Every summer I lead an "Introduction to Dungeons & Dragons" program at the local library. Currently due to the pandemic, our library system is closed, as are the local schools. As a community service, I'd like to be able to offer this program to local kids (and their by-now-frantic parents) as a virtual program.
We will start with D&D and potentially other RPGs, but it might expand, if a platform is workable, into other games.
What I need:
There are two key factors i have to consider— real time interaction among players and GM (essential for an RPG), and safety.
The former is pretty self-explanatory. The latter means:
• Participation is by approval only— I need to know who is signing up, and that no "wolves in sheep's clothing" are getting in.
• No personal or private information, especially contact information, is accessible by ANYONE— including me.
• The kids can contact me; I cannot contact them, nor can they independently contact each other through the system— otherwise all interaction is during a game session only.
• No outside party, including any hosting service, has any contact information or details WHATSOEVER about the kids, to the extent that is possible. About me, yes. About the kids, never.
• Nobody can record any element of the interaction.
• Live video. This is actually a safety feature, as it means no creep can hide behind an avatar or a fake login. If I see your face and hear you talk, I know whether you're a minor or not.
I really don't need any other elements. As long as I've got a set up where the kids and I can see each other and talk, and maybe occasionally hold a picture up to a camera, we can play the game.
I should be able to use DropBox to share things like character sheets and background info for players.
I don't need virtual dice, but I'm not opposed to them.
I don't want virtual maps and counters at this time. I do a "theatre of the mind" game, not a combat simulation. So no fancy game-specific stuff is required.
I've looked at Roll20 and Discord, but the apparently the former requires a phone number to register— that's not safe for kids, that's the opposite!— and the latter has a reputation for attracting some very questionable individuals, and seems to be focused on video gaming.
I'd prefer free, but if a I have to layout a minor fee, that's okay. But I don't want the kids to have to pay a third party to play.
Anybody have any recommendations or suggestions?
Thanks!
