Dice and Quills
Where storytelling and dice rolls collide. Join professional Game Master Darren Ruckle for tips, tales, and inspiration to level up your TTRPG worlds and games.
Dice and Quills
How to Say Yes Without Losing the Plot
Improvisation is one of the most thrilling — and terrifying — parts of being a Game Master. In this episode of Dice and Quills, Darren explores how to embrace improvisation without sacrificing tone, pacing, or narrative cohesion. You’ll learn to say “yes” with purpose, respond to unexpected player choices without losing your footing, and turn surprises into story gold. We break down the different kinds of improv, how to stay anchored in your prep, when to pivot and when to pause, and how to build player trust through responsive storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new behind the screen, this episode will sharpen your improvisation skills and make you a more confident, collaborative GM.