SAVE VS PODCAST
A nervous commoner holding a single d6 at a tavern table, surrounded by three eager armored adventurers

The Grimoire / Episode 1

Ep. 1 Aug 19, 2026 1:16:01

How to Run a Successful D&D First Session

What makes a D&D first session actually work? Four game masters with 30+ years of experience break down the dos and don’ts.

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Quest Summary

Session zero, character creation, hooks, pacing, and what kills a game before it starts: this episode covers the dos and don’ts of a first session, from session-tailored worlds vs. modules to cold openings and solo adventures for investment.

Common mistakes on trial: railroading, dead worlds, and hostile GMs — plus balancing challenge for different player types.

The Roll Log

  1. Intro

  2. Host Backgrounds

  3. What Makes First Sessions Work

  4. Session Zero

  5. Starfall Campaign

  6. Lankmar Factions

  7. Payoff Currency

  8. DOs

  9. DON’Ts

  10. Outro

“Real examples from campaigns that ran for years, plus mistakes that kill games.”

— Save Vs Podcast

Scenarios & Topics

  • DeVille Falls

    Multi-year FBI supernatural campaign

  • Starfall

    Managing inconsistent attendance with prequels

  • Lankmar

    Faction-based urban adventures

  • Custom Silver Mine

    Individual character motivations

Next quest → Beyond the Tavern Ep. 2