GM Advice: Setting Expectations with Players Through Session Zero


Running a roleplaying campaign requires buy-in and understanding between the GM and players. A Session Zero establishes shared goals before gameplay begins to set the group up for success. As a GM, use Session Zero to:


- Discuss Theme & Tone: What genre/feel are you going for - horror, political intrigue, swashbuckling adventure? 


- Convey Game Systems: Overview the core rules and mechanics so players know how challenges work. 


- Review Character Creation: Provide direction on character types, backgrounds, and campaign hooks players can develop their PCs around.


- Set a Playstyle: Describe if you emphasize roleplay, combat, puzzles, or social interactions. Brief on campaign cadence and session lengths.


- Assess Experience Levels: Find out player familiarity so you can customize support and rulings to their skill levels. 


- Address Content Warnings: Note any disturbing themes to avoid triggering topics for specific players. Set norms around graphic depictions.


- Designate Convenient Times: Pick a regular schedule and ensure it lines up with everyone's availability to maintain commitment. 


- Establish Ground Rules: Collaboratively determine rules of conduct and guidelines for disagreements at the table. 


- Brainstorm Plot Seeds: Solicit player backstories, character motivations, desired arcs, regional connections to interweave into your world. 


Going into the first session with aligned expectations breeds longevity. Give players an active voice and collaborative venue to invest in your shared vision from the outset. Session Zero is the foundation for a thriving campaign!

Here are some potential challenges GMs could face during Session Zero and tips to overcome them:


Aligning visions - Players may want different tones/genres than the GM. Compromise and find common ground.


Scheduling conflicts - Not everyone's schedule aligns perfectly. Poll availability and plan around majority. Virtual sessions expand options.


Experience gaps - Veteran/new players at same table requires patience. Take time to explain systems to newbies.


Off-topic tangents - Chatting derails focus. Have discussion points/agenda ready to redirect when needed.


Disagreements on rules - Ambiguities cause debates. Make clear which rules are flexible vs must-follows.


Sensitive subject avoidance - Not all topics can be safely included. Respect any content/trigger warnings given.


Shy players hold back - Introverts don't speak up. Reach out individually beforehand to gain ideas.


Dominating personalities - Loud voices overshadow others. Actively solicit input from quieter players.


Unclear campaign details - Sketchy info breeds false expectations. Be upfront about themes,difficulty, story arcs.


Lack of follow through - If sessions get delayed, keep players in the loop on status.


The key is communication, compromise when possible to satisfy all, enforcing respect for others, and clarifying ambiguities proactively to align the group.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse: Running an Army of the Dead Inspired TTRPG Campaign

Image
    Army of the Dead is a thrilling and action-packed movie that follows a group of mercenaries as they attempt to pull off a heist in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. The movie is full of excitement, danger, and suspense, making it an ideal source of inspiration for a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) campaign. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for running an Army of the Dead inspired TTRPG campaign. Setting The setting of an Army of the Dead inspired campaign should be a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies. The campaign should be set in the same time period as the movie, with a focus on the city of Las Vegas and its unique culture and landmarks. The players should feel like they are part of a world of survival and danger, where every action and decision has consequences. Characters The characters in an Army of the Dead inspired campaign should be a mix of survivors, mercenaries, and criminals, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. I...
Read more

How to Create a Compelling TTRPG Campaign: A Step-by-Step Guide

Image
    Step 1: Choose a Theme The first step in creating a TTRPG campaign is to choose a theme. This could be anything from a classic fantasy setting to a post-apocalyptic wasteland, or even a futuristic world filled with cybernetic enhancements and advanced technology. The key is to choose a theme that you and your players are excited about, and that allows for a wide range of storytelling possibilities. For example, if you and your players are fans of The Lord of the Rings, you might choose a fantasy theme that involves a quest to destroy an evil artifact. Or, if you're fans of sci-fi movies like Blade Runner or The Matrix, you might choose a futuristic theme that involves hacking into corporate computer systems and battling rogue AIs. Step 2: Create a World Once you've chosen a theme, the next step is to create a world that fits that theme. This involves creating a setting that's rich and detailed, with its own history, culture, and conflicts. You might creat...
Read more

TTRPG Setting: The Algorithmic Enclave

Image
  The Algorithmic Enclave is a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) setting that takes place in a peculiar town completely controlled by an enigmatic figure named Jeff. Players find themselves beamed into this town, where every aspect of life is regulated by an advanced algorithm owned by Jeff. The setting combines elements of dystopia, cyberpunk, and corporate intrigue, creating a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The Town The town appears to be an ordinary place at first glance, with bustling streets and various shops trading in everyday commodities like gadgets, clothes, shoes, books, songs, games, and movies. However, players quickly realize that every building, including the shops, belongs to Jeff. He may not directly own the factories producing the goods, but his algorithm takes a significant cut from each sale. Furthermore, Jeff's algorithm has the power to determine what can be sold and what is forbidden. Jeff's Dominance Jeff's control over the town extends beyond th...
Read more