Questions To Ask Your Players As A DM
As a DM, it can be helpful to ask your players some questions before you jump head first into your campaign. I like to put these questions into three categories: Logistics, Character, and Campaign
I'll include some example questions that you can ask your players before the campaign begins.
Campaign Questions can be very generalized. These questions can help you get an idea as to what aspects of gameplay that your players like the most, along with any hard boundaries that your players may have.
What is your favorite part about playing D&D?
What is your least favorite part about playing D&D?
Are there any topics you want to specifically avoid or explore?
What kind of tones or themes would you like to be present or absent in the campaign?
Are there any house rules you particularly like or dislike?
Game Logistics: The most integral part of a campaign. You'll probably definitely be asking some of these questions after each individual session.
How often do you want to meet and for how long?
List all available days and times.
How do you think tardiness and absences should be handled?
Do you want optional days (one-shots) or breaks built into the schedule? How?
How much time are you willing and/or able to spend on the campaign between sessions? (leveling, side conversations, discussions with DM, reviewing notes, giving feedback, etc.)
Character Questions often cover things like combat and backstory integration.
What kind of combat roles are you interested in? (tank, melee damage, ranged damage, control, support, healing, etc.)
What kind of non-combat roles are you interested in? (socializing, scouting, surviving, thieving, utility, crafting, investigating, etc.)
How much effort do you want to put into creating your backstory and involving it in the narrative? (written length, detail of NPCs and locations, adding plot hooks, etc.)
Is there anything specific you do or don't want to have happen to your character? (transformations, relationships, conflicts, etc.)
