Spoiler Warning: Vague references to the Reign of Winter adventure path.
The three adventures snuck up on the bandits, who were huddling close to a fire to keep to warm. All of the sudden a warpriest dashed past the camp to the surprise of the bandits. Drawing bows, they took chase, only to be felled by a flurry of arrows from the approaching party. The fight was short and sweet and as they tied up the bandits the party introduced themselves to the warpriest who would join them in their quest to rescue the hostages. Instead of making haste to the lodge to face the rest of the bandits and rescue the captives, they then sat down and proceeded to tell each other their entire life stories.
So we had our first session last night. We only played for about 45 minutes, which was the time between finishing homework and having to get ready for bed. I found it hilarious that they were so excited about their backstories that the characters had to immediately tell their back stories to each other as soon as the action stopped. I asked my daughter why they did that to which she replied with something close to "If we are going to adventure together, then we should know about each other." I found it hard to argue with that logic.
My eldest made a big deal about describing to her sister the difference between player knowledge and character knowledge, so it was fun to hear her already catching on to the nuances of roleplaying. It wasn't so long ago she didn't even understand that she only got to control her character.
The game went smoothly. I'm guiding with a CRPG style of play where they tell me what they want to do, and I tell them what to roll with possible warnings about consequences (ie like attacks of opportunity). I try and stick with the rules as much as possible, but don't expect them to know the rules well. Heck, I've run games with adults who I have had to treat the same way, so it is not much of a stretch. My seven-year-old is still a little confused by spells and what they do so I see myself giving her lots of guidance for a while. I may not have picked the simplest class for her, but she wanted somebody who could fight and casts spells based on the figurine she picked so it seemed like a less complicated system than say a Magus.
I also am finding that it is important to find a way to say "yes" rather than "no" when they get creative. There wasn't too much in this encounter, but next time they have to try and infiltrate a lodge so creativity will definitely be a plus.
They both said they had a lot of fun. I look forward to the next time we get to play and see what the do next.
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