How to Run a Session Zero

[@WhatisTableTop]

Have you ever run a Session Zero? How did it go? Let us know!

[@58002]

Playing werewolf apocalypse we needed all players to understand combat mechanics before we got there. So we'd often run session zeros with new players, where we'd teach them combat by playing dodge rock. Essentially dodge ball but in their werewolf form. It was often hilarious, and helped the players bond before starting the real story.

[@WhatisTableTop]

And I’m sure very necessary in a game like Werewolf the Apocalypse - Frank

[@TalesFromElsewhereGames]

I think some folks think of Session 0 as a well-defined, formal process, but more often than not, it can just be a group of friends havin' some pizza and their beverages of choice. Often more important than the specifics of rules and campaign ideas, it's that all of you are on the same page and are down for the same vibe. Another great video, as always!

[@WhatisTableTop]

Thanks Peter, this is very true! We just ended a FFG Star Wars game because all the PCs felt like they wanted to do different things. If during that session zero we had decided that they were all “on the run” or “part of a crew” then it would have made the campaign more cohesive - Frank

[@TalesFromElsewhereGames]

@@WhatisTableTop Having read through your group's TFE playtest characters, I bet they're super fun to run with! Their characters were hilarious! I imagine a Star Wars game would be a riot (assuming it's the same folks)

[@WhatisTableTop]

It was the same group and it was a riot! - Frank

[@Duncster14]

2 player side quest? Yes please!

[@WhatisTableTop]

Those were some of my favorite sessions to run - Frank

[@ElderGoblinGames]

Really enjoying the podcast! Lots of great discussions here.

[@WhatisTableTop]

@@ElderGoblinGames glad you’re enjoying it! - Charles

[@Alphadog59v]

You both are by far my favorite rpg podcasters!

[@WhatisTableTop]

@@Alphadog59v Thank you!!

[@Tehfreak]

my session zeroes usually start introductory where i teach new players to play .. im a new DM myself .. thing is they enjoyed session zeroes so much every game we play is with new characters and its just my players trying out different classes and sub classes .. then i learn those are called 1 shots but all my 1 shots have cliffhangers that are never explored 😂 also my players dont like the idea of a player back story .. they see DND as a dungeon delve rpg where they go dungeon to dungeon and thats it .. if i even try to role play and add npcs my players are instantly annoyed and either aggressive or just outright kill them to just get to the dungeon asap... it is annoying for me tbh idk how i can make a story so interesting they would want to follow (not railroad) .. its a collaborative story between DM and Player but i get nothing from them...

[@WhatisTableTop]

Dang, that I tough when you and your players have different ideas of what you see as fun in DnD. The best advice I can give is to just be open to them about the fact that you are more into the story telling/ Role playing size of the game and just ask if they are willing to at least try it out for a one shot or two. - Frank

[@commonviewer2488]

No better time to set up party expectations