You’ve read all the rulebooks. You bought a nice set of dice, or ten. You’ve been running through all the cool monsters you’re going to throw at your party and the unique encounters you will craft. You have an idea of the world that you want to run it in. You have a handful of friends who heeded your call to adventure and have agreed that they want to play Dungeons and Dragons on a regular basis. You’re oh, so, close to a world of boundless imagination and epic adventures.

But before the quests, battles, and mysteries begin, there's a crucial step that sets the stage for the perfect campaign: Session Zero. This guide will walk you through the essentials of running a Session Zero that's geared towards collaboration, setting expectations, and creating a safe and comfortable space for everyone at the table.

What is a Session Zero? A Session Zero is an initial meeting before a campaign begins where the Dungeon Master and players gather to collaboratively set expectations, discuss campaign themes, establish character connections, introduce safety tools, and outline rules. It's also a great time to build excitement and camaraderie among the players, especially if you’re bringing together a group who maybe doesn’t know each other that well. Think of it as the creation of The Fellowship of the Ring in Rivendell, and you’re Elrond.

Step 1: Fellowship:

You can choose to skip this step if the group you’re playing with is already a solid group of friends. But, if it’s not then it is important to build a sense of camaraderie amongst the group. This can be as simple as starting out by letting everyone chat, maybe have a pint to break the ice. But, the key here is to get everyone to open up a bit and relax. Ask them a few questions:

What got you into ttrpgs?
If you could play in any fictional world, which one would you choose?
What is your favorite aspect of D&D? Combat? Roleplay? Mysteries?
For you, what makes a campaign most intriguing?

Simple, engaging questions will get people to open up, excited for what’s to come, and give you as a DM more insight into the game you’ll be running. Take notes, they’ll be infinitely beneficial down the road.

Step #2: Setting Expectations

With everyone feeling a bit more open and comfortable, now is the perfect time to make sure that everyone is on the same level when it comes to table expectations. Clear communication from the start helps prevent misunderstandings later on.

There are not-so-serious things to discuss like:

Can you eat at the table?
Will people be enjoying adult beverages?
Are there any house rules you want to implement?
Do you want to use computers or phones, or stick to pencil and paper?

Then there are the necessities for the game to run like:

What level of play do you prefer – are we starting at level 1 or do you want to step into this world a little more powerful?
How challenging do you want this to be – do you want to feel powerful as you level up, or do you want the world to be a deadly and dangerous place no matter how powerful you are?
Do you prefer a more curated story experience or an open-world sandbox to dive into and explore?
What campaign themes do people want to see?
Is there a specific zone you’d like to start in or spend extra time in – do you want a mountainous survival horror in the frigid spires of this world or a city-based mystery, do you want to start in the Underdark or Open Seas?
What will the tone be – serious, comedic, gritty?
Will you be roleplaying?
Is PvP (player versus player) wanted/allowed?
Will you be doing theater of the mind, or using grids, or even full mini sets (if so, kudos to you)?
Are there any species or classes that are off the table?
How loosey-goosey can you get with rules?

And then there will be serious topics like:

Are there any content restrictions and sensitive topics that are a no-go (i.e. slavery, racism, sexual assault, guns)?
Should you dodge real-life stuff that might take people out of the immersion (i.e. politics, religion, the pandemic)?
Do any players have types of gameplay that ruin the game for them (i.e. murder hobos, lone wolves, or spotlight hogs)?

Dealing with all of this now helps pave the way for a cohesive and enjoyable gaming experience.

“Clear communication from the start helps prevent misunderstandings later on. ”

Step 3: Introduce Safety Tools

While this is something that is often overlooked, and for some people, seemingly controversial, safety tools can be essential for player comfort. It may be easy to believe that you know the players at your table and know their levels of comfort, but people change, and what is fine for someone one day may not be another, we can never know everyone’s personal experiences, and it can’t hurt to offer them something simple to do if they get to feeling uncomfortable at the table.

Introduce tools like the "X-card" (allowing players to veto content that makes them uncomfortable) and the "lines and veils" concept (defining what topics are off-limits and what can be approached with caution). Establishing these tools shows your commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.

If you’re looking to add in safety tools to your group, I find this comprehensive toolkit from Kienna Shaw and Lauren Bryant-Monk to be invaluable.

Step 4: World-Building:

A great campaign begins with a great world and Session Zero is the perfect time to have some world-building discussions with your players. If you are coming in with an idea for a world, share it with them and then encourage them to share their ideas for the setting, lore, and even potential plot hooks. This collaborative approach not only makes players invested in the world but also sets the tone for a campaign where their creativity matters.

