RAW

Rules as Written

In a RAW session, a professional Game Master adheres closely to the published rules and uses the books to guide every decision. Expect precise DCs, listed modifiers, and conditions applied exactly as written. When a corner case arises, the GM pauses briefly to consult the source, then continues. House rules are minimal and stated upfront. Dice outcomes are final. Monster stat blocks and player abilities operate according to the text, not by feel, fostering a shared understanding of how actions, spells, and equipment function.

This style is ideal for players who enjoy mastering mechanics, tactical teamwork, and clear boundaries. It’s great for beginners who want to learn the system correctly, and for groups that value impartial rulings at the table or during team events. It pairs well with detailed combat, grid maps, digital character sheets, and virtual tabletop automation. If you want to compare rules-heavy or lighter options across systems, browse our overview of game systems to find a suitable match, then book a session with one of our Game Masters.

Common questions

How does Rules as Written differ from rulings-first?

RAW employs the published procedures and precise wording to determine outcomes. A rulings-first table relies on the GM’s judgement to navigate edge cases. RAW sacrifices a degree of flexibility for consistent odds, stable DCs, and repeatable tactics.

Is RAW suitable for beginners or children?

Yes, it teaches new players the mechanics accurately and sets clear expectations. It suits children who enjoy structure and numbers; very young kids may prefer a simpler, story-driven approach. Inform the GM about the group's experience and ages so they can adjust the pace of rules explanations and tailor the complexity of encounters.

Will strict rules hinder the pace of a one-shot or team event?

A professional Game Master prepares quick references and common procedure summaries to maintain a steady pace. Brief rule checks can occur, but digital sheets and a clear turn structure help keep things flowing. In team events, strict rules provide transparent outcomes and minimise debate. In a one-shot, you experience a focused scenario with firm, consistent decisions.

Which game systems are best suited to a strict RAW approach?

Crunchy systems shine. Pathfinder 2e, Starfinder, D&D 5e, Shadowrun, and GURPS work well because actions and modifiers are clearly defined. Very rules-light games like FATE or PbtA depend more on GM judgement, so the feel is less strictly RAW. To compare options, see systems.

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Popular gaming systems

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    Starfinder is Paizo’s science-fantasy setting filled with blaster battles, spell-casting technomancers, and starship confrontations. Imagine Mass Effect but with magic. Our Game Masters will lead you through bizarre worlds, thrilling heists, and alien enigmas that reward collaboration and daring decisions.

    View system: Starfinder
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  • Tom was brilliant! He was really great with the kids and very patient with his explanations. It was a wonderful evening and definitely worth doing again! The children asked the next day when we would be doing this again.

    Danny

  • First of all, I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did an excellent job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot yet wasn't a complete story. Discovering that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, as it meant there was no satisfying conclusion to the story. 2. As new players, it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German, it would have been much easier. Even receiving the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be beneficial. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been preferable. We wasted a significant portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't fully understand how the game worked. Overall, I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but see it as honest criticism. Best regards, Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was exceptional. We had a group with varying levels of experience, and he managed to keep everyone engaged and involved. His positive attitude made the game enjoyable for all. I really appreciated how he could clearly explain what was needed from our less experienced players while keeping our more seasoned players on their toes with his deep knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a fantastic time thanks to Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was fantastic. Well-prepared, punctual, and had a brilliant sense of humour.

    Corey

  • Dayron was fantastic; he provided a brilliant experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

  • The game was really engaging. I got a game as a present for my boyfriend, who is very keen on it, and he was very pleased and appreciated Leonardo's professionalism. I don't have much experience with DnD, but I found the game to be quite straightforward and enjoyable.

    Marina

  • Baptiste was an excellent GM who adapted well to our group and helped us progress in this one-shot. However, there was one issue with the character sheets provided, as they were not complete or clear. Some of the French translations were rather approximate. For instance, our cleric was missing spells, including a healing spell, even though they were meant to have some.

    Pierre

  • Rachel was fantastic; my daughter and her friends left the game saying it was the most fun they’d ever had, and my daughter wanted to sign up for another session with her straight away. She was friendly, and her approach let the players fully immerse themselves in the game by giving them control over how they wanted their actions to unfold. I would definitely work with her again.

    John

  • A nice and clear first experience with D&D. Amber was able to explain and guide the game effectively, allowing us as players to quickly get into the flow and focus on the story. Collaborating with my colleagues to devise attack routes was an enjoyable activity and provided great insights into each other's characters, thought processes, and differences. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable session.

    Jens

    Triodos Bank N.V.

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