Campaign input appriciated! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Campaign input appriciated! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
edveal
08-15-05, 04:29 PM Here is an outline of a campaign that I am going to run for my son. He is only 8 years old and we will be running this just him and me.

His character will have a least mark of the Sentinel but will know nothing about it. I am going to keep up with the feat as a secret bonus feat and have it activate at opportune time for dramatic affect. My son also will know nothing of the marks other than what I have stated in the background blurb "The Mark".

His uncle is going to be of Deneith and hence is mother was also born into the house but when she married she did not marry someone from the house and hoped the she had left it all behind her. However, when she sees the signs that her son is manifesting a mark instead of telling him of it meaning she sends him to the Vanguard Academy...

Please let me know what you think.

Background:
The Mark
You have noticed that a birthmark on the left side of your chest has been steadily growing for a few years. However, over the last year it has begun to take the look of a tattoo. After showing it to your parents they tell you “Worry about such things, things of that nature sometimes happen.”

The Academy
You have been sent to Vanguard Academy. The academy is a brand new military academy outside the ruins of Vanguard Keep. Word was sent out that Queen Aurala is having Vanguard Keep rebuild and manned once again along with the opening of the Vanguard Academy. The academy is accepting students with the promise of a position at the Vanguard Keep upon graduation.

Your Family
You are from the town of Larunor in the southern part of Audair very near the new academy. You have heard many stories from your father and uncles of their exploits during the last war but you are too young to remember the war.

The Campaign Begins
Vanguard Academy

Day 1
He arrives at the newly opened Vanguard Academy ready to join the first class of students.
1. First meeting in the dining hall…
2. Finds his room
3. Meets his new roommate
First few weeks of school are uneventful but he becomes fast friends with his roommate.

Week 3
Hears rumors regarding the old wizards that live just outside the academy grounds. (Something’s Cooking)

Week 5
He receives a letter from home.

Dearest Son,
I have wonderful news! Your Uncle Leck has miraculously found his way home. He is my eldest brother that I have not seen for some 20 years. He was believed killed during the Last War, but has survived. He will be staying with us for a while and plans to come visit you in a few weeks.
You sister and brothers are well.
I hope all is well with you. Please send us a letter when you can.
Love,
Mother

Week 7
He and his roommate are dared to enter the crypt of Hagro Shreve, and return with proof that they have done so. The crypt is in the old abandoned cemetery about a mile away. The crypt is believed haunted by Hagro a Captain of the Guard at the Old Vanguard Keep believed murdered by an underling that felt he was to harsh a Captain.

Week 8
1. A second letter from home arrives.

Dearest Son,
I hope all is well for you. I have news of your Uncle Leck. He left us just yesterday where to I know not. However, I must admit he is not how I remember him. I fear the war was not kind to him. Otherwise all is well here, and I trust all is well with you.
Love,
Mother

2. First assignment (Into the Darkness). He and his roommate are chosen to go with an instructor to check out rumors regarding travelers getting attacked on a near by road.

Week 11
Uncle Leck shows up for the first time… He is given the first clue regarding his mysterious tattoo.

Week 14
Second assignment (The Burning Plague). A small group of students are sent to assist a small village that has some sort or plague.
Charles Phipps
08-15-05, 04:34 PM Looks wonderful.

Glad you've created a new RPGer.
Save-vs-DM
08-16-05, 09:21 AM I gotta say, I agree that this looks just great. I wish I could add more, but I really think you have a very good thing going.

Good luck running the game. I've ran games for my younger relatives, (nephews/nieces and the like). I can share a few general tips I learned.

Tips for gaming with kids

Passive feats are really good. Feats like Weapon Focus, Toughness, Weapon Finesse, Iron Will, Lightening Refelexes. Anything that adds a fixed and permanent bonus is good. Less confusion.

I prefer starting new players with a generic fighter.

I actually used a program (PC Gen) to make a nice version of the sheet that was easier to read. Then I went out and copied it over to 17x11 paper and highlighted.
Attack Bonus with Weapons.
Saving Throws.
AC
Hit Points.

The larger size helped me find things easier to help and the kids found it a bit easier to read and find things. Plus the larger size can be less intimidating.

Miniatures are HUGELY helpful. I also went out and got some cool full color maps to use. You can find some old ones in dragon. I actually took the kids out to a local gaming store and bought them all a set of dice and a minature for thier character. Then we spent a day painting them and making characters while I explained very BASIC rules. (And the ruddy little buggers painted their minatures better than I can. Grrr!)

Keep the sessions shorter. I found that 3-4 hours was about the max limit for attention span.

Finally, use single enemies for the first few sessions...there is less confusion. I also did the following as a primer. I only explained the basic rules and then each encounter was designed to teach a specific combat technique.

Here was my progression. I ran a really generic greyhawk game. I added in a cleric NPC to make sure they didn't die...I think the guy had about 20 cure light wounds spells.

