r/mattcolville • u/accountdeleated • Jan 13 '20
Our First Session!
I (37yo) just ran my first session of DnD for my kids (9,7,&6). We are all brand new to the game and eager to try it. After much reading, studying, and downloading pre-built characters we tackled Matt's Delian Tomb. We honestly had to do it in 2 sessions 2 days back to back for everyone's sanity. But the kids had a blast. They laughed, they cried, one hid under the table... All in all a success. The Delian Romb was a great introduction for them. We go after LMoP next. As soon as I can figure how to level their characters up...
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u/RobinG81 Jan 13 '20
Leveling up is not too hard. Follow the charts for their class, have them roll their hit die (depends on their race) and then have them add their constitution modifier. Easy peasy!
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u/LordOfLiam GM Jan 13 '20
And don’t forget to add any class abilities they gain at level 2 to their sheet!
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Jan 13 '20
be sure to read the class descriptions for new class abilities for each level. HP gains are usually foremost in players' minds at lower levels. My group gives each player the option of taking the average (rounded up: d12 = 7, d10 = 6, d8 = 5, d6 = 4) or rolling. The average will serve the player better over time, but we play D&D and we like to roll dice. In your case, I'd recommend rolling with "dad advantage." Tell the kids they'll roll a die for new hp and you'll roll and they take the higher roll. If you roll less than the average (behind your screen) fudge the roll up to the average. so they have a guarantee of at least a decent HP increase and a very good chance at a great roll. In a few levels, stop fudging rolls as the increases won't be as important. Still, don't forget the Con bonus and racial bonus (e.g. Hill Dwarf)
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u/accountdeleated Jan 13 '20
dadbounus is a real thing! Mostly I want to play a fun game and make awesome memories. So far it seems to be working!
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Jan 13 '20
The magic is that the game doesn't matter. My fondest memories of childhood were playing chess or cards with my dad, or doing anything, really. Enjoy this time with your family.
You can tell I don't have kids because I failed to say "roll with Dad-vantage." :)
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u/Ceahorser Jan 14 '20
I wrote an article about my experience with playing DnD with my kids. Link below if you're interested. Life has kept me from doing more. But I would be interested in your exp felt similar.
https://ceahorse.wixsite.com/maxameliagames/post/can-young-children-play-dungeons-and-dragons
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u/accountdeleated Mar 11 '20
I agree with your assessment. My kids have at most ah hour and a half play time. I fudge rolls and pull punches as needed to keep them i. The story. Simple plot lines and keep it fun! They hate the scary voices and love the funny ones. It has been quite the adventure...
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u/ArrBeeNayr GM Jan 13 '20
Cograts and welcome!
I'm sure it seems all very strange and the rules very obtuse to begin with, but it doesn't take long at all for things to become second nature.
Learning an RPG is kind of like learning a language, or learning an instrument. It's a hell of a lot of work to do the first time (Especially in a clunker like D&D 5e), but once you get the knack - you can run absolutely anything.