The Herald-Level is the entry level to the GM program. Aspiring members are tested on their basic D&D core rules knowledge. Applicants become Herald-Level GMs by scoring 95% on an online, open-book test with twenty questions.

REQUIREMENTS

To qualify to become a Herald-Level GM, a member must fulfill the following criteria.

Age: 18 years old. (Younger participants require parental or guardian consent.)
Test: Pass an online test with twenty questions.
Current Program Level: None
RPGA Standing: Good standing with no current suspensions or serious penalties.

TESTING FREQUENCY

If you fail to get 95 percent you can retake the exam 12 hours later. The waiting period doubles for each subsequent failure, to give you time to go over the rules and be ready for your next attempt.

LEVEL MAINTENANCE

To maintain the Herald-Level GM status, a member must:

• Remain in good standing and abide by the RPGA General Rules.
• Run Games accoriding to Herald-Level standards.

THE TEST

Take the test by logging on the Judge Center.

REWARD LEVEL FEATURES

All of the following are benefits for becoming a Herald-Level GM.

Event Sanctioning: Beginning at Herald Level, GMs may schedule and run RPGA-sanctioned events including select adventures from Dungeon magazine, home play, games days, and conventions using the options available on the Members Page. RPGA-sanctioned conventions and game days are open to the public and listed on the RPGA Events Calendar.

Adventure Downloads: The RPGA adventure database contains hundreds of free adventures that are available for GMs, beginning at Herald Level, to use for their RPGA-sanctioned events. Adventures are ordered from the Members Page while scheduling an event.

Event Volunteer: Beginning at Herald Level, GMs are eligible to volunteer at RPGA-sanctioned events of all sizes -- whether it's your local game days and conventions, or even Winter Fantasy and Gen Con.

Volunteer Perks: Beginning at Herald Level, GMs are eligible to receive available event perks for volunteering. These perks vary from event to event and are tied to the level of participation. Perks may include show badges, gaming gear, Campaign Cards, D&D Miniatures, or even paid hotel accommodation.

D&D Rewards Program: Beginning at Herald Level, GMs enrolled in the D&D Reward program earn GM reward points for running games. GM reward points accumulate over a four-month period called a duration. At the end of each duration, GM points are totaled to determine a reward level. GMs receive specific rewards for everything up to and including that reward level. Points totaling up to the level floor are discarded -- sacrificed for treasure from the hoard. Any points remaining above the level floor roll over to the next duration and count toward determining future rewards. If Stafen earns 64 points in the first duration, he gets the goods for reward levels one through four. His rewards are mailed out and 60 points are discarded. The remaining 4 points roll forward and count in the second duration.

• Game Template - These plastic, area-effect templates vary from fireball blast areas to cone effects. Use them to resolve action on your battle grid.
• Special D&D Miniature - The RPGA is producing special figures with an alternate paint scheme as part of the new D&D Miniatures line.
• D&D Campaign Cards - Campaign Cards unleash a dynamic way to maximize your play. These full-color, collectable gaming gems grant your character special perks and interesting play opportunities in RPGA campaigns.

Master-Level GM Candidate: Once every three months, Herald-Level GMs in good standing are eligible to test for Master Level.

HERALD-LEVEL GM RESOURCES

The Herald-Level GM Test covers information from the following sources.

Player's Handbook v.3.5

Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5

Monster Manual v.3.5