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
What to Do When the Scene Breaks (or Never Starts Moving)
So your players are in the room. The NPCs are talking. The scene is live.
And then… it happens.
- One player hijacks the spotlight.
- Two characters start OOC drama.
- Everyone’s staring at their navels and no one acts.
Welcome to the scene runner’s biggest challenge: momentum management.
This post is your crisis kit: what to do when the story stalls, splinters, or sinks into silence.
🚧 1. Dealing with Derailment
Derailment happens when players take the story in a wildly unexpected direction – often away from what you planned.
Common Causes:
- They ignore the core hook
- They latch onto a random background detail
- They start chasing their own character drama instead of your plot
What to Do:
- Adapt, don’t fight. If the players want to interrogate the street musician instead of investigate the bomb, make the musician part of the mystery.
- Recenter with consequences. Let the world respond: “While you’re arguing with the merchant, the lights flicker – and the station lockdown begins.”
- Check in OOC. Ask: “Do y’all want to go in a different direction than I set up? I can follow your lead.”
Scene running is jazz. Play off what they give you – but don’t be afraid to reestablish the rhythm.
⚔️ 2. Managing Player Drama
Sometimes it’s not the scene that’s broken—it’s the vibe.
Signs of Trouble:
- Players argue OOC
- IC tension becomes personal
- One player steamrolls others or won’t engage at all
What to Do:
- Use your authority gently. Remind people this is a shared space: “Hey folks, let’s keep things collaborative. Everyone deserves spotlight time.”
- Take it out of scene. If it gets heated, pause and say: “Let’s take a break. I’ll check in with you both separately.”
- Set expectations early. Before tense scenes (like PvP or major conflict), set boundaries: “Let’s keep this IC. If anyone’s uncomfortable, we pause. Cool?”
When in doubt, protect player safety and emotional well-being. The story is second.
🕰️ 3. Breaking Through Inertia
Nothing’s broken. Nothing’s wrong. But no one’s doing anything.
It’s quiet. Too quiet. The players seem unsure, disengaged, or waiting for someone else to move first.
What to Do:
- Use NPCs as catalysts. Don’t monologue – just poke: “A child tugs your sleeve. ‘You’re not supposed to be here.’”
- Escalate stakes. Introduce danger or urgency: “You hear footsteps. Uniformed ones. You’ve got 30 seconds to hide or talk your way out.”
- Offer a clear choice. Give them options with weight: “You can blow the door, hack the system, or sneak through the air vents. What’s the call?”
Most inertia comes from fear of making the wrong move. Show them there is no wrong move, only consequences – and those can be fun.
🛠️ Bonus Tool: The Scene Reset Button
If it all goes off the rails – or dies midair – it’s okay to call time and reboot.
“Hey folks, this feels like it’s lost momentum. Want to pivot the tone or try a different approach?”
There’s no shame in adjusting. Players respect a runner who’s present, honest, and responsive.
💡 TL;DR Survival Kit
| Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Derailment | Redirect with in-world consequences or roll with it |
| Player Drama | Pause and address it OOC – set boundaries |
| Inertia | Introduce a prompt, stakes, or NPC action |
| Everything Falls Apart | Take a break, regroup, or reframe the scene |
Next up: Part 7 – Inclusive Scenes: Making Space for Everyone
We’ll talk about spotlight sharing, tone balancing, and designing scenes that lift everyone at the table.