🧙‍♂️ Session 0

Session 0 is one of the most important parts of starting a Dungeons & Dragons game. It's when players create their characters, build relationships, and set up what they expect from the game. As a Dungeon Master (DM), helping players through this part makes sure everyone feels excited, comfortable, and ready to jump into the adventure. Let’s look at some ways to make Session 0 a success.

❓ Questions to Ask Players

During Session 0, it helps to ask questions that make the characters and their relationships deeper. Here are some good questions to ask:

• Are any of the characters related to each other?

  • Family connections can add interesting layers to the story, like heartwarming moments or sibling rivalries.

• What keeps the characters together as a party?

  • Is it a shared quest, a common goal, or just trying to survive? Knowing what ties the group together is important to keep everyone interested.
• What does each character like most about every other member of the adventuring party?
  • This question helps players see each other as a team instead of just separate individuals, making their bonds stronger.

🎭 Setting the Tone

Before starting the adventure, it’s important to set the tone of the game. Will it be gritty and realistic, lighthearted and heroic, or dark and scary? Deciding on the tone makes sure everyone knows what kind of story they're telling. It also helps players create characters that fit well with the overall feel, so everyone is on the same page.

🚦 Lines and Veils

To create a safe and fun space for all players, set up Lines and Veils:

• Lines are strict boundaries. Things that will not be part of the game.
• Veils are topics that might come up, but only indirectly. They will be mentioned but not described in detail. For example, you might set a line on torture as a way to get information, meaning it won't be included in the story. Setting these limits helps everyone stay comfortable and makes sure the game doesn't cross any lines that could make people uneasy.

🛤️ Motivation and Railing

Character motivation is the key to making your campaign feel alive. Every character should have clear motivations, personality traits, and goals. These are like the "rails" of your story, giving players direction while still letting them make their own choices. Motivations could be personal (like avenging a loved one), moral (fighting for justice), or practical (seeking treasure or power).

Personality traits and goals also play into character growth. A character's story often comes back to these motivations, shaping what they do and how they interact with others.

🤝 Relationships

Relationships with people outside of the party can make your character feel more connected to the world. Encourage players to think about important individuals in their character's life:

• Family

  • Does your character have a sibling they care about or parents they want to impress? Family ties can add an emotional layer to character motivations.

• Friends

  • Who does your character turn to for support when they're not adventuring? Close friends can serve as confidants, or even become plot hooks for quests.

• Rivals

  • Does your character have a rival from their hometown? A friendly (or not so friendly) competition can motivate your character to become better.

• Mentors or Teachers

  • Did someone teach your character their skills? A mentor could call upon them for a favor or offer guidance during their journey.

• Romantic Interests

  • Love can be a powerful motivator. A romantic partner might send letters, give advice, or become someone the character wants to protect.

These relationships make characters feel more real and give the DM opportunities to weave personal stories into the broader campaign, adding stakes beyond just treasure and power. Encourage players to think about how their characters know each other. Are they old friends, or did they just meet before the adventure? Have they bonded over shared struggles or fought side-by-side in a past battle?

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Session 0 is all about setting up the foundation for an amazing campaign. It’s the perfect time to create character motivations, relationships, and boundaries to make sure everyone feels comfortable and excited to play. As a Dungeon Master, guiding your players through these steps will help create characters that enrich the story, make the group dynamics better, and turn every adventure into something unforgettable.