Setting Goals and Expectations

Before diving into adventures across the Multiverse, every group benefits from taking time to establish shared expectations, boundaries, and goals for their collaborative storytelling experience. This foundation-setting process, commonly called “Session Zero,” creates the framework that allows everyone at the table to contribute to memorable stories while feeling safe and respected. Whether you’re playing with longtime friends or meeting new people for the first time, these conversations help ensure that everyone can fully engage with the creative process.

Session Zero

Checking In

GM: Hi everyone, we are about to start our first campaign! We discussed the setting, and I am really loving the character ideas.

River: I am having tons of fun, I based my character off Julie D’Aubigny. I read about how she broke into a convent and burned it down just to get back her girlfriend and was known for her rapier fighting.

Sage: Oh, Tempest wouldn’t like burning down convents…

GM: Well, if it comes up, that could be an interesting dynamic. However, this brings us to the next point in session zero. We need to talk about our personal goals, expectations, and boundaries. Not our characters, but us personally. This helps us ensure we are creating a safe environment for everyone.

(Ensures everyone is engaged)

GM continues: Let’s talk about a rating for our content. Now, the movie rating system I agree is flawed, but it gives us a place to start. G movies are of course child friendly, and if they broach sensitive topics, it is done in a way that indirectly addresses the topic. PG movies are child friendly, but may include more sensitive topics, some violence and even scary situations. PG-13 allows more violence, scary situations, some nudity, and some controlled but limited colorful metaphors also known as curse words. R tends to be anything goes with some restrictions on descriptions, including interpersonal connections.

Now, just because we set an initial rating, doesn’t mean all content is the same. For example, with most content, as a player, I personally tend to role play my characters as PG-13, but I am fine with R with some areas that are triggering to me. Which is why, we should discuss the rating and what it means beyond just the assumption of movies. I also have this consent form that helps us determine what topics are either “red,” “yellow,” or “green.” Red topics are topics we won’t include in the campaign ever. Yellow topics tend to be topics that can be included but are situational dependent. Green tends to be open to including or even hoping we will include something of that nature, which will be good to add to the notes of the form.

Since we are gaming weekly, I just sent you all a link to the form, so you can fill it out anonymously. However, it is good to ask questions about the consent form, so we are all on the same page with our definitions.

Finally, just because we start with this, doesn’t mean we can’t all agree to modify things in the future. The topic about consent in gaming is an ongoing topic, which I will make sure to have check-in points throughout the campaign.

Let’s get started…

Session Zero is the foundational meeting that occurs before the actual story begins, where players and GM come together to establish the framework for their shared adventure. While the specific format can vary dramatically, from a brief 30-minute discussion for one-shots to extensive multi-hour worldbuilding sessions for epic campaigns, the core purpose remains consistent: ensuring everyone understands what kind of story they’re creating together.

During Session Zero, groups typically address practical matters like scheduling, communication preferences, and house rules, but the most crucial conversations center on consent and creative boundaries. This isn’t just about avoiding uncomfortable topics; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best ideas and take creative risks without fear of judgment or harm.

Establishing Content Boundaries

Every person brings different comfort levels, experiences, and triggers to the gaming table. What feels like exciting drama to one player might be genuinely distressing to another, and there’s no way to know these boundaries without direct communication. The goal isn’t to create a sanitized, risk-free environment, but rather to establish clear guidelines that allow for meaningful storytelling within boundaries that everyone can respect.

Content Rating Systems: Many groups find it helpful to establish an overall “content rating” similar to movie or television ratings as a starting baseline. However, it’s important to remember that these ratings are shorthand, not absolute rules. A group might agree on “PG-13” content while acknowledging that certain topics require more mature handling, or they might embrace “R-rated” themes while maintaining strict boundaries around specific sensitive subjects.

The key is specificity. Instead of assuming everyone interprets “PG-13” the same way, discuss what that rating means for your particular group:

• What level of violence feels appropriate?
• How will romance and relationships be handled?
• Are there specific themes or topics that should be avoided entirely?
• What kinds of consequences feel too harsh or too lenient for the tone you want?

Lines and Veils: This framework, popularized by Ron Edwards, provides a more nuanced approach to content boundaries:

• Lines are hard boundaries that should never be crossed—topics that won’t appear in the campaign at all
• Veils are topics that can exist in the story but should happen “off-screen” or be handled with discretion

For example, a group might establish that sexual violence is a hard line (never appears in the story), while torture might be behind a veil (can be implied or referenced but not described in detail).

The Traffic Light System: Red, Yellow, Green classifications provide an intuitive way to categorize content:

• Red: Absolutely off-limits, never to be included
• Yellow: Proceed with caution, may be appropriate depending on context and handling
• Green: Welcome content and may even be the kinds of themes player hopes to explore.

