defenses

Neutrals:

• Black Marketeer: Sells rare items
• Information Broker: Sells secrets
• Wounded Hunter: Side quest giver
• Mysterious Stranger: Plot advancement

APPENDIX C: SAMPLE DIALOGUE

APPENDIX D: CAMPAIGN TRACKER

Session Log Template:

Campaign Progress:

Player Progress:

APPENDIX E: EMERGENCY CONTENT

Quick Encounters (5 minutes):

• 2 Common enemies
• Simple terrain
• Straightforward objective

Quick Puzzles (10 minutes):

• Lock mechanism
• Pattern recognition
• Environmental manipulation

Quick Roleplay (15 minutes):

• NPC interaction
• Information gathering
• Moral choice

When Players Go Off Rails:

• Have 2-3 generic encounters ready
• Improvise based on their interests
• Redirect toward main plot naturally
• Use NPCs to guide back

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG:

Total Party Wipe:

• Continue system
• Narrative consequence
• Reduced rewards
• Learning opportunity

Broken Balance:

• Adjust next encounter
• Add/remove resources
• Provide alternative solution
• Discuss with players

Lost Interest:

• Change pace
• Introduce new element
• Character spotlight
• Ask for feedback

Technical Issues:

• Have backup plans
• Physical alternatives
• Simplified rules
• Focus on storytelling

QUICK REFERENCE

SESSION CHECKLIST: