The Warden's Operations Manual takes you from prepping your first session, to running it, to prepping the rest of your campaign in a simple, easy-to-read format. It's chock full of simple advice to improve your horror game, as well as basic procedures for preparing great scenarios for your players. Custom fit the game for your table. Generate random horror scenarios. Grow your one-shot to an ongoing campaign.

Best RPG Supplement Finalist, Origins Awards 2025

Gameplay Overview
The Warden's Operations Manual is Mothership's dedicated guide for game masters, taking new Wardens from total beginner to confident campaign-runner in just 60 pages. Rather than abstract theory, it's built around the practical, hard-won lessons creator Sean McCoy learned from years of running games that stalled or fell apart — covering exactly how to prep a session (and know when you're done), how to build and sustain genuine horror tension at the table, and how to grow a single one-shot into a full ongoing campaign. The tone is refreshingly honest and approachable, written for Wardens who don't consider themselves naturals at the craft but want practical tools that actually work. Paired with the Player's Survival Guide, it completes the essential rules foundation for running Mothership at your table.