1. Orc Fighter. Taught the basics of AC, Hit Points, Attack Bonus. Orc Warrior 1.
2. Orc Shaman. Taught how spells work, how saving throws work.
3. Orc Barbarian. Taught about power attack and how bonuses work.
4. Orc Monk. Taught how grappling works.
5. Orc Rogue x2. Taught how sneak attack and flanking works.
6. Orc Boss in throne room. Taught about terrain and cover.

It was quite fun.

Good luck and happy gaming!
Save vs DM
Graiskye
08-19-05, 02:53 PM Great stuff for fledgling players. The order of progression above with the orcs is brilliant. Thank you all Grai
edveal
08-19-05, 04:26 PM 1. Orc Fighter. Taught the basics of AC, Hit Points, Attack Bonus. Orc Warrior 1.
2. Orc Shaman. Taught how spells work, how saving throws work.
3. Orc Barbarian. Taught about power attack and how bonuses work.
4. Orc Monk. Taught how grappling works.
5. Orc Rogue x2. Taught how sneak attack and flanking works.
6. Orc Boss in throne room. Taught about terrain and cover.

I have a quick question about your Orc Shaman. What was your build? Did you create an Orc Wizard, Sorcerer, Cleric, Druid or something else?
Radkres
08-19-05, 11:32 PM The letters from home seam too short I would expect something longer from a mother to her child and how much she misses him. Might want to fill out the family with names and what they are doing.
Example Like Sally got gnoll pox that has been spreading around at school.

Are you doing more puzzles vs. monster encounters or are you doing Skill test (pop quiz in History or Potion making) experience to let them gain levels before hack and slash?
Tek
08-19-05, 11:39 PM If you make the letters to long, an 8 year old will get bored of them. Keep them short, I'd say.
Radkres
08-19-05, 11:47 PM True a long 8 page letter would be way too long but those are way too short.
But I would feel a fuller background of his family makes a better game.
Tek
08-20-05, 04:49 AM That's true. Now, personally, what I'd do is try and get one of his good friends, perferably his best friend, to play the roommate. You can set it up as they both have backgrounds and such, and meet in Hogwar.... err, Vanguard Academy, but it'll give him a chance to Roleplay with another PC instead of constantly hanging out with the DM.

