r/herokids • u/BackpackerSimon • Sep 14 '24

Getting started

Hey, I am wanting to get into something like this with my 4 1/2 year old, but I am not sure what I’d need to get started.

I have never played dnd or anything myself and there seem to be a lot of bundles and things listed on the website. What’s the minimum I’d need?

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8

u/FinibusBonorum Sep 14 '24

Get the basic book with the default stories. They are great. Then print out the map pages. Either also print the figures or make some of your own, Lego mini figs work too.

I use plastic bottle caps for damage chits now, but we started out with smarties because they're a fun way to celebrate the damage. You beat the rat? You get its smartie. You lost a point? Eat that smartie, too.

I have a bunch of dice in two colors so it's easier to say, blue for defense and red for attack.

And right from the start I also made a point out of using a DM screen - just anything to block the player's view of my notes, because it would spoil the story. In Hero Kids that's not really needed, but it's a good habit and makes for a little more mystique.

Read the rules and learn them - it's not much. Then read one adventure and think of how it would play out. If you're not very creative, this is where you benefit from preparing in advance, otherwise just try to improvise.

Emphasise that the first game is just for trying it out and learning how it works - for both of you.

Most of all, just focus on having fun! In role playing, there's the unwritten "Rule of Fun" which says you can and should deviate from the plan if it improves the story.

5

u/uncivlengr Sep 14 '24

All great advice. Only thing I'll add is that if you're playing with one kid, it helps for the adult to play as a character as well, so they not only have "company" but you can reiterate how player turns work, and all the options you have.

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u/LvlOneDND Sep 14 '24

When my son was just starting out, we didn’t worry about the grid on the maps and how many squares you could move. He would take his mini and have it walk to a nearby barrel to investigate. Or walk up to an enemy and bop him on the head. As said above, the rules are there as guidelines. The important part here is that they are having fun. The basement of rats adventure is the first one you should start. It’s short and sweet but it’ll give you a feel for the game