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campaign-trackers/session-zero.md
2026-04-05 21:32:09 -04:00

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tags, campaign, date
tags campaign date
dnd
session-zero
campaign-setup

Session Zero Worksheet

Use this before the campaign begins to align expectations between DM and players.


Campaign Pitch

Elevator pitch (2-3 sentences):

Starting situation:

What kind of story is this?

  • Dungeon crawl / exploration
  • Political intrigue
  • Epic heroic journey
  • Mystery / investigation
  • Horror
  • Sandbox / open world
  • Other:

Planned length: One-shot / Short arc (36 sessions) / Medium campaign (1020) / Long campaign (20+) / Open-ended


Tone & Expectations

Tone (mark all that apply):

  • Gritty / realistic
  • Heroic / high fantasy
  • Comedic
  • Dark / horror
  • Political
  • Lighthearted / casual

Expected session length:

Session frequency:

Table rules (phones, food, side conversations, etc.):


Safety Tools

Safety tools in use:

  • Lines & Veils
  • X-Card
  • Open Door Policy
  • Stars & Wishes (end of session)
  • Other:

Lines (never included):

Veils (can happen, but off-screen):


World & Setting

Setting: Homebrew / Forgotten Realms / Eberron / Ravenloft / Other:

Starting location:

What does the party know at session start:

What level do characters start at: Method for HP: Stat generation: 4d6 drop lowest / Standard Array / Point Buy

Starting equipment: PHB defaults / Starting gold / Other:


Character Creation

Allowed sources:

  • Player's Handbook 2024
  • Other books:
  • Homebrew (DM approval required)

Allowed races / species:

Restricted races / species:

Allowed classes:

Restricted subclasses / classes:

Alignment: Used / Not used

Backstory requirements:

  • Minimum:
  • Must include:
  • At least one connection to:

Character secrets / bonds: Each player provides the DM with one secret and one goal


Party Cohesion

How does the party know each other?

  • Pre-established (players decide)
  • DM provides a framing event
  • They don't yet — first session brings them together

Framing event (if applicable):

Questions for each player about their character:

  1. Why is your character an adventurer?
  2. What does your character want more than anything?
  3. What does your character fear?
  4. What is one secret your character keeps?
  5. Who does your character trust, and why?

House Rules

Rule Details
Critical hits 2× dice / max die + roll / other:
Healing potions Action / Bonus action
Flanking Yes / No
Encumbrance Variant / Standard / Ignored
Resurrection RAW / Harder / Other:
Other
Other

Expectations Check

Each player and DM answers these:

What are you most excited about in this campaign?

Player Answer
DM

What do you want more of at the table?

Player Answer
DM

What do you want less of?

Player Answer
DM

Contact & Scheduling

Player Character Name Preferred Contact Scheduling Notes
DM

Session day / time:

Platform / Location:

Backup contact method (cancellations):


DM Notes from Session Zero