Campaign: Session Zero

Before jumping into a new campaign, it can be a good idea to first meet with the whole group, introduce the world and setting, make a plan for the upcoming games, and go over some ground rules.

Here are some ideas to help plan this pre-campaign introductory session:

• Plan the characters and how they fit with the setting, how they know each other, what are their goals, what are their relationships, and how they came to be in the same place
• Go over any undesired topics and triggers, subject matter that some players would like to avoid
• Review game etiquette, rules and expectations around the sessions, like snacks, drinks, serious or silly story, format of the campaign (big quest or small ones), combat or role-playing focused, role of magic, etc.
• Provide an overview of the world and setting, possibly letting the players participate in the addition of details
• Outline the house rules, what will be tracked, or not, and any rules that might be different for this campaign

Here is also a short checklist of questions to ask while discussing the characters:

• Who are the characters?
• Do the characters balance each other out?
• Do some or all the characters know each other all ready?
• Where are the characters from?
• What are the characters goals and aspirations?
• Do the characters have relationships with some NPC?
• At what level are the characters starting?