Session Zero Guide

Use this checklist before your first session. The system is flexible — a strong foundation makes it shine.

1. The Central Tension

Define the core conflict in two words: Honor vs Survival. Hope vs Despair. Freedom vs Control. This tension drives every major decision the players will make.

2. The Premise

Write a one-sentence pitch:

"You are [characters] in [setting]. [Antagonist] wants [goal]. You must [action] before [consequence]."

3. The Villain's Plan

What does the villain want? How will they achieve it? What happens if the players do nothing? Write three escalating steps.

4. Player Agency

List three ways the players could solve the main problem — combat, stealth, diplomacy, research. Ensure no single skill is mandatory. The system rewards creative approaches.

5. The First Scene

Start in media res — action, a mystery, or a tough choice. Avoid "you meet in a tavern." Drop the players into the tension immediately.

6. Skills and Adaptation

The skill list is a starting point, not a limit. You can adapt it in two ways:

For the setting: Rename or replace skills to fit the genre. Rename Knowledge to "Hacking" for cyberpunk. Add "Piloting" for sci-fi. Swap "First Aid" for "Sorcery" in a fantasy game where magic heals.

For the character: Create new skills to match a character's background. A merchant might have Barter (CHA). A blacksmith might have Smithing (INT). A diplomat might have Etiquette (CHA). If a player's concept calls for something not on the list, invent it — same stat, same roll-under mechanic, same minimum of 50.

The resolution system never changes. Only the skill list shifts to fit your table.

7. Expected Length

Plan milestones every 2–3 sessions. For a one-shot: start at level 2, don't milestone. For a campaign: plan 6–10 sessions (levels 2–4).

8. Rule Zero

When in doubt: set a target (stat – 20 + difficulty), call for a roll under, describe the result. Keep the game moving. The rules serve the story, never the other way around.