Of course, the above really ties in with the fact that I hate DM-PC's, with a passion. I really don't like NPC's that tag around with the party all the time, and just generally hanging out. There's only so much fun a kid can have with his dad. But with his trusty best friend by his side, and his dad just running the show and keeping the spotlight on our two heroes? That, my friend, is an unlimited source of fun. Until they have a fight and hate each other for a week, then become friends again.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
edveal 08-15-05, 04:29 PM	Here is an outline of a campaign that I am going to run for my son. He is only 8 years old and we will be running this just him and me. His character will have a least mark of the Sentinel but will know nothing about it. I am going to keep up with the feat as a secret bonus feat and have it activate at opportune time for dramatic affect. My son also will know nothing of the marks other than what I have stated in the background blurb "The Mark". His uncle is going to be of Deneith and hence is mother was also born into the house but when she married she did not marry someone from the house and hoped the she had left it all behind her. However, when she sees the signs that her son is manifesting a mark instead of telling him of it meaning she sends him to the Vanguard Academy... Please let me know what you think. Background: The Mark You have noticed that a birthmark on the left side of your chest has been steadily growing for a few years. However, over the last year it has begun to take the look of a tattoo. After showing it to your parents they tell you “Worry about such things, things of that nature sometimes happen.” The Academy You have been sent to Vanguard Academy. The academy is a brand new military academy outside the ruins of Vanguard Keep. Word was sent out that Queen Aurala is having Vanguard Keep rebuild and manned once again along with the opening of the Vanguard Academy. The academy is accepting students with the promise of a position at the Vanguard Keep upon graduation. Your Family You are from the town of Larunor in the southern part of Audair very near the new academy. You have heard many stories from your father and uncles of their exploits during the last war but you are too young to remember the war. The Campaign Begins Vanguard Academy Day 1 He arrives at the newly opened Vanguard Academy ready to join the first class of students. 1. First meeting in the dining hall… 2. Finds his room 3. Meets his new roommate First few weeks of school are uneventful but he becomes fast friends with his roommate. Week 3 Hears rumors regarding the old wizards that live just outside the academy grounds. (Something’s Cooking) Week 5 He receives a letter from home. Dearest Son, I have wonderful news! Your Uncle Leck has miraculously found his way home. He is my eldest brother that I have not seen for some 20 years. He was believed killed during the Last War, but has survived. He will be staying with us for a while and plans to come visit you in a few weeks. You sister and brothers are well. I hope all is well with you. Please send us a letter when you can. Love, Mother Week 7 He and his roommate are dared to enter the crypt of Hagro Shreve, and return with proof that they have done so. The crypt is in the old abandoned cemetery about a mile away. The crypt is believed haunted by Hagro a Captain of the Guard at the Old Vanguard Keep believed murdered by an underling that felt he was to harsh a Captain. Week 8 1. A second letter from home arrives. Dearest Son, I hope all is well for you. I have news of your Uncle Leck. He left us just yesterday where to I know not. However, I must admit he is not how I remember him. I fear the war was not kind to him. Otherwise all is well here, and I trust all is well with you. Love, Mother 2. First assignment (Into the Darkness). He and his roommate are chosen to go with an instructor to check out rumors regarding travelers getting attacked on a near by road. Week 11 Uncle Leck shows up for the first time… He is given the first clue regarding his mysterious tattoo. Week 14 Second assignment (The Burning Plague). A small group of students are sent to assist a small village that has some sort or plague.
Charles Phipps 08-15-05, 04:34 PM	Looks wonderful. Glad you've created a new RPGer.
Save-vs-DM 08-16-05, 09:21 AM	I gotta say, I agree that this looks just great. I wish I could add more, but I really think you have a very good thing going. Good luck running the game. I've ran games for my younger relatives, (nephews/nieces and the like). I can share a few general tips I learned. Tips for gaming with kids Passive feats are really good. Feats like Weapon Focus, Toughness, Weapon Finesse, Iron Will, Lightening Refelexes. Anything that adds a fixed and permanent bonus is good. Less confusion. I prefer starting new players with a generic fighter. I actually used a program (PC Gen) to make a nice version of the sheet that was easier to read. Then I went out and copied it over to 17x11 paper and highlighted. Attack Bonus with Weapons. Saving Throws. AC Hit Points. The larger size helped me find things easier to help and the kids found it a bit easier to read and find things. Plus the larger size can be less intimidating. Miniatures are HUGELY helpful. I also went out and got some cool full color maps to use. You can find some old ones in dragon. I actually took the kids out to a local gaming store and bought them all a set of dice and a minature for thier character. Then we spent a day painting them and making characters while I explained very BASIC rules. (And the ruddy little buggers painted their minatures better than I can. Grrr!) Keep the sessions shorter. I found that 3-4 hours was about the max limit for attention span. Finally, use single enemies for the first few sessions...there is less confusion. I also did the following as a primer. I only explained the basic rules and then each encounter was designed to teach a specific combat technique. Here was my progression. I ran a really generic greyhawk game. I added in a cleric NPC to make sure they didn't die...I think the guy had about 20 cure light wounds spells. 1. Orc Fighter. Taught the basics of AC, Hit Points, Attack Bonus. Orc Warrior 1. 2. Orc Shaman. Taught how spells work, how saving throws work. 3. Orc Barbarian. Taught about power attack and how bonuses work. 4. Orc Monk. Taught how grappling works. 5. Orc Rogue x2. Taught how sneak attack and flanking works. 6. Orc Boss in throne room. Taught about terrain and cover. It was quite fun. Good luck and happy gaming! Save vs DM
Graiskye 08-19-05, 02:53 PM	Great stuff for fledgling players. The order of progression above with the orcs is brilliant. Thank you all Grai
edveal 08-19-05, 04:26 PM	1. Orc Fighter. Taught the basics of AC, Hit Points, Attack Bonus. Orc Warrior 1. 2. Orc Shaman. Taught how spells work, how saving throws work. 3. Orc Barbarian. Taught about power attack and how bonuses work. 4. Orc Monk. Taught how grappling works. 5. Orc Rogue x2. Taught how sneak attack and flanking works. 6. Orc Boss in throne room. Taught about terrain and cover. I have a quick question about your Orc Shaman. What was your build? Did you create an Orc Wizard, Sorcerer, Cleric, Druid or something else?
Radkres 08-19-05, 11:32 PM	The letters from home seam too short I would expect something longer from a mother to her child and how much she misses him. Might want to fill out the family with names and what they are doing. Example Like Sally got gnoll pox that has been spreading around at school. Are you doing more puzzles vs. monster encounters or are you doing Skill test (pop quiz in History or Potion making) experience to let them gain levels before hack and slash?
Tek 08-19-05, 11:39 PM	If you make the letters to long, an 8 year old will get bored of them. Keep them short, I'd say.
Radkres 08-19-05, 11:47 PM	True a long 8 page letter would be way too long but those are way too short. But I would feel a fuller background of his family makes a better game.
Tek 08-20-05, 04:49 AM	That's true. Now, personally, what I'd do is try and get one of his good friends, perferably his best friend, to play the roommate. You can set it up as they both have backgrounds and such, and meet in Hogwar.... err, Vanguard Academy, but it'll give him a chance to Roleplay with another PC instead of constantly hanging out with the DM. Of course, the above really ties in with the fact that I hate DM-PC's, with a passion. I really don't like NPC's that tag around with the party all the time, and just generally hanging out. There's only so much fun a kid can have with his dad. But with his trusty best friend by his side, and his dad just running the show and keeping the spotlight on our two heroes? That, my friend, is an unlimited source of fun. Until they have a fight and hate each other for a week, then become friends again.