Session Zero

Session Zero is the most important session of any Chronicle. It is where the group builds the foundation: the characters, the Coterie, the setting, and the rules. A good Session Zero prevents problems before they start. A bad Session Zero creates problems that last for months.

How to use this chapter

Run Session Zero before the first session of play. The Storyteller and all players should be present. Session Zero may take 1–3 hours depending on the group's size and the Chronicle's complexity.

Step 1: Establish the setting

Before characters are created, the group should agree on:

• The city: Where does the Chronicle take place? What is its history, politics, and culture?
• The era: When does the Chronicle take place? What is happening in the world?
• The tone: Is this a political drama, a horror story, a action adventure, or something else?
• The themes: What ideas or questions does the Chronicle explore?
• The limits: What topics are off-limits? What content is unacceptable?

Step 2: Create Chronicle Tenets

Chronicle Tenets are the moral framework of the Chronicle. They define what the characters value, what they fear, and what they are willing to sacrifice. The group creates 2–4 Tenets during Session Zero.

Tenet creation process

1. Each player suggests one moral principle that matters to them
2. The group discusses each suggestion
3. The group selects 2–4 Tenets that matter to everyone
4. The Storyteller writes down the final Tenets

Tenet guidelines

A good Tenet should be:

• Specific: "Protect the innocent" is better than "Be good"
• Dramatic: "Never diablerize" creates more tension than "Follow the rules"
• Violable: "Never lie" is harder to violate than "Try to be honest"
• Meaningful: "Respect the Prince" matters more than "Wear clean clothes"

Step 3: Create the Coterie

After Tenets are established, the group creates the Coterie. See the Coteries and Groups chapter for detailed rules.

Coterie creation process

1. Choose a Coterie name
2. Choose a shared goal
3. Choose a shared Haven (optional)
4. Choose shared resources (optional)
5. Choose a shared enemy (optional)
6. Create internal rules or agreements

Coterie guidelines

A good Coterie should be:

• Small: 2–5 members; larger groups are harder to manage
• Connected: Members should have reasons to stay together
• Complicated: Members should have conflicting goals or values
• Flexible: The Coterie should be able to change as the Chronicle progresses

Step 4: Create characters

After the Coterie is established, each player creates a character. See the V5 Character Creation chapter for detailed rules.

Character creation process

1. Choose a concept, Clan, Sire, Predator Type, Ambition, and Desire
2. Distribute Attributes
3. Distribute Skills
4. Choose Merits and Flaws
5. Assign Backgrounds
6. Set Disciplines
7. Set derived values
8. Choose equipment
9. Create Touchstones
10. Write a brief history

Character guidelines

A good character should be:

• Interesting: The character should have a clear concept and dramatic potential
• Connected: The character should have relationships with other characters and the setting
• Conflicted: The character should have internal and external conflicts
• Flexible: The character should be able to change as the Chronicle progresses

Step 5: Establish relationships

After characters are created, the group establishes relationships between characters. Relationships should be:

• Positive: Allies, friends, lovers, mentors
• Negative: Rivals, enemies, debts, grudges
• Complicated: Mixed feelings, unrequited love, secret alliances
• Dramatic: Relationships that create tension and conflict

Relationship creation process

1. Each player chooses one positive relationship with another character
2. Each player chooses one negative relationship with another character
3. The group discusses each relationship
4. The group adjusts relationships as needed

Step 6: Establish session logistics

Before play begins, the group should agree on:

• Schedule: How often will the group meet? How long will sessions be?
• Attendance: What happens when a player cannot attend?
• Communication: How will the group communicate between sessions?
• Rules: How will disputes be resolved? How will house rules be created?
• Safety: What safety tools will the group use? How will uncomfortable content be handled?

Safety tools

Safety tools are mechanisms that help players feel safe and respected during play. Common safety tools include:

• X-Card: Any player may pause or rewind a scene by raising their hand or saying "X"
• Lines and Veils: The group agrees on topics that are off-limits (lines) or handled off-screen (veils)
• Stars and Wishes: Players share what they enjoyed and what they want to see more of
• Check-ins: The group checks in with each other during and after play

Session Zero checklist

Use this checklist to ensure all topics are covered:

• Setting established
• Tone and themes agreed upon
• Limits and safety tools established
• Chronicle Tenets created
• Coterie created
• Characters created
• Relationships established
• Session logistics agreed upon
• Questions answered
• Everyone is excited to play