My son is new to the hobby - which game to start him on?

[Hjorimir]

Thanks guys.

I hadn't heard of pathfinder before today - I'll at least check it out to see what it is.

What I really wish is that there was OD&D for Star Wars, because I think that would be perfect for these particular kids.

Anyone have experience with the Star Wars RPG and younger kids?

Well, I run a weekly SWSE (Star Wars Saga Edition) game, but my youngest player is my niece who is 19. She is new to RPGs, however, and has gotten along okay with a little help from some of the vets. SWSE is a wonderful system at the end of the day.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I don't have any direct experience, but around release there were more then a couple posts about parents who found that 4e was quite easy to teach to their kids.

 

[Wicht]

Sure, at 1st level it's pretty straight forward. But before long you're asking them to balance power attack conversions, remember their combat expertise, and which buffs do and do not stack. 3e is a great system, but it is certainly sophsiticated (if you base sophistication on the number of options and moving parts). I just think a new player (especially a young one) would be better served with 4e or Basic D&D. The more I think about it, Basic D&D is probably the best way to go as an introduction to the RPG hobby.

My children are currently 12, 11, 9 and 8.

I allowed them to play as soon as they could read (between 4 and 6 years of age for the most part) and while it is true that at times, I glossed over things or did some of the calculations for them on their character sheets, the three oldest are quite capable in their ability to grasp the details of their character's abilities. At the moment their primary characters are 13th level and in the midst of Sins of the Saviors from the first pathfinder AP.

For what it is worth, I suspect my twelve year old might like 4e but my 11 year old son, who is perhaps the most avid gamer of the four, is quite vocal in his disdain for aspects of the new edition.

 

[Wicht]

Thanks guys.

I hadn't heard of pathfinder before today - I'll at least check it out to see what it is.

Go to Paizo.com for all the details.

Incidentally, the Beta playtest book is a free download (and well worth the time too) though the print book is about $25 (and going fast too apparently).

 

[Philotomy Jurament]

I had been running games that my oldest son played in (3E, Castles & Crusades, and Original D&D, mostly). When he expressed interest in running his own games, I gave him a copy of the 1983 Basic Set (edited by Frank Mentzer), which I consider the best introduction to the game for someone his age. He loved reading and playing it, and was soon drawing dungeons, making keys, and running games for family and friends. After a while, he asked for an Expert set, but he was so hard on the old Basic Set that I decided he needed something more durable, so I bought him a hardcover of Labyrinth Lord (which is a B/X clone); he's been using that and loving it.

 

[Vael]

I haven't introduced RPGs to kids, but I have introduced new players to both 3.5 and 4e. And without a doubt, 4e is quicker and easier to grasp, and it's quicker to get to the fun. Personally, I wouldn't touch Pathfinder, it's still in editing and the language is dense and requires a grasp of 3.5 in the first place. It's doable, but the amount of handholding and work you're going to have to do is significantly greater.

ETA: I've only read Saga, not played it. But I like it.

 

[Asmor]

I'd probably go with 4th edition.

I'd specifically avoid rules light systems for a couple reasons.

1. It's something of a stereotype that boys-- especially young ones-- prefer combat. Rules light systems often tend to abstract combat a bit too much and deemphasize it (certainly not always, though... Savage Worlds has pretty decent combat rules, although I'm not sure if it's really a rules light system except in comparison with D&D)

2. In my entirely untrained opinion, a more intricate and complex system will help with the kid's mental development. Teaching them strategy in both gameplay and character design. Simple math and problem solving skills are a natural byproduct of playing games like D&D. Heck, if your kid's particularly mathematically oriented, you can show him 3.x and ask him to construct a spreadsheet which determines optimal power attack values! (well, that last one's a joke, but the rest of this paragraph was serious).

Of course, I suppose it could also be argued that since boys tend to be more technically inclined already, a rules-light system with an emphasis on roleplaying might help with the traditionally less well-developed social skills. But that's just boring... Give me orcs to cleave in twain over mocking courtiers any day! (although I'll happily cleave said courtiers in twain too!)

 

[Varianor Abroad]

Run anything. Just get him playing. Nature and his own curiosity will do the rest!

Good luck! Please let us know how it goes. I'm about to enter the same arena.

 

[malraux]

Well, I wouldn't worry at all about future compatibility. Assuming they enjoy the general idea, they won't care about having to learn a new or different system. I'd also let them pick the genre of the game, even if they don't know enough to pick the system mechanics. But if they want star wars, making them play traditional fantasy isn't the best idea.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Unless there is a request to learn a particular game, I'd say that its best to introduce him (and any pals invited to the game) in the system you yourself most feel comfortable running. The reason why is that you'd be able to be consistent in your command of the system, while concentrating on the enjoyment of your players for the RPG experience.

After that initial run through, THEN you tell them about other games you know of and what its like to play a game.

For all you know, their tastes may run to Superheroes or Modern Horror/Fantasy than High Fantasy.