dare-to-dm:

@trevel: “

How do you run a session zero?”

A Session 0 is basically a meeting you have with your players before your campaign starts where you explain/discuss what your expectations for the game are going to be.  It’s a great way to get your campaign started off on the right foot.

So, for the campaign I’m about to run, I explained the concept of the campaign (fairy tale inspired story/setting) and outlined rules for creating their characters (CR 4, must not be humanoids, max HP, etc.).  

After discussing and approving various character concepts, I then asked my players to consider the following questions.

1) How did your character acquire an invitation to the king’s feast?  

2) Why have they chosen to attend?

Thanks to this meeting, I’ve now ensured that everyone has a character concept they’re happy with that fits well for the adventure.  And asking them to think of those backstory hooks ensures that they’ve created characters who will want to go on this adventure, which is also important.

It’s also a good time to explain any game mechanics/house rules/etiquette expectations with players who are unfamiliar with your style of gaming.