Ongoing Consent and Check-Ins

Consent isn’t a one-time conversation but an ongoing process that continues throughout the campaign. People’s comfort levels can change, new situations might arise that weren’t anticipated during Session Zero, and the creative process itself often reveals preferences and boundaries that weren’t initially obvious.

Regular Check-Ins: Successful groups establish rhythms for revisiting consent and boundaries. This might happen:

• At the end of each session: “How did everyone feel about tonight’s content?”
• Before potentially sensitive scenes: “We’re about to explore some darker themes. Is everyone okay with that?”
• During natural campaign breaks: “As we start this new chapter, are there any boundaries we want to revisit?”

Mid-Scene Adjustments: Even with the best planning, situations can arise during play that push against someone’s boundaries. Effective groups establish signals and protocols for addressing these moments without derailing the entire session. This might include:

• Pause signals that any player can use to briefly halt the scene
• Private communication channels for players to reach the GM during online sessions
• Agreed-upon ways to redirect scenes that are heading in uncomfortable directions

Safety Tools

The gaming community has developed numerous tools and techniques for maintaining consent and safety during collaborative storytelling. While different groups will find different approaches work best for their specific needs, here are some widely-used options:

X-Card System: Developed by John Stavropoulos, this simple tool allows any player to remove content from the game by tapping an X-Card (physical or virtual) or saying “X-Card.” When someone uses the X-Card, the group immediately stops the current content and either skips past it or rewinds to approach the situation differently. No explanation is required, and the game continues without judgment.

Script Change Tools: Brie Beau Sheldon’s Script Change system borrows concepts from media production, allowing players to call for:

• Pause: Briefly halt the action to discuss or clarify something
• Rewind: Go back and approach a scene differently
• Fast Forward: Skip past content without playing it out in detail
• Frame by Frame: Slow down and be more deliberate about a particularly important or sensitive scene

Anonymous Feedback: For groups that meet regularly, anonymous feedback systems can help identify issues that players might be reluctant to raise in person. This might include:

• Simple online forms that players can fill out after sessions
• Digital suggestion boxes for ongoing campaign feedback
• Anonymous voting on proposed story directions or content themes

Additional Tools
These are just a few of many tools. You can find additional tools publicly available at: https://itch.io/c/1655621/safety-tools-and-wellbeing-for-ttrpg. Explore what works best with your group.

Setting Creative Goals

Beyond establishing boundaries, Session Zero provides an opportunity to discuss positive creative goals and expectations. These conversations help ensure that the campaign delivers the kinds of experiences that will satisfy all participants.

Genre and Tone: Different players often have different expectations for how a campaign should feel. Some prefer heroic adventures where protagonists ultimately triumph through virtue and determination, while others enjoy morally complex stories where victory comes at significant cost. Some players love comedy and frequent breaks in tension, while others prefer maintaining serious dramatic stakes throughout.

Discussing these preferences during Session Zero helps the GM understand what kinds of situations to emphasize and what tone to maintain. It also helps players understand what their fellow participants are hoping to experience, creating opportunities for collaborative storytelling that serves everyone’s interests.

Important:
On the flip side of all this, a player may not know what they prefer. This is just as important and valuable! They shouldn’t feel forced to know, and even encouraged to explore their expectations as the campaign progresses.

Character Spotlight: In collaborative storytelling, every character should have opportunities to be the center of attention and drive important story moments. Session Zero conversations can help identify what kinds of situations each player hopes their character will face, what themes they want to explore, and what kinds of growth or change they’re interested in pursuing.

Campaign Scope and Commitment: Different groups have different expectations for campaign length, session frequency, and the level of investment required. Some players love epic, years-long sagas that require extensive homework and character development between sessions. Others prefer episodic adventures that can be enjoyed casually without major ongoing commitments. Discussing these expectations early prevents frustration and disappointment later.

Practical Considerations

Session Zero also addresses the logistical elements that keep campaigns running smoothly:

Scheduling and Communication: Establishing how the group will handle scheduling, cancellations, and communication between sessions. This includes discussing:

• How far in advance sessions will be planned
• What happens if key players can’t attend
• Preferred methods for between-session communication
• Expectations for preparation time and homework

House Rules and Adaptations: Every group develops their own preferences for how rules should be interpreted and applied. Session Zero provides an opportunity to discuss any house rules, modifications to the system, or specific approaches the GM prefers for handling common situations.

Technology and Tools: For groups playing online or using digital tools, Session Zero can include technical setup and troubleshooting. For in-person groups, this might involve discussing what materials players should bring, how food and drinks will be handled, and what space will be used for sessions.

Building Group Dynamics

Perhaps most importantly, Session Zero begins the process of building the collaborative relationships that make great storytelling possible. This includes:

Establishing Trust: Open discussions about boundaries and expectations demonstrate that everyone’s comfort and enjoyment is valued, creating a foundation of mutual respect that enables more creative risk-taking during actual play.

