Infiniti2000
First Post
Is the Essentials basic set suitable for kids, meaning moreso than the 'full' edition? I've been reading the threads (trying to keep up) but I don't think this question was asked.
Essentials more suitable for children?
- Thread starter Infiniti2000
- Start date
I remember the thread about the 7-year old who ran a full party of 5 4th-ed characters and completely owned Keep on the Shadowfell. So I don't think kids need special or simplified rules, it just depends on how smart they are and how used they are to this whole gaming idea.
For kids, it's more about tying your DMing style to their tastes than choice of rules system. The game should be open, and allow out-of-the-box thinking. Kids are naturally creative, they you shouldn't force them to solve everything strictly within the rules set.
You should also think about what kind of values you want to teach your kid in the game. I don't think kids dig a post-modern game where everything is ambiguous and the heroes are just as screwed up as the villains. The game should rather have an idealistic, heroic tone to it, and not too much graphic violence.
Plane Sailing
Astral Admin - Mwahahaha!
No essentials is no better or worse than 'standard' 4e for kids. It isn't like it is a completely 'basic', trimmed down version of 4e.
Mind you, if I was introducing kids to 4e I'd probably use just the first essentials book to keep potential complexity of options down (but I've never been an 'include the kitchen sink produced by WotC kind of guy anyway)
Cheers
Mind you, if I was introducing kids to 4e I'd probably use just the first essentials book to keep potential complexity of options down (but I've never been an 'include the kitchen sink produced by WotC kind of guy anyway)
Cheers
OnlineDM
Adventurer
I would say yes, Essentials is more suited for kids than the original 4e books are. I'm thinking in particular here of a kid who has never played a role-playing game before - but this is equally true for ANYONE who has never played a role-playing game before. An Essentials character (specifically a Knight, Slayer or Thief) is going to have fewer things to keep track of - especially the Slayer.
If you want to get someone rolling dice and fighting bad guys in a hurry, you don't want them to be bogged down with too many choices to make. Something like the Slayer presents that streamlined character that could be just what you're looking for.
Now, nothing says that you can't make a streamlined character with the original 4e books. Make an archer ranger and just give them Twin Strike and you'll be in pretty good shape! But by the book, the character would also have to make choices about when to use encounter and daily powers (and which at-will attack power to use), which isn't as much of an issue with the simple Essentials characters.
If the kid is really bright and WANTS the options, then sure, give them the full menu from the original books. But if you want to keep it simple, at least to start, try an Essentials build like the Slayer.
If you want to get someone rolling dice and fighting bad guys in a hurry, you don't want them to be bogged down with too many choices to make. Something like the Slayer presents that streamlined character that could be just what you're looking for.
Now, nothing says that you can't make a streamlined character with the original 4e books. Make an archer ranger and just give them Twin Strike and you'll be in pretty good shape! But by the book, the character would also have to make choices about when to use encounter and daily powers (and which at-will attack power to use), which isn't as much of an issue with the simple Essentials characters.
If the kid is really bright and WANTS the options, then sure, give them the full menu from the original books. But if you want to keep it simple, at least to start, try an Essentials build like the Slayer.
JereGenest
First Post
No. Nothing in the art or layout makes this more or less appealing to my kids, who (at 6 and 10) don't actually see anything useful in new versions of the classes.
My 10 year old likes the Compendium though.
I wish Wizards would do a boxed set (or something) based on their Practical series. That would be kid friendly.
My 10 year old likes the Compendium though.
I wish Wizards would do a boxed set (or something) based on their Practical series. That would be kid friendly.
Infiniti2000
First Post
For those saying nope, it's my opinion that's there's no other version suitable for kids aged less than 10. They're simply too complicated. Even just the 4E PHB alone is way out there. No way can I expect my 6yo who's just starting to read to follow it. Even if he could eventually consume it all, it's just too daunting to start out. I was hoping the Essentials basic set was something that he could actually start with.
So, those who are saying nope are saying that the Essentials basic is just as complicated as the PHB or anything else?
So, those who are saying nope are saying that the Essentials basic is just as complicated as the PHB or anything else?
For people who cant get to grips with the full game, so children and simpletons.
For those mentally challenged that cant work out when they should pull out a daily or not.
Mod Edit: Rude. Don't be insulting folks, it gets you booted from the thread. ~Umbran
For those mentally challenged that cant work out when they should pull out a daily or not.
Mod Edit: Rude. Don't be insulting folks, it gets you booted from the thread. ~Umbran
Last edited by a moderator:
Imho, the only thing that is easier using the Red Box is character creation. In every other respect it's exactly as complicated as 'standard' 4e. You still have to understand all of the basic rules to play the game, even if you're playing a 'lightweight' Essentialized class.
Similar Threads
