Traveller for my kids

[Daneel Olivaw]

I would like opinions and suggestions for my upcoming attempt to ensnare my kids in MTU.

Thematically, it will have the potential for all my favourite trappings of Traveller-esque far-future hard SF - interstellar empires, vastly different technologies and societies on different worlds, trading and odd-jobbing from one planet to another, ancient schemes hatched by some unseen manipulator, just now coming to fruition (or disaster, unless the players intervene), etc., etc...

My kids are still relatively new to RPGs, and to some extent they need to be hand-held through character concepts and creation. They have difficulty taking charge of the situation as players; they sometimes "freeze" at crucial moments, unless I make it obvious what their choices are. Of course, some of this could be the result of my shortcomings as a referee; I'm a little rusty and hard-pressed for time these days.

My daughter is a tentative sort, a little afraid to make decisions and take risks in the virtual RPG world. Almost 13, a real dreamer and artist, likes fantasy - especially anything to do with dragons. I'm wondering if she might like to play a displaced noble from some fallen, dragon-themed ancient dynasty, struggling to regain its place among the great powers.

My son, age 10, is bolder and more action-oriented. He's interested in the engineering and mechanisms of things (his favourite toys are building toys), but can become bored if there's not enough action. I could easily suggest to him a soldier or mercenary character, but I could be missing something.

What might anyone here suggest as a type of adventure or campaign that will balance their playing styles and encourage them to take risks? What experiences have you had with this?

I would really appreciate any suggestions or observations.

 

[flykiller]

you want them playing rpg's when they should be doing homework?

ask them what they want in a game.

 

[FlightCommanderSolitude]

What about Scouts? A Scout scenario/campaign can involve some action, some fiddly tech stuff, as well as the opportunity to explore some wild new planet off the beaten path.

Also, a Scout scenario might have some sort of bureacratic goal driving it ("Explore Planet X and make contact with natives!") and giving it an overall structure, but still demand self-determination from the characters (and the players) - Scouts are on their own in the field and need to take risks to get the job done! (Why else would their Survival Roll be so bad?!)

 

[Andrew Boulton]

I'm sure you could get live pseudo-dragons in there somewhere - maybe the party has to find a stolen egg?

How about making your daughter a minor noble, your son her bodyguard/pilot, and have a wise old NPC who can guide them, and maybe die heroically once they've got the hang of things?

 

[kafka47]

Pirates are really big. The secret with gaming with your children is let the children make up the rules. Show them a few films that you think are Traveller like (Star Wars is always good but rather dated) and then say let's pretend...from that point anything goes. With each week/month, you can put in more and more Traveller(tm) content and before long, he will want to learn more.

The Bear's Grove Podcast had a good companion piece how to game with children. My guy is only 3 this summer, so it will be a while before we can do a game. In the meantime, I get him to harness his imagination, and, if I ever get my telescope...

 

[ravells]

Lots of Trigonometry, algebra and calculus.

That ought to learn 'em!

 

[Jame]

You could use a semi-fantasy planet if you plan to run a Traveller game; your daughter could play a noble from it and your son could play some sort of soldier/retainer.

I'd suggest using this if you do: CT Fantasy Creatures from CotI members.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Originally posted by ravs:
Lots of Trigonometry, algebra and calculus.

That ought to learn 'em!

RPGs are an excellent way of "stealth teaching".

 

[Daneel Olivaw]

Originally posted by Andrew Boulton:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by ravs:
Lots of Trigonometry, algebra and calculus.

That ought to learn 'em!

RPGs are an excellent way of "stealth teaching". </font>[/QUOTE]Actually, I learned a lot as a result of Traveller piquing my curiosity about physics, astronomy, celestial mechanics, biology and especially history. That's one of the reasons I want to get them into Traveller - many opportunities for learning about virtually anything.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

I used to pay particular attention in science lessons, just in case there was something I could use

 

[hunter]

As a side note, Marc has tinkered with a version of the game for younger players (specifically his grand kids). It sounds interesting, though I doubt anything will come of it until T5 is well and done.

Hunter

 

[kafka47]

Originally posted by hunter:
As a side note, Marc has tinkered with a version of the game for younger players (specifically his grand kids). It sounds interesting, though I doubt anything will come of it until T5 is well and done.

Hunter

Hunter, tell him it had better be ready for GenCon 2007, as my little guy turns 3, as I stated above, it is my sole intention to corrupt him throughly with Traveller and a Traveller Jr might be just the ticket.

Danieel you have seen these sites:

Role-Playing Games: The Stigmas and Benefits


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT ROLE-PLAYING GAMES

Educational Uses of Role-Playing Games

 

[pyratejohn]

I've been actively exposing my kids to gamer things over the years. At the ripe old ages of 5 and 3, they both really think dice are cool, and if I let them I'm sure they have fun playing with my miniatures. If they like Star Wars, maybe you could use some of those SW plastic figures as miniatures for your game?

Fwiw, I began gaming when I was about 12, and some of the kids I gamed with were about 9, so I know it can be done.

 

[Sifu Blackirish]

Are the kids into other creative efforts--writing. drawing, clay modeling? That can be a good way to get their imagination running, then use the stealth approach.

The protagonist in one of my chapters of an upcoming novel is the alter-ego of a then 8-year old girl! A rather nasty female assassin.

My son gave me a villain for another story--a "Frankenstein" like scientist who brings a dead assassin to life as a tool for revenge.

I've gotten kids to help me build characters--i invented a dice game that they play, and I just note the results as they throw. (I know, sneaky...)

Using their favorite cartoons is another good idea. Get them to think about 'what happens next' after that episode is over. If they bite, run them through a simple scenario with limited choices and a stripped down task resolution chart (to limit your headaches).

 

[Daneel Olivaw]

Originally posted by kafka47:
Danieel you have seen these sites:

Role-Playing Games: The Stigmas and Benefits


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT ROLE-PLAYING GAMES

Educational Uses of Role-Playing Games

Thanks, Kafka - very informative. They remind me of a fantastic high school English teacher of mine who encouraged our RPG activities because they helped us to develop satanic ritual suicide methods- um, I mean writing skills.

 

[Stainless]

LOL. If he's waiting for T5 to be finsihed, tell Marc he better plan for his great grandkids, or even his great great grankids.

Originally posted by hunter:
As a side note, Marc has tinkered with a version of the game for younger players (specifically his grand kids). It sounds interesting, though I doubt anything will come of it until T5 is well and done.

Hunter