Plus, the old adage is two heads are better than one, and there is a good chance that one or more of your players will throw out a thought or idea for the world that you would’ve never thought of that sparks some incredible change to the entire campaign. I will say it here and in a hundred other places on this blog, D&D is all about collaboration, use it as much as you can.

Step 5: Character Creation

You’ve got a world, or at least a rough draft of one, now it’s time to fill ‘er up. This is the part players will likely be most excited for and it’s a good way to make sure that you are bringing together a balanced party. It also gives you, as the DM, a chance to help players, especially anyone new, in building rounded characters. And, everyone gets the opportunity to roll their very first rolls of the campaign to get their stats. A couple of questions that need to be answered at this stage are:

How will experience work in this campaign, milestones, or experience?
Encumbrance, is it a thing, or do you not really track it outside of unreasonable weights?
Will you be using the newest character creation rules from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything? If you are it truly can change up the game significantly, and I think in a positive way that is less restrictive.
Are feats allowed, if they are, will you be allowing all of them or do the players have to ask first?
If you’re starting at higher levels people may have to pick schools, or pacts, or any of the things that come at level 3. Also, how often are you going to allow magic users to swap out spells?
Are there any abilities that are a no, such as flying, which can honestly break some parts of the game if you’re not careful?

“Encourage players to weave their characters’ stories together ... This approach fosters a sense of unity from the beginning.”

Step 6: Establishing Character Connections:

With at least a basic outline of the characters (it’s best to let people ruminate on things like spells, feats, etc.) encourage players to weave their characters' stories together. As someone who didn’t do this prior to running their first campaign, I will tell you, do this. It may seem fun to try and weave them all together into a cohesive unit, but it is no easy task and eventually, it kinda requires your players to just go along with it. Discuss how their backstories might intersect, creating built-in camaraderie and shared goals. This approach fosters a sense of unity from the beginning and reduces the "strangers in a tavern" trope.

Step 7: Campaign Hooks and Goals

With characters connected, it may be a good time to lay down the campaign's overarching hook during Session Zero. What drives the characters together? What's the main conflict? Additionally, discuss character goals that could be woven into the narrative. This isn’t a necessity and it all may come out in the first session, but it can be useful.

Also, talk about how long this campaign may last, what level the characters will start at, will it be a sandbox adventure or more of a linear storyline where there is one big overarching plot. By talking about these things, you are setting the foundation for a cohesive campaign where each player feels invested.

Step 8: Introduce the First Adventure

You did it, you’re at the end of session zero. Now it’s time for the finale. Think of it like a prologue to a book, a little taste of what’s to come in session one. You’ve talked through much of what’s to come, now give your players an amuse-bouche to whet their questing appetites. It will end the session zero on a high note and get everyone pumped for the campaign. And now, you better get to work, as a DM there’s always more work (there are ways to make it easier though).

Running a successful Session Zero is about much more than establishing rules and character details. It's a collaborative experience that sets the stage for a rich and immersive campaign. A good Session Zero can create a foundation that allows everyone to dive into the game with enthusiasm and confidence from the get-go.

Remember, the goal is to cultivate a space where storytelling, teamwork, and shared creativity flourish. Let your Session Zero be the gateway to an epic adventure.

*Special thanks to Aric Geesaman for helping brainstorm on this and adding in some quality tips. If you’re looking for a quality knife, you should check out his stuff over at Ash Blæds.

Decided to mix it up a bit this week since I’ve been playing some (too much) Baldur’s Gate 3 and it reminded me just how fun it can be to create one single character with the goal of lasting a whole campaign.

Zarien, my Drow Great Old One Warlock, would not have lasted a whole campaign as I recently lost him and everyone else to a TPK from some minotaurs. In real Dungeons & Dragons, I would’ve been devastated to lose my beautiful boy and had to start rerolling a new character. Luckily BG3 just takes you back to the last save, so I’m just gonna return to the minotaurs a bit further down the road.

BG3 aside, playing it made me want to share some of the tips I’ve used over the years to create some of my favorite characters when I was on the other side of the Dungeon Master screen. And for the DMs there, I use these same tips for creating memorable NPCs. When you’re playing D&D (or most any TTRPG) creating a memorable character is the key to unlocking a truly immersive gaming experience.

So, follow me on this journey to discover the secrets of crafting characters that leap off the character sheet, ones that you’ll be excited to get back to the table and continue playing for dozens to hundreds of sessions, and who may weave their way into the hearts of your fellow players (and DM).

Choose your Species and Class

These two choices will be what everything else about your character is built upon, they determine nearly all in-game aspects of your character including physical traits, skills, spells, and abilities.

