Recent Posts
First, teaching it to young students:
Don't start with the rules; start with pictures of possible PCs. Bring a good number of cool looking pics of heroes and ask the kids to choose who they want. They'll be interested in the pics and choose based on that.
Of course, you'll've had to stat up each of the pics separately. But don't go overboard with too much of a PC sheet! Figure what the plus is to attack; what the AC is; initiative; Saves. That's it.
Then, for each "preGenerated" PC, have a small list made, say 1/2 dozen or so, Feat choices and their benefits. Let the kids, after they choose what pic (PC) they want to play, decide which 2 or 3 Feats on their PC list they want.
Then play. Don't worry about doing the right math for any of the numbers. Just make up what seems fair and fun. The less complicated the character sheet the better!
After you've played a little you can introduce them to the PHB and all the rules stuff. When that time comes, take it slow and learn as you go.
Second, teaching it to yourself:
Just pick one race that you like and one Class you like. Follow the directions for just that PC and build him up. Then make up a monster -- or take one from a Monster Manual and make your PC fight him. Roll the dice for both and see who wins.
After a few fights against a few monsters, make a new PC. Make one beyond 1st level. Make a fight between more than one PC vs more than one monster.
Saves:
If I throw something at you, like lightning, you have to duck. That's your Reflex Save. If you duck successfully then only half of the lightning blast hits you so you only take half of the damage.
If I put some pernicious ingredient in your ale, you have to prove you have a strong stomach. That's your Fortitude Save. If you're tough enough you probably won't get sick, or as sick. (The Fort Save also is for Negative or Undead energy and when a Medusa looks at you and tries to turn you to stone -- stuff like that).
If I try to fry your brain or hypnotise you, that's your Will Save.
And if you want some cool, free character pictures, you can use the Pathfinder Iconic characters. They have cool pictures and a full set of stats.
And if you want some cool, free character pictures, you can use the Pathfinder Iconic characters. They have cool pictures and a full set of stats.
Holy moly, I didn't know any of that community use stuff even existed! Coolness!
Nice Ray, those are good tips! I got into DnD in a similar way. I had an old 2e board game called "Dragon Quest" that had premade characters, representing the classic archetypes (fighter, cleric, wizard, etc).
I've been looking for a way to teach my little girl how to game, and your ideas sound really good!