PCs as Kids - how'd YOU do it?

[Ashy]

I'm running a campaign where the PC's start out as children - how would you stat them?

 

[Furn_Darkside]

I'm running a campaign where the PC's start out as children - how would you stat them?

It depends on the age.

As a general rule- in a 3d6 stat game, I will have them roll out what they want the adult to be (the 3d6) and then subtract 1d6 from each stat.

That represents that some people grow into their stats and others are just born gifted.

FD

 

[Ashy]

So far, there are two PC's a female gnome (age 20, which is roughly equivalent to 9 human years) and a male elf (age 50, which is about 8 in human years). I like the die idea, but what about classes and such? I am thinking of, considering their background giving them each a bonus skill or two, as they have some roguish, street urchin type qualities. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[MensurB]

I am no DM, but right now I am plating a sorcere human who is 17 years old. He was only 14 years old when we started the campaign. Every time he casts a spell I would make a concentration check, DC 10+spell level, if I fail then the spell would not work, and if I cast too many spells then I would just faint. Now I'm not affected by it too much anymore.
just an idea

 

[Furn_Darkside]

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Hmm. You could give them one level of a npc class- and have that not count against their max level or multi-classing restriction.

It would be a 0 level for them.

When they get their first level in a pc class, they treat it like making a first character - (the max skill points, hp, etc), but I would also put a "time passes" moment.. where they are training in their new class. (I hope that made some sense..)

There is even a rogue npc class in some book, but which book is not coming to me right now. Traps and Treachery, perhaps? All I recall is they get a limited sneak attack called "backstab" and it does 1d4 damage. However- expert or warrior could pass for an urchin.

FD

 

[Kae'Yoss]

You're running a game with 8-year-old characters?

What are the adventures about? Find the shop where they sell all the great toys? Solve the disappearing-sweets-mystery? The "boss" character is the school bully who beats them up and takes their milk money? The treasures they find are a +2 pencil of homework doing? +1 glasses of right answers in school tests? The boots of climbing trees?

Sorry, couldn't resist! And before they're coming down on me for not contributing, the Star Wars RPG has "Aging Effects" of characters below Adult.

Child: -3 STR, CON. -1 rest
Young Adult: -1 to all.
Adult: no mod.

The modifiers are cumulative.

Humans are Childs till 11, and Young Adults till 15 (at least in Star Wars).

 

[Drawmack]

I would rule that you follow the 0 level character rules for creating multiclassed characters at first level but they only get one class. In essence make them a 0 level rogue. That gives them about half the abilities of a level 1 rogue.

 

[Ashy]

You're running a game with 8-year-old characters?

What are the adventures about? Find the shop where they sell all the great toys? Solve the disappearing-sweets-mystery? The "boss" character is the school bully who beats them up and takes their milk money? The treasures they find are a +2 pencil of homework doing? +1 glasses of right answers in school tests? The boots of climbing trees?

Sorry, couldn't resist! And before they're coming down on me for not contributing, the Star Wars RPG has "Aging Effects" of characters below Adult.

Child: -3 STR, CON. -1 rest
Young Adult: -1 to all.
Adult: no mod.

The modifiers are cumulative.

Humans are Childs till 11, and Young Adults till 15 (at least in Star Wars).

For what the adventures are about, you'll have to wait for my Story Hour! Thanks for the effects, I'll be using them!

 

[Ashy]

I would rule that you follow the 0 level character rules for creating multiclassed characters at first level but they only get one class. In essence make them a 0 level rogue. That gives them about half the abilities of a level 1 rogue.

Forgive my ignorance, but are these rules in the DMG? Thanks!

 

[Ashy]

Any more thoughts? Opinions? Etc.?