Session Zero Packet

Introduce a ready-to-use bundle of handouts that help groups run a complete Session Zero with clarity and comfort.
5 min read
Everyone

Session Zero Packet

Your group deserves a smooth start. The Session Zero Packet bundles five short handouts (sheets or images shared with players) that help everyone align on tone (the emotional flavor of the game, like lighthearted or tense), boundaries (content or situations a group chooses to avoid or soften), and logistics before play begins. Print it, fill it together, and keep it for reference.

This guide assumes you've reviewed Safety & Comfort in Play and Session Zero in 45 Minutes.

What you'll learn

  • What the Session Zero Packet contains.
  • How to use each handout during your Session Zero (a planning meeting to align tone, boundaries, schedules, and tech).
  • When to revisit the packet as your group continues.

Core idea

The Session Zero Packet gives you five practical handouts to guide your first group meeting:

  1. Agenda (a short list of topics to cover in order) sheet: A template so the meeting stays focused and finishes on time.
  2. Safety overview: A one-page primer on safety tools (agreements and signals to keep play comfortable for everyone) like lines and veils, the X-Card, and consent signals.
  3. Consent checklist (a form to indicate content you want, allow, or avoid) summary: A simplified template where each person marks their preferences.
  4. Group norms template: A place to record shared expectations about schedules, tech, food, and interruptions.
  5. Content warnings guide: A framework for naming sensitive topics and choosing how to handle them in play.

You do not need to use every sheet. Pick the ones that fit your group's needs. The packet works for in-person tables and digital tables alike.

How to use it

Before Session Zero: Download the packet and skim each handout. Decide which sheets matter most to your group.

During Session Zero: Work through your chosen handouts together. The agenda sheet keeps the meeting moving. The consent checklist and content warnings guide help everyone share boundaries without pressure. The group norms template captures practical agreements like start time and snack policy.

After Session Zero: Keep the completed sheets somewhere easy to find. If someone joins mid-campaign or if comfort shifts, revisit the safety tools summary and update as needed.

Try this (2 minutes)

Open the agenda sheet. Write three topics you want your group to discuss at Session Zero. Examples: genre choice, character creation method, or how to handle missed sessions. Now estimate five minutes per topic. Does it fit in 45 minutes?

Common pitfalls

  • Skipping the packet because it feels formal. Even a casual group benefits from ten minutes of shared clarity.
  • Filling out forms alone before the meeting. The packet works best when the group discusses each item together.
  • Treating it as a one-time checklist. Revisit the safety and norms sheets whenever your campaign or group changes.

Do this next: Session Zero in 45 Minutes