Now, you may be a person who likes to play optimized characters. If that’s the case, you’re going to make this choice based purely on that: you wanna get up in the mix, you’re a Half-Orc Barbarian; take jabs and stun all around the battlefield, hello, Tabaxi Monk; sit back and blast spells while being able to keep concentration, Yuan-ti Pureblood Sorcerer all day, every day. There are sites all over the internet for building the most optimized 5e characters and that can be fun as hell to play that way.

However, if you don’t care about all that and you just love playing gruff little Dwarf guys, or want to be an otherworldly gorgeous Elf, then you can be that and any class you want. You have in your head that you want to sneak around, steal stuff, and slit throats, be a rogue. Take the time to dive into the lore and characteristics of each species, and consider the ones that resonate with you. After all, you should already be ruminating on step three, which is unsurprisingly your character’s backstory, and these choices should complement the narrative brewing in your mind.

In the world of D&D, your character's unique qualities will shine, and if you're blessed with a thoughtful Dungeon Master, the campaign will adapt to embrace your character's quirks and strengths. So, embrace the species and class that ignites your excitement and sets your imagination ablaze.

Craft a Unique Appearance

With your species and class choices in hand, it's time to sculpt the outward identity of your character, the face they present to the world. In Dungeons & Dragons, appearances matter; they're the first brushstroke on the canvas of your character's story. While the adage "don't judge a book by its cover" holds wisdom, it's human nature to form initial impressions based on appearances, and D&D is no different. What your character presents to the world will define how NPCs, and PCs approach interactions with them.

Now, let's dive into the details. What does your character wear, and what motivates their choice of attire? Do they adorn themselves with distinctive features — a scar tracing a mysterious history, a tattoo symbolizing a past allegiance, or a piece of jewelry with sentimental value? These nuanced touches will set your character apart, but remember, less is often more. Unless you intentionally seek to make your character physically arresting or peculiar, select just a few unique quirks to weave into their appearance. Subtlety can be a powerful tool in making your character memorable without overwhelming the narrative.

As you refine your character's visage, consider how their appearance reflects their species and class. Do they carry themselves with the grace of an Elf or the rugged demeanor of a Dwarf? Does the attire of a rogue suggest stealth and cunning, while a wizard's robes hint at their command of arcane mysteries? In the world of D&D, your character's appearance is a window into their soul, a mirror reflecting their story. So, craft an image that will captivate, intrigue, and leave a lasting impression on all who cross their path.

“What your character presents to the world will define how NPCs, and PCs approach interactions with them. ”

Develop Your Personality

As I said above, this should already be in your mind. Species and Class will define your in-game aspects, the ways in which you can play your character within the bounds of the rules and regulations. Personality and backstory though, there are no rules or regulations to constrain those outside of the world you and your group have chosen to play within. This is where you will really start to bring your character to life.

Start with the basics, the foundational elements that define your character. What is their name, where is their hometown, and who and where are their family? But this is just the beginning; you must also venture into the realm of thought-provoking questions. What does your character fear most? What profound lessons have they gleaned from their life's journey? And what are the flaws that both shape and burden them, the shadows they yearn to overcome?

Crafting your character's personality is a journey of self-discovery, much like stepping into their shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. Are they known for their courage, or do they navigate life with a cautious heart? Do they wield sarcasm like a blade, or do they approach each day with earnest sincerity?

But remember, no one is one-dimensional, and neither should your character be. Just because you're a rogue doesn't mean your existence revolves solely around stealth and theft. Perhaps you have a penchant for culinary arts, a skill passed down by your beloved grandmother. Maybe a fondness for dogs stems from a childhood devoid of friends, where a loyal street dog was your sole companion. Those daggers at your side? They also serve as tools to carve intricate figurines, each one a cherished memory of those who've touched your heart.

Creating a memorable character requires infusing them with authentic characteristics, making them feel like real people with dreams, fears, quirks, and aspirations. While it may be challenging to step outside your own skin and think as another being, the rewards of this endeavor are immeasurable — moments of catharsis, insights into the human (or non-human) condition, and the fulfillment of breathing life into a captivating character that will forever etch their mark on the annals of your gaming adventures.

Define Your Backstory

Personality and backstory are intertwined threads that weave the intricate fabric of your character's existence. It's often useful to craft them in tandem, for a character's past experiences are the crucible in which their personality is forged. Much like the layers of history that shape our own lives, your character's backstory is the sum of all that occurred before the first dice was rolled, before the journey began.

Dive deep into your character's past, unearthing the pivotal moments and formative events that sculpted their identity. Did they spend their early years in the serenity of a quaint village, or were they orphaned on the unforgiving streets of a bustling city? The richness lies in the details, in the personal tapestry you weave. The more vivid and engaging your character's backstory, the more they come alive.

While it's valuable to outline your character's backstory and personality, leave room for flexibility. It’s important to remember that your character's history can evolve as the campaign unfolds. Dungeon Masters often find inspiration in these untold stories, using them to craft personalized hooks and challenges for each character.

