So, I got this nephew, and he’s like 13 or something, and he’s been asking for a few years now about those cool posters and weird books I have at my place… I kept stalling for a while, but it may just be time to introduce him and a few friends to RPGs sometime soon…
Here’s my question: What systems (rules, settings, worlds etc.) would you recommend for introducing new players (young teens) into the hobby?
Decades ago, yours truly started with DSA and D&D - but that’s hardly an option these days^^
(unless I could dig out the Red Box D&D or an edition of DSA 1 or 2, which I can’t however, cause I lost them over the years)
Looking at contemporary DSA and D&D, with rulebooks of several hundred pages of rather complex rules content… I somehow suspect handing them those might be a surefire way to scare them off the hobby for good
So, what simple (okay, comparatively simple) rulesets, with (comparatively) easily accessible settings (for an age bracket of around 11-14) are there?
I’m happy about any suggestions, maybe some of you have even introduced kids to RPGs themselves?
PS.: existence of German versions is welcome, but not required. I would run it for them anyways, at least the first few times, and can certainly translate char sheets and even rules texts sufficiently
PPS.: their interests reside (as reliably predictable for that age group) somewhere between “LotR is AWESOME!” and “Star Wars is EVEN MORE SO!!!”
Actually, D&D is still a valid option. The new edition has seen its rules streamlined and made easier.
If they are into SW; the new RPG from Fantasy Flight might also work. The basics are simple enough…
And; at 13 they are no longer little kids, they should be able to grasp any games, really…
Ooh, one more: I had great success playing Marvel Super Heroes with nephews. Superheroes, minis, fun mechanics, and some concepts since adopted by the indie crowd … good stuff!