Understanding Different Play Styles: Players often have different approaches to roleplaying, problem-solving, and engagement with the story. Some prefer detailed character acting, while others focus on tactical challenges. Some love complex political intrigue, while others prefer straightforward adventure. Understanding these differences helps everyone contribute in ways that complement rather than compete with each other.

Creating Shared Investment: When everyone participates in establishing the campaign’s boundaries, tone, and goals, they become invested in the collaborative creative process in ways that extend beyond their individual characters. This shared ownership helps maintain engagement and encourages players to support each other’s creative contributions.

Session Zero conversations require vulnerability and trust, but they create the foundation that enables the magical collaborative storytelling that makes roleplaying games uniquely rewarding. By investing time and emotional energy in these discussions, groups create environments where everyone can contribute their best creative work while feeling safe and respected throughout the process.

GM’s Session Zero Checklist

Use this checklist as a guide for facilitating productive Session Zero conversations. Not every item will be relevant for every group, but these topics cover the essential elements of establishing a strong foundation for collaborative storytelling.

Before the Session

• Choose your safety tools - Decide which consent and safety systems you’ll use (X-Card, Script Change, anonymous feedback, etc.)
• Prepare materials - Have consent forms, character creation materials, and any handouts ready
• Set the tone - Plan how you’ll introduce the importance of boundaries and consent without making it feel like a lecture

Setting and Campaign Framework

• Present the setting - Explain the world, genre, and basic premise
• Discuss campaign scope - How long will it run? How often will you meet?
• Establish the power level - Low, Moderate, High, or Heroic? How quickly will characters advance?
• Clarify player expectations - What kind of story are we telling together?

Content and Boundaries

• Establish content rating - Use movie ratings as a starting point, then get specific
• Introduce Lines and Veils - What topics are completely off-limits vs. handled off-screen?
• Use Traffic Light system - Red/Yellow/Green classification for different content types
• Discuss consequences - What level of character death, failure, and setbacks fit the tone?
• Address specific triggers - Use consent forms or direct discussion as appropriate

Safety and Communication

• Introduce safety tools - Explain X-Card, Script Change, or your chosen system
• Establish check-in protocols - How will you monitor comfort levels during play?
• Set communication preferences - Between-session contact, scheduling, feedback methods
• Create private communication channels - Ways for players to reach you confidentially

Character Creation and Group Dynamics

• Facilitate character creation - Help players build characters that fit the setting and work together
• Encourage character connections - How do the PCs know each other? Why do they work together?
• Discuss spotlight sharing - Everyone should get moments to shine
• Address different play styles - Acknowledge that people engage differently with roleplay

Practical Matters

• Establish house rules - Any modifications to the system or special approaches
• Set scheduling expectations - Attendance, cancellation policies, session length
• Discuss logistics - Location, food, technology needs, what to bring
• Plan ongoing consent check-ins - When and how you’ll revisit boundaries

Wrapping Up

• Summarize agreements - Recap the major decisions and boundaries established
• Schedule next session - When will the actual story begin?
• Provide contact information - Ensure everyone can reach you between sessions
• Remind about flexibility - Boundaries and expectations can be adjusted as needed

Remember: This checklist is a guide, not a requirement. Adapt it to your group’s needs, experience level, and available time. A convention one-shot might only need 10 minutes of boundary-setting, while an epic campaign might require more time and discussion.

Session 0.5

For ongoing campaigns, many experienced GMs utilize an informal follow-up period between Session Zero and the first actual story session. This “Session 0.5” gives players additional time to refine their characters, clarify expectations, and communicate important details that might not have emerged during the group discussion.

This intermediate step serves several valuable purposes. First, it relieves the pressure players often feel to have everything figured out immediately during Session Zero. Character concepts that seemed clear in the abstract often need refinement once players start thinking about how they’ll actually roleplay their choices. Similarly, consent boundaries that felt obvious during group discussion sometimes require clarification once players consider specific scenarios they might encounter.

The Session 0.5 process typically involves individual communication between each player and the GM, whether through email, private messages, or brief one-on-one conversations. This private channel allows players to share “hidden details” about their characters: secret backgrounds, personal goals, or mysterious connections that would spoil the fun if revealed to the entire group immediately. These confidential elements often become some of the most rewarding plot threads as the campaign unfolds.

Players can also use this opportunity to revisit their consent boundaries after having time to reflect on the initial discussion. Sometimes people realize they need to add items to their “red” or “yellow” lists, or they might want to clarify how certain topics should be handled. This follow-up communication ensures that everyone starts the actual campaign feeling confident about the boundaries that have been established.

For GMs, Session 0.5 provides invaluable insight into each player’s hopes and concerns for the upcoming campaign. Understanding what each person is most excited to explore, what they’re nervous about, and what kinds of character moments they’re hoping to experience helps inform how to structure early sessions and build long-term story arcs that will engage the entire group.

Now that is established, Session 1 becomes the start of the campaign - The opening of the first chapter of the shared story being told.