TTRPG TIPS #16:
Maximising Your TTRPG Campaign with a Successful Session Zero
Session Zero Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide for TTRPG Game Masters
If you’re a Game Master (GM) preparing to run a Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) campaign, you know that the success of your game depends on the engagement and investment of your players. One of the best ways to achieve this is by conducting a session zero, a pre-campaign meeting where you discuss expectations, boundaries, and character creation with your players.
A session zero is an important part of any TTRPG campaign because it sets the foundation for the entire game. However, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to cover in this meeting. To help you out, we’ve created a comprehensive session zero checklist that covers everything you need to discuss with your players before you begin your campaign.
Setting Expectations
The first item on your session zero checklist should be setting expectations. This includes discussing the overall tone of the campaign, the genre, the setting, and the style of play. You should also talk about the expected frequency of gameplay, session length, and punctuality. It’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings about what to expect from the campaign.
Discussing Boundaries
It’s important to have a conversation with your players about their boundaries, including topics they’re uncomfortable with, potential triggers, and any lines they don’t want to cross in the game. This can include themes such as sexual content, graphic violence, or anything else that might make someone uncomfortable. By having this conversation, you can ensure that everyone feels safe and respected during the game.
Character Creation
During your session zero, you’ll need to discuss character creation. This includes discussing the rules for character creation, the setting’s playable races and classes, and any other limitations or expectations for character creation. You should also discuss how characters will be introduced into the game world and any backstory requirements.
Discussing Player Characters
It’s important to have a conversation about each player character individually. Ask the players to introduce their characters to the group and explain their motivations and goals. This will help establish the characters’ place in the game world and help everyone understand their role in the story.
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Discussing Party Dynamics
As the GM, you’ll want to ensure that the party dynamics are healthy and that everyone has a role to play in the game. Discussing party dynamics during session zero can help prevent conflicts later on. You should discuss how the characters know each other and why they are working together, and any potential conflicts that might arise within the group.
Establishing House Rules
Every TTRPG campaign has its own set of house rules. During session zero, you should discuss any additional rules or modifications to the core rules of the game. This can include homebrewed rules, rule changes, or any rules specific to your campaign.
Discussing Equipment and Resources
During your session zero, you’ll want to discuss the equipment and resources available to the players in your campaign. This can include magic items, weapons, armour, and any other resources that might be available to the characters. You should also discuss how characters will obtain these resources and any limitations or restrictions on their use.
Discussing Game Mechanics
You should have a conversation with your players about the game mechanics during session zero. This includes discussing how combat, skill checks, and other game mechanics work. You should also discuss any additional mechanics specific to your campaign.
Discussing the Campaign’s Objectives
It’s important to discuss the objectives of your campaign during session zero. This includes discussing the main story arc, any subplots, and potential side quests. This will help your players understand what they’re working towards and what their goals are within the game world. You can also discuss any potential rewards for completing objectives and how those objectives might tie into character motivations and backstories.
Wrapping Up
After discussing all of the above items, it’s important to wrap up session zero with a final discussion and agreement from all players. You can review the expectations and boundaries discussed, clarify any lingering questions or concerns, and establish a plan for future communication and feedback. Make sure everyone is on the same page before you start the actual gameplay.
A session zero is an essential part of any successful TTRPG campaign. It sets the foundation for the game and ensures that everyone is on the same page before starting the actual gameplay. By using this comprehensive session zero checklist, you can cover all the necessary topics and ensure that your players are invested and engaged in the campaign. Remember to communicate openly with your players and be flexible in your approach to the game. With the right preparation and communication, you can create an exciting and memorable TTRPG experience for everyone involved.
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