halfling rogue
Explorer
I've been playing "D&D" with my kids for a little while before 5e came out. Basically, I've stripped everything down and we play almost without rules. High rolls beat low rolls. A fun time is had by all. But when 5e came out and my kids saw the dragon on the Starter Set box, they've been clamoring to play. When I rolled up a character with Basic I was pelted with questions about when they could make their own character. Initially I was thinking that the rules would be too hard for them to get. But after my first session with my normal gaming group (story here) and saw how the rules almost melted into the fabric of the game, I'm pretty convinced that my young kids can get the hang of this thing. They want to play the same adventure the grown ups are playing so I'll be taking them through Lost Mine of Phandelver.
I'll give a bit of info and then ask for some advice.
Three kids - 10 year old girl, 7 year old boy, 4 year old girl. For character creation I had them all roll 4d6 drop lowest and had them reroll the lowest score all together.
Then instead of working the sheet with them, I simply gave options, asked questions, and took notes. Of the 4 basic races they all wanted the be an Elf. Upon realizing the High Elf is a bit magical (with the one free cantrip) they opted to go that route. And (surprise, surprise) they all chose the same class: Fighter
Next, I had them select two weapons and then asked them about their backstory and something that they wanted to accomplish. I didn't go into the background mechanics. I just assumed they'd give me something and it would steer me in a direction to select a background for them.
Characters
The 7 year old decided his character was a soldier who is discovered that not only was his father lost, but his home has been overtaken by a dragon. He initially wanted to name his character Captain America. I suggested we keep the Captain (because of his soldier background) and encouraged him to think of another name besides America. He's still working on it. I (obviously) used the Soldier background for him. He choose an Archery fighting style. He fights with a bow and a spear. (Firebolt cantrip)
The 10 year old wanted her character to be an explorer. No background quite fit what she was explaining so I took the opportunity to create an explorer background. Trying not to double up on the proficiencies she gained from the Elf race and the ones she chose for the Fighter class, I think we settled on History and Investigation and the Explorer's pack from the equipment page. Her character's name is Legolas (for now). She said she's currently looking for the Lost Temple. She also chose the Archery fighting style. She fights with a bow and a sword. (Also Firebolt cantrip)
I'm not too concerned about the older two. I think they'll pick it up pretty easy. My 4 year old will pretty much just be there for fun. I'm not too concerned if she gets it yet. Just roll the dice honey [rolls 3] You hit! Great job! But she wanted in on it too. Her High Elf Fighter is the lost princess. Well she's not lost, but her kingdom is. She wanted the Ray of Frost cantrip because of Elsa from Frozen. So her name is also Elsa. I told her that maybe she grew up in an arctic region and had to fight to survive, gaining the skills of a fighter. I gave her the Noble background. She said she didn't want to shoot, but wanted to stab the bad guys. So I gave her the Dueling fighting style with a rapier and a shortbow.
The Plan
So rather than jumping in the Lost Mine (though it probably wouldn't be a big deal to do it regardless) I wanted to at least have some way of tying all of their characters together based on their backgrounds. I was thinking a rather small encounter that forced them together. Have them introduce their characters and form an in game friendship that could lead into Lost Mine. I wasn't thinking anything overly complex, but nothing as simple as: you meet in the Inn, and go. Maybe tying Gundren Rockseeker into it somehow? Anyone have a good idea?
We haven't started yet, but pretty much can start at any time now since the characters are done. I figure if anyone is interested I could update this thread with what happens. I'd also be interested in hearing how other 5e games with young kids went (like 10 and under).
I'll give a bit of info and then ask for some advice.
Three kids - 10 year old girl, 7 year old boy, 4 year old girl. For character creation I had them all roll 4d6 drop lowest and had them reroll the lowest score all together.
Then instead of working the sheet with them, I simply gave options, asked questions, and took notes. Of the 4 basic races they all wanted the be an Elf. Upon realizing the High Elf is a bit magical (with the one free cantrip) they opted to go that route. And (surprise, surprise) they all chose the same class: Fighter
Next, I had them select two weapons and then asked them about their backstory and something that they wanted to accomplish. I didn't go into the background mechanics. I just assumed they'd give me something and it would steer me in a direction to select a background for them.
Characters
The 7 year old decided his character was a soldier who is discovered that not only was his father lost, but his home has been overtaken by a dragon. He initially wanted to name his character Captain America. I suggested we keep the Captain (because of his soldier background) and encouraged him to think of another name besides America. He's still working on it. I (obviously) used the Soldier background for him. He choose an Archery fighting style. He fights with a bow and a spear. (Firebolt cantrip)
The 10 year old wanted her character to be an explorer. No background quite fit what she was explaining so I took the opportunity to create an explorer background. Trying not to double up on the proficiencies she gained from the Elf race and the ones she chose for the Fighter class, I think we settled on History and Investigation and the Explorer's pack from the equipment page. Her character's name is Legolas (for now). She said she's currently looking for the Lost Temple. She also chose the Archery fighting style. She fights with a bow and a sword. (Also Firebolt cantrip)
I'm not too concerned about the older two. I think they'll pick it up pretty easy. My 4 year old will pretty much just be there for fun. I'm not too concerned if she gets it yet. Just roll the dice honey [rolls 3] You hit! Great job! But she wanted in on it too. Her High Elf Fighter is the lost princess. Well she's not lost, but her kingdom is. She wanted the Ray of Frost cantrip because of Elsa from Frozen. So her name is also Elsa. I told her that maybe she grew up in an arctic region and had to fight to survive, gaining the skills of a fighter. I gave her the Noble background. She said she didn't want to shoot, but wanted to stab the bad guys. So I gave her the Dueling fighting style with a rapier and a shortbow.
The Plan
So rather than jumping in the Lost Mine (though it probably wouldn't be a big deal to do it regardless) I wanted to at least have some way of tying all of their characters together based on their backgrounds. I was thinking a rather small encounter that forced them together. Have them introduce their characters and form an in game friendship that could lead into Lost Mine. I wasn't thinking anything overly complex, but nothing as simple as: you meet in the Inn, and go. Maybe tying Gundren Rockseeker into it somehow? Anyone have a good idea?
We haven't started yet, but pretty much can start at any time now since the characters are done. I figure if anyone is interested I could update this thread with what happens. I'd also be interested in hearing how other 5e games with young kids went (like 10 and under).
