I'm just getting back into D&D after many many years and played a little on 5e with some friends online but never DM'd. My stepson (11) asked me about playing but wasn't sure how to start. He's asked again after watching me watch Critical Role a few times, I've said yes but explained it might be difficult to do with just the 2 of us. He has learning difficulties so I'm not expecting him to read the PHB or understand everything.
So I've said we will start with a session zero where we can make his character and play it to work out his backstory and stats (thinking doing little time jumps to giving him a few options and roll for the outcome) and then having him with a level 3 or 4 character.
Once done I'm thinking about a little one-shot that can play with him. but not sure how or where to start. As I said I've never DM'd so any advice on DM'ing, especially if doing it with only one player. Any resources or site I can borrow a simple one-shot from
They have a ton of user created material, some of which is free or pay-what-you-want, and I've seen some good stuff on there for younger players and solo adventures. There's also a "kid-friendly 5e" thing on there that I got for myself and my kids, and it includes some kid appropriate adventures, and even a simplified character sheet.
Be very careful with combat encounters, especially if his character is alone. It doesn't take much for a single character to be overwhelmed, and with no one there to stabilize him when he falls to zero ht points avoiding death becomes more difficult.
One way to still have combat, is to give him foes that punch well below his weight.At least until he gets a firm grasp on how combat works, effective tactics, etc. Consider also having intelligent foes stabilize him and take him prisoner instead of killing him if they defeat him.
If he prefers roleplaying and social encounters to combat, or puzzle solving, etc so much the better. You can give him lots of challenges of those sorts without the risk of his character dying.
I am about to do with my 2 children 11 and 8. I also have a playable character otherwise they will die A lot! I’m currently getting a campaign ready and the character I play will be a religious cleric whose sole purpose is to keep them alive. I won’t make any decisions as the PC just heals.
Hi All,
I'm just getting back into D&D after many many years and played a little on 5e with some friends online but never DM'd. My stepson (11) asked me about playing but wasn't sure how to start. He's asked again after watching me watch Critical Role a few times, I've said yes but explained it might be difficult to do with just the 2 of us. He has learning difficulties so I'm not expecting him to read the PHB or understand everything.
So I've said we will start with a session zero where we can make his character and play it to work out his backstory and stats (thinking doing little time jumps to giving him a few options and roll for the outcome) and then having him with a level 3 or 4 character.
Once done I'm thinking about a little one-shot that can play with him. but not sure how or where to start. As I said I've never DM'd so any advice on DM'ing, especially if doing it with only one player. Any resources or site I can borrow a simple one-shot from
Check out dmsguild.com
They have a ton of user created material, some of which is free or pay-what-you-want, and I've seen some good stuff on there for younger players and solo adventures. There's also a "kid-friendly 5e" thing on there that I got for myself and my kids, and it includes some kid appropriate adventures, and even a simplified character sheet.
He's BONA-FIDE!
Be very careful with combat encounters, especially if his character is alone. It doesn't take much for a single character to be overwhelmed, and with no one there to stabilize him when he falls to zero ht points avoiding death becomes more difficult.
One way to still have combat, is to give him foes that punch well below his weight.At least until he gets a firm grasp on how combat works, effective tactics, etc. Consider also having intelligent foes stabilize him and take him prisoner instead of killing him if they defeat him.
If he prefers roleplaying and social encounters to combat, or puzzle solving, etc so much the better. You can give him lots of challenges of those sorts without the risk of his character dying.
Try using the Side Kick Unearthed Arcana as well. What 11 year old doesn't want a side kick?
I am about to do with my 2 children 11 and 8. I also have a playable character otherwise they will die A lot! I’m currently getting a campaign ready and the character I play will be a religious cleric whose sole purpose is to keep them alive. I won’t make any decisions as the PC just heals.
I was thinking this as well, having a healer with him