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I would say the minimal age is "Which ever age it takes to understand the core rules of society play" which will vary on a case by case basis. Heard of Kids as young as 8 with GM stars in PFS. Have a 8 year old in our group that plays with his father but it doesn't come without a number of unique challenges. Think the kid tracks at Gen Con ran it for kids as young as 5 if I am correct?
More of a maturity issue than an age issue.
Guess it also depends if the GM is comfortable working with younger ages and if the parents allow them to participate in PFS.
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There are usually children tables at conventions. From one of my local DM, he said his greatest memories are on the creativity of what kids want to do when a situation is brought up.
Just make note on what stuff is considered inappropriate to children in certain scenarios (Blood, Torture, Drugs, Brothels, etc).
You can always replace them for clowns in funny hats.
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14 should be fine. As long as his goal isn't to try to get everyone killed, try to pick a fight with other players, or try to grapple a faction leader.
Since he is your brother, it will be your job to mentor him so he becomes an example of excellence in the Society, or a shining example of murderhobodom.
Regional Venture-Coordinator, Massachusetts—North Shore
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It really depends on the kids, I have a 6 year old son, a 9 year old daughter and a 17 year old son.
My 6 year old can really only handle the kids tracks and quest level scenarios he has a good grasp of the Beginner Box rules. But has had trouble with the more advanced ones. As well as time he gets antsy after 2 hours.
My Daughter is ready for PFS understands the basic rules and has been reading up on the Witch so her and i can Play a father daughter team of characters.
My 17 year old has been playing since he was 12, running Pathfinder for his friends and is ready to earn his first star.
As for GenCon's Kids Tracks we ran last year for as young as 4 years old this year it was 5.
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But yeah 14 will be fine. I find the ones under 10 sometimes come up with plans that the game just doesn't intend them to even try or consider. But this won't be something you have to worry about. Being 14 and it being family helps smooth things out so you shouldn't have to worry about most issues associated with younger pathfinders.
Course younger players are entertaining...
If I ever need to laugh or smile I just think of the time our young player bull rushed some little old lady 15 feet into a wall and then ran away when she started calling for guards. He knew right away he had done something wrong and went into hiding like a pet that had chewed up someones phone charger. Was a bit of a learning experience for me. I had 2 young players at the table one was 8 and other 13, both were trying to get information out of some other younger kid npcs. The 13 got results and the 8 year got little frustrated and chased after the kids and when he saw the horrible picture of the old lady that ran the orphanage while she was yelling at him, he simply declared "I bull rush her."
The poor thing flew from the impact, likely broke a hip. It was hilarious, but we had an alignment talk afterwards.
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As a 14-year-old myself, I'd like to think I'm capable of understanding the game and playing well. The other people at my lodge don't seem to have a problem with it, nor feel it neccessary to censor the scenarios. I've known a fair number of people younger than me that play as well. So I would certainly agree that 14 should be fine, although I'm sure you could make a more informed decision.
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The one at the regular tables is the world's youngest 2 star GM, she is 10.
It's less of an age thing that it is one of maturity.
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I plan on going over the PFS rules so he doesn't break the special rules. He has played Pathfinder before and he has enough maturity to take the game seriously, understand the rules and have fun with roleplaying. I know he wouldn't try to kill his own allies.14 should be fine. As long as his goal isn't to try to get everyone killed, try to pick a fight with other players, or try to grapple a faction leader.
Since he is your brother, it will be your job to mentor him so he becomes an example of excellence in the Society, or a shining example of murderhobodom.
He's in the upper 75th percentile already!
Sometimes the younger kids get bored during a 4-5 hour session, leaving the group effectively minus a PC. I've had it happen a few times. If the group is larger than 4, the that poses no real problem.
I don't really think of 14 as a kid in this context though.
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I have two regulars at the store I coordinate that are both 14. They're more engaged, active, and mature than some of the 30 year olds that show up. There's also a 10 year old that joins his dad semi-regularly who does fine, albeit with encouragement and supervision.
Now, I had to ask a parent to reconsider bringing a couple of other 10 year olds to the game because they were never prepared, never sat still, and never let the group move on without disruptions and distractions. The parents also never stayed with them to help out; they were simply dropped off and picked up once it was over.
My suggestion is to try it out. 14 years old with a family member helping keep them on track should be just fine. So long as there aren't many big disruptions, it should be fine.
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I agree about not really considering a teenager a "kid" for this. 14 should be plenty old enough, unless he's really immature for his age.
I was 10 when I was first introduced to D&D, and I really didn't have the maturity for it at the time. I got more serious about it when I was 12, and RPGs were my biggest hobby through most of middle and high school.
Just remember to teach him the most important rule in PFS: "Don't be a jerk."
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I operate like a movie theater back in the day. If your child is under 13 you need to be at the table. I will not be responsible for introducing your child to Miss Feathers.
Now in the case of people like Lucas' daughter whom I have met, after a game with the parent present I would let them know that there child is always welcome t my table provided they have their parents consent to be there.
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Some guy brought his daughter to 'The Waking Rune'. she was more interested in sorting her skittles into colors than paying attention to the game. You can guess how that scenario turned out...
I've had adults who were more interested in their knitting or a game on their phone than playing. It doesn't really matter on the age.
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I think part of the key is not taking away enjoyment of the game for others.
Some scenarios that are action packed work good for youngsters.
I find heavy role playing or investigative scenarios kids under 12 just can't handle (+/- a couple years depending on the kid). The kids grow bored and they can't role playing very well if at all, and that directly impacts the enjoyment of the game for other players.
12+ years old I thinkg is fine, under that it depends on the scenario and the other players if it's OK.
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Some guy brought his daughter to 'The Waking Rune'. she was more interested in sorting her skittles into colors than paying attention to the game. You can guess how that scenario turned out...I've had adults who were more interested in their knitting or a game on their phone than playing. It doesn't really matter on the age.
QFT. I know 12-year-olds who are more mature at the table than some 30-something people.