Seeking opinions: Running for kids D&D (BECMI) Basic Set 1 vs 5thEd Basic FreePDF

[damned]

Ultimately the best game to run them through is the one you know best so you can concentrate more on the story and less on the rules.
Good work on your kids game hawkwind.

[Thete]

Of you want good free version of basic DnD try this https://necroticgnome.com/collection...ls-basic-rules 100% compatible and no sexist art work well the free version has no art at all!

The essentials books look very approachable. Is that what the 1E Dm is using to run?.

Regarding the suggestions of run what you are comfortable with, that sounds very sound. One thing I have discovered is kids are very responsive when the setting is something they are already immersed in - a cartoon or franchise.

[hawkwind]

the 1e dm still has his original hard covers and has never looked at another edition in thirty years! There is going to be a 1e expansion for the essential line later this yer with the extra classes geared to work with basic

[Thete]

the 1e dm still has his original hard covers and has never looked at another edition in thirty years! There is going to be a 1e expansion for the essential line later this yer with the extra classes geared to work with basic

Now, that, in a way is a great privilege, to have a game run in an authentic old school manner. And then to have your sessions running a modern interpretation..those kids are getting a great combination of offerings there, a kind of living cultural history lesson

[Varsuuk]

I was looking into this some time back when my son was younger. You may want to check out some modules by either Legendary’s “New Beginnings”(not sure if remember that right) and Trail PF the Apprentice line. It is avail for 5e and is even on FG. AAW’s A Givingn Time, A Frightful Time etc are good for younger folks but are a little lighter in content and probably (good or bad) will require you to add to them.

Finally, if they enjoy this - you may want to muck about with some other “silly” things like the new modern Bunnies & Burrows from Frog God Games. They have a light version of the rules for free. However before you consider this - I’d make sure you read to your kid’s Watership Down or at the least watch one or both of the animated movies/series.

Finally, for slightly older like 11-12+ from WotC there is a new “starter set” which is Stranger Things themed if your kid(s) watched those shows. I’m estimating age based on my kid watching the shows. Other than fast forwarding past the poolside scene the rest was fine for him at 11 even (ymmv)

[GunbunnyFuFu]

Having DM'd for a group of kids for the past 2 1/2 years, I think it's what you feel more comfortable with, as indicated in a post above. When you know the rules, you can concentrate on the story, and more important, the immersion aspect of the game (voices, things like that). I grew up with BECMI, but it's been years since I played it and know 5e rules well enough now that I'm comfortable running it. For my group, I ran LMoP. The kids love it.

GBFF

[Targas]

Depending on the age the kids have, you might be interested in those adventures here: https://dndadventuresforkids.com/

[Gwydion]

I know you said BECMI, etc. and not 5E, but if you go 5E, I converted a couple of the Playground Adventures that are geared toward kids. A Friend in Need (my girls loved it) and Pixies on Parade:

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store...?id=PAFGAFIN5E

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store...p?id=PGPOP5EFG

[Thete]

the 1e dm still has his original hard covers and has never looked at another edition in thirty years! There is going to be a 1e expansion for the essential line later this yer with the extra classes geared to work with basic

That's interesting, I must admit I am not clear on how BECMI 'Basic' differs from the B/X 'Basic' that essentials line covers, let alone the differences between basic and 1E. I'm amazed at how succinct those essentials books are.

I was looking into this some time back when my son was younger. You may want to check out some modules by either Legendary’s “New Beginnings”(not sure if remember that right) and Trail PF the Apprentice line. It is avail for 5e and is even on FG. AAW’s A Givingn Time, A Frightful Time etc are good for younger folks but are a little lighter in content and probably (good or bad) will require you to add to them.

Finally, if they enjoy this - you may want to muck about with some other “silly” things like the new modern Bunnies & Burrows from Frog God Games. They have a light version of the rules for free. However before you consider this - I’d make sure you read to your kid’s Watership Down or at the least watch one or both of the animated movies/series.

Finally, for slightly older like 11-12+ from WotC there is a new “starter set” which is Stranger Things themed if your kid(s) watched those shows. I’m estimating age based on my kid watching the shows. Other than fast forwarding past the poolside scene the rest was fine for him at 11 even (ymmv)

Thanks for putting Bunnies & Burrows on my radar. Here is another animal-as-protagonists one that will gain instant interest with my feline enamored kids: Magical Kitties Save the Day. It's Kickstarter starts this week, with a count down ticker no less!
https://atlas-games.com/magicalkitties

Having DM'd for a group of kids for the past 2 1/2 years, I think it's what you feel more comfortable with, as indicated in a post above. When you know the rules, you can concentrate on the story, and more important, the immersion aspect of the game (voices, things like that). I grew up with BECMI, but it's been years since I played it and know 5e rules well enough now that I'm comfortable running it. For my group, I ran LMoP. The kids love it.
GBFF

That's my dilema, the simplicity and ubiquity of BECMI basic really appeals to me but I think it's partly just that I remember how good those books were at on-boarding me to the game, but my kids won't need that as I'll be teaching them the rules anyway, and 5E art and asthetic is so polished and appealing...5E will be the destination game in a few years but I think there will be a few other games alone the way.

The more I think about it, it'll be a little while before my kids are ready for something like Stranger Things or OSR dungeoneering, its definitely on my list but right now, they are happier with lower stakes. But it won't be long really

Depending on the age the kids have, you might be interested in those adventures here: https://dndadventuresforkids.com/

That looks like a great resource, will deffinitely be spending some time there.

I know you said BECMI, etc. and not 5E, but if you go 5E, I converted a couple of the Playground Adventures that are geared toward kids. A Friend in Need (my girls loved it) and Pixies on Parade:

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store...?id=PAFGAFIN5E

https://www.fantasygrounds.com/store...p?id=PGPOP5EFG

Nice work Gwydion, they look inspirational, I will take a look.

[damned]

If you want a system that kids get - its Dungeon World.
You as the GM though would have to learn it...

That is why its often best sticking with stuff you know the mechanics for and shaping the content to fit.

As easy as B/X was - 5E is today - and its more logically designed.
I have plenty of fond B/X memories but mostly I reckon its because it was my entry into this hobby and it was magical.
5E would do the same for your kids today.