As someone who's ventured behind the Dungeon Master's screen, I've come to appreciate the power of player character backstories. They provide essential ingredients for immersive storytelling, allowing a DM to introduce meaningful NPCs, antagonists, or allies tailored to your character's journey. The childhood bully who tormented you may reappear as a baddie that you and your party get to whomp on for a bit, or maybe they get to redeem themselves by aiding you on your quest. Either way, you’ll have a more emotional connection to the situation as it is a part of your character’s past.

Your character's backstory can also be a source of shared experiences and character development within your adventuring party. Hidden secrets may become revelations, drawing your fellow player characters closer as they help you confront or resolve the past. These interactions breathe life into your character, creating moments of camaraderie, conflict, and growth that enrich the storytelling experience.

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, your character's backstory isn't just history; it's the key to unlocking a vibrant, evolving narrative that deepens the connection between player and character. So, as you define your character's past, remember that you're not just shaping their history — you're forging their destiny.

There are countless places on the web and in print to find question lists to answer for creating your character. I’ve used many of them and they are all helpful in their own ways. However, I’ve compiled a list of questions that I personally like that work best for me, and who knows, maybe it will work for you too. Get it right here and get to making that character.

“Creating a memorable character requires infusing them with authentic characteristics, making them feel like real people with dreams, fears, quirks, and aspirations”

Set Character Goals and Embrace Character Arcs

While the first four items are the most important aspects of creating an intriguing and memorable character. There are a few other additions that will give your character and you that extra nudge toward greatness. For one of these additions, imagine your character as a ship sailing through the boundless sea. To navigate these uncharted waters effectively, your character needs a clear destination — a purpose that drives them forward. These purposes come in various forms, spanning both short-term and long-term objectives.

Short-term goals might include proving your worth to skeptical townsfolk, becoming the most well-regarded singer in town, or discovering the truth behind a mysterious artifact. Long-term objectives, on the other hand, are the distant shores on the horizon — avenging a fallen mentor, invoking the mercy of a god to revive a loved one, or vanquishing an ancient evil that threatens the world.

With these objectives in mind, your character will inevitably encounter trials and tribulations along the way. These experiences, both triumphant and harrowing, shape your character's narrative arc. Picture this arc as the evolving path that guides your character's development — a journey of transformation and self-discovery.

Character arcs can take various forms. The classic hero's journey, where a character starts as an ordinary individual and evolves into a hero, is a timeless archetype. Alternatively, your character might embark on a more complex arc, exploring themes like redemption, sacrifice, or moral ambiguity.

The key to a compelling character arc lies in embracing change. Allow your character to react and adapt to the challenges they face, letting these experiences mold them into a different version of themselves. As they grow, you'll find that your role-playing becomes more nuanced and realistic, breathing life into your character.

Immerse Yourself in Roleplaying

This one isn’t for everyone, as roleplaying can be uncomfortable for some and just isn’t done, nor required, at every table. But, if you’re up to the task, and enjoy it, roleplay can truly be the finishing touch on creating a memorable character. Fully immerse yourself in your character’s persona during gameplay. Speak in their voice, make decisions as they would, and embrace their flaws and quirks. The more you commit to roleplaying, the more your character comes to life and the more you and the others at your table can connect with them. Also, as someone who took some getting used to roleplaying and not feeling anxious about it, I promise, it you keep trying it gets easier and (if you’re at the right table, which is most tables) no one is going to make you feel anything but good for trying.

Collaborate with Your Party

Lastly, and it’s something that I will likely harp on in some way in nearly every post I ever write, D&D is a collaborative game. While it may be tempting to embody the lone wolf (and it can payoff if you play if right), the magic of D&D blossoms when the party works together. Your character's destiny is intertwined with those of your comrades. Embrace the opportunities for interaction and cooperation, and allow your character to develop through their relationships with others.

Characters evolve not only through their personal quests but also through their connections with others. These relationships breathe life into your character, adding depth and nuance to their journey. A shared laugh, a moment of vulnerability, or a tactical alliance can all shape your character's growth.

Collaboration isn't just about planning tactics or solving puzzles together; it's about investing in the narratives of your fellow adventurers. It's about listening to their stories, respecting their choices, and embracing their flaws. Through this collective storytelling, your character becomes part of something greater.

Crafting a memorable D&D character is an art that combines creativity, storytelling, and a dash of imagination. By building a solid foundation, breathing life into your character, fostering their growth, and immersing yourself in role-playing, you can create a character that not only enhances your gaming experience but also leaves a lasting, positive impression on your fellow players, Dungeon Master and one that you’ll share the stories of years down the road.

How to Run a Successful Session Zero