r/DnD•
Medium_Step_6085

Suggestions for a session zero above table guidelines document.

Resources

I a DM prepping for session zero for a new campaign and want to come up with a set of guidlines that I can print off and everyone at the table will sign up to and agree with. This is going to be collaborative so the end result will be something all the players have fed into , but because we are human I think the best option is for me to kick off the conversation with an initial set that we can then edit, add to, remove from etc.

So looking for suggestions or what you all use for a similar idea.

So far my ideas are (in no particular order)

While exceptions will always happen wherever possible everyone will give notice of 24 hours if there is a possibility they will not be able to attend a session in person.

Sessions will in the main be in person with the possibility of a remote session (using Discord) if required on occasion.

Everyone will be respectful of everyone else at the table, give time to allow them to express ideas and listen to each other, no side conversations, no interrupting or over talking.

Players are free to decide their own character actions, they may ask advice and discuss but no player will dictate what other players should do.

During combat the DM will allow some above table discussion but the main aim of combat is to flow from round to round.

Players are free to roleplay in the 3rd or first person as they feel comfortable.

No extended PvP situations, there may well be character disagreements in game but as players we will work to ensure these do not expand out to awkwardness, sniping, or in game character conflict. Remember always there should be a reason these chaarcters spend time around each other.

No evil players, or evil player behaviour.

Romance/intimacy etc scenes will be "fade to black"

If anyone feels awkward or triggered by anything the whole table will respect that and adjust in game storyline/behaviour accordingly.

The table will run on the assumption that all character information is shared at the earliest possibility without always needing to be roleplayed (eg conversations had with NPC's the party where not all there for, information discovered in books etc). If a player decides there character would not share something they will tell the table this and players will ensure characters act accordingly.

Players are free to reveal as much or as little of there backstory as they wish but make it clear when giving players information ehat is above table and what you are happy characters knowing.

There will be periodic checkins to review these guidelines, and anyone is free at any time to suggest additions/changes etc.

Posted May 1, 2026, 11:23 AM UTC

23
Loading comments…