A Guide for Aspiring Scene Runners and Plot Creators
Running scenes on OtherSpace (or any RP-intensive game, really) isn’t just about telling stories – it’s about creating opportunities for other players to shine, take risks, and leave their mark on the universe.
Whether you’re a new player who wants to dip a toe into storytelling or a veteran hoping to sharpen your tools, “So You Want to Make Fun for Others” is your step-by-step guide to becoming a confident, creative, and inclusive scene runner.
This multi-part series walks you through the core concepts of RP leadership, including:
- How to come up with engaging scene ideas
- How to hook players and keep momentum
- How to improvise without getting lost
- How to create memorable NPCs on the fly
- How to run inclusive, player-focused plots
- How to manage drama, slowdowns, and derailments
- How to build satisfying long-term story arcs—and end them well
You don’t need to be a lore master or a master planner. You just need the desire to help others have fun.
So if you’ve ever asked:
- “How do I run a scene?”
- “What if I’m not ready?”
- “What happens when players go off-script?”
This guide is for you.
Start here. Light the spark.
Make chaos. Make drama.
Most of all: make fun for others.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Part 1: What It Means to Run RP
- Part 2: The Scene Runner’s Toolbox
- Part 3: Hooks, Stakes, and Player Buy-In
- Part 4: Improvisation Without Meltdown
- Part 5: Creating Memorable NPCs on the Fly
- Part 6: Dealing with Derailment, Drama, and Inertia
- Part 7: Inclusive Scenes: Making Space for Everyone
- Part 8: Long-Term Plots: From Sparks to Campaigns
- Part 9: Wrap-Up: Letting Go, Paying Off, and Leaving Room for More