This post is part of a continuing series about running the TTRPG Dungeon and Dragons for your children. If you would like to get up to speed, start here.
Just What is a Session Zero? And Do You Really Need It?
A session zero is a meeting with your players before you start the adventure. So, do you really need to have a session zero? Well, no. You can do whatever you wish, obviously. But I recommend you run a session zero. Let me give you the rundown of why I think you should run one.
Getting Everyone on the Same Page
This is a great opportunity to let your players know your rules and expectations. I like to invite the parents to this session, so they understand your expectations as well. If they can’t make it, a phone call ahead of time works as well. I don’t allow players to show up without having a conversation with their parents beforehand. Take it from me, it is way easier to tell them up front instead of explaining why their child can’t come back anymore later on.
Some of the kids may not know each other, and you may not know all of the kids. A session zero gives everyone the opportunity to get to know each other, and you. You may have to help them a bit, teens can be especially awkward. If you are hosting your game from your home, it is a great time to show the kids where things are located, like the nearest bathroom, glasses for water, or where is off limits. If you have friendly pets, this would be a great time to introduce the kids to your pets.
Having the kids make their characters together is fun! They will often bounce ideas off each other and come up with fun reasons for their characters to be an adventuring party. It also allows you to discuss things like party balance. If everyone is a fighter, it’s gonna be rough when they need healing! You can also make sure that none of the players make a character that go against your rules. For example, I don’t allow evil alignments. Being with the kids while they are making characters means you get to say no during the process, not when someone shows up for your first game with a character you are not going to allow. (You can also nix the super tragic backstory that makes the entirety of the game focus on just one player’s character.)
Gathering Intel
Session zero gives you the opportunity to observe your players before you start the adventure. Watch how they interact with each other. Are some kids more outgoing, reserved, friendly, or mean spirited? Do some pair up and only interact with each other? Are they respectful of you when you address the group or do they have a hard time settling down? Pay close attention, take notes of what may need addressing in the future, which kids may need a little more encouragement, which ones may need some creative guidance. Remember they are kids, but stay firm in regards to your rules and expectations.
Knowing what types of characters, and their backgrounds helps you make the game feel more real to the players. Getting this information ahead of time will help you build personal details into your adventure. It might even give you the reason for an adventure. Maybe a p.c. (player character) has trinket their favorite relative gave them. You could have it stolen, or have it be the key to open a secret room. One of my player’s character had an irrational fear of pigeons, so I made sure to provide pigeons at opportune moments. It gave my player an opportunity to role play his character, and made for some fun gaming moments.
Peace of Mind for You, Building Anticipation and Excitement for Them
Overall, running a session zero addresses a lot of unknowns both for you and your players. You will feel way more relaxed and confident going into your first session. They will too.
Bonus: the kids will be dreaming and talking non-stop about their characters and imaginary scenarios. It really helps you when they are excited and on-board. Plus it can be plain cute!
In Summary
Holding a session zero is worthwhile, even valuable. You can accomplish a lot of tasks, and get a lot of information about your players and their characters. It helps the kids get to know you and your expectations. It also gets them excited for your first session. Sharing this hobby, in a way you feel is appropriate, is what it’s all about.
I’d love to answer any questions, or hear about how your session zero went with your players. Feel free to leave a comment below. If you aren’t a subscriber yet, but want to be, please click that subscribe button. You’ll be notified when new posts are out, and also will receive subscriber only content.
Great post! My first session got somewhat off the rails, so I know how important it is to properly prepare new players.
I have had that happen to me, too! It is so hard to get things back in order after a session like that!