I need recommendations for table top rpg for a six year old

Post Reply New Topic

My six (almost seven) year old loves the Zork text-based rpg franchise (I, II, II and Enchanter --for those old enough to remember this.)

It occurred to me that he might be ready to graduate to something more advanced to help him with turn taking and imaginative play. He has already has incorporated Zork scripting into his regular imaginative play, but I think something the family could play together would be nice. He is not the least bit social with other children, but I am hoping to give him foundations for later, if he is interested in peers. That presumably will mean something more modern than Zork.

He can handle the relatively low level of violence in Zork alright. I would prefer not too much because he has echolalia and will probably repeat things at school, which could be a problem.

Also, it needs to be something that he can play with only one or two people (mom and dad.)

Any suggestions?

You know, using text-based RPGs is actually a brilliant idea for social skills learning! I wish I'd thought of it - I hope some developer is trolling this site and makes one!

I wish I had help for you there, but I do have a suggestion: DS enrolled in this http://www.sst-institute.net/us/index/ social skills class offered by a local provider. It comes with a complete (extremely pricey) computer game, and a (somewhat pricey, but less so) home board game system. The board game is kind of like a cross between monopoly and an RPG; the "cards" give you different things to do: identify an emotion, talk through a social story, try a calming technique, etc.

I think you should do Dungeons and Dragons--an adult would be the DM at this stage, of course. The 4th edition has both monsters and things called "skill challenges," where he has to do well with skill checks to pass. 3.5 also has skill checks and fascinating special abilities. I would reccomend the 4th edition for a young player because it's easier to get started with, but 3.5 may work well too. I would not reccomend AD&D for a child his age. You could keep the story entertaining to him and focus on the kinds of things he likes, possibly toning down violence depending on what he's used to. D&D is AWESOME! You will need the Dungeon Master's Guide, the Player's Handbook, the Monster Manual, and a set of dice (20 sided, 12 sided, two 10 sided, 8 sided, 6 sided, and 4 sided at the minimum) to get started. Good luck!

I'll see if I can get you some links...

4.0 books
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons- ... 811&sr=8-1

Dice
http://www.amazon.com/Chessex-Dice-Poly ... 850&sr=8-1

3.5 books
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons- ... 919&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeon-Masters-G ... 975&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Manual-Ru ... 007&sr=8-1

It's a bit of an investment, but it WILL pay off!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that you can play D&D with as few as two people or as many as seven or more people!

Traveller is also a good choice, especially if he likes science-fiction, space-ships, funny-looking aliens, and such.