Session 0
From The Wild Tangents
5 Principles of the Gaming Table
- Collaborate to ensure everyone shines in the story and the GM will fosters teamwork to enriching the adventure.
- Use creative approaches to challenges, understanding that some innovative ideas may stray from the mechanics and will require adjustments to maintain pacing.
- Respect and decorum are vital for a harmonious game. When the table is split on what to do, the GM will ask for a table poll to vote on a group consensus.
- In-game tensions should stay separate from real-life relationships. Conflicts should be addressed separately and the GM informed of anything affecting the game.
- Gaming sessions will inevitably need to schedule around important life events and sessions shall be planned ahead to facilitate participation.
7 Assurances from the Gamemaster
- I'll work on coaching examples of foundational tactics to boost teamwork. Players are encouraged to craft adaptable characters to take on multiple roles in flexible party strategies.
- Character death isn't permanent unless chosen by the player. When a character "dies" in-game, they're temporarily removed from the immediate story. The GM and player will decide together what happens next. Having backup characters can add new layers to the party dynamics.
- Challenges will have multiple solutions within characters' capabilities. I'll avoid creating no-win situations due to the party's limitations, though I may use clear no-win scenarios to push the plot forward.
- Expect a narrative style akin to pulp action: character-driven plots, clear paths forward, minimal complexities, and a world that embraces colorful heroes (think Discworld).
- I'll provide a simplified journal outline (NPCs, Locations, Quests), with the GM adding details as the adventure unfolds. Players manage their own notes and contributions.
- I'll share a general adventure design breakdown to shed light on the power balance. Adventure arcs may diverge from these design targets.
- All feedback will be taken in earnest and considered within the broader context. I aim to improve the gaming experience and my skills as a GM and some changes might not be immediately noticeable.
Further Reading
On finding a group consensus: Inspiration taken from ACA