Check Your Expectations at the Door: The Quiet Power of Session 0

 

By Charlie Stayton | Behind the Die

Every good adventure starts with a spark: a map inked in possibility, a fresh character sheet, or maybe just a quiet curiosity about who you’ll become. But as exciting as that first session can be, there’s something subtle and vital that happens before the dice hit the table—Session 0.

It’s the prologue no one rolls for, but everyone needs.

The Problem with Expectations

It’s easy, even natural, to bring expectations into a game. Maybe you’ve crafted a haunted tiefling rogue seeking revenge—and you’re anticipating brooding alleyway scenes and dark secrets revealed by moonlight. Or maybe you’re the DM, with visions of courtly intrigue and political maneuvering, only to watch your players gleefully derail your schemes with a chicken cart and a fireball.

Here’s the thing: expectations, when left unchecked, don’t guide a story—they limit it.

As players, we sometimes forget that the world doesn’t revolve around our character arc. We get frustrated when the tone doesn’t match what we imagined or when another player’s moment overshadows ours. That frustration doesn’t come from bad storytelling—it comes from misaligned expectations.

As DMs, we can fall into the trap of scripting too tightly. We plan for the paladin to be the moral compass, or assume the party will naturally align with a certain NPC, only to feel blindsided when they burn down the tavern instead of talking to the barkeep. Again, the problem isn’t what the players did—it’s what we expected them to do.

Why Session 0 Matters

That’s why Session 0 isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s where expectations go to meet reality, and where a group of strangers (or even long-time friends) agree to play the same game.

Session 0 allows us to:

• Define the tone. Is this grimdark survival or chaotic hijinks? Players can align their characters to the vibe.

• Discuss themes and lines. Knowing what’s on- or off-limits keeps everyone comfortable and engaged.

• Set player goals. Some players want deep character arcs. Others just want to explore the world and make friends. There’s room for both, if we know that ahead of time.

• Clarify DM style. Are we rules-as-written? Rules-as-fun? Sandbox or story-driven? These are not trivial questions.

• Build trust. When players know each other’s motivations, it becomes easier to share the spotlight and celebrate different playstyles.

Letting Go to Play Better

Expectations are often rooted in the best intentions. We’re excited. We care. We want our stories to matter. But real magic happens when we let go of what we assumed and embrace what the table creates together.

Don’t assume your brooding rogue will get their monologue moment in Act 3—talk to your DM about the arc you want. Don’t assume the bard is just comic relief—ask them what story they’re hoping to tell.

As a DM, don’t write scenes with fixed outcomes—build scaffolding your players can play on. Let their weird choices surprise you. Let their emotional moments steer the campaign. You’ll find a more memorable story waiting when everyone’s voice shapes the journey.

Final Thoughts

A roleplaying table isn’t a performance—it’s a collaboration. And collaboration only works when we enter it curious, not certain. So before your next campaign, pause and hold a good, honest Session 0. Talk, listen, adjust.

Check your expectations at the door—and let the story begin.