... actually, one could hardly call it D&D anymore.
Anyhow, I started playing D&D with my son. As I just stated, it is D&D in spirit only; we are far from the actual rules. For the moment anyway.
My son is 5 years old. He will be 6 in December. For the moment, his mathematical skills allow him to recognize that 4 is greater than 3, and that if you need 5 or better on a d6, a 4 won't cut it. But that's pretty much it. He is able to count up to 12(ish) but he sometimes gets confused around 8-9, so for the moment we use the d4 and the d6 exclusively. I do intend on bringing the d10 soon 'though.
The whole point is to create a game that is organically growing in complexity along my son's mathematical skills. I didn't meant to introduce him that early, but since he copes rather well with the concept of a RPG - that the dice represent success or failure based on HIS decisions etc - we're gonna keep going. Even my mom and my wife gave me the "good job daddy" thumbs-up.
For the moment, we are learning how to live with failure, and not how to the too cocky with lucky rolls. That reward exist in many forms etc. Some resources are limited, some are renewable but that none are infinite. More importantly, we have fun playing a game, exploring dungeons and mysterious forests; not (only) doing lessons. That being said, It can be a great learning tool, especially with basic mathematical skills.
I know that some of you guys went through that already. If anyone is willing to share his/her wisdom on the matter, I'm welcoming any advice!
'findel
May I recommend FUDGE? Very easy math, with word based levels of ability.
http://www.fudgerpg.com/
I have no advice to give, but that sounds rather cool. Teaching the young one math skills and the basic principle of action = reaction, or rather, that he is responsible for his actions, surely is a good thing. Don´t be too afraid that you might ask too much of him if you gradually introduce greater complexity - the kids are often fast learners, and you will notice when it overwhelms him. He will grow with the challenges, I think.
Stefan
If you really want to just roll some dice and get him use to telling which is higher or lower, have a look at The Window.
If you really want to just roll some dice and get him use to telling which is higher or lower, have a look at The Window.
That's indeed what I want to do... for the moment. The system I go with is something of the sort:
Character has a base attack bonus on a scale of d6. Lets say 4+
Opponent has an AC value, lets say +1.
Luka (my son) needs a 5+ to hit and deal 1 damage (attack and damage are linked for the moment) with each attacks.
I don't make him do the maths yet, but I intend to when that concept becomes within his grasp (next year maybe...) For the moment, he's happy to throw 2 or 3 d6s and tell me how many made the 5+, watch me remove the 1x1 lego bricks "hit points" of the monster and stand on his toes hoping that my dice don't score big numbers during the monster's turn.
Soon however, I'll up-scale the system to d10, allowing a smoother progression of attack bonus and more precision within AC (which for the moment consist of armor or no armor and shield or no shield).
Basically, I intend to progressively up-scale the rules until we get to d20, or tackle another game altogether.
[edit] your comments and suggestions have been helpful. I get my inspiration where I can find it, and the stuff (from all of you guys) you pointed was great for that.
'findel
One of us.
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Kids, Castles & Caves by Brave Halfling Publishing is a darn good basic DnD game that relies on d6 only. I highly recommend it!
I would recommend Savage Worlds Explorer edition. For under 10$ you get a complete ruleset.
The attribute and skill system uses dices to represent "power level". Someone with D8 fighting skill is better than someone with D6, for exemple. You roll your dice, and try to beat the target number (usually 4, but that may change in combat).
You also use cards for initiative - another good way to learn numbers.
You can use this basic system, and add complications later - and as the character is getting more powerfull, you get to introduce new dices. The game will naturally scale with your son's learnings, and he will want to lear, because it means he gets more powerfull ;-)
Fast and fun system. Realy worth a look - plus, you can adapt the system to about anything, from fantasy to sci-fi. Lots of good free supplements for races, spells, ect.
I would recommend Savage Worlds Explorer edition. For under 10$ you get a complete ruleset.
You can get the basic rules for free here : Free rules.
Good on you!
Nothing wrong with kicking on as you are - and eventually playing old skool 1980 era D&D basic set.
OR try something like Faery's Tale - a great little system.
http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/12/12347.phtml
If you want something like basic D&D to work on, why not try Swords & Wizardry by Mythmere Games? The rules are free in pdf form and the print version (which is now in distribution) is pretty nifty too. Labyrinth Lord is a bit more complex, being a simulacrum of Basic/Expert D&D. Swords & Wizardry even has a d6 only based Whitebox version that is extremely easy to run and teach.
Goblinoid Games Labyrinth Lord
Mythmere Games Swords & Wizardry
Ancient Vaults & Eldritch Secrets (my oldschool blog)
For the moment, I'm happy to keep the system organic enough to change it along with my son's skills. Part of the intention is to challenge his abilities (within the realm of fun of course). So we do now include the d10. He can't count up to 20 yet, by the concept of the decimal system is slowly sinking in (he's still in kindergarden after all). So far, he's progressing fast and we're still have more fun then 'work' (and I intend to keep it that way).
I made a whole bunch of cards for spell and equipment. So every game he has to prepare his spells (choose the cards) and give them back when he cast the spells (he plays an elf, so a fighter-mage...)
Its interesting to see how his focus changed from blasty-spells to utilitarian spells after some close encounter with death (or as close as death of a character exist in this game). Always a fire spell handy (in case of trolls) but otherwise, invisibility and flight are favorites.
we're having fun...
'findel
It is interesting how game changing flight can be.
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Red Box Hack seems pretty simple and refreshing, as well as being completely free. It's a rework of basic only simpler.
Grimm, although more along the scary side, is simple whether you go with the 64 page d20 version of the full blown d6 system hardback book. Both version of the game you play kids trapped in a world of where Grimm Fairytales are real and not as pleasant and both are by Fantasy Flight Games with the former being out of print and the later version coming out in 2008 or so.
Maybe have a look at Simple Sixes ( download ) a very light system designed for one-shots, and experimenting.