I’m going to start running an in-person game for 8-12 players, mixed kids and adults. Suggestions for a game to run? I’m pretty sure the kids can handle relatively complex games, but I want something that will keep everyone interested over the course of an ongoing campaign.
I’m going to start running an in-person game for 8-12 players, mixed kids and adults.
I’m going to start running an in-person game for 8-12 players, mixed kids and adults.
There are a lot of systems out there that can handle this and I’d ordinarily say “run what you’re comfortable with”. While I think that’s true I’m not sure it’s helpful so here are a few suggestions:
ICRPG – simple, streamlined, fast and fun. Great GM advice. Pre-loaded with Fantasy and Science Fiction settings. Class features take up slots so it shares some sensibilities with video games.
Beyond the Wall – a great OSR / D&D game with backgrounds built into character creation.
Maze Rats – Very fast and very creative. Rules as written people can die quickly and roll up new folks just as fast. Clever players can last a long time.
Into the Odd – same benefits and drawback as Maze Rats (which began as a hack if Into the Odd). The blog by Chris McDowall who created the game is one of the best gaming blogs there is.
Any game from a Sine Nomine/ Kevin Crawford. His games are some of my favorites and Godbound works like Exalted but better – fantasy superhero demigods. Not invincible but it’s fun to watch kids and adults do amazing, legendary things out of the gate.
I’d throw out other ideas based on genre or game type. You could have great fun with Lasers and Feelings, for example – one of the simplest but still-fun games I know.
There are a lot of systems out there that can handle this and I’d ordinarily say “run what you’re comfortable with”. While I think that’s true I’m not sure it’s helpful so here are a few suggestions:
ICRPG – simple, streamlined, fast and fun. Great GM advice. Pre-loaded with Fantasy and Science Fiction settings. Class features take up slots so it shares some sensibilities with video games.
Beyond the Wall – a great OSR / D&D game with backgrounds built into character creation.
Maze Rats – Very fast and very creative. Rules as written people can die quickly and roll up new folks just as fast. Clever players can last a long time.
Into the Odd – same benefits and drawback as Maze Rats (which began as a hack if Into the Odd). The blog by Chris McDowall who created the game is one of the best gaming blogs there is.
Any game from a Sine Nomine/ Kevin Crawford. His games are some of my favorites and Godbound works like Exalted but better – fantasy superhero demigods. Not invincible but it’s fun to watch kids and adults do amazing, legendary things out of the gate.
I’d throw out other ideas based on genre or game type. You could have great fun with Lasers and Feelings, for example – one of the simplest but still-fun games I know.
8-12 all at once? Yowza!
8-12 all at once? Yowza!
Not a campaign, but Gruel Truck is super fun and handles large groups. http://www.monkeyfunstudios.com/products/gruel-truck/
Not a campaign, but Gruel Truck is super fun and handles large groups. http://www.monkeyfunstudios.com/products/gruel-truck/
I have a game called Tales of Arcana (http://www.talesofarcana.com). In the game players generate their characters randomly (or purposefully) from cards. Each player gets a Race, Class, Negative Trait, and a combination of three Armaments (weapons) and Abilities (spells). Players flip their cards over and roll a d6 to use their cards and affect the story. Players need to use all their Ability, Armament, and Negative Trait cards before they can regain the other cards they’ve played. Players can take damage and lose their cards randomly. The rules are listed here (http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaRules.pdf). The focus is on narrative gameplay led by a GM/DM and there are rules to leading a longer campaign. I designed the game to be an introduction to tabletop RPGs for younger kids or as an alternative for older players that don’t like as much math in their free time. The game has 43 races and 25 classes, and there are some options that may be fun to try with a younger audience like Clowns or Toons. I’m currently running a Kickstarter for the Second Set of the game, but I won’t link unless that is okay.
talesofarcana.com – http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaRules.pdf
I have a game called Tales of Arcana (http://www.talesofarcana.com). In the game players generate their characters randomly (or purposefully) from cards. Each player gets a Race, Class, Negative Trait, and a combination of three Armaments (weapons) and Abilities (spells). Players flip their cards over and roll a d6 to use their cards and affect the story. Players need to use all their Ability, Armament, and Negative Trait cards before they can regain the other cards they’ve played. Players can take damage and lose their cards randomly. The rules are listed here (http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaRules.pdf). The focus is on narrative gameplay led by a GM/DM and there are rules to leading a longer campaign. I designed the game to be an introduction to tabletop RPGs for younger kids or as an alternative for older players that don’t like as much math in their free time. The game has 43 races and 25 classes, and there are some options that may be fun to try with a younger audience like Clowns or Toons. I’m currently running a Kickstarter for the Second Set of the game, but I won’t link unless that is okay.
talesofarcana.com – http://www.talesofarcana.com/TalesofArcanaRules.pdf
Thanks, guys!
Thanks, guys!
I think a game of Beyond the Wall with that many players would be excellent.
I think a game of Beyond the Wall with that many players would be excellent.
I think most of what has been tossed out already makes sense. I might also suggest Dungeon Crawl Classics as well – maybe starting with a funnel.
I think most of what has been tossed out already makes sense. I might also suggest Dungeon Crawl Classics as well – maybe starting with a funnel.
Is DCC pretty quick to pick up for the GM? I’m not familiar with it but it gets so many good reviews I’m intrigued.
Is DCC pretty quick to pick up for the GM? I’m not familiar with it but it gets so many good reviews I’m intrigued.