Starting a Session

As a GM, starting a session can sometimes be daunting. You need to set the stage for the story and let your players take the spotlight. Let’s look at some tips for getting the ball rolling.

Before the session starts, give the players a quick overview of the story’s tone and themes. Is this a silly action adventure? Or maybe a psychological horror? Check that the players are comfortable with any sensitive content. If players are creating their own PCs, provide any backstory that might be helpful to guide their choices. Are they special agents on a rescue mission? Or maybe paranormal investigators researching an abandoned mansion? Discuss what possessions the characters may start with, make sure they fit within the theme of the session.

After character creation or selection, ask each player to introduce their PC. Some questions they could answer are:

What’s their character’s name?
What do they look and sound like?
Do they have any unique features or mannerisms?
Do they have any special skills or abilities that might lend to their Technique rolls?
What possessions do they have and how do they carry them?
If the session is action-centric, how do the linked attack and defense characteristics contribute to their fighting style?
Do they know the other PCs? If so, what’s their relationship like?

Try getting the PCs warmed up with a couple of dice rolls in the intro scene. If the players are new to the VitalRPG system, try working in all of the VC rolls to introduce how they apply in-game. Refer to the the adventure Raiding the Creepy Crypt for an example of how the first few scenes can introduce the various rolls. For some sessions, a friendly race might make sense as a first scene.

Once players are in-character and having fun, it’s time to play out the rest of the story. Come up with a fun inciting incident to pull them into the story and let them take action!