Learn how to improvise as a game master!
Have you recently launched a role-playing campaign as a game master and harbor doubts about your improvisation skills? We're here to help! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced GM, the ability to improvise effectively can make all the difference during a session.
The Amsel Suite Team has put their best advice together for dynamic, engaging RPG games for your players.
Watchful, you shall be
Mastering the art of improvisation requires one essential skill: listening. When you improvise, you're not just creating a story for yourself, you're also creating it for your players.
This is why it's important to pay close attention to their behavior: are they committed to the session? What style of gameplay are they getting into? Is there team cohesion? Are they hinting at unexpected paths?
Lack of attentiveness is a common mistake in RPGs, and can completely demotivate your players and disengage them. So remember to pay close attention and heed their unspoken warnings.
Make mistakes to improve
No matter how long you've been a game master, mistakes can and will happen. They're usually no big deal if you can deal with them properly!
If you receive comments from players about the way you're running the game, be sure to welcome them.
If you can't bounce off what a player has chosen to do: ask them to elaborate. Get them to speak further on their thoughts or delineate their actions in more depth. With more detail, you can easily pick up the thread of the story and let your creativity flow.
Dare, and be unexpected
Improvisation can be a scary thing, but be confident. If your players go off in a completely unfamiliar direction that you hadn't anticipated at all, you have two options: get them back on track, or follow them.
If you want to keep your players engaged, you should follow their lead. Think of all the role-playing sessions you've done as a game master or as a player, and use this experience to improvise a new journey. Believe in yourself, and your decisions!
Keep your notes organized
Improvising is cool, but to avoid scattering oneself, it's important to keep a written record of what already exists and what you're going to add.
If you're using Lore, our worldbuilding software, we recommend that you keep it open in the background throughout the campaign. You'll be able to return to it easily during the session to ensure that your improvisation makes sense within the setting.
In Tome, our storytelling program, you can use the notes option. This tool works like a chat window to yourself. You can write down everything you improvise on, then append your notes to the right scenes at the end of your session.
Keeping your notes organized is essential to maintain coherence between your world and the game you're playing.
Moving to the opposite side of the force
Have you been unsuccessful as a game master? Step aside and become a player again. Observe the game master and learn from his experience.
If you enjoy being a game master, this may be frustrating, but it can provide you with many techniques for managing your own campaigns and improvising during your sessions.
Don't hesitate to ask the GM for tips on how to improve!
Bonus - The Amsel Suite team's improv lines
Our Amsel Suite team shares a few ideas for improvisational phrases to use freely in your next role-playing game.
- “Yes, and...” - Bouncing off what your players said is often a good tactic.“..., in that case, what are you going to do?” to let the players improvise and think about a strategy.
- “The landscape has changed and the creatures around you don't seem friendly...” - If you want to go back to the track you know, certain things can happen wherever you wish..
- “Are you sure this is a good idea?” - Perfect if you want players to take time to talk to each other before continuing.
- “Roll Perception, please” - By keeping your players guessing, you’re making it more likely they’ll give you clues about their expectations, so you can get inspired… or subvert them.
Becoming a game master is a challenging task, but one that can be learned quickly if you've got a few skills down pat. Don't hesitate to watch videos of game masters and take part in campaigns as a player to gain experience. In conclusion, trust yourself and you'll become a very good GM!
