From Introduction: Dead Man's Chest is a role-playing game of piracy & adventure set in an age of war and romance; most of the players take on the role of pirates aboard a ship and describe the various shenanigans they get up to, the story following the outcomes of their actions. One player acts as the Game Master (GM) who keeps things moving, challenges the pirates, handles the rules and adjudicates in situations where the other players cannot reach an agreement. This chapter tells you everything you need to know to prepare for a game, from getting together the gear you will need to setting out the ground rules for your shared adventure.